Exploring the Kentucky River headwaters, Pool 14
Sunday, November 5, 2023 I grew up in Lee County not far from where the three forks join to form the headwaters of the Kentucky River. My grandfather Lewis fished the river for years with great success. I've fished bits of this section myself, although the last time was probably 30 years ago. Since 1989 I've lived not too far from the confluence of the river with the Ohio and have spent a bit of time fishing the pools between Frankfort and Monterey, and between Gratz and Carrollton. For those not familiar with the Kentucky River it hasn't been free flowing for over 100 years. It is artificially divided into pools by 14 locks and dams. Lock 14 is in Heidelberg (Lee County) just a few river miles below Beattyville where it forms. Lock 1 is near Carrollton in Carroll County just a few miles from the mouth. Only locks 1-4 are still functional, and even those are only operated seasonally on weekends for pleasure boaters. Commercial traffic ceased sometime in the mid-90's w...