Otter Creek Outdoor Recreation Area is operated by the Kentucky Division of Fish and Wildlife Resources. An entry permit is required. All permits must be purchased online (main gate both is closed.) A day permit costs $3. An annual permit costs $30 that runs to June of the next year, click here to purchase. For more information about Otter Creek, visit the website. It is possible to fish Otter Creek on the Fort Knox Military Reservation if you obtain a permit.
The Recreation Area is open 7 days a week year round from dawn to dusk. If you are leaving late and the gate is closed, approach slowly and the automatic gate will open. The area is closed during quota dear hunts in the fall, so checking the website is a good idea. You can also call the fishing and trails hotline at 502-942-9171. Unfortunately, there is no on line gauge for Otter Creek.
In the summer, Otter Creek has a nice population of typical Kentucky warm water stream fish including Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass, and various sunfish. There is a slot limit on Smallmouth to help develop the fishery. In the winter, the Kentucky Division of Wildlife Resources stocks rainbow trout at three locations along the stream to spread out the fish. Click here to check the current month’s stocking schedule. Otter Creek is a delayed harvest stream with catch and release in effect from October 1st through March 31st. The State also stocks 500 browns on the Fort Knox portion of the stream.
Otter Creek is a great place to fish and enjoy the day. The best way to fish the creek is by wading, but there are some opportunities to fish from the bank. 2 to 6 weight rods work well and typical nymph worm, and egg patterns will take fish. Jig flies fished under an indicator work best in the Winter. When the water temperatures warm in the Spring, actively fishing Wooly Buggers, Leaches and other small streamers can be very effective.
Otter Creek below Garnettsville in Winter