Only way to access the the area below the dam is via the KY River. That's the only way to reach the trout. There is a boat ramp at the bottom of the hill just before you get to Lock 7. The ramp is not that great, but is ok. If the KY is down, be careful because trailer might drop off the ramp. A four wheel drive truck is the preferred on that ramp. There are lots of canoes put in there though. From the ramp to the mouth of Dix River is about a mile or so. Dix River is a nice place to go on a hot afternoon. Remember, only artificial bait from the dam to a point two miles downstream. There is a sign posted. Good luck and be careful. Big rocks, sometimes the big current, and the cold water = big trouble.