Welcome to Kentucky...

If you like Smallmouth (Who doesn't?) I agree with the sentiment already mentioned here that you should get to know Elkhorn Creek. It is a wonderful place. I used to be involved with a couple of websites that held fishing "rodeos" on Elkhorn and we had people travel in from all over the country to fish with us. There are wading opportunities, or canoe/kayak opportunities if you are in to that. We also have float-tubed it in the right sections. There are some true "whitewater" areas on the main stem that you wouldn't want to tackle on foot or in a canoe or yak without some experience. PM me if you're interested and I'll let you in on a spot or two that would be good places to first try your hand wading. I'm not a fan of posting spots on the web, just because of the traffic it can generate. It's also real helpful if you know how to look at the USGS streamflow gauges online and relate that to what the water is doing. I can look at those gauges and tell you what the creek looks like without seeing it, just from a little experience...when it's best to wade and when it's not based on how hard it's flowing.

There are other creeks closer to Louisville with smallmouth opportunities too.

I've always found bank fishing at lakes around here not worth the time. Farm ponds are where it's at for bank fishing if you're lucky enough to know somebody with one!

Good luck!

PS. Being from East Lansing, I'm going to assume you are a fan of Sparty. Please don't let anyone talk you into becoming a Louisville Cardinal fan. None of those guys can fish worth a crap.