Total streamflow across the Kentucky River was last observed at 15,467 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 30,678 acre-ft of water today; about 66% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 23,460 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2021-03-03 when daily discharge volume was observed at 893,000 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Kentucky River At Lock 12 Near Irvine reporting a streamflow rate of 8,300 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Kentucky River At Lock 8 Near Camp Nelson with a gauge stage of 12.47 ft. This river is monitored from 12 different streamgauging stations along the Kentucky River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 630 ft, the Kentucky River At Lock 14 At Heidelberg.

The Kentucky River is a tributary of the Ohio River, covering a total length of 259 miles. It has a significant history in the state of Kentucky, as it was a vital transportation route for early settlers and served as a source of power for mills and factories in the 19th century. The river's hydrology includes multiple tributaries, with some of the major ones being the North Fork, Middle Fork, and South Fork. The river is impounded by several dams, including the Lock and Dam 11, which creates the reservoir known as the Kentucky River Lake. Other recreational areas around the river include the Kentucky River Palisades and the Clifty Wilderness Area. The Kentucky River is used for agricultural purposes, including irrigation and livestock watering.