250 pounds of stranded fish rescued from Buffalo Trace Distillery after historic Kentucky flood
After the record-breaking floodwaters receded, a large, isolated pool nearly a quarter-mile from the Kentucky River was discovered, surprisingly full of stranded fish. Among them, the distillery noted with a touch of irony, was a Bigmouth Buffalo.
Watch: Famous Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, KY, surrounded by floodwaters
An aerial view of the famous Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, shows it surrounded by floodwaters. As of Sunday, the distillery was closed and will not be accessible to consumers or employees.
FRANKFORT, Ky. – The historic flooding in Frankfort, Kentucky, led to an unexpected rescue at Buffalo Trace Distillery.
After the record-breaking floodwaters receded, a large, isolated pool nearly a quarter-mile from the Kentucky River was discovered. Surprisingly, it was full of stranded fish. The distillery noted with a touch of irony that among them was a Bigmouth Buffalo.
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The largest fish rescued was, ironically, a Bigmouth Buffalo.
(Kentucky State University)
The unusual situation prompted a two-day response from Kentucky State University's Aquaculture Program students.
"When the waters rose, so did our commitment to community," the university said in a statement on social media.
Over the course of two different days, the students saved more than 250 pounds of native fish species.
(Kentucky State University)
As crews suited up, they waded in to rescue the stranded fish, using seine nets to safely transport over 250 pounds of native species back to the river.
"This unexpected moment of teamwork, resilience and care for the local ecosystem reminded us that the spirit of Buffalo Trace goes far beyond bourbon," the distillery said.
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![Amidst historic Kentucky flooding that impacted Buffalo Trace Distillery, an unexpected rescue mission unfolded as college students helped saved hundreds of pounds of stranded fish from a landlocked pool.]()
Image 1 of 7At Buffalo Trace Distillery, a storm water reservoir with remaining flood water needed to be drained. (Kentucky State University)
![Amidst historic Kentucky flooding that impacted Buffalo Trace Distillery, an unexpected rescue mission unfolded as college students helped saved hundreds of pounds of stranded fish from a landlocked pool.]()
Image 2 of 7However, fish from the Kentucky River were trapped in the reservoir. (Kentucky State University)
![Amidst historic Kentucky flooding that impacted Buffalo Trace Distillery, an unexpected rescue mission unfolded as college students helped saved hundreds of pounds of stranded fish from a landlocked pool.]()
Image 3 of 7To help, students from Kentucky State University’s Aquaculture program came on-site to Buffalo Trace to safely catch the fish and return them to the Kentucky River. (Kentucky State University)
![Amidst historic Kentucky flooding that impacted Buffalo Trace Distillery, an unexpected rescue mission unfolded as college students helped saved hundreds of pounds of stranded fish from a landlocked pool.]()
Image 4 of 7Over the course of two different days, the students saved more than 250 pounds of native fish species. (Kentucky State University)
![Amidst historic Kentucky flooding that impacted Buffalo Trace Distillery, an unexpected rescue mission unfolded as college students helped saved hundreds of pounds of stranded fish from a landlocked pool.]()
Image 5 of 7Those included three game species, four non-game species, and various minnow species. (Kentucky State University)
![Amidst historic Kentucky flooding that impacted Buffalo Trace Distillery, an unexpected rescue mission unfolded as college students helped saved hundreds of pounds of stranded fish from a landlocked pool.]()
Image 6 of 7The largest fish rescued was, ironically, a Bigmouth Buffalo. (Kentucky State University)
![Amidst historic Kentucky flooding that impacted Buffalo Trace Distillery, an unexpected rescue mission unfolded as college students helped saved hundreds of pounds of stranded fish from a landlocked pool.]()
Image 7 of 7Amidst historic Kentucky flooding that impacted Buffalo Trace Distillery, an unexpected rescue mission unfolded as college students helped saved hundreds of pounds of stranded fish from a landlocked pool. (Kentucky State University)
Heavy rains throughout the first week of April in the state of Kentucky resulted in unprecedented flooding, specifically in Franklin County. Having stood on the Kentucky River for over 200 years, the Buffalo Trace Distillery is now showing strong signs of recovery just a week after peak floodwaters.
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The distillery said in an April 15 update that cleanup and restoration, supported by hundreds of professionals, are over 75% complete.
Power has been restored to key areas, allowing craft bottling in Blanton’s Bottling Hall and main bottling operations to resume. Buildings have been emptied of water, and interior restoration is underway. Buffalo Trace has also reopened to visitors with a limited retail experience.