These data are bathymetry (river bottom elevation) in XYZ format (Easting, Northing, Elevation), generated from the September 17–18, 2020, survey of the Kentucky Dam tailwater from just downstream from Kentucky Dam to approximately 1,500 feet upstream from the I-24 bridge (about 1 mile total length). Bathymetric data were collected using an acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) with an integrated global navigation satellite system (GNSS) smart antenna. The ADCP and GNSS antenna were mounted on a marine survey vessel, and data were collected as the survey vessel traversed the tailwater along planned survey lines. There was typically one reciprocal pair (two passes) of data collected per line. There was a total of 53 survey lines equally spaced 100 feet apart and oriented approximately perpendicular to the primary flow direction. Data collection software integrated and stored the depth and position data from the ADCP and GNSS antenna in real time. Water-surface elevations were measured at each planned line throughout the survey area with a survey-grade integrated GNSS system with real-time kinematic (RTK) observations in order to convert measured bathymetric depths to elevations referenced to NAVD 88. RTK observations were made using the Kentucky Continually Operating Reference System (KYCORS) network operated by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. Data processing required computer software to extract the bathymetric data from the raw data files and to summarize and map the information.