Cumberland River Kentucky

The Cumberland River Tailwater flows out of Wolf Creek Dam on the Cumberland Lakelocated in south central Kentucky. The Cumberland River is over 70 miles long from Cumberland Lake to the Tennessee State Line. Since the water is taken from the bottom of the lake it is rich in nutrients and plankton. In addition the Cumberland River flows over large deposites of limestone creating a very favorable pH capable of supporting healthy populations of caddis, mayflies, sowbugs and stoneflies. There are only a few sculpins in the river and a few minnows that get washed in from the feeder streams, so the insects are the primary food for these monster trout. Therefore, the Cumberland River is an excellent choice for the fly fisherman.

The waters below Lake Cumberland from Wolf Creek Dam to the Tennessee State Line, are managed as trophy waters where the current creel and size limit for browns is 20 inch minimum; one fish daily. The rainbows have a 15 to 20 inch protective slot limit. Any rainbow within these parameters must be released immediately. There is a five fish daily limit with only one being over 20 inches. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources stocks the river regularly with 150,000 rainbows and approximately 80,000 browns turned loose annually.

The high level of stocking and the trophy management regulations on the river, combined with the excellent insect populations together produce plenty of opportunity to catch a lunker trout. In 2000, the state record for browns was broken by a 21 pound (not inches) brown trout taken out of the Cumberland River about 3 miles above the ramp in Burkesville. The Cumberland River also holds the state record for rainbows at 14 pounds and 6 ounces.

Fishing the Cumberland River:

The river is subject to the rapid rise of water when the water is released from the dam, so the best opportunity to fish the Cumberland is by drift boat as provided by the guide services. A public ramp and a private ramp are also available at Trace's On The Cumberland so you can use your own craft as well. Wading can be dangerous due to the existence of deep holes, so be sure to use a wading stick for your own safety. Also, be careful to monitor the water levels and watch for any rapid rise. A 7 weight rod is commonly used for these trout and it will serve you well if you happen to get a hit from a wild stripper roaming the river.

Spring:
Springtime is the best time to fish the Cumberland due to the great mayfly hatches. Also, in addition to fly fishing, shad imitating lures will be effective. Watch for the discharges to be large due to spring rains. Use the Hendrickson, March Brown and Cadis flies in hook sizes 12 thru 14.

Summer:
Summer is also an excellent time to fish the Cumberland River as well since the water temperature will remain very stable due to the discharge from Lake Cumberland. Useful fly patterns will be Yellow Stonefly, Giant Stonefly and Light Cahill sizes 14 and 16 to start with. Also, the trees and the farm land along the banks of the Cumberland will provide an opportunity for terrestrials as well, with hoppers and beetle imitations working well.

Fall and Winter:
This can also be an ideal time to fish the river. The brown trout will be spawning during the fall months so they will have a great appetite. Again, due to the dam, the water temperature will be stable. The blue winged olive and the midges flies in hook sizes 14 thru 20 will be effective. Streamers like the Brown Sculpin in hook sizes #6 will prove effective.

Access:

To locate the Cumberland River tailrace, get off of I-65 at Exit 53 at Cave City and take Highway KY 90 East into Burkesville Kentucky which is about half way between Jamestown and the Kentucky state line. Burkesville has been called the trout capital of the South. There is a public and a private ramp to provide access to the river.

Recommended DVDs, Books, etc.:

DVDs:

Fly Fishing for Trout in Tailwaters

Fly Fishing Strategies that Catch Trout

More DVDs

License and Other Information::

Kentucky License

Kentucky Fishing Regulations

Kentuckt Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources

Stream Flow

Weather Information

Hatches: