The Cumberland Lake tailwater provides some of the best Rainbow and Brown Trout fishing in the southeastern United States . Beginning at Wolf Creek Dam, the Cumberland River supports over 75 miles of trout fishing, producing average size trout of around 14" and many daily trophies ranging from 18" to 20" and larger. In addition to trout fishing, anglers can also test their skill going after the massive Striped Bass that also inhabit the cold waters of the Cumberland River .
The Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Department stocks almost 200,000 rainbow and brown trout in the Cumberland River each year, and progressive slot and creel limits ensure that many grow to great sizes. The Wolf Creek Hatchery is located near Wolf Creek Dam and produces all of the trout used in stocking streams and lakes throughout the state. There are daily tours at the hatchery, which is a must see for anyone visiting the area. In addition, DCFF is involved with the hatchery by providing volunteers to help with the fin clipping on several occasions throughout the year.
River Levels
As many of you are aware, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently began a long-term repair project on a critical seepage problem with the Wolf Creek Dam. To relieve pressure on the weakened dam and make the necessary repairs, the Corps of Engineers is attempting to maintain the level of Lake Cumberland at 680 feet above sea level, which is more than 40 feet below its normal summer levels. While this will likely lead to more immediate discharge of water when rains raise the lake level, there should still be opportunities for favorable river conditions when the lake is close to that target level.
As with any tailwater, the key to fishing the Cumberland River is to pay close attention to water levels and generation schedules. While current conditions can be determined with some reliability, trying to guess upcoming generation patterns is an inexact science at best, even without the additional issues posed by the dam repairs. Generation decisions are based on a complex and ever-changing mix of parameters, including power needs, flood/water level control in the Cumberland and interconnected upstream and downstream basins, and a number of other factors. While some of these variables are nearly impossible to predict, it is possible to gain information from a variety of sources that can help you piece together an educated guess of river levels on a given section of the river.
The links along the lower right side of this page will direct you to several good sources for this information. Start by clicking on the link for “site instructions” below the “US Army Corps of Engineers” link. Print out the site instructions for reference, then click on the link for the US Army Corps of Corps of Engineers site and navigate your way to the various pages referenced in the instructions. As described in the instructions, various pages will give you information as to the current lake level and whether that level is forecasted to rise or fall, which may have a bearing on whether generation is likely to increase (to offset rising lake levels) or decrease. Another page provides a rolling forecast of total generation for each of the upcoming five days. While any given day's forecast can and often will change as this page is updated each day, it can be a valuable planning tool as you get within a couple days of a planned trip.
Another page on the Corps site provides hour-by-hour predicted generation for the coming day, with the next day's forecast typically posted by mid-afternoon on the previous day. Finally, the TVA web site can also be useful for information on the current generation schedule as well as lake level and river levels just below the dam. Click on the “site instructions” link below “Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)” and print those out for reference as well while you navigate the TVA site. Use the “Estimated Water Arrival Time” link in conjunction with these others to estimate when the water that flows through the dam at any given time is likely to arrive at various points downstream.
While predicted generation schedules usually hold true, they are always subject to change. It's a good idea to call on the morning of your trip to make one more check of the latest schedule. Call 1-800-238-2264 and press 4, then 34 to access the Wolf Creek Dam information.
Fishing the Cumberland River
The link at the right titled “How to get almost anywhere on the Cumberland River” contains excellent information regarding access points to the Cumberland for both the wading and boating fly fisher.
Wade-fishing
The Cumberland River tailwater starts at Wolf Creek Dam in the little town of Jamestown , KY. Wade fishing opportunities begin as close as the boat ramp immediately below the dam, with wadeable stretches above and below the ramp during periods of low water. Other opportunities for parking and walk-in access include the boat ramp at Helm's landing, where you'll often find DCFF members.
Regardless of where you wade, it is critical to be alert to changing water levels. Published generation schedules are always subject to change, so it's dangerous to rely solely on those. Be sure to make a mental note of the path you took to your spot in the river, so you can backtrack if needed in the face of rising water. Pick out an object on the bank to use as a reference point, observing the water level when you enter the river, or place an easily visible object on the bank at the water line to serve the same purpose. In either case, if you observe the water rising relative to your reference point, begin working your way back to the bank. Wading staffs are invaluable as a means of probing ahead and avoiding stepping into water that's deeper and swifter than anticipated. Oftentimes, a change in water level due to generation can be felt and observed on the water as well, but this possibility should not be relied on as a substitute for reference points on the bank. While in the water, if you feel a sudden surge of colder water, notice a light fog forming, or see an increase in leaves or other debris in or on the water, these are likely signs of a surge of cold water through the dam and corresponding rising water levels.
Boating
If you have access to a flat bottom boat, such as an aluminum jon boat, you can gain access to many places not available from the road. If you are boating, use extreme caution while running the river. Keep in mind, the river has many very shallow gravel bars and navigation in some areas is often impossible depending on the river levels. Also be aware of large submerged boulders and trees as they are also common in the river.
The Cumberland River also experiences dense fog on a regular basis, especially during the summer months. Boaters need to be extremely cautious during these times and slow down. Wading anglers and small canoes can appear out of nowhere and are easily swamped or injured by boat wakes.
Watch the water levels during the day to make certain you don't find yourself beached on a gravel bar due to falling water or trapped in the same circumstances with a gravel bar between you and your boat ramp. A shallow draft boat such as a 16' flat bottom with a 25hp outboard motor is a great setup for the Cumberland River as they can be portaged by foot over very shallow rocks.
A common float is to put in at Winfrey's Ferry and navigate upstream to Helms Landing. By motoring upstream, you gain the ability to drift back down to your boat ramp if you should experience any boat trouble. This float will take most of the day to come back down and cover the great fishing areas such as Rock House and Rainbow Run.
Contact the webmaster if you have any questions. Good luck and good fishing. |
