Floating the Cumberland River from Dam to TN

[Tieguy]

Two of us are thinking about doing a complete float from the Wolf Creek Dam down to the TN line, and trout fish the whole way. I'll be going in a 14ft or 16 ft jon with a 25 hp motor and troller. We plan on a leisurely trip and have no time restraints. What do you all think will be a good time frame for down and back? We plan on primitive camping along the river. Are there places along the way that will accommodate this type of venture. Any other suggestions will greatly be appreciated, such as time of year, etc. (not particularly during the catch and release season).
Thanks,
Tieguy

[Bobby Headrick]

There Are Several Sand Bars And Banks To Camp On, Just Be Carful Of Snakes And Landowners, Dont Camp Past The River Markers If Any Exsist On The Bank. I Have Never Floated It But You Are Talking A Very Long Way And Will Probally Have To Portage Over Some Riffils If The River Is Low.there Is A Good Sandbar Down Next To Burksville That You Should Have Good Luck At. I Would Allow Maybe Three Days To Float To There If You Are Planning On Fishing A Lot You Might Be Able To Get Permission To Leave Another Truck At The Take Out Point In Order Not To Hav Eto Motor Back Up. Good Luck Be Safe That River Can Be Tricky At Times.

[Tieguy]

Thanks Bobby,
I'm not planning on doing this on a whim. I will be doing my research and will have the necessary maps and supplies, but I firmly believe this is a good place to start. I know there are alot of you all out there that know the river better than me. That's why I starting here first. Everybody has always been most helpful on this site.
Thanks again for the info and your concern.
May all your hooks stay sharp.
Tieguy

[troutcrazy]

Call traces on the cumberland (they're online). They know more about the river than most anyone. He has a great map of the river and surrounding area that you can buy online that is extremely helpful in navigating and finding good fishing areas. Not to mention they probably know where you could camp without getting hassled.

The river will to stay very low, but you should have no problem floating through gravel bars and the like. I have a 14 ft flatbottom that is heavy and I never have any trouble floating down river. Coming up is a bit tricky, but that's what my prop guard is for. I've had to pull the boat through a few sections but I always manage to get back to helms landing.

Here's another bit of info. If you are planning to come back from Burksville you'll have to go through the gateway rocks right around the Rockhouse. I haven't tried to come through there with the water so low, but that is certainly a problematic section for you whether the water is up, or down.

Fuel is your next concern. There aren't any places that I am aware of that will provide fuel on your journey back up river. My boat uses about 40% more fuel coming up river than on a normal run, and I'm sure you've already thought of that.

I was down there Saturday and the fishing was lousey, but that's only because the water was muddy. I've never been down there when the river wasn't somewhat clear, but Saturday there was only 3-6 inches of visiblity in the water. You'd have to hit a trout in the head to get it's attention with water like that. I know the section between Helm's Landing and the Rockhouse like the back of my hand, so if you have any questions about that section feel free to ask.

Good luck

[trent colvin]

There is a place to camp at Winfrey ferry. send me an email and I will give you more info.