Striper in the C-Land River

[MMax]

A few years ago (pre-dam repair) the river was on fire with monster striper; what does the prospect of them moving up river look like this spring (Burkesville area). I'd like to plan a trip soon but have no idea if the striper are there. Any information would be welcomed. Thanks.

[SMALLIES]

Sorry I don't have any answers to your question but I thought I'd use your Thread for a simmer question. I've always wanted to fish the C-Land River. Heard you could put in just below the Wolfe Creek Dam. I've got a little Pelican 10 ft but have also heard that you can wad this. Is there take out points if the boat would be my best bet? I heard about the monster trout in there! stipers would be even better!
Is there camping alone the River?

[LarryG]

Untill they either quit the draw down, or the river level goes down, I'd forget the 10 ft boat, there is no wading anywhere for the next couple of weeks at best. If they drop the lake to 650 ft, then there will be some areas where you will be able to almost walk across the river. As far as stripers are concerned, I've noticed some guides are fishing for them now, with large shiners or shad. But the river has been roaring for the past few weeks, and fishing has been hard.That 10 ft boat might also get swamped by the slobs who are starting to fish the river, and have no concern for the wakes they cause.

[SMALLIES]

Thanks for the info LarryG. I wasn't aware that bigger boats are out on it. I've never fished it just heard from my cousin that they had taken there pelican and floated it. This being before the draining of Cumberland. He said that in the early morning that people where wading out in the water that they were floating. I guess a siren sounds as to when the water will begin to let out and the waders go back in. There are a few places that I've have'nt fished but heard good things about. I'm just trying to mark them off my list. I'm new to the site and enjoying it. I've also have a bass boat so that might be the better option.

Fish hard!

[JoeB]

Like someone else stated, they are pushing a lot of water through the dam right now. This summer when they get the lake stabilized at 680 ft., the generation will slow down and your small boat will be fine in some areas. There will also be very good wade fishing then. Check the generation schedule before you go, and don't wait to hear any sirens when the level changes. I always pick out a rock on the edge of the water and check on it every few casts. When the water starts to rise, get to shallower water immediately, cause it doesn't take long. Good luck.

[greenriverman1]

I have planed two trips there and had to cancel both due to illness. I drove over to Wolfe Creek Dam a few years back and they have a very nice camp site on the river right below the dam. Very pretty place.

Good luck,
DA

[Lowerider]

Thanks for the info LarryG. I wasn't aware that bigger boats are out on it. I've never fished it just heard from my cousin that they had taken there pelican and floated it. This being before the draining of Cumberland. He said that in the early morning that people where wading out in the water that they were floating. I guess a siren sounds as to when the water will begin to let out and the waders go back in. There are a few places that I've have'nt fished but heard good things about. I'm just trying to mark them off my list. I'm new to the site and enjoying it. I've also have a bass boat so that might be the better option.

Fish hard!

Be carefule with that bass boat - fiberglass is do-able "if" you know the river. When the river is flowing high the sand bars people wade on can be barely under the water and if you don't know where they are you can get in trouble. A skeg protector like the mac river runner is highly advisable. Waters up, but from what I hear fishing is good. Consider launching at Burkesville vs the dam if you use your bass boat. I personally don't have much "luck" fishing the high water and will defer to the lake during these times.

[troutcrazy]

Be carefule with that bass boat - fiberglass is do-able "if" you know the river. When the river is flowing high the sand bars people wade on can be barely under the water and if you don't know where they are you can get in trouble. A skeg protector like the mac river runner is highly advisable. Waters up, but from what I hear fishing is good. Consider launching at Burkesville vs the dam if you use your bass boat. I personally don't have much "luck" fishing the high water and will defer to the lake during these times.

Ditto on the bass boat. I've seen guys who think they know the river take a fiberglass boat and muck it up in a hurry because they hit a submerged boulder or run up on a gravel bar. It can get hairy in a hurry on the river. Wait until summer to put your 10 fter in when the water level is low. Monday's are the lowest days since they usually don't generate on Sunday's. 4 miles down from the dam is Helm's landing...after that you'll pull out at Winphrey's Ferry which is 13 or so miles?

Check TVA.com for reservior information
Good luck

[SMALLIES]

Thanks for all the information and take out points troutcrazy.

If it ever quits raining we might be able to do some fishing somewhere.

I'll save the C-river for later on this summer and use my 10 footer.


Fish hard!