Any tips for fishing the Cumberland River?

[jpm537]

HELP? My wife booked a get away to Cumberland Falls State Park for me as a birthday gift. We had planned to do some fishing in the upper part of Lake Cumberland. We have never fished that area and were very excited. We were to go this weekend. Well...the problem is last week at Barren River my boat's motor decided to quit working. The odds are 99-1 that I won't get my boat back before we go. I am begging for any tips or locations near the state park to fish. I really appreciate any help. Thanks.

[Denver1911]

Cats aplenty below the falls.

[a. c. shiner]

good smallmouth fishing about the falls if you like wading. Noe's dock when generating for stripers

[smokefan]

In my opinion I would wade above the Falls 10 times out of 10 versuses fishing below for cats, agian just my opinion. I have waded above there for years and always caught good numbers of fish, lots of Ky's and smallmouth every now and then. I pull off the the turn around at the end of the picnic area and walk the trail up a little ways then get in a start fishing. A rule of thumb for me is the more people the farther up the trail I go. I have had the best luck right after sunrise until it gets to hot to fish. I use a light or ultra spinning outfit with 4 or 6lb line. Small rapalas, rooster tails, 4" lizards and craws work really well for me. Not sure how far up the river, but there is a island and I have always done well fishing around it. If it hasn't rained in a few days the water will be really clear and won't be much deeper than waist deep in places. That is one of my favorite half day get aways when I need a recharge. I hope this helps and have a blast.

[jpm537]

I like both ideas. I am curious about the water temperature and if I'd be alright using an old pair of tennis shoes. I don't have any wading gear. Thanks for the tips so far!

[smokefan]

Old tennis shoes are perfect. Not sure on exact temp but it feels nice. I was there this past weekend and the water was clear, but yesterday we gat some heavy rain and more forecast for tomorrow night. Good luck and good fishing.

[jpm537]

First I would like to thank everyone for the tips. Second I have to report absolutely no success. I didn't bring catfishing equipment because I intended to wade fish above the falls. I don't think I could have found a spot anyways. There must have been 20 fires going down there. I made a valient effort to wade fish with no success. I wasn't able to do much. I had an unfortunate incident with a lawn mower that involved a 9 ft plunge into a creek the day before I was to leave. I again want to thank everyone for the tips. I greatly appreciated them.