Cumberland River

I am looking to try and head out to the cumberland river to do some trout fishing. The problem is I know that if wolf creek dam is generating it can but rough waters. I was wondering how bad the water really is or if there is a good spot a little farther down stream that isn't affected as bad because it seems like they are usually generating. I don't want to drive the almost 2 hours from bowling green if I can't fish it that is why I am wonder. Also I am fishing out of a kayak so I do have the potential to get pushed around or flipped pretty easy.

Go the TVA website, wolf creek dam and they will have generation schedule.

yeah I have seen that but it seems like most of the time they are generating, thats why I was wondering how rough the water really is.

I'd not push it past that. And that is only if they are not generating higher than 5500.

AT 2 Generators, it is moving pretty dang good, but you should be able to fish it. Don't even think about paddling backup upstream at 2 generators and 5500...

With just the Sluice gates, it is pretty tough to paddle up.......

A quick look at the schedule, and I'd not try it......

3/22/2014 5 am 706.55 548.85 3,690
3/22/2014 6 am 706.55 550.85 7,520
3/22/2014 7 am 706.54 551.84 7,580
3/22/2014 8 am 706.53 553.53 11,570
3/22/2014 9 am 706.52 554.22 11,690
3/22/2014 10 am 706.51 554.71 11,690
3/22/2014 11 am 706.50 555.10 11,810
3/22/2014 12 pm 706.49 553.59 7,720


*Elevations are in feet above sea level. Discharges are in cubic feet

Later,

Geo.

Helm's Landing is a good spot down river to try in a yak. Anything over 5,000 would be tough. You can always paddle over to the other side of the current and fish pretty easy at the dam.

Remember, if you flip, you will be in 40 - 45 degree water. Hypo can be a real danger! Good luck and be safe.

[url]http://rivergages.mvr.usace.army.mil/WaterControl/shefgraph-wotem2.cfm?sid=RWNK2&d=7&dt=S[/url]

I have paddled the Cumberland several times out of a kayak. Once from the dam to Helms, another time from the dam to Rock House and another time from Helms to Winfrey's Landing. All three times they had only the sluice gate open at the dam, and it was perfect. I don't think I would try it if they are generating. Too many dangers and hypothermia is a major concern as stated earlier. Going downstream is really not going to lessen the current. It's just as swift.

I have found mid-summer to late fall to generally be the best time to paddle here, but you may find no generation days other times of the year. Check the schedule and don't be surprised if they change their minds.