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Guys/Gals heading down to Cumberland for a try at the Stripers in October. I have a Saturday to kill before the big hunt and would like some feedback on the River.
Is it safe for a first time cumberland river trip or should I stick to the Lake? I will be fishing out of a 18 ft fishing ski. I am familiar with hazards on rivers etc (KY) but needed a little feedback. Any type of fishing better that time of year? Just looking to put some fish in the boat.
First thing you need to do is get yourself a map of the Cumberland River.
Second thing you need to do is check out the generation schedule and see when they have the gates open. If you don't check the generation schedule then pay VERY CLOSE attention to the bank and the water level, it rises and falls faster than you think.
Third thing you need to do is put in at Burkesville. Some people put in at the dam and I have put in at the dam before too but that's been many moons ago. The further down stream you are the less you have to worry about whether the gates are open or not, someone here will correct me if I'm wrong but I think Burkesville is about 35 miles down stream from the **** or a little further.
I wade the Cumberland River almost every year, it's been a long time since I've put a boat in, but there are plenty of guys that do. Personally, if it were me, I would NOT put a fiberglass boat in the Cumberland River, but this is just my own opinion. I would stick to the good old aluminum 14' to 16' v-bottom fishing boat or jon-boat, either one as long as it had a decent sized motor on it to get me up stream cause the river flows fast when they're generating.
Good luck to ya and stay safe out there!