New post about Cumberland..

Alright let me start off by saying I wish no ill will or lost business against anyone in the local area of the lake. I'm really not that sure it will be so catistrophic as alot are making it seem anyway. But on a selfish note, I love the lake that low myself, I always have. At 680 feet above sea level that lake still has tons of water more than 100 feet deep. Yes, some ramps are going to be non useable while others will be fine. They are going to do some work on extending ramps for use during low water times, such as the state in Pumpkin creek, and the dam, as one lane can not be used at 680. Others are being talked about, but these two are for sure. Jamestown is fine all the way across at 680 and Conley will also be able to be used as is. This isn't the end of mankind at the big C as some are making it sound. I'm going to name a few beneifits and see what you think. Possible hundreds of go fast boats will not come including the frigging ocean vessels that have infested that lake over the last few years. The Ohio Navy realises that there actually are other lakes in the universe other than Cumberland. The bass actually will have level stable water,{hopefully}, to have a GOOD spawn in, something they haven't had there in years. Grass and bushes will start to grow again at shorelines, such as the buckbrush that used to be there many moons ago. Local businesses, such as concrete companies, and construction labor work should flourish, along with local hotels and restaurants. Fish habitat can and will be created at local and hopefully a KDFWR level. This doesn't have to be a totally bad thing and there will be good come from it, and again being selfish I'm gonna love it baby.

Wasn't there already a thread for this?

Excellent post.

It's hard to believe, but even with the drawdown the Big C is still one of the largest lakes this side of the Mississippi.

Didn't they have a big drawdown in the 70s. they might have even brought it down even more than 680. I remember that they moved Aligator 1 down the lake some.

[QUOTE=jigfan;284201]Didn't they have a big drawdown in the 70s. they might have even brought it down even more than 680. I remember that they moved Aligator 1 down the lake some.[/QUOTE]

Yes they did you are correct.

[QUOTE=fishrgurl;284199]Wasn't there already a thread for this?[/QUOTE]

If you don't want to read it, THEN DON'T!

It just gets confusing to have multiple threads on the same topic. That's why they merged the other two. I was just trying to be helpful.

I wonder how this will affect Grider Hill? I imagine they can handle water that low..

[QUOTE=Duayne;284209]I wonder how this will affect Grider Hill? I imagine they can handle water that low..[/QUOTE]

Yes they can handle it and have before they will just come out towards the creek channel as needed. I love Grider, good people and good fishing in that area. Good to see you on here again Duayne, welcome back.

[QUOTE=mhall;284197]I'm going to name a few beneifits and see what you think. Possible hundreds of go fast boats will not come including the frigging ocean vessels that have infested that lake over the last few years. The Ohio Navy realises that there actually are other lakes in the universe other than Cumberland. The bass actually will have level stable water,{hopefully}, to have a GOOD spawn in, something they haven't had there in years. Grass and bushes will start to grow again at shorelines, such as the buckbrush that used to be there many moons ago. Local businesses, such as concrete companies, and construction labor work should flourish, along with local hotels and restaurants. Fish habitat can and will be created at local and hopefully a KDFWR level. This doesn't have to be a totally bad thing and there will be good come from it, and again being selfish I'm gonna love it baby.[/QUOTE]

Good post. When I first heard about the draw down a year ago that is exactly what I was thinking...habitat improvement. While very little will grow on shale I think there will be several good areas that could develop that should improve the overall habitat and spawn of the fish in Cumberland. The only thing I would like to see is the KDFWR take an active role in managing the draw down and provide information and resources to do what is necessary to ensure that this is a benefit. I am sure people would take the time to do the right thing if given the right advice from the state if there is anything that can be done during draw down to enhance the overall fishery. As many have stated Cumberland is one of the largest man made lakes around and we need to ensure that the outcome is something positive.

Another side note to keep in mind, don't look for the water to be lowered very much at all below 680 because that would stop the power plants in Burnside and at the dam from producing electricity. I'll promise you that ain't going to happen,$$$$$$$$.

Excuse me, MHall, I hope you are correct in "your assessment" of the dam. While you make a few nice sounding points, there are more IMPORTANT THINGS like lives and property at stake. If the power plants at Burnside and the dam are shut down there will still be enough power. They are small compared to many other power plants. The inability to generate revenue from a small power plant is a great tax write-off.

If you haven't read the news report that was released yesterday by The Associated Press, please take the time to read it at this address:

[url]http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070122/ap_on_re_us/dangerous_dam[/url]

MAY 2007 BE THE BEST FOR ALL WHO FISH!