Cumberland river

[byrdland]

When the river level below the Dam is 541 ft., it's good wading. I don't think it's gotten that low this year yet. There are a number of places to get in. You have to know the generation schedule and have a plan to get out if the river starts coming up. I used to "leap frog" the river. The river can be falling at Burkesville and rising close to the Dam. You can wade from the ramp at Wolf Creek Dam, the road to the right off of the dam to Kendall's Campground, Helms Landing, Winfrey's Ferry, a public parking spot off Manntown Road, The Rockhouse, the Hwy 90 Bridge at Burkesville.

Remember your exit point, get out when the river starts rising, know the generation schedule. You can catch fish with worms, nightcrawlers, small rapalas, etc. I fly fish. I've caught more fish on a size 16 or 18 bead head pheasant tail nymph than any other fly. The river is COLD.

[timmbur22]

All true and very good advice. Ditto on the Pheasant tail and also try the Prince Nymph. I often plant a stick right at the edge of the water before I get in to wade. An occasional glance back over my shoulder at the stick tells me if the river is rising. It can be hard to tell otherwise. I don't wear a life vest when wading...........but maybe I should. As I get older, certain things become more evident.

Another great place to wade at low water levels is Crocus Creek outside of Burkesville. I've done well there at certain times in the past. Especially in the fall.

[Shellkat]

Yes cold water at dam,most of the time what they let out is less than 60 degrees.10 inches over your knees and you know it. 60 may sound refreshing, get you a bucket of tap water,add ice till it gets to 60, stick your feet in,fall down and go under will take your breath. If you use waders always put a belt around your chest,if you fall you CANNOT stand up if your waders are full of water. The belt isn't foolproof but it will buy you a few seconds

[stripernut1]

Ive already talked to mark on the phone , so this is for anybody else that might be thinking of making the trip down here with plans to wade. 3 different days in the last 5 we have drifted the river and a 21 foot grizzly loaded will drift in excess of 4mph as verified by the gps......folks thats fast and very strong current. Not only would it be very difficult to fish effectively from a stationary point, bit it would also be very ddngerous. As stated in earlier posts it might be quite awhile before the river will be wadeable due to the 24hr generation schedule from the ultra high water on the lake side.
Good luck if you go. And let someone know where you will be and what time you will check back in.
We picked up a group of "latinos" last week that had drifted 6 miles down the river when their boat motor wouldnt start. We wouldve never known they were there if their father wouldnt have been on the ramp looking for them, they were 4 hours late without any communication to anybody. They didnt speak much english but it was abundantly clear they were glad to see us lol.

[Shellkat]

How was the fishing stripernut,thinking about making a 2.5 journey down to the river

[Shellkat]

2.5 hour journey

[stripernut1]

2.5 hour journey

pm sent

[killing time]

I was at the ferry a couple weeks ago and saw the river take a full size dodge pickup pulling a trailer 20 seconds after the guy hit water truck and trailer was completely submerged. I thought the man was going 2 drown be for he could get out always use caution the river can get powerful when they generate alot

[peter]

I was at the ferry a couple weeks ago and saw the river take a full size dodge pickup pulling a trailer 20 seconds after the guy hit water truck and trailer was completely submerged. I thought the man was going 2 drown be for he could get out always use caution the river can get powerful when they generate alot

Good god! I wold have not thought that could happen that quick. Sorry for the guy. Good to know.
Definately a dangerous place in the current with all the overhanging tree limbs and water level stumps that can rock a boat.

[apb]

... in excess of 4mph as verified by the gps......folks thats fast and very strong current. Not only would it be very difficult to fish effectively from a stationary point, bit it would also be very ddngerous. ...

Agree that it would be dangerous to try and wade in water moving that speed. Fishing it, depends on your gear. I've fished tail waters on the Ohio and other rivers, plus numerous surf fishing spots in the NE where the current was at least that swift. Not something to try with an ultra light, but certainly do able with heavier tackle. Stripers certainly don't seem to have problems feeding in current like that