Cumberland River winter trout

[stripernut1]

Stupid question I’m sorry. You fish out of a boat and drift with the river current and jig ??or do you anchor over off the bank and jig in holes ? I’m new to winter trout fishing. I’ve Always fished the river from the bank and on a boat during spring, summer and fall for trout and done well. Been on river several times last few weeks and it has been so so slow. Been Fishing from boat. Drifting into holes and casting towards banks, rocks, swift waters etc. Casting spinner style baits and also using salmon eggs and power bait. Tried trolling shad wraps. Every color. Every style. You name it I’ve thrown it at them. Not having any luck. Have the trout fever and figured cold shouldn’t stop me. Any tips and info greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Trout fan

drift with the current, run back up, drift with the current, run back up, drift wi.....you get the idea lol

[luvtohunt]

Again, ditto with Striper. Run up to the wall, drift back. I have been able to get into seems in the discharge and hold the boat fairly well with the trolling motor as well but it can have the potential to be dangerous. If we do this I keep on the TM and we leave the engine running with my buddy staged at the console in case we get in a bad position.

[Trout fan]

Thanks fellas. I’ll give it a whirl. Last few times I’ve been out I think I’m the only soul on the river. Haven’t seen anyone. It has been nice and a change. Definitely different fishing in cold weather.
Trout fan

[stripernut1]

not sure what kind of line you're using but I use 6# p line flouroclear for jigs and 8lb p line flourocarbon for jerks and cranks below the dam. I know #6 seems very light but somedays that's the only rod that i get bit on so it makes a difference in my mind at least

[crappiepappy]

drift with the current, run back up, drift with the current, run back up, drift wi.....you get the idea lol

Many decades ago we'd do the same thing .... bouncing a Kastmaster spoon off the bottom, as the boat drifted away from the dam. Trolling motor was just used to keep the boat positioned - big motor running (not only to make the return trip upstream, but also to run back to jiggle a hung-up lure free from the rocks). Caught some nice Rainbow Trout doing that. But, like's been said, the proper amount of gates has to be open ... and you have to know the output schedule and what the sirens mean !!

By the way ... my most productive trip was in Dec & it was snowing !! LOL !!!

[aps71285]

Troutfan, Ill be down December 8th to fish. Id be morr than happy to let you tag along on my boat and I can show you what I know and help you scratch that trout itch

[stripernut1]

Troutfan, Ill be down December 8th to fish. Id be morr than happy to let you tag along on my boat and I can show you what I know and help you scratch that trout itch

DONT DO IT!!! ITS A TRICK! his girlfreind cant go that day and all you will do all day is net his fish!!
you should take anthony up on his offer , he catches the snot out of fish below the dam

[Trout fan]

Appreciate the offer. Will be out of town then. Went out today from Burkesville and floated south. I was Out over half the day. Started out great this morning then all at once the bite stopped. Idk. Scratching my head wondering how to consistently bring fish in the boat?? Cold weather has been tuff for me but it sure is a lot of fun trying. I’m Hooked like a fat kid needing cake.

[gforcetrivers]

Appreciate the offer. Will be out of town then. Went out today from Burkesville and floated south. I was Out over half the day. Started out great this morning then all at once the bite stopped. Idk. Scratching my head wondering how to consistently bring fish in the boat?? Cold weather has been tuff for me but it sure is a lot of fun trying. I’m Hooked like a fat kid needing cake.

Wife and I will be down during those times if you want to get together. We have a house on the river
downstream from Burkesville. If you are traveling you can stay with us if you want.

[Mckay L]

Went to Wolf Creek Dam yesterday and fished the bank, it was quite slow. Fishing right up against the dam, I was able to catch about 4 rainbows all day. It wasn't dead, but it was indeed slow, but most of everyone who was there at least caught 1 or 2 fish. They've had 2 or more gates running for a few weeks now, so the feeding is hard to predict. When the gate goes from 0 or 1 to 2 or more it's basically a guarantee. When the gates are slow the fish come rushing once more gates open up and the bait fish come through. Since 2 or more have been running so long the fish aren't as focused into their feeding and the water has been getting higher and higher. I fished gold and silver Kastmasters thrown upstream and then a really fast retrieve back to get a strike. No hits on anything else. I think personally I'm done until spring, I know a lot of people go out at night during winter for sauger and walleye but it's a bit too cold for me. Good luck!