Call traces on the cumberland (they're online). They know more about the river than most anyone. He has a great map of the river and surrounding area that you can buy online that is extremely helpful in navigating and finding good fishing areas. Not to mention they probably know where you could camp without getting hassled.

The river will to stay very low, but you should have no problem floating through gravel bars and the like. I have a 14 ft flatbottom that is heavy and I never have any trouble floating down river. Coming up is a bit tricky, but that's what my prop guard is for. I've had to pull the boat through a few sections but I always manage to get back to helms landing.

Here's another bit of info. If you are planning to come back from Burksville you'll have to go through the gateway rocks right around the Rockhouse. I haven't tried to come through there with the water so low, but that is certainly a problematic section for you whether the water is up, or down.

Fuel is your next concern. There aren't any places that I am aware of that will provide fuel on your journey back up river. My boat uses about 40% more fuel coming up river than on a normal run, and I'm sure you've already thought of that.

I was down there Saturday and the fishing was lousey, but that's only because the water was muddy. I've never been down there when the river wasn't somewhat clear, but Saturday there was only 3-6 inches of visiblity in the water. You'd have to hit a trout in the head to get it's attention with water like that. I know the section between Helm's Landing and the Rockhouse like the back of my hand, so if you have any questions about that section feel free to ask.

Good luck