i for one one have fished waters of the west for trout. Dont see where theres that big a differance is. U spook a trout he runs. Caught trout on nothing ,but a gold bare hook out west. Caught monster rainbows in Michagan in not much more than a ditch. Cumberland is far from the tragic lose its being made out to be. I have had a banner year on the river. Best so far since repair work has began. Change your style cover more ground. If your not catching the trophey fish dont think their not out there they are. we've landed the big boys just not broken any records. Keep your eyes open you'll see them they are out there. I've been fishing the cumberland since the early 80's i've not seen it all,but i've seen a lot.It's not gonna die.