Cumberland River Fishing

[Bass Addict 170]

Before they started work on the dam, it was too cold for smallmouth. But with the repairs and lower water level in the summer, the river temperature has been warmer. Just about every species of fish was caught last year. With the cold winter we had, it may have pushed the smallies back into the tribs where's it's warmer. I haven't heard very many reports on this board of a lot of smallmouth being caught down there, but there probably is some. Perhaps some other fisherman who fish around Burkesville and below might be able to comment. I usually fish closer to the dam.

Some family members, including myself, have taken a few trips down to the CR via Burkesville. However, since the lake level change, and the temp change, the fishing has not been nearly as good. Have yet to catch a smallie (not saying it couldn't happen, but doubtful). Conditions may lead to smallmouth being more prevalent, but as of now it's not good.

[Olgrey]

I do not get to fish it often, but I caught some under size smallmouth in the Tompkinsville/Turkeyneck bend area by fishing riffles when the water was much lower last year. I was using a rapala minnow when it happened during July. It will take a while for it to get that low this year, if it ever does.

[walkeraviator]

I have heard that below teh dam is colder than above the Lake. Would fishing between the falls and the upper end of teh lake be a good smallmouth area???

[walkeraviator]

Also, do any of you guys ever fly fish??? I have been looking at giving it a try and may be taking a guided tour from somebody who can teach me how to cast and all that on the Cumberland below the dam...