New striper lake

[Oldlures]

I don't think the dept of F&W is going to be much interested in destroying their premier trout fishery for another striper lake. I'm not trying to get free, shameless advertising, but check out my web site photo page and what I'm catching from Cumberland this year. I'll be the first to admit that it's been a little tougher since the dam work began, but Cumberland is far from destroyed. www.conleystriper.com

JoeB, I looked at your site and I agree with you . . . why would we as a state, abandon a program that it has nurtured for well over 40 years? This lake has been established and eventually will be back to its normal elevations. Most likely, as all lowered or drained lakes, historically have been done before . . rebound leaps and bounds. Why would this not be the case here?
Most of the comments state that Laurel is a "dead sea" I think that it is very strange although I have not fished personally; have had friends and also read on Fishin.com reports from members all have had wonderful success this Spring.
We have alot of years invested on Cumberland why turn ones back on it? I am convienced the KYDFW will support this. Mel ,"Oldlures"

[JoeB]

I never said that Cumb. hasn't suffered as a result of the draw down, I simply said that it is not destroyed. I don't think the numbers of big fish that we were once spoiled with will return until the water is kept at it's historic levels. A couple of years after the lake is held at normal levels, I honestly think all will be forgotten and forgiven. As for mis-management, I don't know what anyone could expect KDFWR to do about the issue except wait it out like the rest of us. Their hands are tied too.

[FlyLie]

A little dated (Oct 2010), but here's KDFWS take on the status of LC:

http://migration.kentucky.gov/newsro...ss14102010.htm

[mhall]

A little dated (Oct 2010), but here's KDFWS take on the status of LC:

http://migration.kentucky.gov/newsro...ss14102010.htm

Read this before and I don't totally buy it. Do you really think the KDFW is gonna tell you the lake isn't worth fishing, they sugar coated this deal. Yes there is alot of truths to this article but there is some bigtime down playing in it to.

Look at the pics of the guides day in and day out, yes there is an occasional good fish caught but NOTHING and I mean NOTHING like it use to be. Again I'm not paying hundreds of dollars to catch 2 twenty four to 30 inch fish, no way. That is not a bust on the quality guides at the big C either that work their asses off daily so please don't take it or turn it that way.

[waterdog101]

even if they fix the dam and bring cumberland back to it's old self, it would still be a good idea to stock laurel with some striper or hybirds. I think two lakes in ky with striper in them would be great. everyone thinks they won't stock laurel with striper because of the trout. 20 miles from laurel lake is woodscreek lake and it is over stocked with trout. the hybirds would mix well with the trout in laurel, they stocked a lake in eastern ky, called fish trap lake with hybirds, and the hybird and trout fishing are both good in fishtrap. and it's a smaller lake than laurel.

[mhall]

even if they fix the dam and bring cumberland back to it's old self, it would still be a good idea to stock laurel with some striper or hybirds. I think two lakes in ky with striper in them would be great. everyone thinks they won't stock laurel with striper because of the trout. 20 miles from laurel lake is woodscreek lake and it is over stocked with trout. the hybirds would mix well with the trout in laurel, they stocked a lake in eastern ky, called fish trap lake with hybirds, and the hybird and trout fishing are both good in fishtrap. and it's a smaller lake than laurel.

True stripers are NOT Hybrids they are Rockfish, two totally different animals my friend.

[Jbyrd]

even if they fix the dam and bring cumberland back to it's old self, it would still be a good idea to stock laurel with some striper or hybirds. I think two lakes in ky with striper in them would be great. everyone thinks they won't stock laurel with striper because of the trout. 20 miles from laurel lake is woodscreek lake and it is over stocked with trout. the hybirds would mix well with the trout in laurel, they stocked a lake in eastern ky, called fish trap lake with hybirds, and the hybird and trout fishing are both good in fishtrap. and it's a smaller lake than laurel.

Hey 2 lakes? Barren and herrington already have them. Why would we RUIN the best smallmouth lake BAR NONE in the state. Guys Don't judge a lake if you haven't fished it....

[mhall]

Hey 2 lakes? Barren and herrington already have them. Why would we RUIN the best smallmouth lake BAR NONE in the state. Guys Don't judge a lake if you haven't fished it....

JByrd we gotta talk brother, I have been hearing awesome things about Laurel, I have been wanting to fish it for several years now. I think you have made my mind up. I'll send you a PM later if you don't mind?

[Jbyrd]

JByrd we gotta talk brother, I have been hearing awesome things about Laurel, I have been wanting to fish it for several years now. I think you have made my mind up. I'll send you a PM later if you don't mind?

Sure ,I am at work right now it will be tonoght before I can get back to you....

[mhall]

Joe you really think two years?? That would be an awful fast rebound for quality don't ya think. I think we are mostly referring to good fish, not these little shorties and small keeps people are getting right now. Again I value your opinion and I'm not trying to be a smart ass, I just think two years with the water high isn't gonna have quality rebound that quickly, I hope I'm wrong and you are right.

[JoeB]

Yep, I think two years after normal lake levels and you'll see a very noticable improvement. The problem isn't numbers of fish, it's quality fish. The smaller stripers (to 30 in) are doing just fine. There are TONS of them in the lake. These are 3 - 4 yr old fish. What I call quality fish are bass in the 20 + lb range. Two years after the lake is kept up, there should be plenty of 5 - 7 yr fish.

As for not being willing to shell out a couple of C notes for a few 24 - 30 in fish, well most other locals wouldn't either. Never would. But of course, that's not whom the charter community caters to for the most part. People living in Toledo probably wouldn't want to spend the money to catch a few keeper walleye. People in Cleweton laugh at us yankees for spending money to shiner fish for a few 6 lb bass. But for traveling fishermen, it's good fishing that they can't get at home. I happily pay the price to cast to tarpon every time I'm in the keys, and on most days, I don't catch a **** thing. I wouldn't miss the chance for anything though.

[mhall]

I hear ya Joe, some good points Bro. Like I said I agree it's a quality issue, the lake is breamin with shorties. I forget sometimes that novice fisherman especially from ''OHIO'', I'm sorry Lord for that one would gladly pay to catch small keeper stripes. For that I am grateful for you and your fellow guides and for the state's commerce.

Have a good day and good fishin.