I fish Cumberland alot during a years time and have for many years. The lake has suffered some since it was drawn down to work on the dam. Bad year spawn classes and lack of cover has depleted numbers in the lake without question.
Now with all that said I still drive right at three hours to fish it and will continue to do so. There are plenty of fish there and if you hit it right and get on a good bite you can still catch some real dandies there.
Dale is a better lake for numbers and quality without question in my opinion. The slot limit and stable water environment and some really good spawns have made it a first class fishery.

This is my opinion, take from it what you will. I would drive to Dale more but its 4 hours for me, my old truck and pocket book doesn't like when I go that far, lol...Plus I have a place to stay alot of times when I'm on Cumberland.