Cumberland & Holston River Fly Fishing Report: May 13, 2026
Welcome to my Cumberland & Holston fishing report for May 13, 2026. The water is starting to warm and we are We are seeing a shift in insect activity across both tailwaters. The USACE and TVA are signaling a change in flow patterns for next week. Consequently, the strategy for the coming days will be entirely about timing and temperature.
Cumberland River (Burkesville, Kentucky)
Conditions: Water temperatures are holding steady between 49 & 50 Degrees F. The Cumberland River in the Burkesville section has been higher during the weekdays, due to the ongoing early AM flows we are seeing. What I am now calling a “split” operating schedule that TVA and the USACE are giving us are the main cause of higher flows in Burkesville. Yesterday gave pretty good flows with one generator running most of the day. Tomorrow, the powers to be have decided to start the three generator release at 3AM. However, it is important to note that we are still below the minimum lake levels for this time of year. I emailed the USACE’s Water Management Department and was told starting next week, the plan is to reduce flows by half of what has been occurring during the week. I do not know what that really means. I am hopeful we will see more one generator flows with less prolonged three turbine periods, as this puts Burkesville on higher water flows during the day. This should open up much more water and a better ability to schedule guide trips.
The Hatch: While the Black Caddis that dominated April are finally starting to disappear, we are beginning to see the very first Sulphurs of the season. It’s early, so the fish aren’t fully keyed in on the surface yet, but that will change rapidly as the emergence gains steam. If the water flows stays low, we could continue to get the rare opportunity to dry fly fish in May on the Cumberland River. And of course, don’t forget about the Stone Flies. They are still in the river and the fish still love them.
Top Fly Patterns for the Cumberland
Fly Selection:
Caddis Pupae Sizes 14 and 16
La Fontaine’s Sparkle Pupae Emerger in Olive Size 14
Purple Collar Frenchies Size 14 and 16
Tungsten Bead Head Pheasant Tail Flash Backs in size 14 and 16
Tungsten Beaded Orange Soft Hackles
- Sulphur Comparaduns Size 14 and 16
Holston River (Blaine, Tennessee)
Conditions: The Holston is running a bit warmer, with temps in the mid-50s, which has the insect life significantly further ahead than on the Cumberland. We are currently facing a drought in East Tennessee. Because of this, the water we had stored in Cherokee Lake was used to produce power in the winter leaving us with very low levels. The lake is currently at 1058 Feet whereas the Summer Pool is normally 1068 feet. As a result, many home owners with docks are currently high and dry. While the good news is that we will continue seeing low water flows, on the other hand, we have the potential to see water temps rise quickly due to the lack of volume. The water we have is cold and the weather has been mild so hopefully we will get another three to four weeks of solid dry fly fishing on the Holston.
The Hatch: It is a full-blown Sulphur and Caddis hatch right now on the Holston River in Blaine, TN. This is technical, “match-the-hatch” fishing at its finest. For Instance, you may see three different fish feeding in a single riffle, each being keyed into a different bug. Bring your “A” Game its getting real fun and sometime really perplexing on the Holston River.
Recommended Holston River Flies
Tan CDC X Caddis size 16 and 18
Olive CDC Caddis Size 14
La Fontaine’s Sparkle Pupae Emerger in Tan and Olive Size 14 and Sixteen
Sulphur Comparaduns Sizes 14 & 16
Sulphur Yellow Puff Daddies in Sizes 14 and 16
Pro-Tip: Quality Over Quantity
We’ve had some truly quality fish coming to hand on both rivers this week. The fish are healthy, hard-fighting, and taking advantage of the increased protein in the water. As the flows drop on the Cumberland next week, expect to see more and more of those quality fish coming to the net. Be selective about the fish you cast at while you are dry fly fishing. Don’t just rush in and cast to the first fish you see rising. Give it some time and you may find a larger fish feeding on the Sulphur Duns instead of chasing the Caddis Emergers. This is a great time of year to be on the water. The daily temperatures are extremely comfortable and there is no real significant weather changes in the ten day forecast. Get out there and get in on some of the better Fly Fishing of the year with us!
Jeff Sharpe is
My favorite guide to
Fish with. Always a good time, great lunch and the fishing is good as well.
Thanks
Thanks for the kind words Barry!!! I always have a great time with you and I look forward to see you again!!