Fly Fishing the Cumberland River
The Cumberland River is one of the best Trout Fisheries in the Eastern United States right now. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife have done a spectacular job of managing this fishery. As a result, I am constantly amazed at the quantity of quality Trout that we catch each year in this pristine Tailwater. The primary hatches on the Cumberland River are Caddis, Blue Wing Olives and Sulphurs. In addition, there is also a prolific Stone Fly population and what may be one of the best Terrestrial bites you will see in the Southeast. I guide this river out of my Lowe 1760 Center Console Jet Boat. On any given day we may cover ten to twenty miles of River. So, if the fishing isn’t enough the fantastic scenery and abundant wildlife will make your trip an adventure to remember. If you want to fish one of the best kept secrets in South Central Kentucky, don’t hesitate to Contact Me!
Wolf Creek Dam on the Cumberland RiverÂ
The Cumberland River gets its start where the Clover Fork, Martin’s Fork and Poor Fork Creeks meet in Harlan Kentucky. The upper Cumberland Basin, from Harlan to Celina, Tennessee, drains roughly 6,400 square miles of land and gathers water from over 7,900 miles of tributary streams and rivers. Cumberland Lake covers 65,530 acres and has 1,255 miles of shoreline. It is impounded by Wolf Creek Dam. The construction of Wolf Creek Dam was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1938 and the River Harbor Act of 1946. Construction began in 1941 and was completed in 1951. Our area of focus is the seventy five mile stretch of river flowing from Wolf Creek Dam to the Kentucky / Tennessee State Line. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife stock somewhere between 200,00 and 250,000 Trout Annually in the Cumberland River. Rainbows, Brown, Cutthroat and Brook Trout are distributed all along this amazing seventy-five mile Tailwater.Â
Access Areas, Lodging and Dining
 Fly Fishing on the Cumberland is as good as it is for several reasons. The biggest is the location. We base our fishing on the lower forty miles of the Cumberland and fish out of Burkesville, KY. The 2022 Census reported a population of 1,420 people calling Burkesville, KY home. This is small town living at its finest. The most exciting things to do in Burkesville are spending time on the Cumberland River or on Dale Hollow Lake. Boating, fishing or playing a round of golf at Dale Hollow State Park are all great ways to spend some time in this great little town. Burkesville also hosts an annual Bluegrass Festival and every year they put on River Festivus which offers a five 5-K road race as well as a Trout fishing tournament.
Below are some links to our favorite places to stay, eat and do in the area.
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The Alpine Motel
A great local Motel with beautiful views overlooking downtown Burkesville that offers modern clean rooms.
Dale Hollow State Park
Kentucky has the best state parks I have visited. Dale Hollow Sate Park offers a Restaurant, Lodge, RV and Tent camping and golf course.
Traces on the Comberland
Offering a rental Cabin as well as the Fishing Lodge, Traces on the Cumberland is a great location. I also fish out of this location too so it is really convenient!
El Rey Mexican Restaurant
Great food, service and atmosphere. Try the Carnitas and the Margaritas.
Sounds Good
Pizza, Wings and Beer. A great place with a great combination of food to enjoy on the outdoor patio after a long day of fly fishing!
Mikes Landing
Full service bar and restaurant featuring live bands on the weekends
Island View Restaurant
Island View Restaurant is located at the Lodge at Dale Hollow Lake State Park. The catfish is about as good as you can get.