Trip brief · Cumberland River
How to go fish the Cumberland River
The months we list for the Cumberland River are March, April, May, September, October, November. August is outside that window, so this brief is written for September, the next month we list.
September
No USGS gauge is mapped to this river.
Flies to tie — September
Blue-winged Olive#18-20
Parachute BWO
Caddis#16
Terrestrials#16
Black Ant, Beetle
Access
Wolf Creek Dam Tailrace
36.883, -85.143parking
Burkesville City Park Access
36.794, -85.365parking
Rowena Access
36.853, -85.264parking
Neely Creek Area
36.831, -85.312parking
Regs — check current rules before you go
A valid Kentucky fishing license and trout permit are required for all anglers 16 and older. The Cumberland River tailwater below Wolf Creek Dam is managed under Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources regulations. A designated trophy trout section with special regulations — including size limits and artificial lures only — is in place for portions of the upper tailwater; consult current KDFWR regulations for exact boundaries and restrictions. Dam discharge can create dangerous wading conditions; check Wolf Creek Dam release schedules through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers before entering the water.
Pack list
- A current state fishing licence
- Waders and boots you have already leak-tested
- Net, nippers, forceps
- Floatant and desiccant
- Tippet in the sizes the chart asks for
- Water, sun cover, polarised glasses
Generic gear. Anything specific to this water is above.
Full hatch chart, access map and live gauge on the Cumberland River page →