 The Cumberland River tail waters is located in south-central Kentucky mostly near the town of Burkesville. Nearby is well-known Lake Cumberland and world famous Dale Hollow Lake. The Cumberland is a scenic tail water river beginning at the Wolf Creek Dam on Lake Cumberland, then winding it's way about 75 miles to the KY-TN state line. The entire river is an outstanding fishery for both quality and quantity of rainbow and brown trout, and just may be one of the best kept secrets east of the Mississippi!
Water flow in the river is affected by the generation of hydro-electric power at the dam, so there are limitations to wading because of high water periods. Fishing from a boat is the best bet. The fish are quite used to current variations so this poses no problems. Water quality is excellent, running clear, cold and well oxygenated.
 Bottom structure varies from gravel to rocks and boulders, from shallow riffles to long deep pools, and lots of submerged trees. The water is nutrient rich, so it supports crayfish, small larvae and bugs trout thrive on. The Cumberland is well suited to support large numbers of rainbow and brown trout, and good numbers of big stripers too!
Did You Know?The Kentucky state records for both rainbows and browns were caught from the Cumberland River tail waters. The record rainbow is 14 lbs 6 oz., and the record brown is 21 lbs.! The possibilities are here; with a river full of trout, including plenty of big ones, and a scenic backdrop of nature's beauty to enjoy all day while fishing.
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