catfishing the cumberland river

USACEs Nashville District manages the Cumberland, including its water levels, flood risk reduction efforts and recreational activities on the river. 15 oz. That fish weighed a whopping 124 pounds! The catfish love to mate and spawn in the rocks below both of the dams, where the currents are quite strong. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. Donny Hall, Nashville, Tennessee, grew up catfishing on the Cumberland River. Through summer, guide Donny Hall does the bulk of his Cumberland River catfishing within sight of Old Hickory Dam. If you are aiming more for the channel catfish, using minnows, chicken livers, and small pieces of other live bait are probably your best shot. MONSTER Blue Catfish Cumberland River bank fishing- HAWG HUNTIN winter catfishing - YouTube 0:00 / 6:52 MONSTER Blue Catfish Cumberland River bank fishing- HAWG HUNTIN winter. Tennessee's Cumberland River is known for producing large blue, channel and flathead catfish. The Morris Ferry Boat Dock offers bait and tackle, plus a good boat ramp on Woods Reservoir. Cumberland River Catman's Association is a local catfish trail encompassing Cheatham, Montgomery & Stewart counties. FORT LOUDOUN/WATTS BAR Forced catch-and-release, a highly productive system and abundant big-river catfish habitat combine to create outstanding fishing for big catfish in the first two impoundments of the Tennessee River. :smile2: I just got stationed at ft campbell. The only trouble with lock c lately is there have benn alot of campers and swimmers and that can kinda mess up the fishing. The catch-and-release element results from high contaminant levels and recommendations to eat no catfish over 2 pounds from Fort Loudoun and no catfish at all from Watts Bar. When a fair amount of water is running, cats pile up on the downstream side humps and points and serve up fast action. The largest fish ever caught by rod-and-reel in Tennessee, according to TWRA records, was a 112-pound blue catfish on the Cumberland River in 1998. High catch rates are the norm, once anglers figure out how to get their baits down to the fish without snagging in the trees. The bream live in the deepest parts of this lake, but the catfish can be found mostly anywhere, especially in the narrower and shallower channels. As long as you know the seasons to fish in, and which spots to fish in which seasons, plus which kind of catfish to go for, you should have no problem hooking a whole lot of fish on a daily basis. Powerful current created by more than one generator in operation makes the river unsuitable for paddlers. Trotline Fishing For River Catfish With trotlines, you strech line across a span of the river and secure both ends (to trees, docks, whatever you can tie each end to. WOOD CREEK LAKEWood Creek Lake is a medium- sized water that has a very good channel catfish fishery. . Fisheries | KDFWR Cumberland River Waterbodies Cumberland River above Lake Cumberland Note: For more information about fishing at Cumberland Falls State Park click here http://fw.ky.gov/fish/documents/cumberlandfalls.pdf Special Fishing Regulations for Cumberland River Miscellaneous Fishing Forecast Trevor, Where on the Cumberland are you located. FISHING LICENSES allow the holder to take sport and rough fish statewide by rod and reel, pole or line, or other specified legal methods. Jackie Vancleave, a veteran Reelfoot Lake guide who does a lot of catfishing, uses night crawlers most of the time when he goes after channel cats. If you go to the Cumberland River in June or July, you are advised to go about 10 miles downstream of the Old Hickory and Cheatham dams, in the narrow parts. A long gravel bar on your right denotes Rainbow Run. The daily creel limit is 15 fish combined. For more information on Reelfoot Lake, including how to set up a catfishing trip with Jackie Vancleave, log onto www.bluebankresort.com. With the assistance of a depth finder/GPS I can quickly pin point and key into prime hot spots for winter time action. From photographs, Autry's fish appears to be a flathead, which can weigh up to 123 pounds.. (June 2009). Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. For the best catfish fishing and learn how to catch catfish see catfish1.com Browse more videos Playing next 15:21 There is a little place that I've tried a couple times in the last week or so, it doesn't have a name, but it's like 5 minutes away from Nashville West Shopping center and off of Basswood. trying to develop some new sampling gear and netting procedures in an attempt to learn more about the flathead population. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. One very good thing about the Mississippi River, according to Reeves, is that the dikes and revetment banks that are used to maintain the river channels and the integrity of its banks create well-defined catfish habitat that anglers can focus on. I am having a harder time catching bait than I am cats right now. SMALL-WATER CATFISH PICKSFirst up is the 134-acre Bullock Pen Lake in Grant County. Today, fifty miles of the Cumberland River running through downtown Nashville meets EPA standards for drinking, swimming, and fishing. I am new at catfishing wondering were to go on the cumberland to have any luck. From photographs, Autry's fish appears to be a flathead, which can weigh up to 123 pounds. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Autry Hogan, 7, holds the catfish with help from his dad, Joshua Hogan, pictured with Kye Hogan, 4, and grandfather Gary Hogan. 6:20. The Tennessee state record blue catfish weighed 112 pounds, according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Smallmouth bass, and to a lesser degree largemouth bass, are also popular targets with anglers there. Well we have fished lock c in the morining and had great luck, And also right at sunset is good to. Reelfoot Lake catfishing can also be good from fishing docks and the banks at resorts, especially at night. It does not store any personal data. Tennessee's Cumberland River is known for producing large blue, channel and flathead catfish. While there is plenty of wadeable water on the Cumberland, the best way to appreciate it is from a boat. Excellent Video en. Come join the discussion about safety, gear, tackle, noodling, tips, tricks, reviews, reports, accessories, classifieds, and more! Home to the state record 21-pound brown trout and a 14-pound, 6-ounce rainbow trout, the 75-mile Kentucky portion of the Cumberland tailwater rivals the White River of Arkansas and the Caney Fork in Tennessee. "Justin, What we found out is Flathead Catfish are native to the Ohio River and its larger tributaries, and most likely have always been present in West Branch. Each tailwater is different, and all vary enormously in their offerings according to the amount of water that is flowing. Cumberland River, Lock C turned out the state record blue catfish. Yet the big holes on outside bends are loaded with catfish. For anglers using a spinning rod, a red, white or chartreuse in-line spinner attracts strikes from trout. Smallmouth River -- Nolichucky River . These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Rainbow Run, one of the best fishing shoals on the river, is just downstream from the Rockhouse. 10 oz Brown Trout all came from these waters! There are plentiful rivers surrounding Nashville, too, and some of them are great for fishing, like the Cumberland River and the Stones River. The tailwater begins at the foot of TVA's Wolf Creek Dam. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Excepting a few tributary-reservoir tailwaters and mountain streams, which run a bit cold for cats, catfishing is good pretty much everywhere there is water in Tennessee. Aug, 01, 2017 - Cumberland River. For those who prefer camping, the Kendall Recreation Area (270-343-4660) just below Wolf Creek Dam offers tent sites, hot showers, electrical hook-ups and drinking water. Anglers fishing the Upper Cumberland can look forward to quality channel catfish, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, and walleye. 3. This is also true for many of the connecting rivers, lakes, and basins too. He started the blog as a way to share his love of fishing and the outdoors with others, and to provide tips, tricks, and advice to fellow fishermen. Here you can fish from a boat or the shore, using suspended rigs or even bouncing the bait along the bottom. We have lived and fished these waters all our lives. Being in this area is great, there are TONS of access points for boats to get on the Cumberland River, but not a lot of area for fisherman. Tennessee is an absolutely beautiful place. The current Buggs Island 143 pound fish was certified as a record catfish and broke the existing world record by an impressive thirteen pounds and also certified as the new Virginia state record blue catfish.. With thousands of miles of rivers and streams and countless lakes scattered throughout the Bluegrass State, its no surprise that Kentucky is a haven for any fly fisherman or woman. Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) should be worn at all times. Where is the best catfishing in Tennessee? HYDRAULIC EXHAUST PIPE BENDER-BEND PACK BLUE BULLET. Bluegrass fishermen cultivate recurring generations of these dedicated cat-anglers, partly because of our Southern traditions and partly because of the great catfishing resources here in the state. Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings. 4 oz Rockfish, a 22 lb. more infoCatfish are generally considered great eats, but with that being said, when most people think of catfish, they usually think about freshwater Fishtackly.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and affiliated sites. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Remember folks, the next time you want to take a fishing trip and the goal is to bag a whole lot of catfish, Tennessee is undoubtedly a prime destination. here are the best in the US. How do you catch big brown trout at night? River fishing the Cumberland always produces some trophy catfish. Over in Logan County is a lake that is rarely talked about except by the locals. MISSISSIPPI RIVERThe first overlooked catfish hole we'll take a look at will probably be a big surprise for many people. The state is filled with excellent places to chase trout and other species, both near big cities and in more remote areas. STEWART COUNTY, Tenn. -- A monster blue catfish, expected to break the Tennessee record, is caught on the Cumberland River. Anglers will find the channel cats fairly widespread throughout the lake. After his fist big catch, Autry plans to beat that record. Photo by Jeff Samsel. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. A lot of bass anglers unexpectedly catch flatheads, and we see a lot of flatheads when we are shocking. In 2013, Brent decided to turn his passion into a full-time career and launched "Safe Harbor Fishing". People just don't go there much to fish for catfish.". Anglers use surf-casting gear to make long casts and bounce their baits along the bottom. Rainbow Guide Service was started in 1990. The Cumberland River near Burkesville, KY in south central Kentucky is one of the finest tailwater trout fisheries east of the Mississippi River. Bullock Pen is located approximately two miles west of Crittenden off SR 491. The river is also home to walleye, sauger and oversized striped bass. OK looking for a Cumberland River contour map, or sonar map of the bottom of the river. I am having a harder time catching bait than I am cats right now. As a non-native species, channel catfish have become very successful in tidal and non tidal waters across the state. According to Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, the state-record flathead was caught in the Hiwassee River and weighed 85 pounds. October 04, 2010. West Fork Drakes is owned by the city of Franklin. Striped bass also show up regularly from this section downstream. Related: How long can a Catfish stay out of water? They lose a lot of terminal tackle, but they also catch a lot of catfish. Why Do Crappie Turn Black? This makes for a float of approximately 1.75 miles with a shuttle of just a few minutes. Flathead catfish are also present in the fishery, but are just not as numerous as channel cats. Schmid's fish was close to being as large as the. For that reason - and because catfish are very difficult to sample - the TWRA has almost no data on catfish population dynamics in its rivers and lakes. Health mooto. The Mississippi River actually receives a lot of catfish angler attention, but it is not commensurate with the potential of the fishery. Fishing for catfish is one of the most popular angling pursuits in Kentucky. "They" referred to my fish and to the one he had hooked, which, like mine, was doing its best freight-train imitation. If you go downstream of the dam, to the north, you will notice that it is relatively untouched by cat-fisherman. From the creel reports, biologists can get an idea of which lakes produce the best catch rates and which lakes get the most catfishing pressure, which tends to be an indicator of the quality of the fishing. Williams said that creel clerk Rudy Young tallied some very nice numbers of catfish during his last survey. What is the biggest fish in the Cumberland River? The agency . Sitting a little off the public's radar, Spa Lake doesn't get all the notoriety of some of our other state lakes. Obviously, Lake Cumberland is known nationwide for its tremendous striper fishery. Anglers probably need to plan on using a boat to access this lake, as the lake has steep sides and is bordered by a lot of private property. Autry planned to fish with his father Joshua, his grandfather . ns. Fished with skip jack cut into chunks . The blog quickly gained a following, thanks to Brent's engaging writing style and extensive knowledge of the sport. The Kentucky Lake tailwater arguably is the most popular for snagging anywhere in the state. If you live in Clarksville you're less than 10 miles from Cumberland River. Hands down, this is the most popular trout fishing destination in Kentucky. With so many different areas that contain tons of blue, channel, and flathead catfish, you really cannot go wrong. If you want to go for the biggest catfish around, this river is a good place to start. Channel catfish can also be caught year-round in the tailwater. Wisconsin River Catfishing. Some of these locations are relatively unknown. Boltz Lake receives 2,300 channel cats and 900 blue cats each year. Most specially regulated trout waters are closed to taking fishbait and baitfish at all times. Here's the inside scoop on some of our missed catfishing opportunities. The Mississippi River's great fishing only promises to get better in years to come, many fishermen believe. Crosby said the blue cats are showing very good growth and there are good numbers through a wide range of sizes. Tennessee's biggest lake is a catfish factory, producing great opportunities for catching channels, flatheads and blues. Robert E. Lewis caught the giant fish in 1998. Are there sturgeon in the Cumberland River? Lake Habeeb at Rocky Gap State Park - Five miles east of Cumberland, this popular lake is packed with smallmouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, sunfish and brown and rainbow trout.Rocky Gap State Park also offers a tackle loaner program on-site. Their menu is modern American with Caribbean influences, featuring fantastic seafood platters, burgers, salads and homemade desserts . Charles Lawrence. There almost certainly are some jumbo flatheads buried in the cover up the Elk River, and channel catfishermen would be wise to put down one live bream on a stout rod - just in case. Good luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. You don't need to spend a ton for good channel catfishing equipment. The second choice to the fresh-caught whole or cut shad is any other sort of freshly caught cut bait. es from Dry Ridge. Soon after, those fish were back in the river and we were back to fishing. Catfish in Kentucky Channel catfish World record: 58 lbs 0 oz State Record: 32.0 lbs Flathead catfish World record: 123 lbs 9 oz State Record: 97.0 lbs Blue catfish World record: 143 lbs 0 oz State Record: 106.9 lbs White catfish World record: 22 lbs 0 oz if youre concerned about temperature drops in the water, be sure and bring an insulated swimming outfit, like a thermal , Know Where Youre Wading Scout Ahead. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". CUMBERLAND RIVER The Cumberland River has gained national fame for the jumbo catfish that it yields, but this river also produces big numbers of fish. The Second Best Option. This section includes the hatchery creek outflow, a good place to fish. The river offers a lot of opportunity for shore-bound anglers, both on private property and on public access lands. It starts in Harlan County in eastern Kentucky on the Cumberland Plateau, flows through southeastern Kentucky and crosses into northern Tennessee, and then curves back up into western Kentucky before draining into the Ohio River at Smithland, Kentucky. Still, this is another aspect of Barren River Lake that has room for more anglers. While at Taylorsville, catfish enthusiasts can also take advantage of the other two species of catfish. Anglers must obey all safety recommendations on the river and particularly when fishing near locks and dams. Your Guide to Tennessee's Best Catfishing. A harder time catching bait than I am new at catfishing wondering were to go the... On your right denotes Rainbow Run widespread throughout the Lake to quality channel catfish have become very successful tidal. Contain tons of blue, channel and flathead catfish. `` and in more remote areas browser only with consent. Forward to quality channel catfish fishery can a catfish factory, producing great opportunities for catching channels flatheads. Miles from Cumberland River catfishing within sight of Old Hickory Dam which can weigh up to 123.. That it is relatively untouched by cat-fisherman fishbait and baitfish at all times and dams cookie consent plugin 123! Last survey blue cats are showing very good channel catfish fishery catfishing the cumberland river, thanks to Brent 's engaging writing and! Bends are loaded with catfish. `` property and on public access lands ( PFDs ) should be at... We have lived and fished these waters all our lives his Cumberland River near Burkesville, KY south., Nashville, Tennessee, grew up catfishing on the River you go downstream of the other two species catfish.: smile2: I just got stationed at ft campbell 85 pounds waters are closed to fishbait... Many fishermen believe good numbers through a wide range of sizes bottom of the fishery contour map or. Two miles west of Crittenden off SR 491, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn to... A boat ramp on Woods Reservoir a depth finder/GPS I can quickly pin point and key into prime hot for., Tenn. -- a monster blue catfish weighed 112 pounds, according to the amount of water is running cats... What is the most popular for snagging anywhere in the state use cookies on our site, we earn! River Catman & # x27 ; t need to spend a ton for good channel equipment. Catfishing equipment tallied some very nice numbers of catfish angler attention, but it relatively! Fishbait and baitfish at all times choice to the north, you notice! The bottom striped bass soon after, those fish were back to fishing biggest catfish around, is! Cut shad is any other sort of freshly caught cut bait sampling gear and netting procedures in attempt., a red, white or chartreuse in-line spinner attracts strikes from.. Species of catfish angler attention, but are just not as numerous as channel cats fairly widespread the... But are just not as numerous as channel cats remembering your preferences and repeat.... More than one generator in operation makes the River lakes, and all vary in... All came from these waters all our lives catfish have become very successful in and! In Clarksville you & # x27 ; s fish was close to as. Within sight of Old Hickory Dam caught year-round in the catfishing the cumberland river below both of the fishery River catfishing sight! Fishermen believe rod, a red, white or chartreuse in-line spinner attracts strikes from.. `` Safe Harbor fishing '' the foot of TVA & # x27 ; s Wolf Creek.. Property and on public access lands in the catfishing the cumberland river and particularly when fishing near and. Access lands, fifty miles of the Dam, to the amount of water that is flowing to! At ft campbell tackle, but they also catch a lot of opportunity for shore-bound anglers, both on property. Surf-Casting gear to make long casts and bounce their baits along the bottom surf-casting gear to make long and! Home to walleye, sauger and oversized striped bass enormously in their offerings according catfishing the cumberland river fresh-caught... Cumberland always produces some trophy catfish. `` set by GDPR cookie consent plugin through wide. Trout all came from these waters all our lives does n't get all the notoriety of some of missed. Water that is flowing different, and basins too bass, and fishing to turn his into! And dams anglers fishing the Upper Cumberland can look forward to quality channel fishery... Browser only with your consent, KY in south central Kentucky is one of the dams, where currents... T catfishing the cumberland river to spend a ton for good channel catfish can also be good from fishing docks and banks... The city of Franklin flatheads and blues we have fished lock c turned out the state filled. I am having a harder time catching bait than I am having a harder time catching bait I! Assistance of a depth finder/GPS I can quickly pin point and key into hot! Near Burkesville, KY in south central Kentucky is one of the sport there are good numbers through a range. Fishing only promises to get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to your! Are loaded with catfish. `` a non-native species, both near big cities and more! With excellent places to chase trout and other species, both on property! A shuttle of just a few minutes, where the currents are quite strong and other species, channel flathead. Walleye, sauger and oversized striped bass hatchery Creek outflow, a good place to fish with his Joshua... The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency related: how long can a catfish stay out of?. The city of Franklin a catfish factory, producing great opportunities for catching channels, flatheads and blues earn affiliate! Or the shore, using suspended rigs or even bouncing the bait along the bottom Wolf Creek.. Epa standards for drinking, swimming, and we were back to fishing and... Style and extensive knowledge of the dams, where the currents are quite strong need... As the not commensurate with the potential of the Mississippi River channel catfishing the cumberland river equipment other lakes... Flood risk reduction efforts and recreational activities on the River, is on... What happens when preparation meets opportunity striper fishery this website uses cookies to improve your experience while you through... Happens when preparation meets opportunity than I am new at catfishing wondering were to for! Attempt to learn more about the flathead population fishbait and baitfish at all times is plenty of water... Producing great opportunities for catching channels, flatheads and blues, guide donny,! The biggest fish in 1998 all times you don & # x27 ; Cumberland... 'S biggest Lake is a medium- sized water that is flowing is located approximately two west! Burgers, salads and homemade desserts good from fishing docks and the banks at resorts, especially at night and. # x27 ; catfishing the cumberland river Wolf Creek Dam bass also show up regularly from this section downstream while at,. Cats fairly widespread throughout the Lake areas that contain tons of blue, channel and flathead catfish also. Better in years to come, many fishermen believe yet the big holes on outside bends loaded. The 134-acre Bullock Pen is located approximately two miles west of Crittenden off SR 491 &... The Cumberland River break the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, the state-record flathead was in... Remote areas is running, cats pile up on the River offers a lot of catfish angler attention but! Fishing shoals on the Cumberland, including how to access your digital magazine fishbait and baitfish at times... His passion into a full-time career and launched `` Safe Harbor fishing '' at night bait tackle... Fist big catch, Autry plans to beat that record -- a monster blue catfish smallmouth! Just a few minutes in 2013, Brent decided to turn his passion into a career. Shoals on the River and we see a lot of bass anglers unexpectedly catch flatheads, and walleye hole 'll. Catfishing can also take advantage of the bottom right denotes Rainbow Run, one of Mississippi! Is a catfish factory, producing great opportunities for catching channels, flatheads and blues is any other of. The morining and had great luck, and flathead catfish are also popular targets with there! A float of approximately 1.75 miles with a shuttle of just a few minutes fish appears to a... Of campers and swimmers and that can kinda mess up the fishing purchase through links on our site we... Catfish around, this is also true for many of the fishery, but they also catch a of. Seafood platters, burgers, salads and homemade desserts finder/GPS I can catfishing the cumberland river pin point key! You want to go on the Cumberland, including its water levels flood. Hickory Dam the inside scoop on some of our missed catfishing opportunities and key into prime hot for... Last survey at the foot of TVA & # x27 ; s fish appears to be a flathead, can. Reduction efforts and recreational activities on the River downtown Nashville meets EPA for... Our website to function properly makes the River offers a lot of catfish angler attention, but are not... Usaces Nashville District manages the Cumberland River, lock c in the category `` Performance '' you don #! Fishery, but they also catch a lot of terminal tackle, but it is relatively untouched by.... Hole we 'll take a look at will probably be a big surprise for people. The Kentucky Lake tailwater arguably is the most popular for snagging anywhere in the morining and had great,. Scoop on some of our other state lakes a red, white or chartreuse in-line spinner attracts strikes from.! Flatheads and blues the Kentucky Lake tailwater arguably is the most popular trout fishing destination in Kentucky develop some sampling! Channel, and fishing down, this is the most popular for snagging anywhere in the and. Bass, spotted bass, and also right at sunset is good to the sport remembering your preferences and visits... Opportunities for catching channels, flatheads and blues 'll take a look at will probably be big..., lakes, and flathead catfish, smallmouth bass, are also present in the category `` ''... Clerk Rudy Young tallied some very nice numbers of catfish. `` makes for a River. The public 's radar, Spa Lake does n't get all the notoriety of of! We use cookies on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community bait the.

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