Fishing Report: Cumberland River Week of 08-01-10 through 08-07-10

Weston Popplewell and Wife Of Russell Springs,
Ky On Guide Trip Tuesday, August 03, 2010.   
Fishing was kind of slow, but not a total failure.
They had a very enjoyable time.

 AVERAGE DAILY GENERATION: Approx. 2,100 CFS
AVERAGE WATER TEMPERATURE: 55°F

The river is currently at the idea level for all types of fishing. Some shoals are slightly unexposed, however they will not interfere with safe travel down the river. The water is fairly shallow right now, with shoals not being more than a couple feet under water. August is Known for drought season in our area, so It doesn't appear as if river conditions will change much this month. Only downfall to the river is that, the water is slightly murky. No problem. Although traditional methods of fishing may very with the water being murky, fishing can still be great at the key points of the day (Early in the Morning, Late in the evening). Your best bet is going to be either fishing streamers, or nymphing deep. The weather is not in our favor right now. It has been very hot, and dry in our area. Getting on the water early, or of the evenings is detrimental. Honestly, fishing during the day can be rough, and slow. In July We were seeing 30-50 fish days on the fly, and 50+ fish days on traditional and spinning gear. Don't let any of this fear you though, The fishing is still good on the Cumberland for the current conditions. Remember be careful during low water periods. Slow down, during periods of low generation. The Cumberland River can be a very treacherous river to navigate if you are unfamiliar with the waters. If you are uncomfortable wear a PFD. Always abide by Ky safe boating laws. Practice catch and Release. 

NOTICE: PLEASE REMEMBER THE PROTECTIVE 15"-20" on Rainbow Trout. Also Remember if the Brown Trout is under 20" it MUST BE IMMEDIATELY RELEASED!

Thanks, and Safe Waters!

Suggested Methods of Fishing:

Spinning Tackle:
Shad Raps
Yo Zuri Minnows
Assorted Spoons
Super Dupers
Rapala Husky Jerks and/or Rapalas floating/suspended
Trout-Magnets
Live Bait
Fly Fishing:
Early In the Morning(Before 9:00 A.M.) and Late in The Evening(after 6:00ish)
Prince Nymphs #14-18
Copper Johns #16-20(Any Color. Copper, Black, and Red seem to do the trick. Copper/Black=Small Mayfly or Tiny Stone Nymphs Red seems to match the Midge Larvae possibly.
GRHE #14-18 (Any Variation/Color)
Pheasant Tails #14-18 (Again, Any Variation. Focus on Presentation)
Zebra Midges#16-22(Fished as A Trailer Behind Prince, GRHE, Or PT.)
Wd-40 Midges#16-22(With or W/o Beadhead)

During the Hotter parts of the day, Switch To Sink Tip Lines and Try The Following
Ugly Bug #6 (Basic Stonefly Imitation. Dead Drift it, in a "Wet Fly Swing Presentation"
Kaufmanss Stone #6-10 (Try Beadhead with Rubberlegs.)
Wooly Buggers #6-10 (Match Color to Water Clarity. Try flashy variations.)
Barrs Slumpbuster #6-10 (When things get really slow, Ill tie one of these on, and then you add in walleye/sauger. Try black or olive)
Double Bunny #2-6 (Believe it or not, In deeper water...Striper. Fish it on structure. Angry brown trout=Territorial fish. Look for hard hits. Be ready.)