Fishing Report: Cumberland River Week of 08-22-10 through 09-04-10

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umm...wasn't that like...three weeks ago?

Yes. Indeed. It was...

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Fishing Report: Cumberland River Week of 08-15-10 through 08-21-10

Rain, Rain, and More Rain!

 Lots of rain to the Cumberland River Area this past week. Fish were starting to float belly up past Burkesville, so were quite grateful to the rain. Except for the point that the TVA is now generating around 6,500 Cubes! During the day!! Why not during night? We may never know...In life Ive found that the only constant, is well...change(and taxes of course). Yet perhaps we all know, things simply can not stay perfect forever. After 3 months of low generations fall has finally started to creap up on us. The leaves are starting to turn crisp, and the days are growing shorter and shorter. Daily temperatures, are slowly starting to drop, and soon fish will begin feeding at times other than early in the morning and late of the evening. Autumn is coming fast to the Cumberland valley, and it won't be long until it is here. If it wasn't for the unpredictability of the TVA, Fall would be our favorite season of the year. Fall means big territorial brown trout. But, We are talking about the Cumberland River, and we all know how that is...As long as we do not recieve any sudden, heavy rainfalls, things will be great this season. We are praying for possibly weekly light, to moderate showers. None of that noahs ark, B.S. that weve been getting all year.
So my advice!
Get the fast action 6 weights, and super stiff 8's. Grease up the sinking tip, and full sinking lines. Dig out the 4-7.5 0x-2x leaders, and lets do this!
Streamer season is about on us! 

Trout-Bum of The Week August 8-August 14th 2010

 Ross Slayton
This weeks Trout-Bum, is a cool guy who is a glass rod fisherman from Idaho Falls, ID. Thanks for your Friendship, and Tightlines out there!

Guide/Outfitter Of The Week: Cumberland Drifters

Visit Cumberland Drifters on The Web By Clicking Here

Cumberland Drifters-Cumberland River, Kentucky

Chances are if you've ever fished, or even heard of the Cumberland River then the name Cumberland Drifters or perhaps, Brandon Wade, rings a bell. Lets start this weeks post, by giving a little information about Brandon. 

Brandon, a Russell County native, graduated Russell County High School in the class of 94, and Later the University of Kentucky in 2002 with a major in Mathematics. He currently resides in Lexington, Kentucky with Wife Julie also of Russell Springs, and their two beautiful daughters. It is however simple math, or none at all, the passion Brandon has for fishing. He learned the river, the old fashioned way, by simply getting out there, and has had the opportunity to be featured in many outdoor publications, and even on national television. It is fact, that Brandon did indeed, grow up on the banks of the river, and has fished every season, and circumstance imaginable since. If your pursuing experience, or simply information, In my honest opinion, Brandon is the guy to get with. He knows when and when not to fish the river, also the where, and the what to use. And honestly, they catch a lot of fish. And some big ones too!!!

 

Brandon takes pride in rowing a wooden drift boat, constructed by himself.

 

Besides offering years of experience, and knowledge, Brandon also offers one of the finest shore lunches, East of the Mississippi. Actually, it is not opinion, it is fact that no one else, offers a Better lunch. We can't however give all of the credit to Brandon. Wife Julie, plays the larger part in preparing those shore lunches, just don't let him know we told you ;)

I honestly, do not know what more to say, other than Brandon has treated me more than gracious. He has extended out many helping hands, and has done his best to welcome me. Hes a class act guy who knows the river. He will treat you with respect, give you a safe, and awesome time. Not to mention those awesome shore lunches!

 

Favorite Rod Brand: G-Loomis

Favorite Fly/Hatch: Not sure on this one. But I know he loves to fish nymphs, midges, and streamers. He has a box for every food source that the trout of the Cumberland eat. 

Hobbies: Spending time with his family, and fishing.

Interests: Family. Fishing. Tying flies. Teaching fly fishing, fly casting, and conservation.

So why does Brandon deserve our spot as guide of the week? Ill let this picture answer that question.

  Hes a family man, and in our opinion, A class act. 

A good citizen.

A loving husband.

A good father.

A great fisherman.

Down to earth Guy.

Be sure to check out Brandons Website. Give him a call, shoot him an email, or look them up on facebook. Hes a class act guy, that has room aboard his vessell, and the time of day for everybody.

http://www.cumberlanddrifters.com/

Fishing Report: Cumberland River Week of 08-08-10 through 08-14-10

AVERAGE DAILY RELEASE: Approx. 2,010 CFS
AVERAGE # OF GENERATORS: Sluices around clock
AVERAGE WATER TEMPERATURE: 56°F

Im going to start by saying, that if your on Our River, remember to take care of yourself. PLEASE forget the sodas, and soft drinks at home. DRINK LOTS OF WATER. Sodas contain sodiums that can actually dehdyrate you faster. DRINK LOTS OF WATER! If your reading our blog, and fishing on our river we care about you.REMEMBER IT IS ILLEGIAL IN THE STATE OF KENTUCKY TO BOAT WHILE INTOXICATED. !!! DON'T BE A DUMMY!!!
OK AND HERES YOUR REPORT!
The river is currently at the what one would imagine to be perfect conditions for both fly and spin fishing, however in the real world of fishing, that perfect condition, is as far fetched as chasing Rainbows. We fish for more of a reason, than the catching. If one waited for perfect conditions(especially on our river), one would never fish! Remember its not televesion! The truth is, if your going to be on the Cumberland River, now is the time to be. Sure, I am a guide who is hungry for business...but that is not the intent of this blog. The intent is to inform, not to advertise :) Water clarity on a scale of 1-10 is a 6 in most places, however murkier tainted water seems to develop in spells. Common knowledge, fast water=clearer water. THE WATER IS NOT THE CLEAREST. So Your best bet is to fish pocket water, eddies, swirls, mouths of creeks/spring(If you can find em), and at the heads/tails of runs/riffles. Woolly Buggers seem to be doing the trick. HAVE HAD ALOT OF AGGRESSIVE CHASERS, CHASING STREAMERS RIGHT TO BOAT! Fish them shallow until about 10:00am then keep adding split shot as the day progresses. Dont be afraid to try other patterns.  Most shoals are slightly unexposed, however they will not interfere with safe travel down the river. The water is shallow right now, with shoals not being more than a couple feet under water. 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.
DONT ONLY PRACTICE CATCH AND RELEASE, BE GOOD AT IT!

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:
Fish Eddies, pools, and at the heads/tails of runs/riffles.
TRY TO GET IN ON THE "Chutes" on the shoals...i.e. deeper water usually at the outside bend. Fishing these "Chutes" has been an almost 100% success, at every one.


Spinning Tackle:
Shad Raps
Yo Zuri Minnows
Assorted Spoons
Super Dupers
Rapala Husky Jerks and/or Rapalas floating/suspended( TRY A CRAYFISH COLOR;p)
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)

AFTER 9/10:00ish,
Tie on the 1x 7' Leaders, and start Chuckin meat.
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.)

Cumberland River Flies: Midge Edition

Cumberland River Flies
On Midges

From The coldest days of winter, to the low generations of summer, you should never leave home without a selection of midges to cover all 3 stages of the midge or chironomid's life cycle. Actually there are 4 stages, if you count the eggs...but they have no importance to the trouts life cycle.

MIDGE GEAR TIPS:  

We like to fish 9' 4wt rods, with a double taper floating line. Fluorocarbon leaders and tippet are a must during clear, low water conditions. We like a good 9' leader, with a 3-6' tippet section depending on water clarity.

Check out Redingtons Classic Trout Rod, and The Drift Series of Reels by Redington. It is our favorite midge/nymph rod. Lots of umph, yet subtle enough for delicate presentations. Easy to get out Over 50 Feet of line.

http://www.redington.com/

 FOR ALL OF YOUR LINE, LEADER, and TIPPET NEEDS CHECK OUT RIOS FULL LINE. SERIOUS GUYS. MORE IGFA WORLD RECORDS CAUGHT ON RIO PRODUCTS THAN ANY OTHER BRAND OUT THERE. DONT WORRY ABOUT FAULTY TIPPETS OR LEADERS. USE THE BEST.

http://www.rioproducts.com/

The Life Cycle Of a Midge, Egg, Larva, Pupa, Adult

Chironomidae Larvae

 The Larvae of the Midge, or bloodworm is a wormlike form that is actually not a true worm all, due to it's exoskeleton and small clawed legs. The chironomid larva will spend its time living at the bottom of the river in the mud or sediment feeding on decaying matter. Bloodworms often get overlooked by many anglers but quite the opposite when it comes to feeding trout. Trout will often key in on the abundance of larva available and due to its familiarity, will readily feed upon larva even when other aquatic life is plentiful. Because you can find Bloodworms on or near the bottom of the lake, anglers will do well to keep their bloodworm patterns one or two feet off any bottom structure they may be fishing. The size of fly you choose to represent a midge larva should be up to three sizes larger then the adult midges seen hatching on the surface as the midge's body length decrease in size from larva, to pupa, then to adult. To imatate the Larva stage of this important food source try the following flies. Please remember, that to properly imitate this stage of the inscects life, you must fish DEEP. I like to fish a dropper rig, when imitating the bloodworm. I will fish a larger searching pattern such as a Prince Nymph in size 14 as the dropper, with a midge larvae pattern(Or two) as the point fly.

Remember, depth, and light tippets is key. In clear water, I will fish down to a 7x. Don't be afraid to add plenty of split shot, and be patient when fishing tandem rig flies. Knots are 

inevitable.

Sparse Is The Key. The most effective flies Ive used, have been nothing more than thread, wrapped on a hook shank!

Brassie In Sizes 14-20 Red, Copper, Green

Zebra midge Sizes 16-22 Red, Black

Or something Simple. Red thread on 16-20 

Or Try a Deep Brassie in #14-20

Midge Pupae

Emerging Midge Pupae

Detailed Image of Midge Pupae

When midge larvae reach maturity they seclude themselves in the bottom debris and begin pupation.  Pupas develop in as little as a week.  The pupal midges then rise to the surface and hatch in the surface film.  The rise to the surface can take quite a while.  In calm water this assent to the surface is a fairly straight line with the pupa hanging vertically, sometimes suspended for hours.  In moving water the pupa is swept along, often for a long distance before it finally reaches  the surface to hatch.  Hatching can occur any time of day or night, but is most prevalent during low light hours.  Midges are so prolific and divers that there are almost always midge pupa available to trout in any body of water at any time.  This makes the midge pupa one of the most important fly types. To effectively imitate the pupa choose the following flies:

Try A Zebra Midge in Olive, Black, Tan, Or Red #16-22

Wd-40 an old favorite #16-22

Zebra Flash Midge #16-20

Disco Midge #16-20

CDC Midge Pupa #16-20

And when you see fish feeding on Emerging Pupa, I like to use a RS2 in Olive, or Black #16-22

Surface Emergers

Surface emergers are designed to imitate the adult midge just as it pulls free of the pupal shuck. Although it might sound obvious, the most important part of a surface emerger's design is the correct amount of flotation to hold it in the surface film. As with the “vertical pupa” patterns described above, various materials can be used (foam, CDC feathers, hackle, etc.). It is important for anglers and fly tiers to note that very small variations in tying technique can affect how the fly floats and how it appears to the fish. 

In laymans terms:

When you see rising fish, and no inscects, there is a good chance fish are keying in on emerging pupa/surface emergers.

Keep an assortment of the following flies:

Foam Emerger #18-20

Crystal Midge(with CDC puff) #18-20

Adult Patterns

Although adult midges are much less important (to both fish and anglers) than surface emergers, they can be effective at times. Patterns to imitate an individual adult midge are similar in appearance to a surface emerger, except that the trailing shuck is left off, and it should be tied to ride higher on the surface film. When the fish key in on clusters of mating midges, an oversized Griffith’s Gnat (as large as a #14 or 16) is an excellent pattern to imitate these groups of bugs.

Griffiths Gnat in Size 16-20

Try a Adams or Adams Parachute in #18-24

Wrapping Things Up!

I have shared with you a good working knowledge of some of the life cycle and general imitations for the Midge.

There are a million other patterns out there that are effective for pursuing midge feeding trout. That is your job, to get out on the water, and see what does and doesnt work.

In my opinion though, this is about all you REALLY need, and anything else, well...is honestly not necessary.

To finish things up, Im going to thank you for taking the time to check out my blog, and wish you the very best out there on the water.

If youd like to book a trip with us, or perhaps you are interested in finding out more about our water,

feel free to contact me.

Capt.joshuaroberts@trout-bumz.com

270.585.0888

or Check our website out at

www.trout-bumz.com 

We do Always have auctions on ebay, with our Handtied flies.

Feel free to check us out.

Cumberland River Flies: General Small Nymph Edition

Cumberland River Flies

Chances are if youve ever found yourself knee deep in the cold water of the Cumberland river, you've been faced with the time aged question of, "Which fly to choose." or possibly, "Where the hell are the bugs?" Now, What I would like to do, Is take the time to share with you, my most effective fly patterns, and go into detail of when and where to use them.
The Cumberland river, could easily be considered one of the Eastern United States, Top Trophy Trout Tail waters. Perhaps the only problem with the fishery, is the ongoing construction with Wolf Creek Dam. Due to the construction, their are extremely Irregular flows from Wolf Creek Dam. This does technically affect the lifespan of the trout, however it can make for difficult fishing. Sudden surprise rain showers that the area is known for, can quickly ruin a trip...well, for a little while anyways. The core of engineers and TVA are currently trying to maintain the Lake Level at 681.00 feet at Wolf Creek Dam. In layman terms, any additional rainfall, has to be released from the Wolf Creek Dam to maintain the Lake Level. NOW HOLD ON A SECOND. No worries. There are several access points on the Cumberland River, and it is very much possible to set up your float ahead of Release schedules. The only problem is, the TVA can be very Unpredictable, and nothing is set in stone.

Back on Subject. Here we go with the Flies.

That I am aware of, there are not any major Hatches on the Cumberland River...

OTHER THAN THE ANNUAL Mothers Day Caddis Hatch, and of course, VERY THICK MIDGES, is an almost guarantee.

We do have a healthy population of Giant Stoneflies, and Believe it or not, Salmonflies.

And Mayflies? Sure. Plenty of them.

It is just the hatches are so random, so sparse and sporadic, that its near impossible to key in on them.

When they happen, they happen. And the only way to be prepared for them is by having the right flies. So here we go:

Small Nymphs

Prince Nymph #14-18

 As a start to a good foundation, Filling a fly box for the Cumberland river, is actually quite simple. You should have a selection of Prince Nymphs, in any variation you could think of. Me? I dont like change, so I fish 3 versions. I fish a standard, a beadhead, and a beahhead flashback. Try to keep it in the 14-18 range. It works as general searching pattern, and can be fished either with a High Stick, or underneath a bobber...erm...I mean...strike indicator. The prince nymph also works well fished as the dropper fly in a tandem or two fly rig. To switch things up in your dropper rigs, try using it as the point fly, versus using a smaller fly as the point.

Pheasant Tail #14-18

 And, of course you cant forget pheasant tail nymphs. But honestly, where in the world, will they not work. Think small 14-18, and even down in the 20's. I like to tie them on a curved shank hook, versus a regular straight shank.

 

Copper Johns #14-20

Copper, Black, Green, Red 

 To copy smaller stonefly nymphs, mayflies, or possibly chironomid, try one of these classic producers. We fish em deep. Dont be afraid to add split shot.

GRHE #14-18

Black, Olive, Natural 

 An old friend of ours. Fish em in the top water column (12-36") of water, or put em right on the bottom. Fish will eat them
. Try stand or bead head, with or without Split shot.

To wrap things up, Ill end by saying, that this is a good start, on how you should pursue filling your fly boxes. Of course their is a whole slew of other popular and effective small nymph patterns we use. But:
A. This is a general touchdown of what to include.
and
B. As a guide, I cant share all of my secrets ;)


Have a great time out there, be safe, and obey all Fishing regulations, and safe boating laws!


If you have any further questions, feel free to contact me @:


capt.joshuaroberts@trout-bumz.com
270.585.0888
or visiting our home webpage at
www.trout-bumz.com

Travel-Places To Be: Casters Fly Shop- Hickory, NC

Visit Casters On The Web By Clicking Here

Casters Fly Shop-Hickory, NC

One Blog post simply could not define the extent of service provided by Casters Fly Shop. Casters is Nestled away in the Foothills of The Appalachia mountains in Hickory, North Carolina on the banks of many trophy trout-waters. They have to offer everything that a fly shop should. Point blank, they know their stuff. From general fly fishing merchandise, to guided fly fishing excursions, It makes one wonder, How could one shop, be so perfect? The answer lies in the owner.

Dave Hise, Is perhaps one of the most wild eyed, passionate Trout-Bumz, I have ever come to acquire acquaintanceship with. When I say Passionate, one could not begin to go into detail, exactly how. The man is up in the morning before the sun, checking out the weather, updating fishing reports, order statuses on his website, tying flies or simply on Face book communicating with his loyal clientele.

But thats just a start! Dave begins each morning, over a cold cup of black coffee, and a bowl of Caddis Larvae, Just like your respective fly shop owner should!

His day may entail anything from hanging out with product reps discussing new product lines, filing warranty claims, to carrying out orders and/or managing inventory on his FULL RUNNING INTERNET FLY SHOP THAT YOU CAN VIEW BY GOING HERE: http://www.castersflyshop.com/

Honestly, how he does it all I DO NOT KNOW!

So Dave Hise, Ill say this, You've got Cojones! Actually, a lot more than that. Youve got what alot of the industry is lacking. Passion for fishing.

 GUIDE SERVICE TOO?!?

Thats right...Not only does Dave Hise successfully operate one of the Friendliest, Cleanest, and well invetoried shops, in all of Appalacia(Or honestly America), but he provides a full Trophy Guide service. In the simplest form, They Catch HAWGS. PIGS. MONSTERS. GOLLIATHS. BIG BADS! Whatever you want to call em. Dave knows where there at, and how to catch them. And honestly, Dave is the Kind of Guy that will work with you. You need advice? Stop by his shop. Give him a shout out on facebook or by simply Calling, 828.304.2400.  Just be sure when you call, get a laugh by Asking about, "Live Bait. Maybe worms, or minnows" The truth is, If you want to be put on pig fish, Get up with Dave. I a guide myself, will openly admit, that Id love to get in on some of their action. He is willing to work with all skill levels, from begginner to expert, any age, sex. etc. Call Them Up. You won't regret it

Putting The Icing on The Cake

So right when I thought I could put this post to an end, one very interesting detail came to mind. Flyshop-Check. Terrific Guide Service-Check. Oh wait...Does names like Eggi Juan, or The Hetero Genius Nymph Come to mind? On top of every other great service Dave has to offer, he is a Premiere fly Designer for The Orvis Company. His thread and bobbin work, has seen most every important fly box of the United States, and many other countries as well.

LIKE I SAID. IF YOUR EVER IN THE TAR HEEL STATE, OR LOOKING TO PLAN A VACACTION. LOOK NO FURTHER. PLAN AROUND CASTERS FLY SHOP! AFERALL...THEY HAVE SOMETHING, FOR EVERYONE!

ALL PHOTOS BELONG RESPECTIVELY TO DAVE HISE, and CASTERS FLY SHOP!

DONT FORGET TO CHECK EM OUT ON THE WEB!

http://www.castersflyshop.com/

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.)