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.)

Product Review: For Sunday, August, 01, 2010

 Irideus.com

-Gear Review-

 

IRIDEUS.com

Perhaps the greatest lesson I have learned with my youthful age, is this:

Only a few things in life, really count.

And Perhaps, Only a few things in life are really worthwhile.

Many men have gone to the grave unhappy, with their "purses" overbearing, fame, wealth, fortune. Nice things, great accomplishments, and success. 

But what is this success we speak of?

And does it count?

Does it really last?

As I previously stated, Only a few things really last.

And perhaps one of the greatest,

Is friendship.

Id like to consider this, not a product review, but more of a profile of a man who has found great wealth in his life, outside of material possessions. He has found success in higher things, than the norm in which success is measured.

This man is none other than:

Timothy Horner

Of Irideus Products

Hometown of Morro Bay, California, he has strong roots in The Last great wilderness of Alaska.

He describes himself as(quote),"A honest, humble, Loving Family Man, whose on track."

Id like to add, "Passionate, hardworking, driven, ambitious, considerate and very innovative"

I honestly Could not begin to even describe with words,

on a blog,

the quality of service Tim of Irideus products offers.

It is simply the best.

Tim is the founder, and owner of Irideus Steelhead products.

A company with more in mind.

A higher vision.

And A greater plan.

With every hand assembled box, his vision is clear.

Earth. 

Our rivers.

And the fish that inhabit them.

I exclusively use, and HIGHLY RECCOMEND Irideus Products.

Not only does he offer high quality products, but he offers value, 

and the best of service.

I have never had a complaint about ANY of his products,

and my clients are always commenting,

on how COOL they are. 

And when they here the value, and what Irideus stands for,

they nearly mess their waders!

Fisher chicks dig my boxes.

What can I say.

They are sleek.

They are Sexy.

And will hold anything from 28 Zebra midges,

to #2/0 Clouser Minnows.

Hes got something for everything.

Not just you chrome chasers,

salmon bruisers,

and spey casters.

Theres always auctions running on ebay,

with super deals.

Id say if you dont have at least one,

your missing out.

And if you only have one, you either dont have enough flies(IN WHICH TIM OF IRIDEUS WILL HOOK YOU UP WITH TOO!),

or your standards are set way too low.

Check em out.

This message has been approved by The Original Trout-Bumz of the Cumberland.

Irideus On Ebay

GET YOUR IRIDEUS PRODUCTS HERE WWW.IRIDEUS.COM