General Information about the Cumberland River

Destination: Burkesville, KY; Cumberland River

The Cumberland River is located in southern Kentucky. There are some very nice rainbows, large browns, and even larger stripers (but the stripers are not easy to catch).  July has a terrific Sulphur hatch!

Plan on the drive to be 5+ hours from Atlanta, which can eat up 1/2 day each way; unfortunately, that's time you will not be catching fish.

Normally, we stay in Burkesville, Ky. at the Riverfront Lodge (270-864-3300). A public boat ramp is nearby and they have a dock behind the motel if you wish to tie up there. Plan on making your own reservations at the Lodge. The rate runs about $55 - 60 per room for two and $50 - 55 for one. Ask for a river side, lower level room. There is a fancier bed and breakfast a few miles off the river, which Gerald (Jerry) highly recommends, for only about $10 more, but their space is very limited.

For those of you who would rather camp out, here's where to stay... Dale Hollow Lake State Park - primary # 270-433-7450; secondary # 270-433-7431. They are the only ones in the Burkesville area. They do not take reservations - first come/first served.

Traces on Cumberland is a boat rental/storage facility just downstream from Burkesville. A two person boat rents for about $75 per day. You can call them at (270-864-2248) to make your reservation. Be aware that they have a limited number of boats. Traces now has about 6- 8 johnboats as rentals.

Mike Wilson says..."I took my 17 foot Bass Tracker and it worked well. In a few places it was only 2 1/2 feet deep and my propeller was right on the bottom, so if your draft is much more you'll just need to very careful or just use a smaller boat. Having a boat, you can access many more locations and will have opportunities for fish that prefer the deeper water. There are numerous places to wade fish, so a boat is not a must, but I highly recommend it."

Guides: Gerald (he prefers "Jerry") Mcdaniel has spent 19 years on the Cumberland, not all but most of it, guiding. He's the most experienced guide on the Cumberland. If you want to learn about the river and techniques to fish it, contact Jerry.

Our own Chris Scalley guides there during July and August. He specializes in the area south of the dam which is 30+ miles upstream of Burkesville. Jerry often operates out of "The Traces" and goes up or down the river based on recent success. Each of them is an experienced guide and pleasant individuals with whom to spend the day.

I recommend that you check with them for their availability if you are planning to use a guide. They can be reached at the following #'s:

Chris -   770-650-8630
Jerry -    502-473-0080

Flies: Here's a word from Chris Scalley regarding flies for early summer trips... "Fly selection for you fly-tyers at the club. Midge patterns, nymph patterns (especially) such as brassies, streamer patterns to imitate baby trout, sculpin, darters and shad. Mayfly patterns for sulphers and BWO's. Terrestrial patterns such as Japanese beetles, ants, June bugs, hoppers, etc. You should have patterns in all sizes. With the limestone geology there is no telling what size and species, I have seen size #24 to #10 and everything in between. I have heard scud and sow bug imitations do well but I have not personally tried them. Happy fly-tying!"

Bring: Rain gear, extra clothes, fishing gear, camera, toiletries, and beer, wine and/or liquor if desired (it's a dry county). "Bring your own pillow" in case you don't like Riverfront Lodge's pillows.

Need: Kentucky Fishing license. Available locally up there; or, on the web at www.kdfwr.state.ky.us (go to licenses and permits for information).

More Information: www.tracesonthecumberland.com


Transportation: On your own, or car pool               Locate:   Burkesville, KY