Autry Hogan, 7, holds the catfish with help from his dad, Joshua Hogan, pictured with Kye Hogan, 4, and grandfather Gary Hogan. This island shoal is Long Bar, although some refer to the area as Snow Island. 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. What is the biggest fish in the Cumberland River? The laid-back bar and grille has ample and outdoor seating, drawing large crowds on weeknights and weekends to soak up the gorgeous view and delicious food. How long can a Catfish stay out of water? You don't need to spend a ton for good channel catfishing equipment. Crosby said the lake has a very good channel catfish population with a lot of large fish and even some trophy potential. Only show this user. Slow pop pop pull sit rhythm, 4-6ft deep around 9 o clock pm. 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 three-way (or Wolf River rig) is an ideal rig for slipdrifting on big rivers like the Mississippi, Colorado or Missouri and for drifting wind-blown flats in large reservoirs like Santee Cooper. Need some Deep Sea fishing spot suggestions? Autry, along with his father, grandfather and little brother, went fishing near the steam plant in Cumberland City, where he reeled in a catfish totaling 83 pounds and 47 inches in length. Safety is a major concern for some anglers and with good reason. Also, the lake is a canyon reservoir with very steep sides and, according to Crosby, this is intimidating to some fishermen. In fact, one of the most prolific fish in Tennessee is the catfish, an odd looking yet delicious tasting fish that can reach epic sizes. Crosby said flathead catfish are also present in the fishery as well. This is Tennessee, so of course we have to talk about the Mississippi River. But fishs stomachs are , Use large-sized baits such as dead bluegill, live chubs, water dogs, crayfish and frogs when seeking larger catfish. more info. From Helms Landing, it is a 5.8-mile float to the next take-out at the Rockhouse Natural Bridge, located off KY 379. 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 These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Anglers must use baits accordingly if they are to get much attention from the big flatheads. Two of the world championships for catfishing have been held here in Clarksville on the Cumberland River, including the one held here last year.". The state is filled with excellent places to chase trout and other species, both near big cities and in more remote areas. Sewage is one of the biggest pollution threats to the Cumberland River. 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. Anglers need to fish differently to target blue cats. Catfish haven't changed a whit since Grandpa Robbe used to dog them relentlessly in flowing waters around Bagley back in the 1930s. I don't know what to tell you about the gallatin area, I have fished it a couple of times but haven't had a ton of luck but I have also heard of a few decent blues around there. For information, log onto www.buchananresort.com. Stonecoal was also home to the state record rainbow trout (31.7 inches) until 2014. Depending on how anglers approach this river, they can load up on channel cats or specifically target big flatheads or blues. Corn, salmon eggs and redworms are other tried-and-true baits. There are many species of catfish and even more ways to catch them. FISHING LICENSES allow the holder to take sport and rough fish statewide by rod and reel, pole or line, or other specified legal methods. Flathead catfish don't show up consistently in the harvest at Woods, but that may be a result of anglers not targeting them. How deep is the Cumberland River in Kentucky? Lee's Ford Resort Marina Rentals: Pontoon boats 606 636-6426. 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 3. The smaller lakes owned by the KDFWR have a 12-inch minimum harvest size restriction for channel catfish. 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. Powerful current created by more than one generator in operation makes the river unsuitable for paddlers. Soon after, those fish were back in the river and we were back to fishing. Here you can find absolutely massive blue catfish, with the record being a whopping 116 pounds, which was actually caught right across from Memphis Tennessee. According to Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, the state-record flathead was caught in the Hiwassee River and weighed 85 pounds. Now, the catfish here are usually not that big, topping out at about 6 pounds, but larger ones have been known to frequent this area. There are very well-defined areas known for having lots of catfish and they never really change. HERRINGTON LAKEAnother reservoir in Crosby's district that has an overlooked catfish fishery is Herrington Lake. West Fork Drakes is owned by the city of Franklin. Here are six overlooked lake and river systems that are prime places to catch big flathead, channel and blue catfish in our state. Using a stout rod with live bream is a good idea too, as although it is rare, coming across a huge jumbo flathead catfish is not unheard of here. Any good fish come out of the Cumberland near Nashville? 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. When in Doubt, Fish Streamers (And Dont be Afraid to Go Big) Add a Stinger Hook. Mar 22, 2019. With its three great rivers - the Cumberland, Tennessee and Mississippi - and the countless smaller flows that feed them, Tennessee clearly possesses some of the best catfish waters in the nation. Learning the Mississippi River water and catfish habits can produce this kind of trophy cat throughout the year. The catch is dominated by channels, which absolutely abound in open areas of the lake, but folks who go out at night and fish big, live bream in the deepest parts of the lake also catch some big flatheads from Reelfoot. It would probably be difficult for anyone to imagine any water as large as the Mississippi River as being overlooked. If you got a boat just look for structure and fish above it. This is the Rockhouse Hole. However, if an angler can find some woody structure, there's a good possibility there are catfish hanging around it. 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. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Class I rapids downstream of this area provide lively paddling. Creel surveys consistently show high catch rates compared to other tributary reservoirs, but targeted catfishing pressure is modest because of a contaminant warning that advises not eating any catfish from Woods. The KDFWR has given both the channel and flathead populations excellent ratings and Wyffels said the creel numbers from last year was very good. Do NOT follow this link or you will be banned from the site! Churchill pointed toward the upper end of Woods, which is shallower and more fertile than the lake's lower end, as the best areas. Size: One of the largest catfish species found in North America and can weigh near 60 pounds. Good luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. The Cumberland River has gained national fame for the jumbo catfish that it yields, but this river also produces big numbers of fish. If you are going for the blue catfish, drifting slowly with cut skipjack is the way to go. Glenn Stubblefield guides for catfish on the lower end of the lake out of Buchanan Resort. MISSISSIPPI RIVER Working west to east, it would be tough to begin anywhere other than the Mississippi River for Tennessee's top catfishing destinations. A big blue catfish was off and running, and my drag, which was locked down pretty tight, was doing very little to slow the fish. | But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Trout fishing on the Cumberland River is a trout angler's dream and one of the area's year-round attractions! Anglers must obey all safety recommendations on the river and particularly when fishing near locks and dams. Assistant fisheries biologist David Wyffels said Barren River Lake is underutilized for channel catfish. Downstream of the dam (north), Kentucky Lake winds many miles essentially as a river before it begins opening much. Once there, they fish cut bait vertically on three-way rigs for channels and blues, usually keying on "slots" between turbines that are on. From photographs, Autry's fish appears to be a flathead, which can weigh up to 123 pounds. However, there are some really large flatheads at Lake Cumberland. At lower water flows and when the dam is not generating electricity through its turbines, however, the Cumberland is ideal for small boats. Crosby said the lake is stocked annually with both blue and channel catfish, and there are some very large fish present. All trout in Kentucky have a streamlined body with small scales, a large mouth, and an adipose fin. Where is the best catfishing in Tennessee? The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources recently purchased the island on the downstream left, just above the Rockhouse Hole. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. The Cumberland River below Lake Cumberland is one of the premier trout fishing destinations in the southeastern United States. 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. They are often found in open water at Taylorsville and are not just sitting on the bottom as many anglers imagine. 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.. Other fish include invasive carp, trout species, minnows, etc. Cumberland River, Lock C turned out the state record blue catfish. 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. There are a good number of channel cats as well.". Trout fishing is great both above and below Wolf Creek Dam in Jamestown, Kentucky. That fish weighed a whopping 124 pounds! Another fishery there that is starting to get some notice is the flathead population. 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. Trevor, Where on the Cumberland are you located. Adults range in size from less than a pound to hundreds of pounds. Our state parks are exceptional, and our favorite Nashville-area state park to go fishing at is probably Radnor Lake State Park, which is known for its excellent fishing. A little further along on this float is Winfreys Rocks at downstream left. The fish currently present in the lake are self-sustaining." The first 16 miles of water from Lake Cumberlands Wolf Creek Dam to Winfreys Ferry is a great place for canoeists, kayakers and owners of small johnboats to float and fish. Johnny Cumberland shows a monster blue cat he caught on a trip with Capt. 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