June 9 – June 13 (Wed – Sat)
Note: COVID restrictions may impact one of both phases of this trip as well as weather and dam release schedules. If we have to cancel for any reason all deposits will be refunded in full. Stay flexible!
Coordinator: Joe Gahlinger (joe@derbycityflyfishers.com, 502-472-3975)
Sign Up cutoff is midnight June 1st so we can cancel unneeded rooms if necessary.
The Plan: We will fish the Obey River Tailwater and the Cumberland Tailwater over this 5-day period. We’ll start at the Obey on Wednesday and fish through Friday then head up to Helm’s Landing and Riverside Retreat (Paula’s) Friday afternoon and fish the Cumberland Saturday and Sunday. We’ll have room reservations Wednesday and Thursday nights in Celina, TN at the Valley View Motel for the Obey part and stay at Paula’s Friday and Saturday nights for the Cumberland part.
Description of the Waters: Most Club members are familiar with the Cumberland Tailwaters so I won’t waste any space here on that body of water. You can get information on the Cumberland from the DCFF website at Cumberland River. The Obey River Tailwater is a 7 mile stretch of the Obey river that runs between the Dale Hollow Lake Dam and the Cumberland River. The river is stocked with rainbow and brown trout year-round. Club members have caught both species in good numbers and sizes ( it is not uncommon to hook up on 18+ inch fish.) The river is subject to rapidly changing conditions based on the dam release schedule. It is a narrow river with high banks, thus when dam release begins the river rises rapidly by as much as 12 to 15 feet. The upper half of the river is shallow during non-release periods, but can be navigated carefully by shallow draft motor boats. The lower half is deeper and easily navigated at low water. Google Map Link
Accessibility: Wading is limited for both rivers and very dependent on dam release. However, Hatchery Creek is always an option at the Cumberland. So, this will primarily be a float trip (shallow draft motor boats, kayaks, canoes, etc.) Both rivers have multiple boat ramps which provide options depending on water levels and personal preferences on where to fish. For those with kayaks, canoes, etc., we’ll organize shuttles for launch and take out. If you do not have a watercraft but would like to come on this trip, contact Joe Gahlinger for help in getting a seat – but no guarantees. DO NOT SIGN UP until you have made boating arrangements.
Level: This is rated a Level 2 Trip (see Trip Suitability for details.) Boat operators should have experience navigating shallow water rivers and dealing with rising water from dam releases. Kayakers, canoists, etc., should have experience fishing from a kayak in moving water. PFD’s are required for all.
Meals:
Obey: The Valley View Motel has no microwaves or refrigerators and cooking in the rooms is not allowed. Thus all meals are on your own. There is a Valero convenience store nearby that serves decent breakfast sandwiches and coffee. On past trips, we generally hit them on the way to the river. Plan to pack a lunch to eat on the water. There are several acceptable restaurants near the motel – a couple within walking distance. We can do group dinners depending on participants desires.
Cumberland: Paula’s rooms have a cook top stove, microwave, coffee maker and small refrigerator in addition to outdoor grills. Her rooms also have basic cookware, plates, utensils, coffee cups and drinking glasses. You’re on your own for breakfast and lunch. We’ll prepare a group meal on Friday and Saturday evenings. The cost of those meals are included in the deposit for the rooms. If you are staying elsewhere and want to eat with us, we ask for a $5 donation per meal.
Groceries stores are available for both locations – a one block walk from the Valley View and a 25 minute drive from Paula’s. Drinks and snacks are your responsibility – most participants bring enough to share.
Lodging:
Obey: We have reserved four rooms at the Valley View Motel in Celina for Wednesday and Thursday nights. These are small, basic rooms so temper your expectations. They are clean and serviceable and at $55/night (cash), $57.08/night (credit card) per room are a reasonable value . We plan on shared rooms so the cost is half that per night per person. No deposit is required, you pay at check in. Boat trailer parking is tight but manageable and we are able to run extension cords to charge trolling motor batteries. As noted under meals, no cooking is allowed in the rooms and there’s no refrigeration. Campsites are available at the Dale Hollow Damsite Campgrounds immediately adjacent to the boat ramp just below the dam. You can get Campground information and make reservations at https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232564
Cumberland: We have reserved four double rooms at Riverside Retreat at Helm’s Landing (Paula’s.) We plan on double occupancy. A $40/night deposit is required to cover room cost, dinner Friday and Saturday evening and firewood.
Fishing License and permits: You will need a Tennessee All Species fishing license. A 3-day non-resident costs $40.50 and an annual costs $99.00. You can get more information and buy licenses at https://www.tn.gov/twra/license-sales/fishing-licenses.html. You’ll need a Kentucky fishing license with trout stamp for the Cumberland. You can buy KY licenses at https://app.fw.ky.gov/solar/
Equipment: 3 to 8 weight fly rods. Flies include #8 to #18 nymphs, including pheasant tails, hare’s ears, prince, copper john’s, midges, and most other trout nymphs. Black, white and olive wooly buggers are good streamers. If all else fails, bring the Club standby, catalpa worm patterns (AKA mop flies) or some Trout Magnets. DCFF members have had good results with both.
Tennessee Fishing Guide: You can get more information on Tennessee fishing regulations, locations, trout fishing requirements, etc., at https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/twra/documents/fishguide.pdf
Sign Up: You must be a current DCFF member to sign up for this trip. Click here to sign up.