June 10 – June 13 (Wed – Sat)
Coordinator: Joe Gahlinger (joe@derbycityflyfishers.com, 502-472-3975)
Sign Up cutoff is midnight June 1st so we can cancel un-needed camp sites and rooms if necessary.
Description: 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 20+ 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 river is shallow during non-release periods, but can be navigated carefully by shallow draft motor boats. Google Map Link
Accessibility: Wading is limited and mostly only accessible via watercraft. So this will be a float trip (shallow draft motor boats, kayaks, canoes, etc.) There are three concrete boat ramps along the river with ample parking available. 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: Individual responsibility, however, we’ll probably organize some group dinners depending on interest.
Lodging: We have reserved four campsites and four motel rooms.
Campsites: Sites are at the Dale Hollow Damsite Campgrounds immediately adjacent to the boat ramp just below the dam. We have reserved four “Standard” campsites (Sites 12, 13, 15 & 16) for the nights of 10, 11 & 12 June. Each site has a 22′ X 71′ graveled parking area, water, 50 amp electric service, picnic table and grill. Price includes campground admission for two vehicles. Extra vehicles will be charge $3 at entrance. Cost is $50/person for all three nights based on two people/site and will be charged at Sign Up. The campground allows up to six people per site so if you want to share with more than two people you can workout cost sharing between you. You can get Campground information at https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232564
Motel: We have reserved four rooms at the Valley View Motel in Celina, TN for the nights of 10, 11 & 12 June. Rooms are basic but clean (according to some DCFF members who have stayed there.) They do not have a website, but you can google them for Trip Advisor, Yelp, etc., reviews and some pictures. According to the owner there will be electrical outlets available for charging trolling motor batteries. Cost: $55/night/room (including taxes) payable upon arrival. No deposit required at signup but you need to signup so we can assign rooms and cancel un-needed rooms.
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
Equipment: 3 to 8 weight fly rods. Smaller rods are appropriate for nymph fishing while heavier weight rods are a better choice for streamer or “hopper/dropper” fishing. Flies include #8 to #18 nymphs, including pheasant tails, hare’s ears, prince, copper john’s, midges, and most other trout nymphs. Cracklebacks (both beaded and un-weighted) are always good, especially if swung behind a Chicago Fly. 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 below to sign up.
