Derby City Fly Fishers

Obey River Tailwater Trip
2026-07-15 - 2026-07-17 | Valley View Motel, 815 E Lake Ave, Celina, Tennessee, 38551
Obey River Tailwater Trip
Location: Obey River Tailwater (Celina, TN)
Dates: July 15th – 17th (Wed – Fri) (arriving Wed Jul 15th late afternoon/evening)
Coordinator: Joe Gahlinger (joe@derbycityflyfishers.com, 502-472-3975) I’ll contact
participants several weeks in advance of the trip to finalize details. We can coordinate
put in times/locations, arrange shuttles for kayakers if necessary, make sure first timers
are buddied up with a veteran to help navigate the river (no guarantee they will show
you their honey holes, but you might try a bribe;-) and talk about eating arrangements.
Level 2 Trip: 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, canoeists, etc., should have experience
fishing from a kayak in moving water. PFDs are required for all.
Number of Spots: 16 (based on number of rooms available at The Valley View Motel in Celina, TN)
Deposit: No Deposit. However, please sign up (link at bottom) so we know who is
coming and what the boat arrangements/needs are.
The Plan: We’ll arrive Wednesday afternoon/evening and fish the Obey on Thursday
and Friday. Note: There is a Cumberland Tailwaters trip scheduled for 17 thru 19 July at
Helm’s Landing. If you desire, you can fish the Obey on Thursday and Friday then travel
to the Riverside Retreat at Helm’s Landing Friday afternoon/evening to fish the
Cumberland on Saturday and Sunday. Note: These are separate trips and you must
sign up for each of them separately.
Description of the Waters: 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 (18+ inch fish are available.) 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 carefully navigated by shallow draft motorboats. The lower half is deeper and
easily navigated at low water.
Accessibility: Wading is limited and mostly only accessible via watercraft. So, this will
be a float trip (shallow draft motorboats, kayaks, canoes, etc.) There are three
concrete boat ramps (no docks or piers) along the river with ample parking available.
We typically launch and recover motorboats at the Donaldson Park ramp, which is at the lower end of the river. We motor up 2.5 to 5 miles depending on water conditions and fish our way back down to the ramp. 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.
Meals: All meals are personal responsibility. Depending on your lodging arrangements
there may be informally organized dinners at a local restaurant. See Lodging options
below for in-room cooking amenities.
Lodging: There are a few lodging options:
1. Valley View Motel, Celina, TN – This is a no-frills motel we’ve used in the past. Its
biggest advantage is that it is five minutes from the Donaldson Ramp. Rooms have a
mini-fridge and coffee maker, but cooking is not allowed in rooms. These are small,
basic rooms so temper your expectations. They are clean and serviceable. The price is
$80/night/room (taxes and fees included.) There are two standard beds per room, so
room sharing is economical. Boat trailer parking is tight but manageable. You’ll need a long (50′ at least) extension cord to charge trolling motor batteries, so bring your own. Also, bring a 3-prong to 2-prong electric outlet adapter. I have eight rooms reserved in my name (Joe Gahlinger) for the trip (units 1 thru 8). You will pay when you arrive (cash preferred.) Tell them you are with my group.
2. 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
3. Burkesville, KY – There are a couple options here, but no rooms have been
reserved. You will need to make your own reservations. Burkesville is about 30 minutes
from the Donaldson Park Ramp.
Riverfront Lodge – 305 Keen St, Burkesville, KY 42717 (270) 864-3300
$80/night
Alpine Resort – 700 Hill St, Burkesville, KY 42717 (270) 864-7100 $138 –
$149/night
Fishing License and permits: You will need a Tennessee All Species fishing license. A
3-day non- resident with Trout permit costs $40 (+$3.52 Handling Fees.) An annual non-
resident with Trout permit costs $98.00 (+$3.52 Handling Fees.) You can get more
information and buy licenses here.
Sign Up here.

July 2026 Cumberland River (SOLD OUT)
2026-07-17 - 2026-07-19 | Riverside Retreat at Helm’s Landing, 36.896105, -85.145682
July 17, 2026 – July 19, 2026
Location: Riverside Retreat, Helm’s Landing
Dates: July 17th – 19 th (Fri – Sun) 2026
Coordinator: Joe Gahlinger (joe@derbycityflyfishers.com; 502-472-3975)
Level 3 Trip: This is a trip for experienced anglers and there will be limited
opportunities for training (see Trip Suitability for details). All boaters should have
experience in moving waters. When generation starts on the Cumberland, water levels
can quickly rise 15 feet or more. A PFD is required for all boaters.
Number of Spots: 8
Equipment: 3 to 8 weight fly rods. Smaller rods are appropriate for nymph fishing while
8 weight rods are a better choice for streamer or “hopper/dropper” fishing. Flies include
#8 to #18 nymphs, including stone flies, pheasant tails, hare’s ears, prince, copper
john’s, midges, and most other trout flies like mop and egg patterns. Black, white and
olive wooly buggers are good streamers. Prominently white shad imitations work well
and provide a visual fishing experience when fished from a boat. Hoppers and other
terrestrials will take fish in August and September when fished along walls and high
banks.
Fishing License and permits: You will need a Kentucky fishing license and trout
permit. Click here to purchase. There is a $5 vehicle fee to use the Kendall boat ramp
at the dam. This fee is waived with a National Park Pass.
The Plan: The club has reserved all 4 rooms at the Riverside Retreat at Helm’s
Landing for this outing. Cost is $110 per person for the two night weekend, assuming
double occupancy in each room; registration and full payment is required to secure your
bed. Note that due to escalating costs, we may have a cash surcharge in addition to the
registration fee. Any refunds for cancelations are at the discretion of the DCFF board.
There are 8 spots on the sign up. Anyone wanting to stay over only 1 night will be
accommodated as floor space allows – contact Joe regarding availability of space.
Description of the Waters: We can usually expect some a generation schedule with
little to no flow in the early morning and generation starting sometime between dawn
and early afternoon. This trip should be considered primarily a boating or floating trip
with the possibility of wade fishing on various shoals accessible by boat. There is also
the possibility to wade fish Hatchery Creek. Go to the Stream Information
– Cumberland River page on the DCFF website for more information about the river,
possible floats in the upper section of the river, and alternative launch locations. If we
get a lot of rain and high-water levels on the tailwater, there is always the potential to
fish for bass or panfish on Lake Cumberland itself.
Depending on water conditions and the generation schedule, virtually any small craft
can be used on the river. At 1 or more generators or during high winds, the river will be
“pushy” for inflatable pontoon boats; canoes and kayaks are better, but skill will be
required to safely use them under generation flow conditions. Small motor-powered
craft are the best option if the operator knows how to avoid river obstructions like rocks
and logs. It will be your responsibility to secure a craft and/or find a buddy with a craft.
You can follow other experienced members on the river, but you need to know how to
navigate and operate your boat. Also, recognize the need to practice safe boating
techniques on the Cumberland; wear a life jacket when you are underway and if you get
dumped into the river get to shore ASAP – hypothermia will take over quickly with the
water temperatures in the 50s year round!
Lodging: There are 8 beds available in the rooms. Linens and towels are provided.
Each room has a cooktop stove (no oven), microwave, small refrigerator, coffee maker
(bring your own coffee and condiments). Dishes, flat ware and cooking utensils are
available, but if you need something specific for meal preparation, plan to bring it.
There are charcoal grills on the deck. You are expected to do your dishes and keep the
rooms clean. Please do not leave trash or garbage on the deck – raccoons are a
problem.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch are on your own. We traditionally share supper; volunteer
cooks are always appreciated, and your food costs are reimbursable, so save those
receipts. Bring a chair to enjoy the fire in the evening. Your payment includes the
cost of supper and firewood.
Sign Up: If you have any questions, contact Joe Gahlinger (joegahl@twc.com; 502-
472-3975). You must be a current DCFF member to sign up for this trip.
Click here to sign up.

August 2026 Cumberland River
2026-08-14 08:00 - 2026-08-16 17:00 (America/Kentucky/Louisville) | Riverside Retreat at Helm’s Landing, 36.896105, -85.145682
August 14 – August 16, 2026
Location: Riverside Retreat, Helm’s Landing
Dates: August 14 th -16th (Fri – Sun) 2026
Coordinator: Brian Kaluzny (bkaluzny@twc.com, 502-724-3487)
Level 3 Trip: This is a trip for experienced anglers and there will be limited
opportunities for training (see Trip Suitability for details). All boaters should have
experience in moving waters. When generation starts on the Cumberland, water levels
can quickly rise 15 feet or more. A PFD is required for all boaters.
Number of Spots: 8
Equipment: 3 to 8 weight fly rods. Smaller rods are appropriate for nymph fishing while
8 weight rods are a better choice for streamer or “hopper/dropper” fishing. Flies include
#8 to #18 nymphs, including stone flies, pheasant tails, hare’s ears, prince, copper
john’s, midges, and most other trout flies like mop and egg patterns. Black, white and
olive wooly buggers are good streamers. Prominently white shad imitations work well
and provide a visual fishing experience when fished from a boat. Hoppers and other
terrestrials will take fish in August and September when fished along walls and high
banks.
Fishing License and permits: You will need a Kentucky fishing license and trout
permit. Click here to purchase. There is a $5 vehicle fee to use the Kendall boat ramp
at the dam. This fee is waived with a National Park Pass.
The Plan: The club has reserved all 4 rooms at the Riverside Retreat at Helm’s
Landing for this outing. Cost is $110 per person for the two night weekend, assuming
double occupancy in each room; registration and full payment is required to secure your
bed. Note that due to escalating costs, we may have a cash surcharge in addition to the
registration fee. Any refunds for cancelations are at the discretion of the DCFF board.
There are 8 spots on the sign up. Anyone wanting to stay over only 1 night will be
accommodated as floor space allows – contact Joe regarding availability of space.
Description of the Waters: We can usually expect some a generation schedule with
little to no flow in the early morning and generation starting sometime between dawn
and early afternoon. This trip should be considered primarily a boating or floating trip
with the possibility of wade fishing on various shoals accessible by boat. There is also
the possibility to wade fish Hatchery Creek. Go to the Stream Information
– Cumberland River page on the DCFF website for more information about the river,
possible floats in the upper section of the river, and alternative launch locations. If we
get a lot of rain and high-water levels on the tailwater, there is always the potential to
fish for bass or panfish on Lake Cumberland itself.
Depending on water conditions and the generation schedule, virtually any small craft
can be used on the river. At 1 or more generators or during high winds, the river will be
“pushy” for inflatable pontoon boats; canoes and kayaks are better, but skill will be
required to safely use them under generation flow conditions. Small motor-powered
craft are the best option if the operator knows how to avoid river obstructions like rocks
and logs. It will be your responsibility to secure a craft and/or find a buddy with a craft.
You can follow other experienced members on the river, but you need to know how to
navigate and operate your boat. Also, recognize the need to practice safe boating
techniques on the Cumberland; wear a life jacket when you are underway and if you get
dumped into the river get to shore ASAP – hypothermia will take over quickly with the
water temperatures in the 50s year round!
Lodging: There are 8 beds available in the rooms. Linens and towels are provided.
Each room has a cooktop stove (no oven), microwave, small refrigerator, coffee maker
(bring your own coffee and condiments). Dishes, flat ware and cooking utensils are
available, but if you need something specific for meal preparation, plan to bring it.
There are charcoal grills on the deck. You are expected to do your dishes and keep the
rooms clean. Please do not leave trash or garbage on the deck – raccoons are a
problem.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch are on your own. We traditionally share supper; volunteer
cooks are always appreciated, and your food costs are reimbursable, so save those
receipts. Bring a chair to enjoy the fire in the evening. Your payment includes the
cost of supper and firewood.
Sign Up: If you have any questions, contact Brian Kaluzny (bkaluzny@twc.com, 502-
724-3487). You must be a current DCFF member to sign up for this trip.
Click here to sign up.

Missoula Trip 2026
2026-09-20 - 2026-09-26 | Holiday Inn Missoula, M, 200 South Pattee, Missoula, MT, 59802, United States
Location: Missoula, Montana
Dates: September 20-25, 2026

Monday – Arrive in Missoula, MT (Need to arrive NLT Monday evening.)
Tuesday through Friday – Full days of fly fishing & instruction
Saturday – Say goodbye to Montana and your new friends before heading home.

WKU Trip Leader: Raymond Poff, raymond.poff@wku.edu, 270-438-0658
Level 1 Trip: No prior fly-fishing experience is required. This program is designed to meet the needs of the complete beginner
and ‘experts’ alike; whatever an expert is. All fishing will be from drift boats or rafts. Being able to cast a flyrod is certainly
helpful, but not a requirement as on-the-river instruction is readily available. WKU has successfully offered this program since
2012 to participants with a wide range of abilities (no prior experience through fly-fishing guide).
Slots: 11 (once slots filled interested participants can sign up on waiting list)
Program description introduction: Join WKU and experience fly fishing on world-renowned waters containing 5 species of
trout: rainbow, brown, cutthroat, hybrid cut bow, and brook. Guides typically take participants on one or more of the following
rivers: Blackfoot, Clark Fork, Bitterroot.
Cost: $2,850 per person
Includes:

4 days of fly fishing and instruction (float trips with one guide and 2 anglers per boat)
Use of fly-fishing equipment (rod, reel, etc.)
Montana fishing license + associated fees (conservation and aquatic invasion species)
Terminal tackle (leader, tippet, flies)
Guide gratuity (participants can tip additionally if desired)
5 nights lodging at the Holiday Inn Downtown Missoula (double occupancy for Derby City participants)
Lunch on the river Tuesday through Friday
Missoula airport hotel shuttle

Not included:

Transportation to/from Missoula, MT
Breakfast and dinners
Lunches not provided by guides

Payment Plan:

Upon sign-up: Non-refundable deposit: $200 (applies toward total cost) The deposit can be transferred to another member.
April 30th: First payment: $1,000
July 15th: Balance due

This is not an official DCFF trip. You will need to sign up directly with WKU here.
For additional information, WKU has printed flyer available here.
