Derby City Fly Fishers

Eat & Talk
2026-04-08 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-05-13 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-06-10 18:30 - 20:30 (America/Kentucky/Louisville) | Roosters on Shelbyville Rd., 10430 Shelbyville Rd, Louisville, KY, 40223
We have the private event room so it should be quiet enough for conversation, with plenty of room to get comfortable and enjoy each others company. This is a great opportunity to get to know some of your DCFF club mates a little better and swap some fish stories. You can come when you want, eat and drink if you want, mostly just share some camaraderie.

FLY FISHING 101 – PARKLANDS Part 1
2026-04-11 09:30 - 14:30 | Parklands of Floyds Fork, 1411 Beckley Creek Parkway, Louisville, KY, 40245, United States
“Fly Fishing 101” a 2-part in-depth fly-fishing learning experience is being offered Saturday April 11th

from 9:30am to 2:30pm at the Parkland’s PNC Achievement Center, 1411 Beckley Creek Parkway,
Louisville, KY 40245. Derby City Fly Fishing, in conjunction with the Parklands of Floyds Fork, the Kentucky
Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Fern Creek Sportsman’s Club, we will be hosting this “hands
on” program.

You will be able to learn the basics of fly fishing, including, rod and reel setups, casting, fly types, basic
gear, and knot tying. The class will include indoor class room instruction, and outdoor casting practice.

And as a “Part 2” to the class, on Wednesday, April 15th, the Fern Creek Sportsman’s Club will be offering
an “on the water” casting and fishing opportunity at their lake located at 15400 Brush Run Road,
Louisville KY, 40299. (There is a rain date of April 22nd if there are weather issues on the 15th )

Please note the following:
There is a maximum of 30 participants for this event, and registration is required at:
https://app.fw.ky.gov/Calendar/Detail.aspx?ID=69953
Registration for this event runs from February 20th , – Saturday April 11th .
Participants under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult to register for this event.
You must have a valid Kentucky Fishing license if you participate in the “on the water” fishing event at
Tom Hemel Lake. Please click here if you need to purchase a license. Click here for a map.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Easton Copley
Easton.copley@ky.gov
(502) 330-1411

FLY FISHING 101 – Part 2 Fern Creek Sportsman Club
2026-04-15 17:30 - 21:00 | Fern Creek Sportsman’s Club, 15400 Brush Run Rd., Louisville, KY, 40299, United States
This is the second meeting of a two part series of the Fly Fishing 101 Series
You must have participated in part one to participate in this event.
“Fly Fishing 101” a 2-part in-depth fly-fishing learning experience is being offered Saturday April 11th

from 9:00am to 2:30pm at the Parkland’s PNC Achievement Center, 1411 Beckley Creek Parkway,
Louisville, KY 40245. Derby City Fly Fishing, in conjunction with the Parklands of Floyds Fork, the Kentucky
Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Fern Creek Sportsman’s Club, we will be hosting this “hands
on” program.

You will be able to learn the basics of fly fishing, including, rod and reel setups, casting, fly types, basic
gear, and knot tying. The class will include indoor class room instruction, and outdoor casting practice.

And as a “Part 2” to the class, on Wednesday, April 15th, the Fern Creek Sportsman’s Club will be offering
an “on the water” casting and fishing opportunity at their lake located at 15400 Brush Run Road,
Louisville KY, 40299. (There is a rain date of April 22nd if there are weather issues on the 15th )

Please note the following:
There is a maximum of 30 participants for this event, and registration is required at:
https://app.fw.ky.gov/Calendar/Detail.aspx?ID=69953
Registration for this event runs from Tuesday February 20th , – Saturday April 11th.
Participants under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult to register for this event.
You must have a valid Kentucky Fishing license if you participate in the “on the water” fishing event at
Tom Hemel Lake. Please click here if you need to purchase a license. Click here for a map.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Easton Copley
Easton.copley@ky.gov
(502) 330-1411

Monthly Meeting
2026-04-15 18:30 - 20:30 | Bass Pro – Clarksville, IN, 951 E. Lewis & Clark Parkway, Clarksville, IN, 47129, United States
Meetings are open to everyone, you do not have to be a member to attend. Typical format: 10-15 minute “Tackle Time” presentation on some aspect of Fly Fishing followed by a business segment to introduce new members and guests, take questions and get updates on fishing from attendees, announce/discuss upcoming events/trips, and conduct any required club business. All this is followed by a 30 – 45 minute presentation by a guest speaker on a fly fishing related topic.
Information on the presentation for this meeting will be updated as the topic and speaker details are confirmed.

Quest Outdoors Fly Tying
2026-04-18 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-05-16 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-06-20 10:30 - 12:00 | Quest Outdoors, 4600 Shelbyville Road, Louisville, KY, 40207, United States
The 3rd Saturday of Every Month. 10:30am to Noon

Quest Outdoors is pleased to announce they are resuming fly tying classes the 3rd Saturday of each month. Please call if you have any questions.

Spring 2026 Bardstown Bluegill Trip
2026-04-20 - 2026-04-21 | KY
Coordinator: Steve Cullen S.Cullen325i@gmail.com ; 502-599-7494
The Plan: This will be the club’s second trip here thanks to the generosity of DCFF
member Lou Kaufman who has graciously offered us access to the venue.
This trip will be limited to 8 participants due to space constraints on the water.
The registration fee is $25 to cover dinner and breakfast as well as firewood.
We will be fishing two private lakes near to the area around Bardstown Kentucky, about
40 minutes South of Louisville.
These are small lakes with limited launch opportunity so we will be limiting this to
Kayaks and Canoes only. Wade or bank fishing isn’t really an option other than one pier
on the larger of the two lakes.
We will be fishing for Bluegill and Bass. We don’t plan on any fish fry’s but anglers may
keep some of their catch. No limit on Bass, 10 Bluegill each.
We may arrive any time on the afternoon on the 20th and may fish if you like after
checking in and getting a little orientation. Supper followed by a fire at the cottage that
evening. Group Breakfast the morning of the 21st, after which you may fish either lake for
as long as you like.
Lodging: Lou has a cottage on the property which he has also made available to us.
There’s a large open room room as well as a three season room with plenty of space for
cots or air mattresses and sleeping bags.
We have a kitchen and bath. We must bring our own towels, cookware, camp chairs,
and eating utensils.
You will need to bring your own cot or air mattress, sleeping bag or linens and blankets
and a pillow.
There are ample electrical outlets, but you might want to bring a short extension cord
and/or power strip to handle your electronic needs.
We’ll buy firewood for the group fires.
We have space to set up popup shelters/canopies if you choose to bring them but we
have no plans to bring the clubs.
While we intend to leave the cottage open all day for bathroom access, we would
appreciate it if your gear was packed up and out of the cottage after breakfast.
Parking adjacent to the cottage should be ample but… Carpooling would be a good
idea if feasible.
We will be able to drop boats lake side. The property is gated and generally secure but
your gear is left at your own risk so please plan accordingly.
Meals:
Plan to bring your own lunch, snacks, and beverages of choice.
I will bring the DCFF coffee pot, coffee and condiments for the group.
We plan to have group supper the evening of the 20th and breakfast the morning of the
21st. Both of those meals are open for a volunteer preparer. (You’ll have help and
your offers are greatly appreciated!)
We’ll tentatively plan suppers at 7PM but will adjust as needed.
You need to bring your cooking and meal prep/serving utensils – if you think you’ll need
it, bring it! We will have paper plates and plastic ware.
Description: These are small impoundments with a varied shore line.
Depths can be up to 14 feet, but most areas are significantly shallower. There are a
variety of Bass, as well as Red Ear and Bluegill in these lakes.
Accessibility: Access to the larger of the two lakes is firm and relatively shallow in
slope meaning trailer launch is difficult if not unlikely. Plan on walking your boats in. That
will definitely be the case on the smaller lake where launch is limited to a walk in at the
end of the dam. Gas motors cannot be used but trolling motors are acceptable.
Level: This is a Level 2 trip. There will not be dedicated fishers to teach beginners fly
fishing basics.
Fishing License and Permits: This is private property and fishing licenses are not
required.
Equipment: 3 to 6 weight fly rods, but if you want to spin or bait fish don’t hesitate to
bring your gear. Both topwater and typical nymph flies should work. Bluegills love mop
flies and trout magnets! While I can’t say what things will be like in October, the top
water bite was good in June though nymphing in deeper water was also productive.
To sign up and pay, please click here.

Fly Tying - Cabela's
2026-04-22 18:30 - 20:30 | Cabela’s, 5100 Norton Healthcare Blvd, Louisville, KY, 40241, United States
Our Fly-Tying Classes are open to everyone – you do not have to be a member to attend. Generally, we tie one fly, but we tie it twice. An instructor demonstrates, step-by-step, how to tie the fly with accompanying video on a big screen TV so students can see each step.
Tools and materials are provided at no cost, but if you have your own tools feel free to bring them.
Beginners are welcome. There will be experienced tiers available to provide individual help.

April’s fly, a UV coated fly good for fishing for White Bass, Smallmouth, and Bluegill.

Fly Tying - Bass Pro
2026-04-23 18:30 - 20:00 | Bass Pro – Clarksville, IN, 951 E. Lewis & Clark Parkway, Clarksville, IN, 47129, United States
Our Fly-Tying Classes are open to everyone – you do not have to be a member to attend. Generally, we tie one fly, but we tie it twice. An instructor demonstrates, step-by-step, how to tie the fly with accompanying video on a big screen TV so students can see each step.
Tools and materials are provided at no cost, but if you have your own tools feel free to bring them.
Beginners are welcome. There will be experienced tiers available to provide individual help.

April’s fly, a UV coated fly good for fishing for White Bass, Smallmouth, and Bluegill tied by Mike Parker.

Spring 2026 DCFF Golf Scramble
2026-04-29 17:15 - 20:00 | Wooded View Golf Course, 2404 Greentree N, Clarksville, IN, 47129, United States
Spring is in the air, and that means it’s time for the Spring DCFF Golf Outing. This will be a 9-hole, “best ball” scramble. It will be held at the Wooded View Golf Course in Clarksville. You must be a DCFF member to participate.
The scramble starts at 5:36, but please be there by 5:15 for team and cart assignments. Cost is $21 cash only. f you have any questions, please contact Brian Kaluzney at brian@derbycityflyfishers.com
To register, please click here.

5th Wednesday Fly Fishing 101, "Knots and Leaders"
2026-04-29 18:30 - 20:00 | Cabela’s, 5100 Norton Healthcare Blvd, Louisville, KY, 40241, United States
This part of our continuous series discusses / demonstrates some of the basics of the sport.
We will be covering the basic knots commonly used in fly fishing and tying your own leaders. Materials will be provided.
Please come with questions, and ideas of what you would like to see at any of the future events. if you have any questions, please contact our director of education, John Froehlich at education@derbycityflyfishers.com

Green-Sullivan State Forest & Shakamak State Park 2026
2026-05-06 - 2026-05-09 | Green-Sullivan State Park, 2551 IN-159, Dugger, IN, 47848
May 6, 2025 – May 9, 2026
Dates: May 6-9, 2026 (Wednesday – Saturday)
Check-in NET 4pm May 6 th , Checkout NLT 11am May 9 th
NOTE: We are not staying overnight Saturday as Sunday is Mother’s Day
(Optional) Typically, we meet for lunch at a TBD diner in Dugger, IN on Wednesday, get
our launch permits, fish that afternoon and get back to the bunkhouses sometime after
4pm.
Coordinator:
Joe Gahlinger, joe@derbycityflyfishers.com, 502-472-3975
The Plan: This will be the club’s fourth trip to the area around Linton, Indiana, about 2.5
hours West of Louisville. You can find the 2023 Trip Report on the Website. I’ll provide
more details about lakes, access points and experiences from previous trips as we get
closer to the trip.
We will be fishing for bluegill and bass in three Indiana State Land areas.
The area includes Greene-Sullivan State Forest
https://www.in.gov/dnr/forestry/properties/greene-sullivan-state-forest/
Shakamak State Park
https://www.in.gov/dnr/state-parks/parks-lakes/shakamak-state-park/
Hillenbrand Fish and Wildlife Area
https://www.in.gov/dnr/fish-and-wildlife/properties/hillenbrand-fwa/
There are many (about 200) small lakes and impoundments with a variety of
small boat (skiff, canoe, kayak, float tube, etc.) and bank fishing opportunities.
Shakamak State Park also rents boats with trolling motors.
We have rented two cottages (bunkhouses) in the Persimmon Lake Loop which can
accommodate a total of 16 campers.
Description of Waters: This area in Western Indiana is a former coal strip pit area.
There are about 120 small lakes in Greene-Sullivan ranging in size from 3 acres to 120
acres. The Forest itself has many small lakes with over 50 launch ramps; the Dugger
Unit has 13 launch ramps with somewhat larger lakes. Shakamak has 400 acres of
man-made lakes with boat ramps, canoe launches, fishing piers, fish cleaning stations
and boat rental. Hillenbrand has another 25 small lakes. Greene-Sullivan is about 10
miles and 20 minutes southwest of Shakamak. Hillenbrand is about 13 miles southeast
of Shakamak.
Accessibility: With all the launch points, this is an ideal area for small boats including
kayaks and canoes. Almost all the boat ramps can handle boats like we use on the
Cumberland River; gas motors cannot be used but trolling motors are acceptable. You
will need a PFD on your watercraft.
Level: This is a Level 2 trip. There will not be dedicated fishers to teach beginners fly
fishing basics. There may be teachable opportunities, but there are no guarantees.
Meals:
 For now, plan to bring your own lunch, snacks, and beverages of choice.
 I will bring the DCFF coffee pot, filters, coffee and condiments for the group.
 We plan to have group breakfasts and suppers. Please indicate your willingness
to cook on the sign up (meals are a team effort, we just need a head chef for
planning and provisioning each meal.) Plan a meal for 16. If you need ideas on
meals, contact me. Cooks should save receipts since these costs are
reimbursable.
 I’m hoping we catch enough panfish to have at least one fish fry either Thursday
or Friday evening. So, bring your filet knives to clean fish and fish
baskets/stringers/wells to keep fish.
 There are grocery stores close by, so we can shop locally and do not have to
pack everything in.
 You need to bring your cooking and meal prep utensils – if you think you’ll need
it, bring it! We will have paper plates and bowls, plasticware, foil chafing pans,
paper towels, zip lock bags, cleaning supplies, charcoal and standard
condiments.
Lodging: The Club has rented Persimmon Lake bunk house cottages #1 and #2 in
the Shakamak Group camping area. Directions will be provided in the trip updates just
prior to the trip. Each bunk house has 11 double bunk beds. We plan on 8 campers per
bunkhouse. Each camper will get a lower berth for sleeping and the upper bunk for
storage. The cottages have a kitchen with a full refrigerator, stove with oven,
microwave and a sink; we will keep the bunk bed next to the kitchen empty for storage.
There are 2 shower stalls, 2 toilets and 2 vanities. There are two picnic tables and a fire
pit outside.
 We must bring our own linens, towels, cookware, camp chairs, and eating
utensils.
 The bunks have a pretty good foam mattress, and most previous participants did
not see a need for air mattresses. Pillows, sheets, blankets and/or sleeping bags
are highly recommended.
 If you want to be in the same bunkhouse as someone else, please so state in the
remarks field on the sign up.
 If you want to participate but NOT stay in the cottages, camping spots and
cabins are available; you need to make your own arrangements.
 We’ll buy firewood for the group fires. No outside firewood is allowed.
Parking is limited. Carpooling is highly recommended.
The plan limits this trip to 16 participants. Registration cost for the trip is $95 (payable
at sign up) for the three nights and will include the group breakfasts, suppers and
firewood. There may be a cash up-charge if we burn a lot of wood. Any registration fee
refund is at the discretion of the DCFF Board.
Fishing License and Permits: (All these costs are in addition to the trip registration
fee.)
 You need an Indiana Fishing License; these can be purchased on line at Indiana
Fishing License.
 For boat operators, you also need a Lake Permit ($5/year non-motorized,
$25/year motorized (includes trolling motor only watercraft). You can get them at
any State Park Office including the one at Greene/Sullivan. These permits are
good at all Indiana State parks for the calendar year.
 Park entrance fees are $7 resident and $9 out of state; you will get a parking
pass after paying the 1st day entry fee.
Equipment: 3 to 8 weight fly rods, but if you want to spin or bait fish go for it. Both
topwater and typical nymph flies should work. Bluegill love mop flies and trout magnets!
Sign Up: If you have any questions, contact Joe at joe@derbycityflyfishers.com or 502-
472-3975. You must be a current DCFF member to sign up for this trip.
Click here to sign up.

Green River Float Trip
2026-05-06 - 2026-05-08 | Paddle Trails Campground, Greensburg, KY, 805 Legion Park Rad, Greensburg, KY, 47243, United States
May 6-8
NOTE: This trip may be cancelled or rescheduled due to expected unfishable water conditions. Should that happen, everyone who signed up will be notified as soon as the decision is made and payments refunded.
Location: Greensburg, KY, Green River Paddle Trail Campgrounds, 805 Legion Park Road, Greensburg, KY 42743 Google Map Link
The Paddle Trial Campgrounds are brand new and look to be a great place to stay. They have their very own boat ramp right at the campground. You have multiple floats available and all floats can end at the campgrounds. We’ll do our best to make sure we can shuttle everyone as needed.
Dates: May 6-8, 2026 (Wed – Fri)
Coordinator: Pat Brucoli pat@derbycityflyfishers.com 502-541-9011
Trip Level: This is a Level 2+ trip — You must be able to handle a canoe, kayak, etc., in moving water and fly fish from it. Opportunities for fly fishing instruction will be limited. Some short portages will be likely depending on water conditions.
Number of Spots: 12
A KY Fishing License is required. Click here to purchase.
Outing Details: This is a float trip since bank and wade fishing are extremely limited. We’ll be targeting smallmouth bass, but other species are abundant. Watercraft will be limited to kayaks, canoes, and the like as sections of the river are shallow and some portaging may be required. Rental kayaks and canoes are available, click here for more an interactive map of the Green River and watercraft rental information. Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs) are required, so if you’re bringing your own watercraft be sure to bring a PFD. There are several floats available ranging from 2 to 8 hours. We’ll work out launch and take out access points and shuttles on a day-by-day basis. Click here for a map of the Upper Green River with watercraft access points highlighted (provided by KY Department of Fish and Wildlife as part of their Blue Water Trails series.)
Lodging: We have reserved four cabins that sleep three each, in various combinations of a couch, bunk beds, and/or regular beds. It may be possible to accommodate more, if there is a fold out couch, and possible room for air mattresses. Please contact the trip coordinator for details and availability. The total trip cost is $100 which covers both nights accommodations. . We should have access to the Pavilion that is covered and has a firepit and plenty of lighting and picnic tables. You are on your own for meals. Click here for information on the Paddle Trail Campgrounds and their amenities.
Sign Up: You must be a current DCFF member to sign up for this trip. Click here to sign up. Also note, that this location is in the Central Time Zone

Board of Directors Meeting
2026-05-06 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-06-03 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-07-01 18:30 - 20:30 | Cabela’s, 5100 Norton Healthcare Blvd, Louisville, KY, 40241, United States
You don’t have to be a Board Member to attend. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend and contribute. The meeting starts at 6:30 PM and is over by 8:30 PM.

Come on out and see how your club is run. Give us your ideas and maybe consider getting involved (there are a number of opportunities to help out and you don’t have to be on the Board to do so.)
Afterwards we usually get together for some food, drink and socialization.

Kentuckiana Fly Tyers Fly Tying Night
2026-05-07 18:00 - 21:00, 2026-06-04 18:00 - 21:00, 2026-07-02 18:00 - 21:00 | Roosters on Shelbyville Rd., 10430 Shelbyville Rd, Louisville, KY, 40223
Kentuckiana Fly Tyers conducts their monthly meeting the First Thursday of each Month. If you haven’t tied before, and would like to learn, they will provide you with the equipment, materials, and instruction to start you out. If you already tie, come out and bring whatever you would like to tie, and socialize.
Please click the applicable RSVP button below if you plan on attending so they can make sure they have enough materials to go around. We hope to see you all there.

RSVP – Tyers

RSVP – Beginners

Monthly Meeting-Outdoor
2026-05-20 18:30 - 20:00, 2026-06-17 18:30 - 20:00 | Parklands of Floyds Fork, 1411 Beckley Creek Parkway, Louisville, KY, 40245, United States
May is the first of our four monthly outdoor meetings over the summer months.
Venues have space for casting instruction so bring your rods and reels or use the club rods and reels to get some introductory instruction or work on improving your casting skills.
Some venues will have access to water for fishing and/or practicing your casting under actual fishing conditions.
A meal of pulled BBQ, sides, soft drinks and water will be available for $10.00 per person. BYOB if desired. Please act responsibly!
Come on out and join us for some great camaraderie.
Don’t forget to bring a camp chair!
May’s meeting will be at the Parklands and will include a BBQ dinner ($10), casting instructions, and fun conversations.

Fly Tying - Cabela's
2026-05-27 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-06-24 18:30 - 20:30 | Cabela’s, 5100 Norton Healthcare Blvd, Louisville, KY, 40241, United States
Our Fly-Tying Classes are open to everyone – you do not have to be a member to attend. Generally, we tie one fly, but we tie it twice. An instructor demonstrates, step-by-step, how to tie the fly with accompanying video on a big screen TV so students can see each step.
Tools and materials are provided at no cost, but if you have your own tools feel free to bring them.
Beginners are welcome. There will be experienced tiers available to provide individual help.

Fly Tying - Bass Pro
2026-05-28 18:30 - 20:00, 2026-06-25 18:30 - 20:00 | Bass Pro – Clarksville, IN, 951 E. Lewis & Clark Parkway, Clarksville, IN, 47129, United States

June 2026 Cumberland River
2026-06-05 08:00 - 2026-06-07 17:00 | Riverside Retreat at Helm’s Landing, 36.896105, -85.145682
June 5, 2026 – June 7, 2026
Location: Riverside Retreat, Helm’s Landing
Dates: June 5 th – 7th (Fri – Sun) 2026
Coordinator: Mark Vincent (smarkvincent1@gmail.com; 502-500-1561)
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 Mark Vincent
(smarkvincent1@gmail.com; 502-500-1561). You must be a current DCFF member to
sign up for this trip.
Click here to sign up.

Canada-Water Falls Lodge, Spanish Ontario
2026-06-12 - 2026-06-20 | Water Falls Lodge, 432 Waterfalls Road, Spanish, Ontario, POP 2E0, Canada
Location: Water Falls Lodge Spanish Ontario www.waterfallslodge.com Travel (driving) time is approximately 12-13hours. This is a drive to destination, no fly-in or ferry to the lodge.
Dates: June 12 – 20, 2026 (Sat – Sat) Arrive Sat the 13th depart Sat the 20th.
Coordinator: Ralph Swallows (ralph@derbycityflyfishers.com; 502-836-8841)
Trip Level: This is a Level 2+ trip — You will be handling a power boat with a trolling motor on large lakes. It can be windy on those lakes which can make casting challenging, but not undoable. You will be sharing a boat with another angler, so you need to be comfortable fishing in close proximity to another person.
Number of Spots: Up to 18
Fishing License: You are required to purchase an Outdoors Card ($8.57) along with a non-resident fishing license. There are 2 types of fishing licenses that can be purchased: Sport fishing ($54.38 / 8 day) or Conservation fishing ($31.52/ 8 day.) The Sport fishing allows you to keep and possess 4 fish daily, the Conservation fishing allows you to keep and possess 1 fish daily. All licenses are required to be bought online. Click here.
VERY IMPORTANT: YOU MUST HAVE A VALID US PASSPORT OR PASSPORT CARD. WE WILL BE CROSSING THE CANDIAN BORDER! If you need to apply for a passport, do it sooner rather than later as it may take as long as 6 – 13 weeks to get one!! There are no COVID-19 Vaccine mandates or vaccine requirements currently in place. If this changes we will notify you.
Trip Details: This is a boating trip. There is a boat with foot-controlled trolling motor for every 2 anglers (included in trip price.) The boats are docked at the cabins. The first tank of gas is included in the trip price, all subsequent fill ups are extra and split between the two anglers sharing the boat.
We are fishing mainly for Smallmouth Bass, but Pike and Walleye are also available. Fishing tips and tackle recommendations will follow.
Guides and guided excursions are available/optional.
There are four lakes accessible via the provided boats, plus a fifth lake you can walk to from the cabins and rent a boat. In addition, you can book day trips (extra cost) to one of two remote lakes. Daily remote lake trips include lunch, boat, motor, gas, bait, guide and transportation.
Lodging: We have reserved three cabins (#9, 10 & 11) which can accommodate a total of 18 people. These are waterfront cabins with fully equipped kitchens, outdoor BBQs and fire-pits. The total base cost of the trip $887 US and is for 7 nights lodging with evening meals. Not included are travel expenses, fishing license, breakfast, lunch or guided trips.
Meals: Evening meals (served from 5PM -8PM) are included with the price. Meals are fixed menu but are different each evening. Previous trip participants found them to be delicious and satisfying. Restaurant is a short walk up the hill from the cabins. We are on our own for breakfast and lunch. But with full kitchens they should be no problem. However, if you prefer you can purchase breakfast and lunch at the restaurant on a walk in basis.
Payment: Payment will be handled in three steps:

At sign up (click here) you will be required to pay a $212, non-refundable deposit to DCFF. This covers the cabin reservation deposit. Registration has been extended, but we need to target an even number so we can maintain 2 participants per boat. If you need to cancel, we’ll make every effort to find someone to replace you on the trip and refund your deposit, but no guarantees. If we can’t fill your spot, your deposit can be rolled forward to the next year.
The remaining balance ($675 US) will be paid directly to Waterfalls Lodge upon arriving at the Lodge.
Before leaving the lodge, you will settle up with them for gas and any additional charges you incurred during the week.

You are encouraged to go to the Waterfalls Lodge website and check things out. There are videos available on the website. This resort has been featured on The New Fly Fisher YouTube Channel.
