When: September 17 – 19, 2021
Place: Riverside Retreat, Jamestown, Kentucky
Outing Co-ordinator: Wes Krupiczewicz
Number of Spots: 8 beds, but more room on the floor
LEVEL 4 Trip for experienced anglers
In 2021, we can expect some sort of electrical generation schedule on the Wolf Creek Dam tailwater with little to no flow overnight into the early morning and generation starting sometime after dawn; this will vary depending on spring rains and Lake Cumberland levels. Good fishing should be available on the river, but 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 or fish Lake Cumberland itself. Go to the Stream Information – Cumberland River page on the website for more information about the river, possible floats in the upper section of the river, and alternative launch locations.
The club has reserved all 4 rooms at the Riverside Retreat at Helm’s Landing for this outing. Lodging with supper and a campfire is $80 per person for the two night weekend, assuming double occupancy in each room. First 8 registrations for 2 nights made through the SUG buttons below get the beds. Any refunds for cancelations are at the discretion of the DCFF board.
We may be able to accommodate more than the 8 registrations. You can make your own reservations with Paula for the loft or cabin or possibly even camping. There may be space on the floor as well
Additional days before the “official” trip can be arranged by contacting Paula at Riverside Retreat. Wes plans to arrive Wednesday and fish the days before the weekend.
Breakfast and Lunch and Beverages are on your own. We will share supper; if you are coming and have not signed up though SUG, be sure to contact Wes so we can plan accordingly. Bring a chair to enjoy the fire in the evening – no limits on sitting around the campfire!
Equipment includes 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 mop flies, egg patterns, pheasant tails, hare’s ears, prince, copper john’s, midges, and most other trout nymphs. Cracklebacks (both beaded and unweighted) are always good, especially if swung behind a Chicago Fly. Black, white and olive wooly buggers are good streamers. Sculpin patterns like the “Goblin” or “Sculpzilla” work well. Prominently white shad imitations work and provide a visual fishing experience when fished from a boat. Hoppers and other terrestrials will take fish in August when fished along walls and high banks.
Depending on water conditions and the generation schedule, virtually any small craft can be used on the river. At 2 or more generators, the river will be “pushy” for inflatable pontoon boats; canoes and kayaks are better, but skill will be required to safely use manually powered craft at these 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 up 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!
If you have any questions, contact Wes at wes@derbycityflyfishers.com or 502-938-2662.
Click here to register and pay