5.0(2 Reviews)Cumberland River Trout Fishing with Captain Gregg
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
River Fishing
8-hour fly fishing adventure targeting four trout speciesCaptain Gregg provides all necessary fishing gear and equipmentPrivate single-guest experience on Cumberland River waters
Get ready for a world-class fly fishing adventure on one of the Southeast's most productive trout waters. Captain Gregg's 8-hour Cumberland River trips put you right in the heart of some of the best rainbow, brown, brook, and cutthroat trout fishing you'll find anywhere. This isn't your typical weekend casting session - we're talking about a full day on prime water where trophy trout are just part of the daily catch. Gregg's got over a decade guiding these waters, and he knows exactly where the fish are holding. Plus, he provides all the gear and throws in lunch, so you can focus on what matters: putting fish in the net.
This is a personalized, one-on-one fishing experience that runs from sunrise to sunset. Captain Gregg meets you at a prime access point on the Cumberland - you'll need to call him at (248) 762-3210 to get the exact meeting spot since conditions and fish movement determine where we launch each day. The river here runs cold and clear year-round thanks to the tailwater releases, creating perfect habitat for multiple trout species. You'll be wading and casting through diverse water - everything from deep pools where big browns lurk to fast riffles where rainbows love to feed. Gregg reads the water like a book and positions you where the action is hottest. Don't worry if you're new to fly fishing - he's got the patience of a saint and has taught everyone from complete beginners to seasoned anglers looking to up their game.
Gregg provides top-notch fly rods, reels, lines, and a full selection of flies that match what's hatching on the Cumberland. We're talking about premium setups - 9-foot, 5-weight rods that are perfect for these waters, paired with floating and sinking lines depending on conditions. The fly selection changes with the seasons, but you can count on nymphs, streamers, and dry flies that have been proven on this river. Gregg's approach focuses on reading the water and matching your presentation to what the trout want. Some days they're sipping midges in the surface film, other times they want a weighted nymph bounced along the bottom. He'll teach you proper mending, drift control, and how to set the hook when you feel that telltale tug. The Cumberland requires finesse - these trout see a lot of pressure, so clean casts and natural presentations make all the difference.
"Had an awesome trout fishing outing with Greg for my birthday. Beautiful river, knowledgeable guide and plenty of fish!!! Thank you for a memorable day for Deb and I!!!" - Chris
"Gregg was very knowledgeable and gave good instructions on how to use the fly rods. He never got upset when we hung up or snarled our lines.we caught several fish and he even took some extra time at the end of the trip to try and put us on a few more fish. We had a great time and recommend him highly." - Timothy
"I wrote a review on Gregg and mistakenly didn't mark the stars my bad but he was five stars all day." - Timothy
Rainbow trout are the workhorses of the Cumberland, and these aren't your typical stocked fish. These rainbows have been in the system for years, feeding on abundant aquatic insects and growing fat and strong. They average 12-16 inches but don't be surprised when you hook into a 20-incher that takes you into your backing. Rainbows here are aggressive feeders, especially during mayfly hatches in spring and fall. They love current breaks and will smash a well-presented nymph or rise confidently to a dry fly during active feeding periods.
Brown trout are the trophies everyone's after on the Cumberland. These fish are smart, spooky, and absolutely gorgeous when you get one to the net. Browns here can push well over 20 inches, with some true monsters lurking in the deeper pools. They're most active during low-light periods - early morning and late evening - when they move into shallow water to hunt. Browns are ambush predators that love streamers and will absolutely demolish a well-stripped woolly bugger. Landing a Cumberland brown is something you'll be talking about for years.
Brook trout might be the most beautiful fish swimming in these waters. Their vibrant colors - olive backs with red spots surrounded by blue halos, and those distinctive white-edged fins - make every brook trout photo-worthy. Brookies here prefer the cooler, more oxygenated sections of river and are often found in pocket water and smaller tributaries. They're eager feeders but require a delicate approach since they spook easily. When you find them, though, they'll often hit dry flies with reckless abandon.
Cutthroat trout are the wildcards of the Cumberland system. These native beauties sport those distinctive red slashes under their jaws that give them their name. Cutthroats are known for being less selective than browns but more challenging than rainbows. They're excellent dry fly fish and will rise to match hatches throughout the season. Finding cutthroats feels special - they're not as common as the other species, making each one a real prize.
Striped bass add some serious power to the mix. These aren't your typical trout fight - when a striper hits your fly, you know it immediately. They're strong, fast, and will test your drag system. Stripers in the Cumberland can range from schoolie-size fish up to real bruisers pushing 30+ inches. They're often found in deeper pools and channels, especially where baitfish congregate. Landing a big striper on a fly rod is a rush that keeps anglers coming back for more.
Salvelinus FontinalisBrookies are the gems of cold, clean mountain streams - and when we find them in the Cumberland system, it's always a treat. These beautifully marked fish rarely exceed 10-12 inches, but what they lack in size they make up for in spirit and stunning looks. Those olive backs with yellow spots and bright orange bellies are something to see. They prefer the coldest, most oxygenated water we can find - usually in shaded areas near springs or tributary mouths. Early morning and late evening during cooler months offer the best chances. Brook trout aren't as selective as other species, making them great for beginners, but they're easily spooked in shallow water. The fight is scrappy and they're excellent eating. Here's a local trick: when water temps climb above 65°F, focus on deeper pockets where cold springs enter - that's where they'll retreat and still feed actively.
Tylosurus AcusBrowns are the smartest and most challenging trout in these waters, which makes landing one so rewarding. They average 14-20 inches but can grow much larger, with golden-brown sides covered in black and red spots. These wary fish prefer deeper pools, undercut banks, and heavy cover during daylight, becoming more aggressive at dawn, dusk, and night. Fall brings the best brown trout fishing when they feed heavily before spawning. What anglers love about browns is their reputation as trophy fish - they fight hard and grow bigger than most trout species. The meat has excellent flavor too. Browns are extremely structure-oriented, hiding near logs, boulders, and overhanging vegetation. They can live 12+ years, so the big ones have seen every trick. My best tip: fish streamers or large nymphs tight to cover during low-light periods. Browns often hold in spots other trout avoid, so don't overlook the gnarliest-looking water.
Oncorhynchus ClarkiiCutthroats are one of the most striking trout you'll encounter here on the Cumberland. They're named for those distinctive red-orange slashes under their jaw - unmistakable once you see it. Most run 8-16 inches, though we occasionally pull larger ones from deeper pools. These fish love cold, clear water with rocky bottoms and good cover. Look for them around fallen logs, undercut banks, and boulder fields where they can ambush prey. Spring through early fall gives you the best action, especially during morning and evening hatches. What makes cutthroats special is their willingness to take dry flies - they're less spooky than browns but fight harder than most expect. They also taste fantastic if you decide to keep one. My go-to tip: match whatever insects are hatching, but if you're not sure, a gold bead prince nymph fished dead-drift through likely spots rarely fails to produce.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbows are the most acrobatic trout in our waters, famous for those spectacular leaps when hooked. They typically run 12-18 inches here, with their signature pink stripe and black-spotted silver sides making them easy to identify. These fish love current and oxygenated water - you'll find them in faster runs, tailouts of pools, and anywhere water flows over rocks. They're active year-round but spring and fall provide the most consistent action during insect hatches. What makes rainbows special is their aggressive feeding and aerial displays when fighting. They're also excellent table fare with firm, flaky meat. Unlike browns, they're less likely to hide in heavy cover, preferring open water where they can chase prey. My advice: focus on water 2-4 feet deep with moderate current. A weighted nymph bounced along the bottom during mid-day often outproduces dry flies when surface action is slow.
Morone SaxatilisStripers in the Cumberland can surprise you with their size and power. These silver fighters with distinct black horizontal stripes typically run 15-25 pounds, but we've seen 40+ pounders come out of the deeper sections. They're structure-oriented fish, so look for them around bridge pilings, rocky ledges, and deep channel edges where baitfish congregate. Spring and fall migration periods offer the hottest action when they're actively feeding to bulk up. What guests love about stripers is the explosive strikes and bulldogging fight - they'll test your gear and skills. The meat is excellent too, with firm white flesh that's perfect for grilling. These fish love moving water and low-light conditions. Pro tip: when you find schools of shad flickering near the surface, especially around dawn or dusk, get a live bait or big streamer down to them fast - that's when the stripers go into feeding mode.
5.0 out of 5.0Had an awesome trout fishing outing with Greg for my birthday. Beautiful river, knowledgeable guide and plenty of fish!!! Thank...
Gregg was very knowledgeable and gave good instructions on how to use the fly rods. He never got upset when we hung up or snarled ...
I wrote a review on Gregg and mistakenly didn’t mark the stars my bad but he was five stars all day.
Thank you! You guys were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
Cumberland River