5.0(2 Reviews)Cumberland River Trout Fishing with Cumberland Trout Bum
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
River Fishing
Eighthour fly fishing adventure targeting four trout speciesCaptain Gregg provides all necessary fishing gear and equipmentPrivate singleguest experience on productive Cumberland River waters
Looking for a top-rated trout fishing adventure that'll get your line tight and your heart pumping? Captain Gregg at Cumberland Trout Bum knows exactly where the big ones hide on the Cumberland River. This world-class 8-hour fly fishing trip puts you right in the middle of some of Tennessee's best trout water, where rainbow, brown, brook, and cutthroat trout cruise the currents just waiting for the perfect presentation. Whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a fly rod for the first time, Gregg's got you covered with all the gear, local knowledge, and patience you need to make this a day you'll talk about for years.
When you meet up with Captain Gregg (make sure to call him at 248-762-3210 for the exact meeting spot), you're signing up for a full day of quality fishing on one of the region's most productive trout streams. This isn't your typical rushed half-day trip – we're talking 8 solid hours of prime fishing time, which gives you plenty of chances to dial in your technique and connect with multiple species. The Cumberland River system offers incredible diversity, from deep pools where big browns lurk to shallow riffles perfect for brook trout. Gregg brings all the necessary tackle, so you can focus on what matters most: reading the water and putting your fly where the fish are feeding. Plus, lunch is included, so you won't have to worry about packing snacks when you're already thinking about which flies to tie on first.
This trip is all about fly fishing, and Gregg knows how to match your skill level with the right approach. New to the long rod? He'll start you off with basic casting fundamentals and help you understand how to mend your line for a natural drift. More experienced? He'll put you on technical water where presentation and fly selection really matter. The Cumberland River demands different techniques depending on the season and conditions – sometimes you'll be nymphing deep runs with weighted patterns, other times you'll get to watch trout rise to dry flies in the evening hatches. Gregg provides quality fly rods, reels, lines, and a full selection of proven local patterns. He knows which pools hold the biggest fish and isn't afraid to hike a bit to get away from the crowds. The river flows cold year-round thanks to dam releases, creating perfect trout habitat but also meaning you'll want to dress appropriately for the conditions.
"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 bread and butter of Cumberland River fishing, and these aren't your typical stocked fish. These wild and holdover rainbows have adapted to the river's consistent cold flows and grow fat on the abundant insect life. Most rainbows here run 12-16 inches, but don't be surprised if you hook into a 20-inch chrome rocket that'll test your drag system. They're active year-round but really turn on during spring and fall when mayfly hatches get heavy. Rainbows love the faster water and will hit everything from small nymphs to big streamers – they're aggressive and fun to fight, making them perfect for anglers who want consistent action.
Brown Trout are the river's trophy fish and the reason serious anglers keep coming back. These wary, intelligent fish can live for years in the Cumberland's cold water, growing thick and golden. A 15-inch brown is a solid fish here, but 18-20 inch specimens prowl the deeper holes, especially around structure and undercut banks. Browns are most active in low light conditions – early morning, late evening, and overcast days. They're notorious for following flies without committing, so presentation has to be perfect. When you do hook a big brown, get ready for a fight that'll include jumps, runs, and plenty of head shaking. They're the fish that'll make you lose sleep thinking about the next cast.
Brook Trout might be the most beautiful fish swimming in the Cumberland River system. These native char with their white-edged fins and vibrant spots prefer the cooler, more oxygenated sections of the river. Most brookies here run smaller – 8-12 inches is typical – but they make up for size with stunning colors and willingness to hit dry flies. Fall brings out their breeding colors, when males develop bright orange bellies and hooked jaws. Brook trout are often found in the shallow riffles and pocket water that other species might ignore. They're perfect for light tackle and small flies, offering a more delicate style of fishing that really showcases the art of fly angling.
Cutthroat Trout are the wild card species that add excitement to every cast. These western natives have been stocked in the Cumberland system and provide something different from the usual trout lineup. Cutthroats are known for their aggressive feeding behavior and willingness to chase flies, making them a customer favorite for anglers who like visual takes. They're distinguished by the red slash marks under their jaws and tend to be strong fighters relative to their size. Most cutthroats in the river run 12-16 inches, and they're particularly susceptible to
Salvelinus FontinalisBrook trout are the jewels of our cold-water fishery - absolutely gorgeous fish with their olive backs covered in yellow spots and bright red fins edged in white and black. They're smaller than other trout, usually 8 to 14 inches, but what they lack in size they make up for in beauty and taste. Brookies need the coldest, cleanest water we have, so you'll find them in the deeper runs and shaded pools, especially near fallen timber and undercut banks. Early morning and late evening are your best shots, particularly in spring when they're most active. Guests love targeting these native beauties because they're indicators of pristine water and they're absolutely delicious on the table. They can be finicky though - my go-to trick is using tiny dry flies like size 16 Adams or small nymphs. Keep your casts short and accurate since they spook easily in shallow water.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the craftiest fish in our system - these golden-brown beauties with dark spots are the ultimate challenge for serious anglers. Most run 12 to 20 inches here, but the big ones over 24 inches are what dreams are made of. Browns love structure and cover - deep pools, undercut banks, fallen logs, anywhere they can ambush prey. They're most active in fall when spawning instincts kick in, but early morning and late evening produce year-round. What makes browns special is their wariness and intelligence - they've seen every lure and fly, making them tough to fool. When you do hook one, they fight dirty with powerful runs and head shakes. They're also excellent eating with firm, flaky meat. My secret? Fish them at night with streamers or use terrestrial patterns like hoppers during summer. Browns often feed when other trout have quit, so patience pays off with these selective feeders.
Oncorhynchus ClarkiiCutthroat trout are easily spotted by that distinctive red-orange slash under their jaw - that's where the name comes from. Here on the Cumberland, they typically run 8 to 16 inches, though we've pulled some beauties pushing 20. These fish love clean, cold water with rocky bottoms and plenty of cover. You'll find them holding near boulders, undercut banks, and deeper pools during the heat of the day. Spring and fall are prime time when water temps drop and they're feeding heavy on insects. What makes cutthroats special is their aggressive nature - they'll hit dry flies with authority and put up a scrappy fight that'll surprise you. Pro tip: use smaller flies than you think, especially prince nymphs and elk hair caddis. These fish can be spooky, so keep your profile low and approach from downstream.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout are the bread and butter of our Cumberland River fishery - beautiful fish with that classic pink stripe running along their silver sides dotted with black spots. Most of our rainbows run 10 to 18 inches and about 2 to 4 pounds, perfect size for great sport on lighter tackle. They prefer the faster water with good oxygen flow - look for them in riffles, runs, and the heads of pools. Spring and fall are peak seasons when water temps hit that sweet spot around 55-65°F. What guests love about rainbows is their acrobatic fights - these fish will jump, run, and give you a real show. They're also forgiving for beginners but still challenge experienced anglers. Plus, they taste fantastic. My local trick? Fish the seams where fast water meets slow water, especially with nymphs like pheasant tails. Rainbows love to sit in that transition zone picking off drifting insects.
Morone SaxatilisStriped bass are the powerhouse predators of the Cumberland system - these silver rockets with their distinctive black stripes can really get your drag singing. We typically see them in the 20 to 40 pound range, though bigger ones cruise these waters. Look for them around structure like rocky points, fallen trees, and deeper channels where baitfish gather. They're most active during low-light periods - dawn and dusk are prime time. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps are between 55-70°F. What makes stripers so appealing is their aggressive strikes and bulldogging runs that'll test your gear and skills. They're also excellent table fare with that sweet, flaky white meat. Here's my local secret: when you see baitfish jumping or birds working the surface, get your lure in there fast. These fish hunt in schools and when you find one, there's usually more nearby.
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