4.8(4 Reviews)Full Day Cumberland River Trout Fishing
4.8(4 reviews)
Private Trip
River Fishing
8-hour fly fishing adventure on Cumberland River with expert guideAll gear, light lunch and drinks included for groups up to 2Trophy trout fishing at premier Cumberland River locations
Looking for some serious trout action on one of Tennessee's premier blue ribbon streams? Captain Gregg knows every bend, pool, and riffle on the Cumberland River like the back of his hand. This 8-hour fly fishing adventure puts you right where the big browns and rainbows are feeding, with all the gear and guidance you need to make it count. Whether you're working on your cast or ready to land your personal best, this trip delivers the kind of fishing that keeps anglers talking long after they've hung up their waders. Plus, we'll keep you fueled with lunch and drinks so you can focus on what really matters – getting tight to some beautiful Cumberland River trout.
The Cumberland River below Wolf Creek Dam is a completely different animal than your typical warm-water fishery. This tailwater stays cold year-round thanks to the dam releases, creating perfect habitat for trout that most folks only dream about catching in Tennessee. Captain Gregg will pick you up at a meeting location – just give him a call at (248) 762-3210 to coordinate – and from there, you're in for 8 solid hours of some of the best trout fishing the Southeast has to offer. The river changes personality throughout the day as water levels fluctuate with dam releases, and Gregg knows exactly how to read these changes and put you on active fish. You'll be wading crystal-clear water that runs 50-55 degrees even in summer, working pools that can hold everything from feisty 12-inch rainbows to brown trout that'll make your drag scream. This is a small-group experience with just 2 anglers max, so you'll get plenty of one-on-one instruction and prime water time.
Don't worry about bringing anything except your fishing license and enthusiasm – Captain Gregg has you completely covered on gear. You'll be fishing with quality fly rods matched to the conditions, and he'll have the right flies tied on before you even step in the water. The Cumberland fishes best with nymphs and streamers most of the year, though dry fly action can be fantastic during hatches. Gregg will walk you through reading the water, proper mending techniques, and how to work your flies through different types of structure. If you're new to fly fishing, he'll start with the basics of casting and line control. More experienced anglers will pick up advanced techniques for fishing deep pools and working streamers for big browns. The wading here requires some attention – the bottom can be slick, and you'll want to move carefully, but Gregg knows all the safe crossing points and will keep you positioned where the fish are without putting you in sketchy water. He's also got a great eye for untangling wind knots and getting flies out of trees, so don't sweat the learning curve.
"While we didn't fish the area I expected, Gregg put us on plenty fish. We had a great day. He's a friendly and funny person. Never got upset no matter how many times we got hung up on something." - Barbara Ann "My son and I had an amazing time. Gregg was knowledgeable, patient and prepared! We caught a lot of fish and had a great time. Very grateful for the new memories!" - Adriene "We had a great trip and caught tons of fish and some big browns. Everybody lands some casts in the trees, but Gregg handled my sons mistakes with grace. Gave us some new ideas to fish this blue ribbon stream. Extremely friendly and easy-going we would definitely recommend and go again." - Steve
Rainbow Trout are the bread and butter of Cumberland River fishing, and these aren't your typical stocked fish. These rainbows have been living wild in cold, nutrient-rich water for years, making them incredibly strong fighters with brilliant colors. Most range from 12-16 inches, but 18+ inch fish are caught regularly. They're most active during cooler parts of the day and love to hold in current seams and behind boulders. What makes them special here is their acrobatic fights – Cumberland rainbows will jump, run, and test every bit of your tackle.
Brown Trout are the real prize fish on the Cumberland, and for good reason. These browns can live for years in this cold-water environment, growing fat on the abundant forage and reaching trophy sizes. Fish over 20 inches are caught every season, with some true giants pushing 25+ inches. Browns are ambush predators that love structure – undercut banks, log jams, and deep pools. They're more active during low-light periods and can be incredibly selective about flies. When you hook a big Cumberland brown, you'll know it immediately – they fight dirty with powerful runs toward cover and head-shaking jumps that'll test your nerves.
Brook Trout add a wild card element to Cumberland River fishing. These native beauties are less common but absolutely gorgeous when you find them. They typically run smaller than the rainbows and browns, usually 8-14 inches, but their stunning colors and delicate spots make every one a trophy. Brooks prefer the coldest water and are often found in tributaries or spring-fed areas. Fall is prime time for brookies as they prepare to spawn, showing off their most vibrant colors.
Striped Bass bring a completely different kind of excitement to the Cumberland. These freshwater stripers can reach impressive sizes – fish over 30 inches are possible. They're aggressive feeders that will absolutely destroy streamers and large nymphs. Stripers often school up and feed in deep pools or below shoals where baitfish congregate. When you hook one, be ready for long, powerful runs that'll have you wondering if you've got enough backing on your reel.
Cutthroat Trout are the wildcard species that can show up when you least expect it. These fish have stunning red slashes under their jaws
Salvelinus FontinalisBrookies are the gems of small streams with their gorgeous olive backs and orange-red spots ringed in blue. Most run 8-12 inches, though deeper pools can hold 15+ inch fish that'll surprise you. These native beauties need cold, clean water below 68°F, so you'll find them in shaded areas under overhanging trees, near beaver dams, and in spring-fed pools. Fall is prime time when they're feeding heavily before winter, but spring and early summer produce well too. What anglers love about brook trout is their aggressive strike and the remote, pristine waters they call home. They're also superb table fare with delicate, sweet meat. The challenge is their wariness - they spook easily in shallow water. My go-to trick is to approach from downstream, keep low, and use a short, accurate cast. Small dry flies like Adams or terrestrials work great, but don't overlook tiny spinners on light tackle.
Tylosurus AcusBrowns are the wariest trout we target, but they're worth the challenge. These golden-brown beauties with black spots typically run 16-24 inches here, with some real trophies pushing 8+ pounds in the deeper holes. They love structure - undercut banks, fallen logs, and deep pools during the day, moving shallow to feed at dusk and dawn. Fall is peak season when they're aggressive before spawning, though spring offers great dry fly action. Browns are prized for their intelligence and fighting ability, plus they're fantastic eating with firm, mild meat. They become more active in low light, so don't pack up early. Here's the key to success: these fish have seen every lure and fly, so presentation is everything. Use longer, lighter leaders and approach from below when possible. Night fishing with streamers can produce the biggest browns when daytime tactics fail.
Oncorhynchus ClarkiiCutthroats are beautiful fish with that distinctive red slash under their jaw that gives them their name. Here on the Cumberland, they typically run 12-20 inches, though we occasionally see bigger ones. These trout love cold, clear water with rocky bottoms and plenty of structure - look for them around boulders, fallen trees, and deeper pools. They're active feeders, especially during morning and evening hours when insects are hatching. Spring through fall gives you the best action, with cooler water temps bringing them closer to the surface. What makes cutthroats special is their willingness to hit dry flies and their scrappy fight once hooked. They're also excellent eating with firm, flaky meat. Pro tip: when you see rising fish, try an elk hair caddis or small attractor pattern - cutthroats aren't as picky as other trout species and will often reward aggressive presentations.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbows are the perfect trout for both beginners and seasoned anglers, with their pink stripe and acrobatic fights. Most fish here run 14-18 inches and 2-4 pounds, though trophy fish over 20 inches patrol the deeper runs. You'll find them in fast-moving water with gravel bottoms, especially where riffles drop into pools. They prefer water temps between 55-64°F, making spring and fall your best bets, though summer mornings can be hot. What makes rainbows special is their willingness to take flies, lures, or bait, plus they jump like crazy when hooked. They're also great eating with pink, flaky meat. These fish can be spooky in clear water, so approach quietly. My best advice: match the hatch when possible, but don't be afraid of attractors like Royal Wulffs or Stimulators. Rainbows often hit what looks buggy, even if it's not exact.
Morone SaxatilisStripers in the Cumberland are powerful fighters that can really test your gear. These fish typically run 15-30 pounds, with their distinctive black stripes running along silver sides. They're structure-oriented, so look for them around drop-offs, creek mouths, and near the dam tailwaters where current brings baitfish. Spring and fall are prime times when they're actively feeding, though summer early mornings and evenings can be productive too. What gets guests excited is their hard runs and aerial displays - stripers don't give up easy. They're also excellent eating with firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill. These fish follow the bait, so pay attention to shad activity on your fish finder. Here's a local tip: when you see birds working the surface, get there fast. Stripers push baitfish up, creating feeding frenzies. Throw topwater plugs or swimbaits right into the chaos for explosive strikes.
4.8 out of 5.0
While we didn’t fish the area I expected, Gregg put us on plenty fish. We had a great day. He’s a friendly and funny person. Never...
Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip. I’d have liked to fish th...
My son and I had an amazing time. Gregg was knowledgeable, patient and prepared! We caught a lot of fish and had a great time. V...
We had a great trip and caught tons of fish and some big browns. Everybody lands some casts in the trees, but Gregg handled my so...
My son and I had an excellent full day trip with Gregg. He put us on nice rainbow trout and helped us refine our casting, mending ...
Thank you! You guys were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
Cumberland River