Cumberland River near Ledbetter, Kentucky
The following fishing information is for the stretch of river from the Wolf Creek Dam to the state line: Do you like fishing for world class trout? Do you like fishing in waters that have produced the state record brown (21lbs), rainbow (14lbs 6oz), and lake trout (5lbs)? Well, if you live in south central Kentucky you don't have to look far to find a fishing spot. Everyone knows the stories of the trout streams that produced really nice fish back in the olden days that were then almost destroyed to then have organizations like Trout Unlimited come along to try to fix them; well, the Cumberland is almost the opposite. In fact trout might not be here at all if it were not for man. You may be wondering how but if you think about it it’s simple. Man built a big dam that backed up the river to make Lake Cumberland. Then the water at the bottom of the lake got much colder. Then that water is released at the dam and keeps the river cool enough for really nice trout. That same dam however can make wading here really dangerous. When the dams generators are not running the river is normal enough but once the generators turn on the water rise 6 to 8 feet! That (and limited access) are the reason it’s probably a better idea to bring your boat or hire a guide. Not to mention the fact best time to fish the river is during the high water when more food is flushed into the river. During the high water most of the fish like to hang out behind things that block the current like rocks or the shoreline to wait for food to flow past. The best way to fish during the high water is to cast crankbaits, spinners, or flies upstream of the structure you want to fish and reel it past the structure so it looks natural. Good luck fishing! PS there are other species of fish in the river but I am just focusing on trout.
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Cumberland River Fishing near Ledbetter, Kentucky
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Details for Cumberland River
Species Caught Here:
Brown Trout
Rainbow Trout
Striped Bass
Access: Public Property
Body of Water Type: Stream
Lat/Long: 37.143391 -88.407539
Bodies of Water near Cumberland River
Description for Cumberland River, Livingston County, Kentucky
Cumberland River is a stream located just 7.6 miles from Ledbetter, in Livingston County, in the state of Kentucky, United States, near Smithland, KY. Fishermen will find a variety of fish including brown trout, rainbow trout and striped bass here. Whether you’re fly fishing, spinning or baitcasting your chances of getting a bite here are good. So grab your favorite fly fishing rod and reel, and head out to Cumberland River. Alternate names for this stream include Shawnee River, Shawanoe River and Warioto River.
For Fishing License purchase, fishing rules, and fishing regulations please visit
Kentucky Fish & Wildlife.
Please remember to check with the local Fish and Wildlife department to ensure the stream is open to the public. Now get out there and fish! Check out our
Fishing Times chart to determine when the fish will be most active.
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