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Expert-Guided Trout Fishing on Cumberland River
- Published Date: July 16, 2025
- Fishing
- Cumberland River
- $400 - $400 price range
Summary
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River Trout in Action
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Guided Fly Fishing Trip
Cumberland River Fish
Fly Fishing
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Jim with a nice slot fish. Hopper Dropper/dropper!
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Guided Fly Fishing Trip
Cumberland River Fish
Fly Fishing
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Jim with a nice slot fish. Hopper Dropper/dropper!
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Guided Fly Fishing Trip
Cumberland River Fish
Fly Fishing
Reel in the Big Ones on the Cumberland River
Hey there, angler! Ready to chase some serious trout in one of Kentucky's best-kept fishing secrets? Grab your waders and join us for a full day of fly fishing on the Cumberland River. We're talking prime water, monster rainbows, and the kind of peace you can only find when you're knee-deep in a cool mountain stream. Our 8-hour trips are perfect for both newbies looking to learn the ropes and seasoned pros aiming to land that trophy catch.
What's the Deal?
Picture this: You're standing in the misty morning light, surrounded by the lush greenery of the Cumberland Valley. The only sound is the gentle rush of the river and the occasional splash of a jumping trout. That's what you're in for with our Cumberland River Trout Fishing trip. Captain Gregg, your guide and local fish whisperer, will get you set up with all the gear you need. We're talking rods, reels, flies – the works. All you gotta do is show up ready to fish. We'll even throw in lunch, so you can focus on what matters: hooking into some beautiful trout.
Casting 101
Never held a fly rod before? No sweat. Capt. Gregg's got you covered with some on-the-water coaching. He'll show you the ins and outs of reading the river, selecting the right flies, and perfecting that cast. For you seasoned anglers, get ready to pick his brain about the latest hotspots and what patterns the fish are hitting. We'll be using a mix of techniques depending on the conditions – maybe some nymphing in the deep pools or dry fly action if we're lucky enough to hit a hatch. And don't worry about tangles or snags – Gregg's seen it all and has the patience of a saint when it comes to untangling lines.
Tall Tales from the River
"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
Fish on the Line
The Cumberland River is home to some of the most sought-after trout species in the country. Let's break 'em down:
Rainbow Trout: These beauties are the stars of the show. Known for their acrobatic fights and stunning colors, rainbows in the Cumberland can grow to impressive sizes. Spring and fall are prime times to target these guys, but you can find them year-round. They love to hang out in riffles and runs, so we'll focus on those spots.
Brown Trout: The wise old men of the river, brown trout are known for their cunning and size. These guys can grow huge in the Cumberland, with some monsters pushing past 20 inches. They're a bit trickier to catch, preferring to hide under cut banks and logs. But when you hook into one, get ready for a fight to remember.
Brook Trout: While not as common as rainbows or browns, brookies are a special treat in the Cumberland. These native char are absolutely gorgeous, with their distinctive red spots and blue halos. They tend to prefer the colder, upper reaches of the river, so landing one is always a bonus.
Cutthroat Trout: A bit of a rarity in these parts, cutthroat trout are a real prize for any angler. They're known for their distinctive red slash under the jaw and their willingness to take dry flies. If we're lucky enough to spot one, you'll be in for a real treat.
Striped Bass: While not a trout, stripers make their way up from Lake Cumberland and can provide some exciting action, especially in the lower sections of the river. These hard-fighting fish can reach impressive sizes and will test your fly fishing skills to the max.
Time to Wet a Line
Look, I could go on all day about the Cumberland River and its world-class trout fishing, but nothing beats experiencing it for yourself. Whether you're looking to learn the art of fly fishing or you're aiming to land that trophy trout, our Cumberland River Trout Fishing trip is your ticket to an unforgettable day on the water. Spots fill up fast, especially during prime seasons, so don't wait. Give Capt. Gregg a call at (248) 762-3210 to book your trip and get the lowdown on where to meet. Trust me, after a day with Cumberland Trout Bum, you'll be hooked for life. See you on the river!
Customer Reviews
Trout Trek Birthday
Chris T
August 18, 2023
Fly Fishing Masters
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 Mckinney
June 29, 2025
Five Star Catch
I wrote a review on Gregg and mistakenly didn’t mark the stars my bad but he was five stars all day.
Timothy Mckinney
June 29, 2025
Learn more about the species
Brook Trout
Rainbow trout are the celebrities of the Cumberland. They typically range from 8 to 24 inches, with some lunkers pushing 30 inches. You'll find them in fast-moving, oxygen-rich water near riffles and runs. They prefer temps between 55-65°F, so early morning or late evening fishing can be killer. These fish are known for their acrobatics - when hooked, they'll leap and dance across the water. It's a sight that keeps anglers coming back. Rainbows are also great eating if you're into that. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but you can catch them year-round. Look for them hanging near underwater structure or in deeper pools on hot days. For flies, I swear by small nymphs or dry flies that imitate local insects. If you're spin fishing, small inline spinners or salmon eggs work well. Here's a pro tip: after a hatch, try skating a caddis fly across the surface. The strikes can be explosive!
Brown Trout
Cutthroat Trout
Brown trout are a real prize in the Cumberland. They usually run 8-24 inches, but can get up to 39 inches in the right spots. You'll find them hanging out in cool, clear pools near cover like rocks or fallen trees. These fish love temperatures around 55-65°F, so early mornings or evenings are prime time. Browns are known for being smart and picky, which makes them a fun challenge. They put up a great fight and taste delicious if you decide to keep one. Fall is when they get aggressive, feeding heavily before spawning. For the best luck, try fishing near deep pools or undercut banks. I like using small spinners or crayfish imitations. If you're fly fishing, a 9-foot 5-weight rod with some woolly buggers or pheasant tail nymphs works well. My secret tip? Fish the seams where fast and slow water meet - browns love to ambush prey there.
Rainbow Trout
Cutthroat trout are a special treat in the Cumberland. They usually run 8-18 inches, with some pushing 24 inches in prime spots. You'll find them in fast, cold riffles or hiding near undercut banks. They love water temps around 50-60°F, so early mornings or high up in tributaries are your best bet. Cutthroats are known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. They're not as picky as browns, which makes them fun for all skill levels. Plus, their vibrant colors and distinctive red slash under the jaw make for great photos. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but summer evenings can be magical too. I like using small, flashy flies or terrestrial patterns. If you're spin fishing, small gold or silver spinners work well. Here's a tip: cutthroats often hold in slower water right next to fast currents. Cast your fly or lure into the fast water and let it drift into the slower stuff. The strikes can be explosive!
Striped Bass
Brook trout are the jewels of the Cumberland. They're typically smaller than browns or rainbows, usually 8-12 inches, but what they lack in size they make up for in beauty. You'll find them in the coldest, cleanest parts of the river, often in small pools or near fallen logs. These native fish are a real treat to catch. They're not as picky as browns, but they spook easily, so stealth is key. Brookies put up a scrappy fight for their size and are considered by many to be the best-tasting trout. Fall is prime time for brook trout as they get ready to spawn, sporting vibrant colors. They're most active in low light, so early mornings or evenings are best. I like using small dry flies or tiny spinners. Here's a local secret: after a good rain, hit the small tributaries. Brookies often move up these to feed, and the fishing can be non-stop.
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!!!