Visit our shop for top-tier fly fishing gear, handpicked fly patterns, and advice you can trust.
Whether you’re just starting or a seasoned angler, we’re here to outfit your adventure.
- Exclusive fly patterns for Cumberland River species
- Gear and tackle selected by anglers, for anglers
- Tips and techniques tailored to local waters
- Guided trips with local experts
Conveniently located near Wolf Creek Dam, Jamestown, KY on-site at the Foggy Bottom Campground
Your Local Experts for the Cumberland River Area
Cumberland Flies and Outfitters is the exclusive fly shop and outfitter for the gold-rated Cumberland River Tailwater, Hatchery Creek and surrounding waters. We’re passionate about connecting anglers to the beauty and bounty of this world-class fishery.
Office: (270) 343-2510
Know before you go:
Wolf Creek Dam generation schedule
Fishing Report - Cumberland River Tailwater
Cumberland River Hatch Chart
| Insect | Hatch Timing | Location | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midges | Year-round | Most numerous below the dam, diminishing downriver | 20-24 | Profuse hatches year-round. Focus on small patterns in slower currents. |
| Caddis | Mother's Day to Flag Day (Peak), sporadic until Labor Day | Helm's Landing to Burkesville (5-35 miles) | 16-18 | Big numbers mid-river during peak season. Often absent from the first 5 miles. |
| Baetis | Early autumn to late spring (sometimes into summer) | 10-45 miles downriver | 16-20 | Hatches come in waves; most active mid to lower river. |
| Sulphurs | Late May through July | 10-45 miles downriver | 16-18 | Excellent hatches. Can coincide with Caddis, Baetis, and midges for "masking blizzards." |
| Giant Stonefly | Summer (Nocturnal hatch) | Clean gravel areas along the river | 4 | Nymphs are abundant and effective. Fish heavily weighted black or brown patterns. |
| White Mayfly | Sporadic | Stray singles throughout the river | 12 | Use Light Cahill or House and Lot patterns when present. |
| Crayfish | Year-round | Shelf rock ledges on falling water | N/A | Effective with streamers; fish love them when conditions align. |
Additional Notes
- Masking Hatches: When midges, Caddis, Baetis, and Sulphurs hatch simultaneously, try larger attractors like Wooly Buggers to cut through the chaos.
- Streamer Fishing: Always fish streamers (e.g., sculpin or crayfish imitations) from a drifting boat, especially near ledges and shelves.
- Night Fishing: The Giant Stonefly hatches mostly at night, making daytime dry fly fishing ineffective. Focus on nymph patterns.
