Cumberland River Tailwater, Kentucky
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June 2025
Article and Photos by Jimmy Jacobs
There can be little doubt that the tailwater on the Cumberland River downstream of Wolf Creek Dam on Lake Cumberland is Kentucky’s premier trout fishery. Located in the southeastern portion of the commonwealth, the river offers 75 miles of trout water all the way to the Tennessee border. Along this stretch, the Cumberland is known for some world-class brown trout action. The Kentucky state record brown was caught from the Cumberland and tipped the scales at 21 pounds.
Wolf Creek Dam houses five generators, which create very strong currents even when only a portion of them are running. The river also does not hold a lot of shoal areas. For those reasons, the tailwater has a reputation for being a place for float fishing. At lower water-release levels, canoes, kayaks and jonboats are suitable for the action. This is particularly true on the first 16 miles of the tailwater, from the dam down to the Winfrey’s Ferry boat ramp at Jamestown.
There is, however, more to the Cumberland River tailwater than brown trout and float fishing. This portion of the river also gave up the state record rainbow trout of 14 pounds, 6-ounces. Additionally, there are some spots where the river is very wadable when the generators are silent. One of those is very easily reached, offering a substantial area for anglers on foot.
The site in question goes by several names. If you hear someone mention Little Indian Creek Access, Boyd’s Bar, Old Kendall Ferry Landing or Ray Mann Road Access, they are talking about this site that is 1.75 miles downstream of the dam. The boat ramp here is the take out for a favorite low-water fishing float from the Kendall Ferry Recreation Area at the dam.
But Boyd’s Bar at the site also offers the wading option. On our visits to this area, we encountered a mild current when the river is low, and most of the wading was from ankle to knee deep The ticket was to wade out and cast into any of the deeper runs. The mostly gravel bottom offers good footing when wading. Also, be aware that even in the summer you are going to appreciate having your waders on. The water this near the dam stays quite cold.
This part of the river is not known for giving up the magnum-sized browns for which the Cumberland is famed. On the other hand, you have the possibility of catching brook, brown, cutthroat or rainbow trout here. The bulk of the fish, however, will be rainbows that measure from 10 to 15 inches in length. Those rainbows usually are plentiful, since the boat ramp is one of the stocking sites for the upper tailwater.
The most dependable time for wading at Little Indian in the summer months is the morning hours from daybreak to around 10 a.m. But, of course, you’ll want to check the Tennessee Valley Authority water release schedule for Wolf Creek Dam anytime you are headed to the river. Even if the schedule looks favorable, it is always smart to be aware of your surroundings and watch for any hint that the river is rising. Unscheduled releases do occur.
When it comes to summer angling on the Cumberland tailwater, there are several options for the flies to use. If you see surface feeding action, but not what insect is coming off, caddis patterns or Blue-Winged Olives are good choices. Still, most of the fishing will be with nymph patterns under a strike indicator. Beadhead Pheasant Tails or Copper Johns are often mentioned by local anglers as good choices. Also, tossing Wooly Buggers in black or olive attracts the rainbows, but could also interest any brown trout that happens by.
To reach the Little Indian Creek Access, from Wolf Creek Dam, head east on U.S. Highway 127 and take a left on Dam Road. Next turn right onto Ray Mann Road. Follow this road until it turns to gravel, which then leads down to the boat launch area. From there you can wade right into the river.
The Cumberland Tailwater is a great fishery, and it is not just a boating resource. You also can have some great fishing while on foot.
