Ohio/Tenn/Cumberland River Help

[jimboZ20]

I will be fishing the BFL Regional going out of Paducah the week of Oct. 11-15th. I have never fished there and would like to know what I need to key in on. I'm not looking for specific spots, but just basic info. Thanks and good fishin.

[Heffer11]

Sorry Jim....I fish the lake sides. I don't have a clue on what to do on the river side.

[Mike Daleo]

Charlie(Tr21Bassin, fishes those river alot. He may come by and give you some tips.

[TR21Bassin]

Ok, the Cumberland will produce the numbers but the Tennessee will produce the size of fish it will take to win. Right near the take off area there are usually some barges staged and if its not off limits you can get between the barges and the bank and there is a lot of grass in there that usually holds good fish. If you go up the Tennessee go up near KY Dam and start working your way back hitting any current break you can find with crankbaits, usually we throw Bandit 200's and 300's in Splatterback and Chartreuse Black scale. You can also throw and green pumpkin jig with good success. Make sure and hit both boat ramps, the one on the left near the dam holds good fish and the one on the ramp has a good current block in front of it. As you start back down the river there is a gas line pipe crossing that usually holds some good smallies. Use the crankbait and if the current slows enough throw a drop shot on the rip rap at the pipeline crossing. I've pulled some great smallies from there.

If you go to the Cumberland run all the way up to the dam and fish the rip rap on both sides as well as the wall that divides the lock with the dam, crankbait and jig again. As you come back down the Cumberland about 1/2 mile from the dam on the left side there are some good stumps and trees that are usually about 4-6 foot underwater and can hold some fish. This stretch is about 1/4 mile long but I can't remember how far it is down river from the 62 bridge, its not too far.

Hope this helps.
Charlie

[jimboZ20]

Thanks for the help Charlie. Plays into my style of fishing...I appreciate it!!!

[CincyBas]

Very Nice Report Charlie.

I'm not fishing it but interesting to read.