Anglers are not at the top of the list of priorities when it comes to releases from the dam. The Center Hill Dam is operated by the Corps of Engineers. Our trip will be scheduled around the generation schedule regardless of whether it is a wade or float trip.
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Here is what a day on the water with me would be like. If you are looking for a Caney Fork River fly fishing guide, then I hope you will consider myself, David Knapp of Trout Zone Anglers. Finally, there are usually more and better shots at larger fish as well during float trips. Also, visitors on float trips have the chance to see sections of river that wade anglers cannot easily access. First, fishing out of the boat is more relaxing. Most anglers prefer a guided float trip on this river for several reasons. Streamers produce fish year round.Caney Fork Butter for Bill © 2016 David Knapp Photography A Day On the Caney Fork River: Wade Versus Float Terrestrials, such as spiders, grass hoppers and beetles, are used during the summer months. Dry fly activity is limited however, the occasional midge, mayfly and caddis hatches are seen a number of times during the year. Leaders: Fluorocarbon leaders and tippet with overall lengths between 9 and 12 feet and sizes tapering from 3X to 6X (depending on fly size) are recommended.įlies: The majority of flyfishing is subsurface with midges heavily favored. Sinking lines are necessary during generation to ensure the flies are able to reach the fish due to the swift current. Rod: The most common outfit for fly fishing the Caney Fork River is a 5 or 6 weight rod in lengths ranging from 8.5 to 9 feet.įly Line: Weight forward floating lines are recommended during times of non- generation. One Rainbow and One Brookie over 20” may be harvested.Rainbows and Brookies under 14” may be harvested (14”- 20” protected must be released).
![caney fork caney fork](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/YxGYjnAL8Sk/maxresdefault.jpg)
One Brown Over 24” may be harvested (under 24” protected must be released).The regulations for the Caney Fork River are: Use the link below for public access points and boat ramp locations:įor detailed information on trout stream fishing regulations, see the trout section of the Tennessee Fishing Guide: Extreme caution should be used when drift fishing during periods of generation and is recommended for experienced boaters only. Fishing from kayaks, canoes and drift boats is also very popular during periods of non-generation. The river is suitable for wading during periods of non-generation however, the current is too strong for wading under generation. The schedule can be found either by calling TVA #80, #4, #37, or through the TVA website. Water levels can rise suddenly and become dangerous. It is important to check the schedule before venturing out. The frequent releases provide enough cool water to support trout fishing year round. The daily generation schedule at Center Hill Dam is based primarily on power needs and flood control. Brook trout rarely exceed 14 inches, but the new state record was caught on the Caney Fork in 2016, measuring just over 20 inches. However, hold over trout and the occasional stocking of large brood trout, offer opportunities to hook into fish measuring well over 20 inches. Due to heavy generation and continually changing water levels, the river does not support any measurable, natural reproduction.
![caney fork caney fork](https://throwback-lures.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/IMG_20160806_125939.jpg)
This winter, November through January, a number of brook trout were stocked in the upper section of the Caney, enticing a number of anglers. TWRA stocks, on average, 220,000 rainbow, brown and brook trout March through November. This section of the river is stocked annually by the (TWRA) Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency at four main locations: just below the dam, Happy Hollow, Betty’s Island and Gordonsville access areas. The 16 miles immediately below the dam is the primary stretch of water supporting trout. The dam is located approximately 70 miles east of Nashville, Tennessee. Most notably for trout anglers is the final stretch of river below Center Hill Dam. The Caney Fork River begins near Crossville, Tennessee and is impounded twice over its approximate 140 miles before reaching the Cumberland River. The Caney Fork River - Written by Susan Thraser, Southern Brookies Our Community's Best Advice for First Time Fly Fishers