set safety, and make good decisions for yourself. not to mention the runout rapid downstream is not something anyone should want to swim through. Many choose to walk this on the left as there are several dangerous spots and a few large holes to negotiate. And just like California, the shuttle offers just enough hassle that you are unlike to return to this day after day.ĭepending on where you put in, you either have 2.6 miles or 0.8 miles to warm up before the biggest rapid of the run greets you. good all day length of 7.3-9.1 miles, more rapids than you can count, and one bigger rapid to keep yourself challenged. Streamers produce fish year round.This is one of the better class IV runs out there. 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).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. 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