Russell County, KY · Inland River
Cumberland River (Wolf Creek tailwater)
The cold tailwater below Wolf Creek Dam — Kentucky's premier trout river and home of the state-record 21-pound brown trout. Long generation-driven flows grow trophy browns and stocked rainbows over 50+ miles of fishable water; drift-boated and waded at low generation.
Live · updated
Top picks today
Brown Trout & Rainbow Trout — tied at the top (68/100)
2 species tied for best of 2 tracked at Cumberland River (Wolf Creek tailwater).
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at Cumberland River (Wolf Creek tailwater)
2 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top 2 (tied) are open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Brown Trout Workable day for Brown Trout. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 6 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Salmo trutta — Naturally reproduces in the Gunpowder River tailwater (Loch Raven below Prettyboy) and several Western MD streams; also heavily stocked. Typically more wary than rainbows. Classic mayfly hatches on the Gunpowder — sulphurs, BWOs, caddis. Streamer-eaters after dark.
Prefers. Water 45–68°F (ideal 55°F) · either tide · depth 3–25 ft.
- Daily creel
- 1
Cumberland River tailwater below Wolf Creek Dam: trophy brown-trout management — a restrictive size/slot and a 1-fish limit, trout permit required. This is the KY state-record brown-trout water; confirm the current KY DFW rule before keeping a fish.
Source: Kentucky regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
#1 Rainbow Trout Workable day for Rainbow Trout. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 6 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Oncorhynchus mykiss — The most heavily stocked trout in Maryland. Put-and-take fisheries across the state plus holdover/wild fish in Western MD streams (Savage, Youghiogheny tailwater, Gunpowder). Takes PowerBait, small spinners, and standard dry/nymph patterns.
Prefers. Water 45–68°F (ideal 55°F) · either tide · depth 3–20 ft.
- Daily creel
- 8
Kentucky: 8 trout/day general limit; a trout permit is required on the tailwaters. Confirm any water-specific slot.
Source: Kentucky regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
Location Info
Water Body
Inland River
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
Kentucky
Coordinates
Notes
KY: trout permit required; the tailwater is under trophy brown-trout regulations (restrictive slot/size, 1 brown/day). Flows swing fast with dam generation.
Local reports & rules for Cumberland River (Wolf Creek tailwater): Kentucky Fish & Wildlife fishing & regulations → · trout stocking schedule → · fish-consumption advisories (EPA directory) →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Cumberland River (Wolf Creek tailwater)?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Cumberland River (Wolf Creek tailwater) you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Cumberland River (Wolf Creek tailwater)?
Cumberland River (Wolf Creek tailwater) is listed on this site for 2 commonly-targeted species: Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Cumberland River (Wolf Creek tailwater)?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Cumberland River (Wolf Creek tailwater) against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Cumberland River (Wolf Creek tailwater) have?
Cumberland River (Wolf Creek tailwater) has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp. KY: trout permit required; the tailwater is under trophy brown-trout regulations (restrictive slot/size, 1 brown/day). Flows swing fast with dam generation.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Cumberland River (Wolf Creek tailwater)?
state agency regulations apply at Cumberland River (Wolf Creek tailwater). Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Cumberland River (Wolf Creek tailwater) tidal water?
No. Cumberland River (Wolf Creek tailwater) is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.