Lake Cumberland
One of the premier bass fishing destinations in the Southeast. Straddling the Kentucky-Tennessee border, Cumberland offers world-class fishing for largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass.
Lake Overview
Quick Facts
- Location
- South-Central Kentucky
- Surface Area
- 50,250 acres (summer pool)
- Shoreline
- 1,255 miles
- Max Depth
- 200+ feet
- Summer Pool
- 723 feet elevation
- Winter Pool
- 673 feet elevation
- Dam
- Wolf Creek Dam
Bass Species Present
- Largemouth Bass
Found in creek arms, around docks, and shallow cover. Best in spring and fall.
- Smallmouth Bass
Prefer rocky structure and main lake points. Excellent fishery on Cumberland.
- Spotted Bass (Kentucky Bass)
Most abundant species. Found throughout, often suspended or relating to bluffs.
Major Areas
Wolf Creek Dam Area
Deep, clear water near the dam. Good for spotted bass and summer smallmouth fishing. Bluff walls and deep points are key structure.
Jamestown / Rowena Area
Upper lake section with more stained water. Excellent creek arms with good largemouth populations.
Burnside Area
Mid-lake region with a mix of conditions. Marina access and varied structure types.
Somerset Area
Popular access area with good ramp facilities. Mix of main lake and creek fishing.
Key Structure Types
Points
Main lake and secondary points hold bass year-round. Fish the depth changes and transitions.
Bluff Walls
Vertical rock walls with ledges. Spotted bass and smallmouth relate to these, especially in summer.
Creek Channels
Underwater creek beds provide highways for bass movement and ambush points.
Brush Piles
Man-made and natural brush attracts baitfish and bass. Common in creek arms.
Docks
Floating docks provide shade and cover. Target them in summer and whenever water is up.
Rock Transitions
Where chunk rock meets pea gravel or mud. Bass often stage on these changes.
Water Level Considerations
Lake Cumberland has a 50-foot annual drawdown from summer to winter pool. This dramatically affects fishing strategy:
- •Summer Pool (723') - Flooded bushes, accessible docks, and shallow cover all in play. Largemouth thrive.
- •Winter Pool (673') - Fish pull to main lake structure. Points, bluffs, and channel edges become critical.
- •Rising Water - Bass push shallow aggressively. Great time to target flooded cover.
- •Falling Water - Fish retreat to deeper structure. Focus on creek channels and main lake.
Boat Ramps & Access
Lake Cumberland has numerous public boat ramps operated by the Army Corps of Engineers. Ramp accessibility varies with water level - check current conditions before launching.
Popular Ramps
- • Lee's Ford Marina
- • Burnside Island State Park
- • General Burnside Island
- • Conley Bottom Resort
- • Wolf Creek Dam Tailwater