Winning Patterns
Historical tournament breakdowns and what it took to win on Lake Cumberland
Learn From the Winners
Tournament results tell us a lot about what's working on the lake at any given time. This page breaks down historical tournament wins on Lake Cumberland, including the patterns, areas, and techniques that led to victory. Use this information to understand seasonal trends and refine your own approach.
Tournament Breakdowns
December 2020 Toyota Series Championship
Winner: Chris Malone
December 2020Late Fall / Early Winter
Key Takeaways:
- Tail spinner pitched to rock, falling vertically past suspended fish
- Main-lake banks near channel swings
- RKCrawler 55 as backup (Cumberland staple)
- Wind + slight stain improved reaction bites
- Fish were "in-between" - not fully winter-deep yet
Top Baits:
Tail SpinnerRKCrawler 55Crankbait
Key Areas:
Main Lake Channel Swings
Click Here for the Full Breakdown→
Fall 2019 Costa FLW Series Championship
Winner: Andrew Upshaw
October/November 2019Chilly Autumn
Key Takeaways:
- Jig and Ned rig on bluff bank transitions with channel swings
- Lower end from Conley Bottom to the dam
- Fish staging in pre-winter positions (22-50 ft depth transitions)
- Best bite window 10am-3pm on bluff banks
- Smallmouth dominated - 8 of Top 10 targeted brown bass
Top Baits:
JigNed RigRKCrawler 55
Key Areas:
Lower End Bluff Transitions
Click Here for the Full Breakdown→
April 2018 FLW Tournament
Winner: Bryan Thrift
April 2018Spring (Pre-Spawn)
Key Takeaways:
- Spinnerbaits to get a limit, swimbaits for bigger fish
- Shad colors (Tennessee Shad, Sexy Shad) dominated
- Middle and lower lake sections - Indian Creek, Wolf Creek
- Best bites in the morning before 11am
- Pre-spawn to spawn transition throughout tournament
Top Baits:
SwimbaitSpinnerbaitJig
Key Areas:
Indian Creek, Wolf Creek
Click Here for the Full Breakdown→
April 2017 FLW Tour
Winner: Scott Martin
April 2017Spring (Pre-Spawn)
Key Takeaways:
- Jerkbaits and wake baits in creek arms with flooded bushes
- Lower end near dam - creeks with multiple small arms
- Smallmouth on points, largemouth in bushes, spots on stretches
- Spinnerbaits "old school" in flooded timber produced 3rd place
- Scott Martin became first to win 8 Tour-level events
Top Baits:
JerkbaitWake BaitSpinnerbait
Key Areas:
Lower End Creek Arms
Click Here for the Full Breakdown→
What You'll Find in Each Breakdown
Tournament Details
- • Date and time of year
- • Weather and water conditions
- • Water temperature and level
- • Day-by-day breakdown
Winning Strategy
- • Primary pattern and backup patterns
- • Areas of the lake fished
- • Key baits and presentations
- • Time of day for key catches
Seasonal Context
- • What phase the bass were in
- • How conditions changed daily
- • Angler adjustments made
- • Why certain patterns worked
Lessons Learned
- • Key takeaways from each tournament
- • Common themes among winners
- • How to apply these patterns yourself
- • Videos and additional resources
More Tournaments Coming Soon
We're working on breaking down more historical tournaments on Lake Cumberland. Check back regularly for new tournament analysis and winning patterns.