The Cumberland River falls within the jurisdiction of district fisheries biologist John Williams. "I think you could pick about any area to float and it would be fairly productive for smallmouths. I have float-fished some of the sections near Williamsburg and have caught smallmouths. I know people that wade-fish just above the bridge at Cumberland Falls State Park with good success."

It's very difficult for biologists to rate the quality of the smallmouth fishery in the upper Cumberland because of the difficulty in obtaining survey data. "We have collected smallmouths throughout the upper Cumberland River from Cumberland Falls to Bell County. We never seem to get many fish when electrofishing, but we get at least a few (smallies) everywhere we go. I think we are pretty limited in the areas we can shock and our shocking data may not be indicative of the smallmouth fishery."

GASPER RIVER
Anglers are not only treated to excellent smallmouth fishing on the Gasper River, but may also enjoy a very scenic area as well.

"Historically, the Gasper River has been one of the best, if not the best, smallmouth stream in the southwestern district," said fisheries biologist Eric Cummins. Angler interest also indicates smallmouth fishing to be topnotch at this stream.

Cummins said the upper half of the river seems to be the best for smallmouths, according to angler reports. On the lower section, especially the last couple of miles, people report catching more largemouths than smallmouths. Anglers typically run into bigger smallmouths from Gasper on down.

There have been no surveys done on smallmouths in the Gasper River. However, Cummins said they do expect to do some sampling in the future. Angler reports have indicated some very good success and catches of some quality fish. Cummins said anglers can certainly catch fish up to 15 inches or even better. In fact, he has seen some in excess of 18 inches pulled from the creek.

Around five or six years ago, there was a fish kill on a portion of the river. Some "dandy smallmouths" turned up, according to Cummins. It was very surprising to see the quality of fish coming from an area of the river, which is quite small in size. The river has rebounded from the fish kill and angler success is very good.

The Gasper River runs from the backwaters of the Barren River all the way to the Warren County line. This provides around 21 miles of good stream with much of it floatable. Some parts of the river will require anglers to float a ways, portage, and then float again. Anglers are required to gain landowner permission before portaging across private land.

Many of the biologists also stress the need to treat our public use areas with respect and do a better job of policing those who treat these areas poorly.

The smallmouth publication mentioned earlier can be obtained at many sporting goods shops and places where hunting and fishing licenses are sold. It can also be obtained by calling or writing the KDFWR. Those with Internet access can view and print the entire publication in PDF form at the KDFWR's Web site at www.kdfwr.state.ky.us. The KDFWR can be reached toll-free on the information line at (800) 858-1549.