Troy Basso Outdoors
"Capturing the outdoor lifestyle"
Destination: Tennessee and the Caney Fork River
As I netted the final Caney Fork Rainbow Trout of the day, in near total darkness, I wondered if anyone realized what a positive impact the TVA has had on coldwater fishing in Tennessee. In 1933 President Roosevelt, as part of his New Deal initiative, signed a bill creating the Tennessee Valley Authority. The TVA was created to help fill the demand for hydroelectric power in the Tennessee Valley. Dams were built and thus rivers called “tailwaters or “tailraces” were formed. These rivers are supplied a steady flow of cold water drawn from the bottoms of numerous lakes. The water flows through the hydroelectric generators and is discharged into the tailwaters, creating a prime habitat for both Rainbow and Brown Trout.
This river, a tail water of Center Hill Lake, is currently managed by the TWRA and provides some of the finest trout fishing that Tennessee has to offer. Although most of the time these rivers look like gently rolling waters they can very quickly change to fast moving very dangerous watersheds. In order to fish the Caney Fork one has to first understand what happens when the TVA has the generators on. Once the generators come on they start forcing a large volume of water into the river. This causes the river to gain speed and rise very rapidly during generation. Prior to fishing the river you must consult the generation schedule put out by the TVA. This can be accessed at the TVA website. A wading fisherman does not want to get caught in the water during generation, a boat is usually rather safe. If your going to wade fish the Caney Fork it would be advisable to drop in and visit Jim Mauries at FLYSOUTH, Nashville’s premier fly fishing resource. They can help you in choosing a good window to fish. The water does not instantly take over the river so you can fish certain areas longer than others when generation is happening.
Access Points
There are three primary public access points in the river, the dam at Center hill, Happy Hollow, and Betty’s Island. If you’re planning on floating the river there is boat access at all three locations. Floating from the Dam to Happy hollow is about 6 miles and will take the fisherman 5 to 8 hours depending on how much you stop to fish. When the generators turn on the water levels at happy are not affected for an hour. So if the generators come on at 7 you wont see the water until around 8. The float from Happy Hollow to Betty’s Island is about 3 miles and is a good half-day float. During generation water takes about three hours to get to Betty’s. There are plenty of wade able water accessible at all three locations. Along the river there are other access point but you need to insure your not trespassing on private property before you park or your vehicle might get towed, thus ruining a fine day on the water.
Fishing Methods
Although you will see plenty of bait or power bait anglers on the river, especially at the damn, don’t overlook the fly rod or the spinning gear. If you are a Fly Fishing aficionado’ make sure you bring along some sow bugs and scuds. Large streamers like wooly buggers are great when thrown at the numerous trees and logs on the river.
If spin fishing is your forte then try inline spinners like Mepps or rooster tails in the 1/8 ounce range. Three go to colors for the Caney are white, black, and olive. Don’t be afraid to try some small crank baits in the deeper runs as they produce a respectable amount of fish on the river. Stay with a quality line in the four-pound range. Anything larger will reduce your number of hook ups, the clear monofilament by Stren works well for me.
Although bait fishing is a legal method of fishing the Caney there is really no reason to do it. This river is quality tail water that readily offers fish on flies, spinners and crank baits. Don’t forget that this fishery didn’t get to its current level by accident. There are regulations and following them will help insure the future of the river. If you observe people taking more than the legal limit you can call 800-241-0767. Information such as the individual’s name, if possible, a good description will do though, vehicle tag number or description, nature and location of the offense will greatly assists the TWRA in apprehending wildlife poachers. If your after a trophy and manage to catch one please consider a fiberglass replica rather than having the actual fish mounted. Fiberglass runs about the same price as an actual mount, and allows the better fish to live to fight another day. All you need for a replica is a photo, preferably both sides, length, and three girth measurements.
Guided Fishing Trips
If a guided trip is more up your alley or you only have one day and want a good chance at catching fish you can contact Jim at Fly South for information on booking a trip. They also rent gear if you don’t have the things you need.
If and when you do take the trip to the Caney Fork do not forget your camera. This river is one of the most scenic in the state. It is home to an abundance of wildlife and you will see them at some point. Deer, Turkey, Ducks and a host of small game will be your company on the river.
Troy Basso Outdoors 