From relaxing in the sun to fishing the open waters, Lake Cumberland is the perfect place to go for an escape from normal life. This lake is placed among gorgeous foliage and isolated shorelines. In addition, the waters of the lake are teeming with a variety of different fish. For the true nature lover, this lake is the perfect spot for fishing, kayaking and a wide range of outdoor sports. To access isolated shorelines and hidden fishing spots, visitors can use Lake Cumberland houseboat rentals to find secret coves and unknown nooks.
1. Bass
Out of the many different fish that can be discovered from Lake Cumberland houseboat rentals, bass is one of the most popular. Fishermen can find largemouth, smallmouth, spotted, hybrid striped, striped and white bass during their Lake Cumberland fishing expedition.
Largemouth, Spotted and Smallmouth Bass
Location: The best place to go for bass is around the main lake points. Look for any type of deep structure like ledges. Smallmouth bass can be found along some of the streams. Smallmouth tend to use flowing water when feeding, so avoid the slack water found in the middle of deep holes. You will want to look for bass during the early morning and late evening. If you are fishing in the middle of the day, you need to focus on deeper areas. Smallmouth fish are easiest to find in the summertime.
Bait: Topwaiter baits for bass includeweightless senko baits, buzzbaits, weedless frogs and Pop-R. If you are fishing in deeper water, try using soft plastics, jigs and crankbaits. For fishing smallmouth bass in a stream, try using a brown or black curly-tailed grub.A finesse worm on a 1/8-ounce leadhead can also work.
Preparation: Keep cooking simple by pan frying the bass and dousing it in lemon, garlic and butter. This will bring out the natural flavors of the fish, and pan frying is a quick way to prepare the bass.
White Bass
Location: The best place to find white bass is in the reservoirs. Schools of white bass will be found along the surface during the earlier and later portions of the day. White bass can sometimes be found in deeper waters near the points, creek channels and ledges. To find white bass, fishermen can use depth finders. These fish are also located around tailwaters and breaks in the rivers.
Baits: While on Lake Cumberland fishing for bass, visitors can try using shallow running baits or topwater baits to catch bass on the surface. If the fish are in deeper water, deeper-running crankbaits, jigging spoons, curly-tailed grubs and twister tail jigs can be used.
Preparation: Basil and chervil leaves help to add a flavorful depth to oven-friend fillets. Herbed oven fried fish fillets also uses butter, lemon and dried bread crumbs to really balance out the flavor of the white bass.
2. Trout
Location: The best time to go trout fishing is during the summer. When the weather warms up, the major reservoirs offer some of the best rainbow and brook trout in the state. Check out the flowing shoals around the Cumberland river to find brook and rainbow trout. Meanwhile, brown trout like to hide in deeper water underneath woody cover.
Baits: To catch trout in tailwaters, try using suspended jerbaits in vibrant colors like white or pink. Small casting spoons and in-line spinners are also effective. On the open lake, try using baits like small minnows, corn and red worms with floating lights. Since trout pull very minimally at the line, fishermen have to pay attention to every slight pull on the rod tip.
Preparation: For a wild, natural blend of ingredients, try trout with morels and wild onions. The delicious morels and wild onions as well as fiddleheads make for a well-rounded taste.
3. Channel Catfish
Location: You can find channel catfish in the lake near creek channels. Summertime is the best time to fish for channel catfish, and they tend to congregate around creek inflows. Many fisherman prefer to go night fishing for catfish.
Baits: Since channel catfish are natural scavengers, many different types of baits will work. The most popular options are shrimp, chicken liver, stink baits, cut bait and night crawlers.
Preparation: You cannot go wrong with blackened catfish. While this recipe calls for just blackening the catfish, the best way to modify this dish is to add some salsa. Cajun catfish recipes are extremely popular because of the tropical spice they add to the flavor of the catfish.
4. Bluegill
Location: Bluegill are readily found on nearly every body of water in the entire state. While fishing on Lake Cumberland look for bluegill near rocks, weeds or wood. Summer is the best time to fish for bluegill, and they are typically found deeper down during the warmer weather.
Baits: Crickets, worms and wax worms are perfect for using with a slip bobber. When you first start fishing, test out different depths until the bluegills start biting. If you want to cover more area, try fish poppers or jigs with a fly rod.
Preparation: For crispy, delectable bluegill, try making bluegill parmesan. The breading adds a crunchy texture. In total, the recipe takes just 25 minutes to make.
5. Crappie
Location: During the summertime, crappie tend to congregate in deeper waters. You can normally find them just above the thermocline in the water. This is the border that separates the more oxygenated, upper waters of the lake from the low oxygen, lower waters of Lake Cumberland. In addition, try looking near mud flats, creek channels and standing timber for crappie.
Baits: Most fishermen use a jig with a minnow to fish for crappie. Other than this option, you can try using swimming baits or spinners.
Preparation: Crappie etouffee is a fun dish to make if you want something other than basic, pan-friend crappie. This dish uses a blend of green onions, bell peppers, celery and seasonings for a taste that you will be dreaming about for months afterward.
