Caney Fork River
Of all the rivers I've had the honor of guiding, The Caney will always hold a special place in my heart. I was 5 years old the first time my father took me to the Caney Fork and it was there that my lifetime love of trout angling began. The river was primarily a put and take river back in those days, but progressive regulations have really put the Caney Fork on the map.
The Caney Fork is one of the largest tributaries to the Cumberland River. In fact, we often call it "The Little Cumby". It's located about an hour east of Nashville on interstate 40. Cookeville lies about 20 minutes to the east of the Caney and is a great place to find lodging, dining, and shopping.
Helpful Caney Fork Area Links
Cumberland Transit Fly Shop (Nashville)
TWRA has implemented these progressive regulations on the Caney Fork River. These regulations have been very beneficial to the fish and the quality of the fishery. More trophy quality fish are released to be caught by other happy anglers.
Click on bottom right corner to view larger map
The tailwater begins at the foot of the USCOE Center Hill Dam. Coldwater releases from the dam provide suitable conditions for trout almost all the way to Carthage. Much like the Cumberland River, the Caney's riverbed is comprised mostly of gravel and the occasional gravel bar. Rolling hills and sheer rock bluffs line the river and provide a beautiful back drop for a day of fishing.
The food base on the Caney Fork is primarily midge based. We do see a good amount of sow bugs, scuds and craneflies. Several species of caddis and mayflies show from time to time but are typically sporadic at best.
The best method for success is light nymphing with small nymphs and light, fluorocarbon tippets. Indicators are also used but special care must be taken to keep the indicators small and inconspicuous. Streamer fishing can also be productive for finding the larger trout.
Caney Fork River Trout Fishing Regulations
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Rocky Top Anglers is a professional fly fishing guide service located in east Tennessee. Our Fly Fishing Guides, Rocky Cox and Doug Moore offer guided fly fishing trips on all of the top tailwaters in east Tennessee. Guided Fly Fishing Trips on the Hiwassee River are performed in whitewater Drift Boats by our Qualified Fly Fishing Guides. We offer great Float Trip adventures with the Fly Rod on Clinch River. Fly Fishing Guide trips on the Holston River can be a very rewarding way to enjoy spring dry fly fishing in east Tennessee. Rocky Top Angler employs Qualified Fly Fishing Guides with years of experience on all the Tennessee Tailwaters, including the Clinch River, Hiwassee River, Holston River, South Holston River, Watauga River, Caney Fork River, and Cumberland River. We often find Trophy Rainbow and Brown Trout on our Guided Fly Fishing Trips. Rocky Top Anglers employs many techniques, including Dry Fly Fishing, Nymph Fishing, Streamer fishing, and Emerger Fly Fishing for Trophy Rainbow and Brown Trout. Spring Time and Summer Fly Fishing on East Tennessee Trout Waters can be incredible. Hiring the right Fly Fishing Guide for your East Tennessee Fly Fishing Adventure can be important. Our Fly Fishing Guides are well skilled with Beginners, weekend warriors, and the veteran anglers. We've been in the Fly Fishing Guide busieness for many years and have 1000's of trips under our belts. Our site has current Fly Fishing Reports for East Tennessee and surrounding areas, including all the Fly Fishing Rivers near Knoxville, Nashville, and Chattanooga. Visitors to the area attractions such as the Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg area are often surprised to find such incredible Trophy Fly Fishing for trout. We're here to show everyone what great Fly Fishing we have here in East Tennessee. Captain Rocky Cox has been guiding Fly Anglers for well over ten years. Growing up near the Clinch River, Holston River, Hiwassee River, and other East Tennessee Tailwaters has provided us with fabulous tailwaters to pursue Trophy Rainbow and Trophy Brown Trout. Come visit us when your visiting the east Tennessee area and you'll find we have been blessed here with Trophy Trout Fisheries, fine Fly Fishing, and great Fly Fishing Guides at Rocky Top Anglers.