Top 5 Spots to Wade Fish on the Caney Fork River

Center Hill Dam is a hydroelectric dam owned and controlled by the Army Corps of Engineers. The Caney Fork River is a tailwater of Center Hill Lake, meaning that the levels and flow of the river are determined by water released from Center Hill Lake at the dam. The Caney Fork River is stocked with Brown, Brook, and Rainbow Trout.

Fly fishing can be a great way to get outside and enjoy the benefits of nature. It can also provide you with amazing opportunities to see how trout naturally behave in the river. Trout can typically be found where fast water meets slow water – where bugs and bait fish naturally come together due to the flow of the water. In a river with current, you will often find fish hanging out in places where they can get a little break from the current. This could be up against the bank, behind rocks, near downed trees, etc. While fly fishing from a boat often provides you with more fishing opportunities (simply due to having more access to the river), there are many spots on the Caney Fork River where you can step out of your truck and into the water to start fishing.

Fishing around Center Hill Dam is always steady due to the year-round stable water temperatures coming from the lake. You can access fishing near the dam by foot at the Buffalo Valley and Long Branch boat ramps. Buffalo Valley Recreation Area has a few options for wade fishing with access to Wolf Creek. There is also a small fishing access at the Wolf Creek/Caney Fork Confluence down a short foot path at Buffalo Valley Recreation Area. When guiding, I typically start trips at the Buffalo Valley boat ramp and float to Happy Hollow Boat Ramp, another great spot for wade fishing. When the dam is not generating water, you can access a large stretch of the river by foot at this location.

Another location I recommend for wade fishing is the rest area located at Mile Marker 267 along Interstate 40. Not only does this location provide a large stretch of river easily accessible by foot, it also has parking and access to some great bathrooms!

In addition to these locations, there are several public access points along the river. Some of these include Betty’s Island, Stonewall Bridge and the South Carthage Boat Ramp (see map from the Army Corps of Engineers here). Keep in mind that most of the land along the river is private. Please respect landowners and no not cross land you do not have permission to be on. Wade fishing a wonderful way for you to get outside in nature, but if you’d like to book a float trip with a guide, reach out to me at 931-252-8709. I encourage you to get out there and enjoy the river and all it has to offer!

Vital Safety Information: Because the Caney Fork River is a tailwater, water levels can change without notice due to weather changes or power requirements. Always use caution when fishing, especially wade fishing. You can access the generation schedule here: https://www.tva.com/Environment/Lake-Levels/Center-Hill