Updated October 15, 2026
    Access point

    Burnside Marina / State Parkon Lake Cumberland

    Major launch and service area providing access to popular coves and points favored by bass fly anglers.
    Lake Cumberland reportDirections36.9715°N, 84.9040°W

    Conditions right now

    No USGS gauge is linked to this water yet, so we can't chart flows.

    Weather now
    53°F
    Overcast, wind 14 mph NW
    Bite report · week of Oct 4

    Water temperature at 52°F with foggy

    1. 01Water temperature at 52°F with foggy, calm conditions.
    2. 02No significant insect hatches; focus on baitfish, crayfish, and leeches.
    3. 03Predatory bass and striped bass actively feeding on sluggish prey.
    4. 04Fish concentrating in deeper areas, around submerged structure, and main lake points.
    5. 05Slow, methodical retrieves are key to triggering strikes from less active fish.

    What to tie on at Burnside Marina / State Park

    Picked from recent reports for this stretch.

    streamer80%

    Woolly Bugger (Black/Olive)

    #4#6#8

    Mimics leeches and baitfish, which are active in warming spring waters.

    streamer80%

    Clouser Minnow (Bass)

    #1/0#2#4

    Versatile baitfish imitation effective in clear spring water for predatory bass and stripers.

    Buy at Amazon
    streamer80%

    Crappie Jig Fly

    #8#10#12

    Small baitfish and panfish are active in spring; bass will key on these.

    Buy at Amazon
    streamer80%

    Game Changer

    #2/0#3/0#4/0

    Mimics larger baitfish, targeting trophy bass and aggressive stripers that are becoming more active in spring.

    Buy at Amazon
    dry80%

    Gurgler (Bass)

    #2#4#6

    Topwater action for bass becomes viable in warmer spring afternoons, mimicking fleeing baitfish or insects.

    streamer80%

    Pine Squirrel Leech (Olive)

    #14#16

    Mimics sluggish leeches and small baitfish, which are a consistent food source in warming spring waters.

    streamer80%

    Crayfish (Fly)

    #2#4#6

    Crayfish become increasingly active in spring as water temperatures rise, making them a key forage for bass around rocky structure.

    Buy at Amazon
    nymph80%

    Damsel Nymph (Olive)

    #14#16#18

    Damsel nymphs become highly active in late spring and summer, making this pattern ideal for stripping slowly along Lake Cumberland's abundant weed beds where bass will be foraging.

    streamer80%

    Crayfish (Fly)

    #2#4#6

    Crayfish are a primary food source for smallmouth and largemouth bass in Lake Cumberland's rocky areas, making this pattern crucial when stripped along the bottom.

    Buy at Amazon

    Kentucky season by season

    What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.

    Mar – MaySpringRead the guideJun – AugSummerRead the guideSep – NovFallRead the guideDec – FebWinterRead the guide

    Fly shops nearby

    Local flies, current advice and guided trips.

    All fly shops
    9MICumberland Flies & OutfittersJamestown