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Species: Brook, Brown and Rainbow Trout
- Angler Type: Wade or Boat
- Access Type: Public or Private
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Description
The Caney Fork is a tailwater fishery located about an hours drive east of Nashville. It’s waters are stocked with Rainbow, Brown and most recently Brook Trout. The Brown and Rainbow Trout can reach very good sizes, due to the abundance of scuds, sowbugs and midges. The Brook Trout size is still yet to be seen as they have only been stocked for a few years now.
The Caney consists of a mostly gravel bottom with a few rock shelves. This make for easier nymph fishing which is the predominate type of fishing on the Caney. The Caney does not get many hatches to speak of, besides midges and some caddis, but swinging soft hackles or throwing big streamers can be productive at certain times of the year.
Because of it’s close proximity to Nashville it does get a good bit of pressure during the weekends, but there is enough room and fish to go around for everyone. Be courteous and practice good stream etiquette and you’ll have a great time. Week days and unfavorable weather conditions will keep the crowds to a minimum.
The Caney Fork is Tailwater fishery so always check the Generation Schedule before you go.
Click Here for TVA Generation Schedule
Suggested Flies
- Zebra Midges
- Tungsten Bead Head Pheasant Tails
- Scuds
- Sow Bugs
- Gray Caddis
- Streamers
Suggested Rods/Reels/Lines
9 foot 4,5,6 or 7 weight rods with matching reels and floating fly lines, unless throwing streamers, then use sinking fly lines
2011 Regulations
Caney Fork River (Center Hill Dam to Cumberland River, including tributaries)
- Total daily creel of all trout (rainbow, brown and brook) in combination is 5 fish
- Rainbow Trout: 5 per day, 14–20 inch protected length range, only one fish over 20 inches may be harvested
- Brook Trout: 5 per day, 14–20 inch protected length range, only one fish over 20 inches may be harvested
- Brown Trout: 1 per day, 24 inch minimum length limit
For more information on daily creel limits and additional information please refer to the 2011 Tennessee Fishing Regulations
Click here to purchase a Tennessee Fishing License
Public Access Points
- Buffalo Valley Recreation Area
- Long Branch Recreation Area
- Pull-offs along 141
- Happy Hollow
- Betty’s Island
- Pull off along Kirby Road at I-40
- Stonewall Bridge
- South Carthage Ramp
Click here for a TWRA river and access map
Getting There
Take Interstate 40 to exit 268, then south on Highway 96 to Center Hill Dam. Buffalo Valley and Long Branch Recreation Areas are on opposite sides of the river just below Center Hill Dam.
