Hi Dizzy,
There is a hole right at the discharge area of the Gallatin Stream Plant. It is where the some of the water comes out of the plant. It is 30+ feet deep but not very big. It is also full of snags. No doubt there are catfish in there as well as everything else especially some monster old drum, but it gets fished pretty hard. It is just another spot to try and many times it is not nearly as good as the canal.
I catch plenty of catfish with cut shad or skipjack on the bottom of the discharge canal. Just move around until you find them. Most of them are the eating size 1 - 4 lbs with an occasional good one. The cut shad will also catch plenty of white, yellow, and small striped bass, and drum so it is a fun way to get some action.
If you want big catfish, fish the main channel edge from the discharge canal and downstream for a half mile or so. The action is not as consistent, but way better for big fish. Very few people spend the time to fish anywhere but in the canal so if you find them you will have it all to yourself.
It is a trade-off fishing the steam plant. Do you want fast action? fish for skippies and also with some bait on the bottom. A great way to break the winter cabin fever. Or, do you want big fish? Use big baits and move around a lot. Not many bites but the chance at a trophy. I usually trophy fish only when I have more than 5 hours and it is an overcast, cold weekday. On short weekend trips, I go for action.
It is probably similar at the Cumberland steam plant although I have not fished there. If you want big cats, you will have to work to find where they are in a much bigger area. Small cats, stay close to the discharge and all the baitfish.
If you are not fishing the warm water discharges, then the technique and pattern is totally different.
Good luck,
Jim
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