|
|
Post by wvfisherman on Oct 11, 2014 15:47:25 GMT -5
Phil wanted me to post up for a float next Saturday. And it was mentioned about maybe having a cookout after. Any ideas where to fish or who wants to go.Need your guys input. LETS FISH!
|
|
|
|
Post by madriverheath on Oct 11, 2014 19:06:19 GMT -5
I'm in for whatever. Maybe Claytor Dam to Bisset Park would be a good one?
|
|
|
|
Post by Kayaksticks on Oct 11, 2014 20:15:58 GMT -5
If I can do one I was thinking more of on the james
|
|
|
|
Post by philipgoldwing on Oct 12, 2014 5:17:31 GMT -5
I took a ride yesterday to check out the park at Ripplemeade. It is closed, I guess for the season. There is however plenty of room to park and have a cookout at the takeout if we decide on the Pembroke to Ripplemeade float. Does anyone have a small grill they could load up with charcoal to cook out on? Mine is too big to bring along.
Mark, do you have a float on the James in mind? How long of a float and how large are the rapids? The only one I have ever done ends up in Buchanon at the ramp. I guess we could cookout there. It starts under the Rt. 81 bridge. It was a pretty safe and short float.
|
|
|
|
Post by Kayaksticks on Oct 12, 2014 10:26:58 GMT -5
Here a couple of options for floats for on the James. Some longer than others and some more remote feeling than others. Pretty much all of them have decent parking area. The Springwood to Buchanan is going to be a section with less rapids and the take out is right next to an outfitter with a good sized grass area to BBQ. I have a small propane grill that probably will do 4-5 burgers at a time that is small and light weight which is easy to transport. as well as a small folding table to put it on to cook.
Springwood to Buchanan
This 5 mile (2 hours) trip is the easiest of all floats in Botetourt County; great for first time paddlers or folks fishing. This trip contains a few easy Class I rapids including a ½ mile section of swift water with Class I rapids about 10 minutes into the trip with another stretch of Class I rapids below the I-81 Bridge. The middle section of this trip is mostly flat water with some impressive views of Purgatory Mountain. This trip is very popular for small mouth bass and Muskie fishing. This trip starts at the Springwood boat landing and ends at the public boat landing in downtown Buchanan just above the swinging bridge.
Horseshoe Bend to Springwood
A 3.5 mile (1 – 1.5 hours) float, this short and fun trip containing several Class I rapids and a moderately challenging Class II rapid known as Ritchies Falls about 10 minutes into the float. This entire float is within the designated "Scenic River" which ends at the Springwood boat landing. Some folks also tube this section, but it can take several hours in low water. This trip is typically combined with the Springwood to Buchanan trip to making a longer 9 mile trip on the river.
Buchanan to Arcadia
This 6 mile (2 ½ hours) float is a fun float with good rapids and current. The trip includes three Class II rapids that can be challenging in higher water conditions (above 4 ft on the Buchanan River Gauge). The trip is very popular with local paddlers, especially on weekends. The trip features some impressive mountain views and is fairly remote once you leave the Buchanan area. Remains of Wasp Dam from the James & Kanawha Canal era can be found about 3 miles into the trip on river left. Trip ends at the Arcadia boat landing (on river right) under the Arcadia (Route 614) bridge.
Arcadia to Alpine
This 4.5 mile (1 – 2 hours) section contains several easy Class I rapids and two fun Class II rapids at normal water levels. This part of the river is remote and has some great mountain views. This stretch is also excellent for smallmouth bass fishing. This section is routinely combined with the Buchanan to Arcadia section, making a great full day float.
|
|
|
|
Post by philipgoldwing on Oct 12, 2014 12:07:32 GMT -5
Wow Mark, sounds like you did your homework. I'm leaning towards the Springwood to Buchanan trip as I really don't want any parts of class II with chest waders and cooler water. In warm water I would jump on it. Let's put this together and pray for a nice day out.
|
|
|
|
Post by wvfisherman on Oct 12, 2014 19:29:31 GMT -5
Pembroke to ripplemead? never done that float.
|
|
|
|
Post by uncross on Oct 12, 2014 21:19:00 GMT -5
If we do the James, I vote springwood to Buchanan also
|
|
|
|
Post by wvfisherman on Oct 12, 2014 22:35:20 GMT -5
I punched this up on map quest its a haul for me guys. The quickest is 2 1/2 hours each way. I really don't want to do 5 hours driving then a long float,so if you guys decide to do the james im going to back out early. If anybody doesn't want to fish the james let me know maybe we can hit the new in Va.
|
|
|
|
Post by madriverheath on Oct 13, 2014 6:15:22 GMT -5
That's about what it would be for me too Greg. I was really hoping to get together with everybody but that's a pretty long day. I'm definitely fishing that day either way so give me a yell if you want to float the New.
|
|
|
|
Post by uncross on Oct 13, 2014 13:37:57 GMT -5
I just saw where we might get 1-3 inches of rain tomorrow night and Wednesday.
|
|
|
|
Post by uncross on Oct 13, 2014 13:42:06 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by wvfisherman on Oct 13, 2014 16:05:28 GMT -5
That's about what it would be for me too Greg. I was really hoping to get together with everybody but that's a pretty long day. I'm definitely fishing that day either way so give me a yell if you want to float the New. PM sent |
|
|
|
Post by philipgoldwing on Oct 13, 2014 18:22:10 GMT -5
Well, y'all are making it tough. I would really like to fish with all of you who replied. There has been much chatter on here about wanting to fish the James. I certainly understand not wanting to drive for a couple of hours to fish. I know I wouldn't want to do it. I've often been amazed at the places some of you guys travel for fishing.I guess it all boils down to would Mark be willing to come to the New again to fish and maybe put off the James for another time. I would love to do some of the more remote floats he mentioned but in the warmer weather. I'd really hate to see us all split up for which will probably be the last large group float of the season. What do you guys want to do? Myself...I'm leaning towards Pembroke to Ripplemeade. I believe it's about 3 miles with some nice ledges. Also has some slower water whichever you prefer.
|
|
|
|
Post by philipgoldwing on Oct 13, 2014 18:29:00 GMT -5
Oh, and wherever we end up going...hows about some of you new guys to the site coming out! Would like to meet you. I really haven't met anyone on here that I haven't liked and wouldn't want to fish with again.
|
|
