Fishing Forum | Clinch River Fishing http://www.clinchriverfishing.com/forum/fishing-the-va-side-of-the-clinch Simple:Press Forum Version 4.0.2 admin on Southwest Virginia Reservoirs Ranked for Largemouth Bass Fishing http://www.clinchriverfishing.com/forum/fishing-the-va-side-of-the-clinch/southwest-virginia-reservoirs-ranked-for-largemouth-bass-fishing/#p17 Fishing the VA side of the Clinch http://www.clinchriverfishing.com/forum/fishing-the-va-side-of-the-clinch/southwest-virginia-reservoirs-ranked-for-largemouth-bass-fishing/#p17 region3[/caption] VDGIF Fisheries biologists spend considerable effort and resources to manage, enhance, and protect largemouth bass populations in Virginia's public fishing reservoirs, lakes, and ponds; most of these waters are sampled each year, or every few years, to assess current largemouth bass population parameters such as age and growth, spawning success, and size distribution. These population samples are generally collected using daytime, boat electrofishing gear targeting largemouth bass and are conducted in a manner that allows several comparisons to be made concerning fish populations. Since many Virginia anglers target largemouth bass, and fish larger than 15 inches are considered "preferred" nationwide; the following summary contains information about bass over 15 inches (preferred size).

Reservoir Rank Year Size (acres) County CPUE-P RSD-P
South Holston 1 2009 7,580 Washington 20 57
Rural Retreat 2 2009 90 Wythe 16 24
Gatewood 3 2009 162 Pulaski 16 22
Flannagan 4 2009 1,143 Dickenson 15 31
Bark Camp 5 2009 48 Scott 12 20
Claytor 6 2009 4,363 Pulaski 10 38
North Fork Pound 7 2009 154 Wise 8.5 27
Witten 8 2009 52 Tazewell 6 15
Hungry Mother 9 2009 108 Smyth 4.2 10
Hidden Valley 10 2009 62 Washington 3.4 6
Lovill's Creek 11 2009 55 Carroll 3 5
Keokee 12 2009 93 Lee 0 0

Relative stock density of preferred fish (RSD-P below) is the proportion of bass in a population over eight inches (stock size or recruits) that are also at least 15 inches. Thus, this index describes the size structure of the population and the bigger the number, the higher the percentage of big bass (> 15 inches) in the population. Catch-per-unit-effort of preferred fish (CPUE-P below) is a measure of how many bass over 15 inches are collected by biologists during a set unit of effort (in this case, 1-hour of electrofishing). Thus, the higher the number, the more abundant big bass were during the sample.

]]> Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:21:43 -0500 admin on Clinch River 2010 Walleye Fishing Forecast http://www.clinchriverfishing.com/forum/fishing-the-va-side-of-the-clinch/clinch-river-2010-walleye-fishing-forecast/#p16 Fishing the VA side of the Clinch http://www.clinchriverfishing.com/forum/fishing-the-va-side-of-the-clinch/clinch-river-2010-walleye-fishing-forecast/#p16 walleye[/caption] Walleye are native to the Clinch River, and are available in low densities throughout most of the river. Walleye have been stocked into the Clinch River each year since 2005, and sampling catch rates are notably improved. Consistent stocking should improve fishing opportunities over the next few seasons. For now, anglers should focus their efforts at the times and locations that concentrate walleyes. For example, during March walleyes often congregate for spawning. Most of the walleyes from several miles of river will gather in one or two locations. Spawning walleyes usually congregate in pools just downstream of significant ledges and shoals during daylight hours and then they move into shallow water at night to spawn. Another good location is where a creek enters the river. These types of locations will also be concentrate walleyes during the hot summer months when water temperatures rise and dissolved oxygen levels become a concern. Tributary creeks often have cooler temperatures and the water just downstream from shoals and ledges often has more oxygen as a result of aeration that takes place as water drops over the ledges. Walleyes are almost always more active in low light conditions. Try to fish at dawn and dusk, or even at night if you can fish safely. If you can only fish during the daytime, try to fish when clouds, rain or murky water limits light penetration. Under these conditions, walleye will be more active during the daylight hours. Local Reservoirs

South Holston Reservoir

South Holston should provide great walleye fishing in 2010. Reservoir levels were much higher throughout the season in 2009. Based on angler reports this didn't make the walleyes any easier to catch. However, sampling conducted in 2009 indicated that the walleye population is still in great shape. This reservoir provides year-round fishing opportunities for walleyes. A spring "run" takes place in the South Fork Holston River near the community of Alvarado from late February through April. Fishing generally peaks during mid-March. Most anglers fishing the headwaters area fish at night with floating minnow baits like the number 9 or number 11 Rapala. Some anglers use jigs or jigs tipped with live bait. During April, May and June anglers find walleyes feeding along the shorelines of the lake. Again, shallow running lures fished at night is the preferred presentation. When walleyes move deeper during the summer months, many anglers have success trolling nightcrawler harnesses on leadcore line or bottom bouncers during the daytime. Trollers usually concentrate their efforts at depths between 15 and 25 feet during the summer months. Some anglers also catch walleyes at these depths using jigging spoons. Points and flats are the most popular locations, but any shoreline with fairly consistent depths could produce walleyes. Fall fishing is definitely growing in popularity. The same lures and techniques used in the spring can be successful when the water cools down in September and October. Winter fishing calls for jigging spoons or jigs and live minnows. The winter months provide an interesting opportunity for anglers to fish for walleyes when other fishing opportunities and outdoor activities in general are limited. Very few anglers are taking advantage of the winter walleye fishing opportunities. Our sampling indicates that the walleyes are fairly active in the winter months, particularly the month of February. Since 2008, we have spent a considerable amount of time on South Holston Reservoir during February collecting walleyes for the statewide tagging study. We have collected decent numbers of fish along the shoreline in relatively shallow water (less than 10 feet) the first two weeks of February. Good numbers of walleyes and some really big female walleyes are moving around the reservoir and often are congregated along certain shorelines by mid to late February. These congregations seem to move on a daily basis. A particular bank may hold great numbers of fish one day and have almost no fish the next day. Big females can be found along the lake's upper shorelines through mid-March. Most of the male walleyes move into the river by early March. Anglers should note that there is an 18-inch minimum length limit in effect for walleye in South Holston Reservoir, and in the Middle Fork and South Fork Holston Rivers. Biologists will be tagging walleyes in South Holston Reservoir again in 2010 as part of a statewide study. A cash reward of 20 dollars is offered for the return of the tag and catch information. Anglers can remove the tag by cutting through the monofilament attachment with scissors or a knife. The fish can then be released or harvested (minimum length limits apply). Return the tag and catch information to the address printed on the tag. Catch information includes: date, time and general location of catch, "Was the fish harvested or released?", "Were you fishing for walleyes?", and "Did you catch other walleyes on this fishing trip?"

Flannagan Reservoir

The walleye population in Flannagan Reservoir has made a nice comeback following the fish kill of 2004. The fish kill combined with poor survival of stocked fingerlings in 2003, 2004 and 2005 greatly reduced walleye numbers. Excellent survival of walleye fingerlings stocked in 2006 started the population on the road to recovery. There should be good numbers of walleye over 18 inches this year. Most of the 2006 year class should exceed 18 inches in length. Survival of year classes stocked since 2006 also looks good based on recent sampling. Walleyes moving into the Pound and Cranesnest Rivers during the early spring months provide some exciting fishing opportunities. The 2009 spring walleye run offered some good walleye fishing for the dedicated group of anglers who fish in the Cranesnest River practically every evening during the spring months. Most anglers use floating minnow plugs and start fishing just before dusk. These anglers seldom catch their limit of walleyes, but obviously catch enough to keep their interest peaked. Some really nice fish were landed in 2009. During April, May and June walleyes can also be caught on shallow running plugs fished at night along the shorelines of the reservoir. It is during these months that alewives, the primary forage of Flannagan walleyes, move into shallow water at night to spawn. Trolling with lead core line is the preferred technique after the water temperatures soar in the summer months. A 10 pound, 12-ounce trophy walleye was landed by a Flannagan walleye angler trolling crawler harnesses in June of 2009. Some anglers also catch walleyes fishing with live bait under lights at night. Anglers should note that there is an 18-inch minimum size limit in effect for walleye in Flannagan Reservoir. Local Small Lakes

Hungry Mother Lake

The lake level at Hungry Mother Lake is back to normal following the dredging project. The dredging project should provide improved fish habitat and boat navigation in the shallow areas of the reservoir. Walleye fishing pressure was lighter than usual in 2009 due to limited access during the important months of April and May. This should mean more walleyes for anglers to catch in 2010. Anglers should note that in 2009 an 18-inch minimum size limit was established for walleye in Hungry Mother Lake. This 108-acre lake in Southwest Virginia provides anglers with a great opportunity to catch walleyes in a small lake setting. Located in Hungry Mother State Park, the lake is also a great destination for families. The walleye population is increasing steadily. There are good numbers of fish up to about 20 inches, and enough bigger ones to cause anglers to lose some sleep again this year. A few walleyes are caught in late February, but the month of March generally signals the beginning of the walleye fishing season. April, May and June are probably the best three months, and night fishing is generally more productive. Alewives are the primary forage for walleyes in Hungry Mother Lake. During these three months the alewives move into shallow water at night to spawn. The spawning alewives swim in tight circles, creating a swirling noise. Most anglers use artificial lures to imitate the spawning alewives, but live shad, minnows and night crawlers are also effective. After June the walleyes seem to be harder to catch. During July, August and September anglers should concentrate their efforts in water less than 15 feet deep, because oxygen is limited at depths below 15 feet. Live bait will probably produce more strikes than artificial lures during this late summer period. During the day walleyes tend to be close to structure, like submerged trees. At night, or on cloudy days, walleyes move away from structure to feed on suspended schools of alewives. Biologists will be tagging walleyes in Hungry Mother Lake again in 2010 as part of a statewide study. A cash reward of 20 dollars is offered for the return of the tag and catch information. Anglers can remove the tag by cutting through the monofilament attachment with scissors or a knife. The fish can then be released or harvested. Return the tag and catch information to the address printed on the tag. Catch information includes: date, time and general location of catch, "Was the fish harvested or released?", "Were you fishing for walleyes?", and "Did you catch other walleyes on this fishing trip?" ]]> Thu, 28 Jan 2010 23:55:00 -0500 Josh S on Muskie fishing http://www.clinchriverfishing.com/forum/fishing-the-va-side-of-the-clinch/muskie-fishing/#p15 Fishing the VA side of the Clinch http://www.clinchriverfishing.com/forum/fishing-the-va-side-of-the-clinch/muskie-fishing/#p15 I had a buddy try to go fishing a couple weeks ago do one of the deep holes and it was frozen over. I'm not much of a Muskie fisherman, but would love to hook up to one.

]]> Tue, 26 Jan 2010 21:43:49 -0500 nighthawk2797 on Muskie fishing http://www.clinchriverfishing.com/forum/fishing-the-va-side-of-the-clinch/muskie-fishing/#p12 Fishing the VA side of the Clinch http://www.clinchriverfishing.com/forum/fishing-the-va-side-of-the-clinch/muskie-fishing/#p12 There is some great Muskie fishing in the Clinch this time of the year Have not got one to the boat yet this year.  But did get to look at 7 up close just a few weekends ago. Anyone caught one this year.

]]> Thu, 03 Dec 2009 23:43:30 -0500 admin on Scientists to begin dye testing Clinch River http://www.clinchriverfishing.com/forum/fishing-the-va-side-of-the-clinch/scientists-to-begin-dye-testing-clinch-river/#p11 Fishing the VA side of the Clinch http://www.clinchriverfishing.com/forum/fishing-the-va-side-of-the-clinch/scientists-to-begin-dye-testing-clinch-river/#p11 CLINCHPORT — U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists from Virginia and Tennessee will inject a red dye into the Clinch River at Clinchport today as part of a multifaceted study targeting water quality concerns on the Virginia stretch of the river.

“We’re hoping it doesn’t rain. One thing we’re hoping for is consistent river levels for the next week or so. We tried to do this at the end of July and ended up getting rained out,” said Jenniver Krstolic, a USGS water quality specialist. “We had a successful first trial. It looked red for maybe a quarter of a mile, then it looks a little pink further downstream. Besides that it’s fairly undetectable.”

A fluorometer will detect dye levels near the release point, about three miles, six miles, nine miles and 12 miles downstream to Kyle’s Ford in Tennessee. A second injection will cover a stretch of the river from Pendleton Island at Fort Blackmore to Clinchport, and another from Dungannon to Fort Blackmore.

The study will provide scientists data on sediment, “not so much sources but how fast sediment may be moving through the system. There is another study about how much sediment flows through the system, and this tells us how much sediment moves from Virginia to Tennessee,” Krstolic said.

The dye study will also provide data on how fast contaminants move downstream, she said, important data for emergency responders such as Hazardous Materials (HazMat) teams to head off the movement of a contaminant, capture and remove it. Such an incident involving an overturned diesel tanker affected a portion of the Pound River in Wise County last month.

Besides the water resources/sediment study Krstolic and her counterpart in Tennessee hope to launch today, other facets are being conducted by USGS biologists based at Virginia Tech as well as geography/geology specialists. The ultimate concern is for critters living in the Clinch River, she said, particularly freshwater mussels.

“So we kind of come together, each of us in our interdisciplinary specialties, to get as good an idea as we can about what is happening in the river and why — to see why mussels seem to be declining in health on the Virginia side,” she said.

“The motivation is learning more about what is in the river contaminant-wise, sediment-wise and water quality-wise. The dye study is a component of a larger study we are doing on mussel health and freshwater fish,” Krstolic said.

“Some data shows a decline of mussel health on the Virginia side, so we have been conducting a sort of paired water study. We’re monitoring water quality real-time to see if anything really jumps out. The mussels habitat-wise you would assume is similar (in both states), so perhaps there is a water quality component affecting them.”

]]> Wed, 23 Sep 2009 12:58:40 -0400 Josh S on Catching Bass on the Clinch in the Summertime??? http://www.clinchriverfishing.com/forum/fishing-the-va-side-of-the-clinch/catching-bass-on-the-clinch-in-the-summertime/#p9 Fishing the VA side of the Clinch http://www.clinchriverfishing.com/forum/fishing-the-va-side-of-the-clinch/catching-bass-on-the-clinch-in-the-summertime/#p9 I've been looking into this as well, and came across this great read from BASSMASTERS:

“Squirrel” Hager: insect hatches turn river smallmouth on

Brian “Squirrel” Hager is a river man. He earns his living guiding anglers and rafters on the New River (Class IV Outfitters, Ames Heights, W.Va.). He is a longtime veteran at casting to flowing waters in search of smallmouth that inhabit them.

“Summer is when fishing is the best on the river,” Hager emphasizes. “The spawn is over, and the fish's focus has changed back to feeding. There's an abundance of minnows and insects available. When the damselflies start hatching, the smallmouth go into a feeding frenzy. This is a supertopwater time.”

Hager says the bite can change daily, and river anglers should test all options in terms of location and lures to set the pattern. “The fish will move around depending on time of day, amount of flow, food availability, cloud cover, water clarity and other factors. In the morning, they might feed at the heads and tails of the shoals. Later in the day, they might move to the flat, slow stretches. You just have to do some experimenting to find 'em and see what lures are working best.

“One thing's for sure,” Hager continues. “When you're floating from point A to point B, you get to fish the whole river — riffles, pools, everything. It's easy to cover it all and discover where the action is best.”

In the morning, Hager typically fishes a Zoom Super Fluke or other soft plastic jerkbaits. He targets eddy pockets adjacent to swift current, and he twitches the bait and holds it in one spot as long as possible. “I'm trying to imitate a wounded baitfish. Smallmouth can't stand it if they think it's a crippled minnow. They've got to strike it.”

Another good presentation for river brown bass is speed-reeling a 1/8- or 1/4-ounce buzzbait through the pools, casting to the bank and retrieving the buzzer back over logs or rocks that are visible beneath the water.

If his surface offerings are rejected, Hager will alternate trying tube lures, diving crankbaits (Bandits and Rebel Wee Craws) and spinnerbaits with small willowleaf blades.

“The point is, you can't start out and say, 'Today I'm going to fish a fluke,' because they might not want a fluke,” Hager emphasizes. “You have to stay versatile. It might start raining or some clouds will come over, and the fish will suddenly want an active bait. Or, if it's hot and sunny, the fish will become less active as the sun climbs higher, and you might have to change to a lure that runs deeper and slower.”

And, Hager says summer is the time for fly casters. “When the bugs are hatching on the river, the smallmouth love to eat 'em. My favorite fly is the Sneaky Pete, which is a bullet-head popping bug.

“Also, fly casting is an extremely efficient technique for fishing a river. You don't waste time retrieving your lure through unproductive water. You lay your bug next to the bank, pop it a couple of times, then pick it up and recast it back into the prime strike zone 2 or 3 feet down the bank. You keep it where it's likely to get a bite. When the bass are hitting a bug, you can catch a hundred in an afternoon float.

“I can't think of a better way to spend a summer afternoon,” Hager sighs.

You can read the rest on lake fishing here

]]> Tue, 21 Jul 2009 10:49:27 -0400 SWVA Hooker on Catching Bass on the Clinch in the Summertime??? http://www.clinchriverfishing.com/forum/fishing-the-va-side-of-the-clinch/catching-bass-on-the-clinch-in-the-summertime/#p6 Fishing the VA side of the Clinch http://www.clinchriverfishing.com/forum/fishing-the-va-side-of-the-clinch/catching-bass-on-the-clinch-in-the-summertime/#p6 I recently went wading for smallmouth in Clinch River, and the water has droppd a lot over the last 2 weeks. I started off fishing a current seam close to the bank and in 3 casts I caught 2 nice smallies. But after that I didn't get another bite. I caught the 2 smallies on a salt and pepper grub on a 1/8 oz. jighead. I tried just about everything else I had with me -- roostertail, tubes, craws, flukes, shad rap. Can someone please tell me where the bass move to this time of year?

]]> Tue, 14 Jul 2009 11:56:02 -0400 Josh S on Will be fishing on the Clinch River in Carterton 5/30 http://www.clinchriverfishing.com/forum/fishing-the-va-side-of-the-clinch/will-be-fishing-on-the-clinch-river-in-carterton-530/#p3 Fishing the VA side of the Clinch http://www.clinchriverfishing.com/forum/fishing-the-va-side-of-the-clinch/will-be-fishing-on-the-clinch-river-in-carterton-530/#p3 As long as the river is not up to high I'll be wading the Clinch in Carterton. I'll post pictures of the big hawgs I catch.

]]> Fri, 29 May 2009 16:55:19 -0400 Josh S on Clinch River - Maps & Access http://www.clinchriverfishing.com/forum/fishing-the-va-side-of-the-clinch/clinch-river-maps-access/#p1 Fishing the VA side of the Clinch http://www.clinchriverfishing.com/forum/fishing-the-va-side-of-the-clinch/clinch-river-maps-access/#p1

Blackford to Puckett Hole Map
Distance: 7.3 miles
Gradient: 10.6 ft/mile

The Clinch River is considered navigable in Virginia form the confluence of Indian Creek to the Tennessee state line, but there is no formal access above Blackford. Put in at the Blackford access just upstream of Route 80. This float is through high gradient habitat that should provide excellent smallmouth bass fishing. This section may offer some challenging water, especially during high flows. Take out is on the right side of the river at the Puckett Hole landing off of secondary route 652.

Puckett Hole to Nash's Ford Map
Distance: 9 mile
Gradient: 17.2 ft/mile

Put in at the Puckett Hold landing described above and take out on the left side of the river at the Nash’s Ford landing on secondary route 645. This is another good smallmouth bass float. Two notable falls are encountered on this float. The first falls is encountered just downstream of the confluence with Cedar Creek, and the second falls upstream of Hash’s Ford. Floaters should plan to portage at both locations.

Nash’s Ford to Cleveland Map
Distance: 8 miles
Gradient: 7.1 ft/mile

This float will bring the floater into different habitat types. Slower pools near Cleveland will hold more sunfish, walleye, and musky. Launch at the Nash’s Ford access and take out on the right side of the river at the Cleveland access. The Cleveland access is located off of secondary route 600, and is adjacent to the baseball field.

Cleveland to Carterton Map
Distance: 7.5 miles
Gradient: 3.0 ft/mile

Put in at the Cleveland access and rig up for flat water fishing. Top water lures should be effective for bass and sunfish. Numerous deep pools in this reach of river support walleye, musky and catfish. The take-out for this float is on the left side of the river at the Carterton access. To find the Carterton access, take route 614 off of route 640, then take a left onto route 855 and turn right across the railroad tracks and continue to the river.

Carterton to Saint Paul Map
Distance: 8 miles
Gradient: 2.5 ft/mile

This is a good float for anglers looking for a variety of species. Most of this section is flat water, with a few riffles and runs mixed in. Try for bass in the moving water, then rig up for sunfish or walleye in the slower pools. Live minnows, crawdads, or nightcrawlers could provide a good catch of different species. Put in at the Carterton access described above, and take out on the right, just upstream of the town of Saint Paul.

Saint Paul to Burton’s Ford Map
Distance: 6.2 miles
Gradient: 1.6 ft/mile

Launch at the town of Saint Paul’s access on Riverside Drive. This is a good float for bass and sunfish. Small crankbaits and jigs are a good bet for smallmouth bass and sunfish on the first few miles of this float. Fly-fishing with bright colored poppers can be very productive in the shallow flats around Saint Paul. Two notable ledges are encountered on this float. The first ledge is located just downstream of the railroad bridge in Saint Paul. Floaters should also be portage to the left. The other ledge is located on down the river, and should also be portaged to the left. Walleye fishing is good in this section, particularly in the spring. Take out is on the left side of the river at Burton’s Ford. The Burton’s Ford site is an informal access that can be located by taking route 65 south out of Castlewood, then bearing right onto route 611 to the river.

Burton’s Ford to Miller’s Yard Map
Distance: 7.1 miles
Gradient: 11.5 ft/mile

Increased gradient in this section makes this float a good one for smallmouth bass. Walleye are often caught below ledges and riffles. Small crankbaits, jigs, and grubs are good all-around choices for this type of water. Launch at Burton’s Ford (described above) and take out on the right side of the river at Miller’s Yard. There are a couple of ledges and falls in this float that may require you to portage, depending on the water level. Miller’s Yard is an informal access located by taking secondary route 608 off of route 72. Follow route 608 under the railroad tracks and to the river. Takeout is just downstream of the swinging bridge.

Miller’s Yard to Dungannon Map
Distance: 3.7 miles
Gradient: 10 ft/mile

This is a good float when you do not have a lot of time. Put in at the informal access at Miller’s Yard. Several good pools and lots of runs and riffles await you downstream. This float has excellent potential for bass and sunfish, and also produces walleye and sauger. Takeout is on the right, just downstream of the Route 65 bridge at Dungannon. If you have all day to float you can extend your float to Route 659 described below.

Dungannon to Route 659 Map
Distance: Variable
Gradient: 10 ft/mile

The Dungannon access is one of only two concrete boat ramps on the Clinch River. This is a productive float for smallmouth, walleye, sauger, sunfish and catfish. A variety of takeout possibilities exist along route 659, which parallels the river for several miles. Select a sire based on the distance you wish to float and available access to the river. It is best to secure permission from the property owner when selecting a take out location.

Route 659 to Fort Blackmore Map
Distance: 8 miles*
Gradient: 3.1 ft/mile

*The distance of this float depends on where you launch from route 659, but will be at least 8 miles. This float includes a lot of flat water. The slow and deep pools are good habitat for sunfish, catfish, walleye, and musky. Bring an electric trolling motor for this float, or be prepared to spend some time paddling. This float includes the pool know locally as “the retch” - a pool that stretches almost five miles with an average depth of about 14 feet. Some of the best musky fishing on the Clinch River is found in this float. Striped bass and white bass, migrants from Norris Reservoir in Tennessee, are sometimes caught on this float. Takeout is on the left, at an informal access just downstream of the Route 72 bridge in Fort Blackmore.

Fort Blackmore to Hill Station Map
Distance: 7.9 miles
Gradient: 1.9 ft/mile

This is one of the most scenic floats on the river. Just downstream of Fort Blackmore lies Pendelton Island. Fishing is this section is good for bass and sunfish, and walleye and sauger are also available. The gradient is low in this section, so floaters should allow plenty of daylight time to reach Hill Station. Takeout is on the left side of the river, just upstream of the route 645 bridge. The Hill Station access can be found off of route 645 on the southeast side of the river.

Hill Station to Clinchport Map
Distance: 5.2 miles
Gradient: 2.0 ft/mile

Put in at the Hill Station access described above. This section is typical of the lower river. Lazy pools provide good fishing for sunfish and catfish, while faster water at the scattered riffles offers smallmouth bass fishing. Take out on the right side of the river at the Clinchport access.

Clinchport to Speer’s Ferry Map
Distance: 2 miles
Gradient: 3.2 ft/mile

A good variety of habitats are encountered on this short float, and many species can be caught. Launch at the Clinchport ramp and tie on a small, deep-diving crankbait. The first section of this float will offer some good bass and sunfish water, while ledges in the last stretch will harbor walleye and sauger. Take out on the left side of the river at Speer’s Ferry. An informal access is located near the railroad bridge off of route 627.

Speer’s Ferry to State Line Map
Distance: 9 miles
Gradient: 2.5 ft/mile

This float will take anglers through some beautiful scenery on the way to the Virginia-Tennessee border. Most of this float is through slow moving water, so allow ample time to cover the distance between access points. The scattered shoals in this section are popular during the spring sucker shooting season. Be sure to notice the platforms placed high among the sycamores. Take out is on the left side of the river at the State Line access, off of route 627.

Maps and driving directions may not work for all locations. Map information provided through Google is intended for planning purposes only. You may find that construction projects, traffic conditions, or other events may differ from the map results.


]]> Sat, 25 Apr 2009 00:03:58 -0400