Float Fishing The Lake In A Canoe

[Predator1]

DO IT-CANOE IT.....WOW....ITS AWESOME BUT CAN BE DANGEROUS.....I took my stepdad last summer and man was that a trip and a half. We put in at the dam with 3 GATES OPEN at 8AM and paddled at a 45 degree angle to the other side in my OLD TOWNE EXPEDITION. Once you get to the other side the current wasn't as strong so we made it up to the cable and drift fished back..that was a fast drift.....At one point I thought we were going to take a bath. Make sure you have strong paddles.

Wear your LIFE VEST for this....it could save your life....also if you are wearing your chest waders while canoeing....make sure to strap your waders tight to your chest........(I learned the hard way 20 years ago on the Chattahoocie river in Georgia when I stepped in a deep hole-my waders filled up with water pretty quick). I use a BUNGE CORD. Make sure to also have a AIRHORN in the canoe with you just in case the fog is thick-if the fog is thick other boats will be using the AIRHORN to warn others of their location while coming up river to drift fish. DO NOT USE AN ANCHOR this close to the dam....the current will suck you under....wait till you are way down river to use an anchor....I use a 15# anchor and also have a rope tied to each end of my canoe so I can fish some good spots like eddies and points. Also, make sure to turn your canoe into the direction of the other boats' wake...this will keep you from flippin. NO FUN TAKING A BATH IN COLD WATER.

This will be a very long trip in your canoe, you may want to get out at the State Boat Launch. I cant remember the name of it. SORRY BOUT THAT.

Yesterday we had almost 7" of rainfall in Springfield and the JAMES RIVER rose 14' so there will be some gates open at the dam for sure...we have had too much rain this year. But the fish dont mind......Search this forum for earlier reports,

alot of guys have been catching smallies, walleye, goggle eye, white bass and trout in the dam area since we have had the recent flooding. I'm glad I'm not a fish.

One thing about it in a boat or canoe on Taney....I have never seen so many trout at any give point in my whole life fishing....This is truly one awesome body of water. HANG ON TO THAT POLE.

Have a safe canoe trip and be carefull and you will have a great time.

Save me a few.

Charles E. Jackson

Predator1