Lower James

[RSBreth]

I had a pretty good July 4th trip. Water was up, and caught more fish on jigs than anything else. Should be better for cranks and jerkbaits after it's down a bit more, but there were less folks on the river than I would have thought, which made for a nice day, that and the nice Smallie I caught.

More at: All Ozarks Fishing

[Fishhand]

Sweet smallmouth, RS. Is that the 20"er that got away a few weeks ago?

[RSBreth]

Nah, I'm going back to that area today if I get my lazy butt on the road instead of checking the forum and watching the Weather Channel. This fish was kind of a suprise, but that stretch always has a couple of good ones, it's just a matter if you can get them to bite.

[bobby b.]

I'm new to the area with a place on TR.

I like to float the James and have done so lower down.

One question - I have a 17 ft aluminum canoe with a 2 hp outboard and a poly 17 ft canoe. I prefer the aluminum. Can I use the aluminum with the motor from Delaware to Shelvin without tearing it up this time of year?

Thanks

[RSBreth]

Yeah, but be careful. If you're just floating from one point to the other, skip the outboard. Otherwise, the water levels are good for getting around right now. Let us know how you do.