Alley Spring To Eminence

[pvspmo]

We are supposed to float this weekend from Alley to Eminence. Have never been to Jack's Fork before and just wondering what to expect? Wondering what the water levels are like and also what kind of crowd we are going to deal with. We have a couple of inexperienced floaters in our group of 8 and also a couple that will want to fish. Any suggestions/comments will be appreciated. Thanks

[TroutRinger]

We are supposed to float this weekend from Alley to Eminence. Have never been to Jack's Fork before and just wondering what to expect? Wondering what the water levels are like and also what kind of crowd we are going to deal with. We have a couple of inexperienced floaters in our group of 8 and also a couple that will want to fish. Any suggestions/comments will be appreciated. Thanks

I was floating the current on this last Thursday, and a park ranger told me that the Jack's Fork had a 9 foot rise with all the rain. Most of the campgrounds in Eminence got flooded out so if you might want to call a canoe outfitter to find out about water levels. As far as floating difficulty, as long as the river hasn't changed too much since I was there last summer, that section is not too bad. You should be okay with in the inexperience floaters especially if you stick them up front. The fishing is also pretty decent in that section, but I think it is a little better from Eminence down (but that is a much tougher float).

[KCRIVERRAT]

Gage reading at Alley Spring has dropped to 2.91 feet. It was around 9 feet high a few days back. You'll have a great float. Lot's of just ruddering from the back as the Jacks scoots along at a nice pace. Just remember, the inexperienced up front need to pry stroke if any help is needed. Don't barrel through to miss any obstacles ( big rocks, root wads, or trees downed). Great swimming holes you all will enjoy. Great fishing too, BUT, only if you're not surrounded by lots of people, my guess is you will be, beings your going on a weekend. The smallmouth will be holding really tight to cover with the canoe traffic. Get your baits right into it and you should catch some, and be stealthy. I love the float from Eminence to Two Rivers (takeout on the Current). Better fishing in my opinion, especially the last three miles from Shawnee Creek to the Current. Just a little tip... if you've got kids with ya and they wanna fish, take along some nightcrawlers and use some #4 or #6 baitholder hooks. Lots of Longear Sunfish (Punkinseeds). That'll keep'em happy. Just after you put in above Alley, you'll make a left turn as the river bends. Alley Spring dumps in just after that. Stop and feel the difference in temperature of the water.... Also, don't know if you're camping or what, but before you leave the area, make sure you visit the Alley Spring Mill just off Hwy. 106 west of the river bridge and campground. Beautiful and informative. The spring pool is gorgeous. Have a great time bud!

KC

[pvspmo]

Thanks for all the advise. Hopefully we can get some fishing in between all the people.

I will post the results next week and let you know how it was.

Thanks again