May 15Th

[smbass43]

I'm heading down to the current on May 15th to do some canoeing and fishing. I beleive we are starting at Cedar Grove and going to Akers. Can anyone tell me how the smallmouth fishing is in this stretch? Also, how is the river for canoeing (I.E. fast, narrow, portages)? Also, how is the traffic this time of year? Any and all info would be much appreciated.

[Gavin]

Cedar to Akers is a put & take rainbow trout fishery (limit 4) but I've caught smallmouth occassionally. Its a nice float, crowded at times, but well worth the trip even if the fish wont bite. Have fun.

[Al Agnew]

Actually, the first time I floated that stretch I fished it specifically for smallmouth and did pretty well...until I got to Welch Spring. I think it might have a better smallie population than the Akers to Round Spring stretch.

[smbass43]

Thanks guys, I'll let you know how we do. Any regulations that we need to be aware of? I think the artificial lure requirements stop after Cedar Grove Correct?

[Gavin]

I'd agree with Al...the smallies are above Welch Spring. Akers to Round Spring is usually slow fishing for both trout and bass, particularly the Akers to Pulltite Stretch. The limit is 4 trout, with only 1 brown trout over 15" in your limit of 4, no size limit on rainbows, and any bait allowed. Trout fishing can be good if its been stocked recently. Have fun.

[smbass43]

Strictly catch and release with this group, unless we accidentally gut hook one

[Randall]

Did they reduce the length of keeper browns? I thought it was like 20 inches.

[eric1978]

Did they reduce the length of keeper browns? I thought it was like 20 inches.

Montauk to Cedar Grove...1 brown over 18"

Below Cedar Grove...15"

No one should be keeping the browns...period. Eat stupid rainbows.

[Randall]

It was the Taneycomo rules I was thinking of.

Montauk to Cedar Grove...1 brown over 18"

Below Cedar Grove...15"

No one should be keeping the browns...period. Eat stupid rainbows.

I agree mostly with that. I can't knock an angler who keeps the odd legal brown though.

[eric1978]

I agree mostly with that. I can't knock an angler who keeps the odd legal brown though.

Well, it's his right. You'd think most anglers would rather catch them than eat them, though. Some fish are just too cool and scarce to be filleted. From what I hear the bigguns don't taste as good anyway.