Trip Report

[GloryDaze]

Here is a link to all the pics if you are interested:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/glorydaze/sets/72157623915789419/

Well, me and my buddy got back just in time to miss all the weather down there. I got there Thursday night and camped at Bay Creek and we took off Friday from the Prongs around 11 am- this was my first extended trip in my new Mad River Legend canoe. Man, I forgot how narrow and windy this section of the river really is. The water level as right at 2.0 or around 190 CFS I think, but it was still difficult maneuvering through some of those tight spots. Anyway- the weather was great, overcast with a pretty good breeze.

Fishing- Well, on my first cast of the day- land a 14" then about my third cast a 16" to boot. I'm thinking this could be a really short day of floating and a long day of fishing if it stays like this. It did slow down as the wind and chillier air moved in. I also learned on this trip the first 2-3 miles down from the Prongs is just not very pretty or good fishing. To me, it seems the fishing always picks up about 2-3 mile above Buck Hollow.

I tossed my senko into the tail end of a rapid where there was a downed tree- would have sworn I was hung up, but then my reel started screaming..... I knew I was in for a treat if I could keep her on the line. She came to the top and attempted to jump,,, but there is just something about a big fish when they go to jump they just make this sound, you know what I mean like someone threw a big boulder in the water. She made one more run for the deep ater and then I finally landed her- She measured right at 18.5 and I'm pretty sure she was full of eggs- this picture doesn't do it justice but I wanted to get a quick pic for reference and get her back in the water ASAP.

We didn't see a single person on the upper section. We camped below Buck Hollow- there is a spring that comes into the river on the right. We settled in for some Home-made Chili Mac listened to some tunes and had a few cold ones.

SATURDAY-

Got a late start and unfortunately that put us right into the mix with all the other floaters and fisherman. It seemed to me there were so many people between here and Rymers that it really messed up fishing. Every time you turned a corner there were 4 canoes lined up fishing the good looking water. Anywy- the weather was perfect today... here is a cool pic of Nolan fishing along a bluff:

The funny thing that happened today- I had some dude swear to me he caught a trout- my buddy asked him what kind, he said I don't know but it sure was a trout. I told him best of luck in his trout hunting adventures. We stopped by Jam Up Cave which I have floated past but never walked up to. It's pretty darn big- look in the bottom right of this picture and you will see a group of people... gives you a better idea just how big it is:

I didn't catch one fish today but Nolan caught a few smaller ones. Settled in for camp and had some beef stew, brauts and a little Southern Comfort and cold beer.

Finished up at Bay CReek and got off the water by 10am and in my driveway by 3:15 that afternoon. Another great trip on the UJF. Next trip is in 4 weeks on the Current with my dad and two brothers. I have not been on a river with my dad since I was a child and he used to take us up to the Black River for our family vacation. I just can't wait to spend three days with him fishing and telling stories.

[eric1978]

Nice report GD. The great thing about JF is that even if you're not catching fish, there's still plenty to be happy about just floating down through all that scenery. But hey, that 18.5 would have been good enough for me.

Yep, that Prongs section is a little hairy when the water is up some...sure is fun though if you don't crack your canoe like I did.

The trout...I guess it's not impossible that a couple would make that trip over a winter, but I wouldn't bet any money on it.

[Gavin]

Fishing on the upper end has always been hit or miss for me as well, but I still love to float it. Usually do better between Blue Spring and Alley..Fewer fish, but better size.

Think your first night camp spot was McCubbin Hollow. Little Spring on river right, sandy flat in the woods on river left, bluff wall extending upstream a couple hundred yards above the spring, mile or so above Blue Spring. I've camped there before and its a great spot. I've never caught a trout down there, but they show up in unexpected places sometimes, usually in spring holes near creeks that receive private trout stockings. Thanks for the report.

[ColdWaterFshr]

Nice fish! and nice new boat!!

That report has me wantin to get on the river for a couple nights . . . and soon.

[Coldspring]

You didn't happen to see half of a black fly rod laying on the bottom of the river, just down around the bend from Jam-Up, did you?

[Zack Hoyt]

Great report GD. Looks like a very scenic stretch.

I am not super familiar with the JFR, but alot of guys down here swear they catch trout on the warm water stuff. Buffalo and Crooked Creek for sure....but not the Kings. I am assuming most people are mistaking a darter(probably cardinal darter) for a trout. They tend to color up alot during the spawn. Just a little useless info.

[steve l]

Thanks for the report. Only a week to go for the wife's & mine trip Buck Hollow to Alley. List made, dinners planned, gear beginning to spread out in the living room, come on calendar...

[KCRIVERRAT]

I envy you GD... you get down there more than I do. Looking forward to an early June trip with Chief and his son. Staying two nights on the river and doing Blue Spring to Bay Creek. Lots of play time. Great pics bud and that is a beautiful smallie.