6/10 float

[kevthebassman]

I will be floating June 10th through the 12th, Greer to Riverton. I've been following the river level closely and praying for an end to the rain. 

The only other time I have been to the eleven point was in November, several years ago. The river was nearly deserted, and my brother has I had no company in either of the float camps we stayed at. I am coming back knowing that we're unlikely to have that same level of solitude, but my girlfriend and I are hoping to have a nice, quiet, relaxing trip. Can anyone give me some insight as to what to expect in the float camps? Should I plan to stop early to get a decent spot upwind of the smelly, huddled masses? Is camping permitted outside of the float camps?

I'm also thinking it's safe to assume that the paddling will be significantly more exciting, with the river the way it is now versus a trip in November. Not necessarily a problem, I can paddle competently and know enough about my own limitations to actually wear my pfd and get out of the boat and check a rapid from the bank before I run it. 

I'm outfitting through Brian, but I don't recall if he sold flies in his shop or not. I plan on bringing my fly rod but I know that the river calls for different flies from what I usually fish. 

[jdmidwest]

Camping is allowed outside of float camps.  You should not have big crowds, its not really a holiday weekend.  With all the water and flood, expect down trees and tricky bends with sweepers.

Brian should be able to fill you in on the river conditions.  NFS should go thru and clear areas of downed trees.

[steve l]

Just assume the jet boats will be out Saturday.  Expect more than a couple that way if there are just a few you're pleasantly surprised!  Not on the river until early August, so give a report so I can live through you for now.

[Brian Sloss]

You should not have a hard time finding space in a float camp, but you don't have to use them.  I sell flies, leaders, tippet, etc

 

[Mark]

Kev, with the water still at 2100 cfs this morning, I would expect it will be in the 1200-1400 cfs by Friday. That's still a little high but in the doable range for floating and fishing. Best results on EP is fishing deep, bouncing on the bottom. I prefer gravel bar camping to float camps. There isn't an abundant of gravel bars on EP, so start looking for a spot by around 5:00 or so as spots will fill up quickly. I've seen many floaters still looking for a gravel bar nearing sundown.

Word of caution - IMO the most dangerous spot on the river is called Fisherman's Hook a couple miles below Turner's Mill access. Pay attention when you pass the second left bend in the river below Turner, and a quarter mile you will come to an innocent looking narrow rapid with a sweeper pulling you to the left bank. There is a dead tree sticking up out of the water and the current drags you right into it. Very shallow water on the right - I ALWAYS get out and walk the canoe thru it. This spot sneaks up on you, and guessing better than half the people that don't know about it will dump here. Not deep water, but it's a booger.

Enjoy and give us a report. I'm heading down in a few weeks after the water drops more. I prefer 900-1000cfs range for best fishing.

[kevthebassman]

Many thanks for the replies gentlemen. I will be sure to have a full report when I get back. 

[Brian Sloss]

If you ask a local about the spot Mark is referring to, call it fish dam and they will know what you are talking about.

 

[Ham]

Still waiting on that full write up. Busy I guess.

[Brian Sloss]

Than a one legged man...but the trout fishing is good from Greer to Riverton now