Delaware to Hootentown, anything to know?

[Seth Clarkson]

A couple of guys from work and I are going to put in at Delaware and float down to Hootentown on Friday. I have floated Shelvin to Hootentown, but haven't done the section from Delaware to Shelvin. Is there anything we need to know about that stretch especially with the water moving quickly? I have read a couple posts that say to keep left at the splits in the river, but any other potential safety concerns or obstacles to look out for would be appreciated.

Also any lure suggestions to use through that stretch while the water is moving fast, or certain areas we should try to pull up to the bank and fish from would be awesome. I know its a long float, but we figure with the water moving fast it will not take anywhere near as long and we may not be able to fish certain sections anyway. 

 

Thanks 

[Flysmallie]

Yep it's going to be a long float. I always do good on the James with a square bill when the water is moving. I can't really think of any place that's going to give you trouble. Hopefully we don't get too much rain overnight and you have some decent water. 

[Seth Clarkson]

I'm just going in expecting the water to be much faster than I would like. If it's slower then it's a bonus haha. The wind may pose a bigger problem though looking at the forecast. Ned rig, may not be much of an option with fast water and high winds. Will probably resort to cranks, spinnerbaits, sliders, and rooster tails if they can be fished. The other guys may run a float with bait under it as we go as well. 

[Flysmallie]

Well it's chugging along at around 668 cfs right now in that area which is at the top of my level for fishing this river. I think you will have some opportunities to toss a ned but I always do better with a moving bait at these levels. 

 

[Seth Clarkson]

I'm guessing that is the boaz gauge? I've been comparing to previous trips I've been on using the Galena gauge. 

I may be off base on our planning then. Delaware to Hootentown is like 12 miles. I figured due to the speed of the water and lack of fish ability in sections we would flow through much quicker than normal. In that stretch at the current cfs is that going to be a longer than 8 hour trip by a lot? I did marble ground to horse creek last year with the water low and it took like 8 hours. Didn't want to do a short trip this time because I figured we would blow through it. 

[Flysmallie]

3 minutes ago, Seth Clarkson said:

I'm guessing that is the boaz gauge? I've been comparing to previous trips I've been on using the Galena gauge. 

I may be off base on our planning then. Delaware to Hootentown is like 12 miles. I figured due to the speed of the water and lack of fish ability in sections we would flow through much quicker than normal. In that stretch at the current cfs is that going to be a longer than 8 hour trip by a lot? I did marble ground to horse creek last year with the water low and it took like 8 hours. Didn't want to do a short trip this time because I figured we would blow through it. 

Yep the Boaz guage would be the closest. I'm sure you could do it in whatever amount of time you wanted but if you keep moving along it's probably closer to 6 hours but it really just depends on how you float. I know it would take me all day but I have a tendency to dick around all day. Even with fast flows. Unless it's chocolate milk and then I'm done probably in 3 or 4. 

[Seth Clarkson]

Alright thanks, just wanted to make sure I allowed time for fishing and wasn't making us have to rush through at the end of the float too much. Its the longest distance Ive floated so didn't want to have miscalculated something. 

[Seth]

Bring a big snagging hook and a 4oz weight. Might come across a big school of spoonbill to play around with.

[Flysmallie]

3 hours ago, Seth Clarkson said:

Alright thanks, just wanted to make sure I allowed time for fishing and wasn't making us have to rush through at the end of the float too much. Its the longest distance Ive floated so didn't want to have miscalculated something. 

Just keep an eye on your time and distance and you should be fine. You are going to pass Shelvin about 5 miles into it, Jamesville about 9 miles in. Adjust your speed from there. 

[Seth Clarkson]

3 hours ago, Seth said:

Bring a big snagging hook and a 4oz weight. Might come across a big school of spoonbill to play around with.

Don't think I have the right gear for that lol also don't think I am brave enough either.