Shenandoah River Raid July 17, 2010

[BigYaker]

I'm going to try and make this one for sure!

[kayakist]

So, who else is going? I'm making a weekend of it and plan to arrive around 2:00 in the afternoon on Friday. I'm up for happy hour and fish stories Friday afternoon/evening if anyone is interested.

[i0nized]

A buddy of mine and our wives will be there Friday afternoon/evening and will stay until Sunday. BMP might be there Friday. I'll have a silver 4runner with a mango pungo 120 and a camo tarpon 120 up on top. Feel free to stop by the site to say hello.

I'm sure we'll be chilling around the fire enjoying a few frosty brews.

Mat

[Colonel Angus]

I know a while back I had posted about possibly making this. Unfortunately for our family we are spreading ashes of a family member in the river on Saturday so obviously I will not be making that trip. I am anxious to see all of the reports and pics from this trip. Yall enjoy!

[i0nized]

My buddy and I are taking our wives - they haven't kayaked on moving water before (just lakes). I'm having a tough time figuring out which stretch to take them on that's not too long (under 6 miles) and not full of rapids.

Any float recommendations? Grove Hill to Newport, Alma to White House, White House to Massanutten and Simpson to Front Royal sound ok, but lack of good descriptions / maps make it hard to select the right one. Edited to add - flat water is ok especially if toothy critters are roaming

Mat

[BMP]

My buddy and I are taking our wives - they haven't kayaked on moving water before (just lakes). I'm having a tough time figuring out which stretch to take them on that's not too long (under 6 miles) and not full of rapids.

Any float recommendations? Grove Hill to Newport, Alma to White House, White House to Massanutten and Simpson to Front Royal sound ok, but lack of good descriptions / maps make it hard to select the right one. Edited to add - flat water is ok especially if toothy critters are roaming

Mat

Bruce Ingram will be at the rodeo autographing copies of his guide books on the James, New, and Doah. They are well worth the money to help describe floats.


Matt, given what water levels will be in a few days here's a few choices in no real order.
1. Bentonville to State Park. 3 miles. Very flat. Some ok ledges at the end to fish. Easier paddling sacrifices some fishing.

2. Newport to Alma is probably best left to the proven paddlers. It has 2 long class I/II rapids that require some manuevering, enough where you want to be able to put the boat where you need it. No serious consequences for missing, but sounds like these rapids would push the paddling skills some. That can help the ladies grow into better paddling partners. Probably not a problem with someone to follow down known routes though. Great fishing and a couple sections are toothy. I hooked into a 35 inch + muskie on this stretch last year at the rodeo.

Unless something strange happens, this is my leading choice for Saturday. Float takes as long as you need. You can paddle through in an hour, or spend all day fishing, or anything in between.

3. Alma to White house will be a very popular choice. Great paddling float. 2 mild class II rapids, one of which can be snuck easily. Second is point the boat straight and paddle hard. Good fishing; not much on muskie selection though.

4. The Grove Hill float is long, has a class II if I remember right, and has 3 miles or so of AFW (awfully flat water) plus a no fun portage of a major dam. Same issues with White House to Massanutten, but add in lots of power boats on the lake. Yuck, thank you no.

[HookUp]

The Grove Hill float is long, has a class II if I remember right, and has 3 miles or so of AFW (awfully flat water) plus a no fun portage of a major dam. Same issues with White House to Massanutten, but add in lots of power boats on the lake. Yuck, thank you no.

Portage is looooooooooong. On that streach, Bruce Ingrams gives a Grubthrower pearl away in his book.

But if you like those gators without feet, then, well, a yak with a fish finder will have the advantage if you can get them to bite.

[i0nized]

Thanks guys - I think we might do the bentonville to state park float. If we finish it fast, we can always drive up river and repeat. Anyone know how the ramps are there? From the park's site, it appears there are two but not much info on them.

I'll be sure to get my wife out on the river a few more times before next year to get her comfortable with it. Maybe I can sign here and I up for Jeff's class....

[kayakist]

As you first approach the State Park there is a dirt/stone take out on the point downcurrent on right. As I recall it is about 40 yards to parking lot from there. I now have a family situation that prevents me from attending. Hope to see y'all some other time.

[i0nized]

As you first approach the State Park there is a dirt/stone take out on the point downcurrent on right. As I recall it is about 40 yards to parking lot from there. I now have a family situation that prevents me from attending. Hope to see y'all some other time.

Thanks!