Rappahannock float

[rudy1337]

I will be doing my first float on the upper Rappahannock (have been on the tidal portion quite a bit) in the middle of April. It will be a family trip with my brothers and Dad. A first for us in a very long time...at least 15 years.
The trip will be a 2 day float/fish/camping trip from Ely's Ford on the Rapidan to Mott's Landing on the Potomac with setting up camp around the confluence.

We grew up on all sections of the Shenandoah (mainly the North Fork and Main though) and it's tributaries. With the most time spent on Cedar Creek a tributary of the North Fork. So we are well accustomed to rapids and navigating them.

Being the planner that I am and the trip organizer. Is there any thing I should be aware of, or be sure to take extra of? I have planned for all of the basics and necessities of a camping trip, just trying to make sure I have everything that would be beneficial.

If we get any significant rainfall before the trip, we will likely postpone it. Of course it depends on the amount and period of time.

Any and all input is appreciated.

[Roostertail]

Rudy,
BMP knows the Rap real well and I'm sure he'll be chiming in soon. Read and heed what he shares. As for yak camping avoid the temptation to carry too much stuff. But you sound like an old hand at this so just make sure you get hold of BMP and he'll get you steered in the right direction w/the river. Have a great time and please be sure to post pics of your trip cause it sounds like it will be epic.

[blake]

You can buy a guide here:
http://www.riverfriends.org/watertrail/Sales.aspx

14.6 miles with very very few places to camp. At most water levels, steady class II.

I usually do it as a day trip (all day).

PS Motts landing is on the Rappahannock, not the Potomac.

[rudy1337]

You can buy a guide here:
http://www.riverfriends.org/watertrail/Sales.aspx

14.6 miles with very very few places to camp. At most water levels, steady class II.

I usually do it as a day trip (all day).

PS Motts landing is on the Rappahannock, not the Potomac.

Blake,

Don't know why I said Potomac...it is indeed on the Rappahannock. That would be a long paddle to make it over to the Potomac!

I do have the water trail guide from riverfriends. It is an awesome guide that I have read cover to cover.

Looks like we can really take our time and thoroughly fish and enjoy the trip. It sounds like the biggest obstacle will be finding a good place to camp. My brother and myself will be in hammocks so we just need 2 trees. My dad and other brother will be ground dwelling so they will need an open spot. The guide book shows a decent number of camp sites, but they may not be as abundant as the trail guide says.

Thanks for the input.

Josh

[BASSMAN757]

I've got a couple of trips on the upper Rapppahannock planned for this summer, one with my wife and a couple of friends and one with our Boy Scout troop. I've floated plenty of rivers but these will be my first trips on the Rap. Please post up a report of your trip when you return I'd really appreciate it. Have a blast too, I've been dreaming about these trips since I started planning them

[yakbum]

I do this trip every year in June. There aren't many places to camp on the Rapidan. The best place to camp is at the confluence, river left on the point. We use Clore brothers as a shuttle. You can park at his place and finish there. It is right there at Motts Landing. check him out on the web. Not sure of the web address

[BMP]

PM Sent

[rudy1337]

Please post up a report of your trip when you return I'd really appreciate it.

Bassman757 - I will try and make sure I get a report up in a timely fashion. Hopefully I will remember to take some pics.

We use Clore brothers as a shuttle. You can park at his place and finish there. It is right there at Motts Landing. check him out on the web. Not sure of the web address

yakbum - I indeed check into Clore Brothers and VOC. $55 per kayak was quite a bit more than we were willing to spend. I have relatives who live about 2 miles from Mott's and I live locally also. So we are going to have my wife and mom run the shuttle for us.


Looks like we may be trying to camp just below the confluence to give us some better opportunity for night shore fishing.

[rudy1337]

Trip is being postponed. The river is pretty brown right now and looks like a decent bit of rain coming on Saturday. Hopefully we can try again in May....stay tuned

[Steelyak]

very high and fast right now, favorite shad spot is all washed out!