Anyone know some good places to fish on the New River that doesn't require a white water raft to get to?  I hear there's great smallmouth fishing there!

-Joe

hey Joe , I've heard the same thing but have not had the oppertunitie to check it out yet.

I've been tempted to just take my raft down, drop it in and see where the water takes me!  If I survive the first time, I'd know where all the good fishing spots are.  The trick would be to survive.  I've read a lot of stuff that says New River is really tough in places and I am far from a white water rafter.

There are a lot of guide companys too.  So I don't think I'd get too much help from the locals.

-Joe

Rafted the new river it was a good time but not something to try if your not trained, at least by yourself. The guides Our group used said too that the small mouth fishing is outstanding second to none. The upper gauley was an awsome ride as well, but don't know about the fishing.
Ohio Chapter Chairman Ohio Outlaw Happy Hookin

I have rafted the New River about 3 times.  We put in just below the Bluestone Dam at Hinton and drifted and fished about 7 miles.  There is a small park on the left where you can take out.  There were three of us.  We took two vehicles, put the raft in the water and one stayed with the raft.  Two of us took the trailer vehicle down to the take out point.  Then we went back to the raft.  We drifted and fished.  When we passed over a deep hole, we anchored and wade fished.  Then we drifted more.  There is an island where the New and Greenbrier rivers connect.  We had lunch there.  After lunch, we fished to the take out point.  We caught several small mouth bass.  A very enjoyable trip.

Gary

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee176/goinfshn/bassfight.gif Formerly GaryR before improvements! Life Member NAFC, West Virginia State Police Retired, United States Army Retired

Gary,

Were the rapids bad in the strech?  Or is it further downstream that gets rough?

-Joe

No, the rapids weren't bad.  You need to find out how many gates are open at the dam.  I think three is the optimum.  There were several canoes that went by us while we were fishing, so the rapids couldn't be too bad.

Check with the corps of engineers about the water level.  Then you can better judge the water conditions.  I believe you can rent rafts, they will put you on the water and pick you up at the end.

Gary

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee176/goinfshn/bassfight.gif Formerly GaryR before improvements! Life Member NAFC, West Virginia State Police Retired, United States Army Retired

I went on a float trip below the Sandstone Falls in a jonboat.  Theres a boat ramp behind a gas station but there is no signs for it.  You just have to look for the station.  A white grub worked good for me.