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4th Annual 2012 New River Smallmouth Trip Planning Thread

127K views 1K replies 54 participants last post by  JohnYaksJax 
#1 ·
With all the Meet and Greets being planned on NCAngler I thought I'd better get this one started so participants can mark their calendar!

It is once again time to plan our annual New River Smallie Trip! I think it's our 4th one but I'm old and tend to forget. What I do know is that we have a blast every time and the growing number of participants each year is indicative of that.

For those that have never been here are some of the details. And for those who go every year, we've made a few changes this year that I think you will like.

The South Fork of the New River in Ashe County is a relatively gentle flowing river with spectacular scenery and gazillions of fiesty smallies. It is listed as a National Scenic and Historic River and is believed to be the second oldest river in the world, behind the Nile in Egypt. It is one of the few rivers that flows South to North and that's because the river was there before the mountains were! The fish in the South Fork tend to run smaller than in the main river (above where the North and South Forks meet) but are a blast on ultralight tackle and flyrods. Last years largest fish was a 15 incher caught by Raymond 'Curt Gowdy' Wells. River fish are aggressive, opportunistic feeders and will strike a large variety of offerings. About the only thing that slows the fishing down is muddy water which is one reason we hold this event mid summer as water levels tend to be lower and clearer during this season. That time of year in the mountains is a great break from the heat of summer that we'll have in the lowlands as well.


A gently moooooving section.......yes those are cows...:eek:

We choose the South Fork versus the main river for safety reasons. We want canoe/kayers of all ability to be able to participate and the South Fork has just enough rapids to make it exciting without it being exceedingly dangerous. Again, the summer low river flow adds to the safety factor. Nevertheless you have to respect the awesome power of moving water and you will get lots of practice manuevering your craft around exposed and slightly submerged boulders and picking your lines through the small rapids and shallow areas. We've never had anyone hurt on these floats and want to keep it that way.

PapaDave and Grandson maneuvering some white water last year:


Darrell (dbeam) running the same rapid in his yak.

We base out of the New River State Park, Highway 221 Access. It has tent camping as well as RV camping available as well as a nice bath house with showers. Each participant is responsible for thier own reservations which can be made online through the following link, which also has lots of other useful information about the park. Be sure to reserve at the 221 Access as there are other campsites within the park.

http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/neri/main.php

We arrive on a Friday, set up camp, sneak in some fishing...whatever. We float on Saturday and Sunday. In the past we have floated two separate sections and planned all of our own logistics for putting in/taking out/ ferrying participants/leaving vehicles and trailers at take outs etc. This was fine when we had a dozen or so participants but last year it became quite the chore with over 20 vessels and without the extra effort and cost by folks like Echerd, Big Dave, Froggy Waters and others it would have been catastrophic. I don't want to impose on those guys this year so I contacted New River Outfitters (the campground/canoe rental place next to the 221 high bridge) to see how much they would charge to haul us from the Kings Creek Access (take out) back to the 221 Access each day. For 22 vessels they quoted me a price of $90! Basically for $5 per day per vessel ($10/vessel for the two day trip) we don't have to deal with the hassle and cost of gas running trucks/trailers all over the mountains. Gives us more time to socialize back at camp! So that's what I plan on doing this year.

Camp Shot from last year...Gary (Froggy Waters) pouring me a much needed cup of coffee early one morning and Eddie (yakattack flyflinger) in the background. I raided the sausage and eggs while I was there too!





This year we will be floating from the campground to Kings Creek Access on both days. This section of the river has fewer other recreational boaters and better fishing. It allows folks to drop their vessels in the water to depart whenever they choose right from the campground. The only caveat will be to be sure to be at the take out by the designated time so as not to miss the ride back (attn: Raymond) :)

And of course we have our Day 1 'Big Fish' fishing contest. On day 1 take a pic of a nice fish and bring the image to the official 'weigh in' back at camp. As in years past I will serve as the Judge for the contest. All judging decisions will be final. I take Mastercard and Visa.:rolleyes: Bring a lure or two to put in the prize pot. Last year there were a number of contestants disqualified for not heeding various rules and clauses in the 'Official Red X Angler Tournament Rule Book'. Here's an example whereby I disqualified myself for not following Section 22, Subsection 18(c)-.01 regarding framing a photo so as to make the fish appear larger.


Here were the contest winners, who got to split the very large prize package



So let the planning begin!! If you've got pics from past events feel free to post them as we go!

The event will be held on July 27,28,29. The attendance list is attatched. (Updated as of 6/1/12)

Cedwards 1
bigdave 1
h2ohhh (w/dave)
raymondwells 1
froggy waters 4
froggette waters (inc. in Froggy)
dbeam 1
echerd (and family) 4
catawba 1
papadave (and family) 1
pondhopper 1
rockhopper 1
luckyone 1
yakattackflyflinger 1
abert43 (dad and maybe anortnc7)
mofish (almost forgot) 1
Fisherman Bill 1
RouseD 1
Kelly 1
plowboy (and daughter)
Drewyakker 1
Fanapoe (and friend) 1
Jared 1
Southfork Smallies
Johnyaksjax 1
Ncmtnguy 1
Finstalker 1
Masterblaster8948 1
 
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#5 ·
I've never been to one of these or fishing for smallmouth and it sounds fun already! Guess I'll have to see what my wife says and how my work schedule will be.
If all else fails, bring her with you! There are a few wives/gf's etc. every year who attend. Hope you can make it.
 
#10 ·
Hey H2Ohhh....great job of announcing this M&G or Outing...your description and pix of the park and that whole area looks fantastic!!
(just did about 30 minutes of learning about it online....so thanks for that link above)

Hopefully, I can plan a "family trip" up to Charlotte once a firm weekend is set in stone....and it appears to be 120 mi. and 2.5 hours from the South Park area of CLT....would love to join you all up there!!
JohnYaksJax
 
#16 ·
Yup I looked it up. Show aired in 1970, only 42 years ago..........I was in high school.

A few more photo's from past M & G's....

A task we won't have to worry about this year.......



My canoe partner and friend for the past 15 years, Big Dave (aka 'The Professor') with a chunky bronzeback.



The ridiculously skilled Tarheel and Yakattack Flyflinger's doing their best impression of 'A River Runs Through It'.


 
#18 ·
Hello all, I just made my account on here and then saw this forum about the trip to the New River. I live on the South Fork and on the section you all will be floating. I know this river well and I fish a lot here. I also work at New River Outfitters. If you all need any help or advise I will be glad to help you all out! And if I am working those days I may just be one of your van drivers.
 
#23 ·
We'll be back with the kids this year. Ian has a new yak that he's chomping at the bit to take down the river. Masha has been asking since last summer when we're going again. July 27,28,29 just went on our calendar for sure.

For those with families young or old, this is a wonderful trip. It's a great place to escape the heat whether you paddle or not.

It's the perfect event for young or inexperienced paddlers to get some mild white water under your belt. This group looks out for everyone and there's rarely a time when there aren't 3 or 4 folks within easy reach should difficulties arise.
 
#25 ·
More photo's. You veterans need to dig some up too!

One year we even had a marriage proposal during shore lunch. Good thing she said yes to Froggy Waters or the whole trip would have been ruined. She has since spawned.



Abandoned grist mill. Notice the stream diverted through the hole in the rock wall. Excellent spot for trout and smallies both of which we have taken here over the years.


A beautiful brightly colored river bream who sucked in the very popular (hint, hint) Zoom lizard. I think Big Dave caught this fish.


Eckerd's yak, the first I'd ever seen with a Red X Logo!

 
#29 ·
This is a trip I'd LOVE to attend. Years ago, when I was still a growing young lad in high school, some friends and I took a week long camping/canoe trip in this area and it was some of the best smallie fishing I've ever done. I've been talking to the wife about her and I going on a trip similar to that, so maybe this would be a great opportunity to go and fish with others and have some great times. I can't even come close to committing yet, but it will be on the front burner. Either way, whoever does attend will have a great time I'm sure!
 
#30 ·
As requested by H, here are a few more photos from last year.



Tar Heel Fly Flinger did a little fly tying instruction prior to the Saturday float.



Getting loaded up for the float, Froggy, Frogette and Cedwards0823 get ready to load up and head out.



H2Ohhh sizing up RouseD's arsenal of fish weaponry



Froggy gave a canoe lesson and tips to Pondhopper and his dad.



More later!
 
#33 ·
Getting organized and to the launch is half the battle, once we get there though everyone lends a helping hand to get unloaded and ready to go.





The Flyflingers arrive and there is fear in the fish community.





Brownale and his crew getting organized to hit the New. "Poetic ain't I"





Cedwards and THFF on the steps leading to the launch area.


 
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