Etowah Float 3/21?

[Spinning Fool]

I have fished the few bank spots on the Etowah in Canton (at Cherokee High School) several times. This Sunday the white bass fishing was ON. They are stacking up in the slack water and it's great fun. Crappie are probably around as well, though I did not catch any.

I have always wanted to do a float trip down that section - from the school down to the boat ramp at the start of Lake Allatoona or somewhere earlier. I am going to check maps to determine an exact take-out point.

It would be a little different from floating the Hooch in that it's narrower and may have more debris on the shore. I'd be in a pontoon on a river for the first time - sure to provide plenty of laughs http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/ubbngto/wink.gif

Is anyone up for this trip? Has anyone floated part of this river before? Let's do it!

-Ken

[L0KI]

hey Spinning fool,

I would love to join ya! However my pontoon as of last year did not in fact last me all year. I damaged one of the pontoons and am debating about either getting it fixed or simply buying me a new one. It is a ODC Sport. It is the cheapest pontoon I beleive you can get right now. I wished I went ahead and got a better toon when I had the chance. Anyways if you would like to meet up and try wading Im all for that too! Im open this weekend I beleive and ready to tye some kick butt minnow patterns. Let me know...

------------------

"But when I am alone in the half light of the canyon all existence seems to fade to a being with my soul, and memories. And the sounds of the Big Black Foot River, and a four count rhythm, and the hope that a fish will rise. Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it. The river was cut by the world's great flood and runs over rocks from the basement of time. On some of the rocks are timeless raindrops. Under the rocks are the words, and some of the words are theirs. I am haunted by waters."

-Norman Maclean

[Korn Dunker]

The take out ramp where you are wanting to take out is closed right now. Don't know if I would trust parking on Ga 20 right there

------------------
Pete Holland

[BrandonT]

I might be up for this. However, I don't have a pontoon and don't think I would want to use a float tube. I have a canoe, but the only problem is getting it on the car myself since it's so darn heavy.

[Spinning Fool]

Well... I definitely want to do this, but my initial impressions are bleak.

The only thing holding it up is the take-out. But this obviously is a big problem. The lake is down right now and still should be this weekend. That means that the water should be moving at a good clip even down to the Hwy 20 bridge and the take out there. Some rowing will be necessary I think but not as much as if the lake were at full pool. BUT... I forgot the parking area is closed and I certainly don't wanna get towed for parking on the highway. I have parked at the gate and fished at the bridge for several hours with no problem... might work.

Finally, this trip is prolly best in a 'toon or canoe. There are some shoals, though, that a canoe better be careful on http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/ubbngto/wink.gif I just think a float tube could get pretty tiring.

Darn lack of information! I could call the DNR... are they the best to ask about this?
Or Corps of Engineers? I'll keep posting as I figure stuff out.

-Ken

[GUTHOOKED]

Ken, you might try posting on the GA River Fishing board. I'll bet those guys could tell you anything you need to know. Also, are there any other put-in/take-out options farther upstream?

[vonchim]

I did two floats on the Etowah last year. From Hightower to the Highway 9 Bridge. There are other put ins and take outs further downstream. Although that is a good bit upstream of canton, the scenery is worth the trip alone. What about Kelly Bridge? But I don't know where you would get out at.

[Fish Gazer]

SF, you know what else is just about to start up that stretch of the river? Do you know by chance what the water temp might be. With that in mind I wonder if there is a site posting the water temps and flows for the Etowah.

Gazer Just Dreaming

[THE EG]

Spinning Fool,

Are you familiar with where the Canton Library is located just west of I-575 on exit 19? I believe it is called Brown Industrial Boulevard.

It is the first right after crossing the interstate. If you take that road down to the end, it dead ends at the river in a sort of cul-de-sac. I am not sure if parking is allowed, but I believe Canton is putting in a park right there along the river.

I don't know how long a float it would be but you might be able to put in there and then pull out at the high school.

I have only driven down there once but it looked promising. Just a suggestion.

[This message has been edited by THE EG (edited 03-15-2004).]