Peach Orchard

[EarlOfSoDak]

Quick question:
Is it worthwhile to float from Miller's Island to Peach Orchard? Are there any riffles/runs in this water, or is it long, featureless stuff? I plan on going in the canoe, and want to get out and wade.
Thanks again-
Jamie

[Flat Fly n]

After Massengill Bridge it's too deep IMO. If your slinging shad raps or sinking lines great, but if you want to get out of your canoe, wear scuba gear.

This of course pertains to from Miller's Island put in UNTIL the Peach Orchard access

[MadisonBoats]

It is worth the drift and the logistics are easy for canoe pickup.

However, it does get deeper below Massengill Bridge. There are a few steep shoals past the I-75 Bridge, but - are tricky wading if you do not know them.

If you can; you should canoe up from Peach Orchard to the 3 shoals below the bend and fish them early in the AM right before the sun comes up. Wear a headlamp so you do not get run over in case other boats are there. Those three shoals will keep you busy if the water is down for wading. I have caught some very decent fish out of them.

Below Peach Orchard is a different story. Excellent fishing, but - VERY Treacherous coming back up in most boats. A canoe would be fine as long as the current was slow and no wind. Otherwise, you better be a strong paddler.

Your best trip would be Peach Orchard to the Clinton Bridge. Probably 3-4 hour float in a canoe and excellent fishing. One semi-dangerous shoal about half-way you should be aware of...

[Rockyraccoon]

Originally Posted by MadisonBoats

Your best trip would be Peach Orchard to the Clinton Bridge. Probably 3-4 hour float in a canoe and excellent fishing. One semi-dangerous shoal about half-way you should be aware of...

3-4 hours might be a stretch, unless your talking about Olympic Class paddlers, no wind, and no fishing.

I once went from Millers to PO in 22 minutes in a drifter (A fair weather fishermen tipped me very well to get him out of the rain shower).

On my biggest feat of drift boat speeding, I took a drifter from the Stairsteps on the HI to the Reliance ramp in 17 minutes. Now that's humping.

[MadisonBoats]

Originally Posted by Rockyraccoon

3-4 hours might be a stretch, unless your talking about Olympic Class paddlers, no wind, and no fishing.

You are probably more accurate with your assumption. I did not take in consideration of fishing and any stops for wading. However, with one generator; this is very doable if it is the intent to shorten your trip...

[EarlOfSoDak]

Thanks for the responses guys. I posted this late Friday night. By the time Saturday fishing time rolled around I hadn't heard back from anyone yet. I took a gamble, went and floated this section. Caught a few on a slumbuster. Not very conducive water to wade in. I did waste my friend's day for them by bringing them on a goose chase, however!!

[MadisonBoats]

Earl...,
No day is ever wasted - just earned in my opinion! I am sure they were glad you were considerate enough to bring them along...

[jmelrod]

We were. At least we got to explore some new water. Jamie, I caught 1 1/2 pound crappie and about a pound shellcracker on Sunday afternoon!