Dragon Run in Virginia

Trip Overview

I have wanted to paddle the Dragon for a couple years now and I finally got a chance to go on the hottest day of the year so far. The high temperature for the day pushed 100 degrees. I planned on paddling from rt. 602 to 603 and fish a little along the way.

I paddled upstream from 602 first just to do a little exploring. Right when the creek/river makes a sharp left turn there was a blow down. Instead of wasting time going around it I just resumed my downstream paddle. A couple hundred yards downstream from the rt. 602 bridge the Dragon narrows considerably. With the water already low from the drought and the channel choked with vegetation I was forced to return to my vehicle.

I drove to rt. 603 and put in there. Again I paddled upstream first to explore. I went as far as I could before turning around. I then paddled down past the bridge a couple hundred yards before there were too many blow downs to go around. The bank here was solid though so I got out and walked the bank and fished a little. I caught some small pickerel and bream.

I would like to do this trip again earlier in the spring when the water levels are higher.

Accommodations:

None

Fees:

None

Directions:

From Tappahannock take 17 south to rt. 602. Make a right and follow it all the way to the dragon. There's a small area on the left to put in and park.

Resources:

I used live search and checked out satellite photos of the area.