New River in Virginia

Trip Overview

Bill Gerrol and his son Scott celebrated Fathers Day and Scott's Birthday with a fishing/camping trip on the New River. We arrived at the New River on Friday around 6:30 pm and float fished to our campsite. We floated and fished till around 8:30 when we started setting up camp. The exciting event of fishing was when I hooked a three foot muskie on a watermelon seed fluke. It severed my line quickly but I did see it rise and shake its head. Bill and Scott caught some smallies on our short float. We always practice catch and release.

We set up camp and cooked steak and potatoes on an open fire. We sat around the fire as the stars flickered and trains passed drinking a few Coronas with lime (except Scott). We slept beneath the stars and sound of rushing waters and cruising trains. In the morning we fixed a breakfast of eggs, cornbeef hash, country sausage and pancakes with OJ to ready us for a full day of fishing and floating. We floated and fished till around 4:30 when we made our final landing at the 460 bridge.

We all caught plenty of smallies ranging from 6 inches to 16 inches. Bill claims he lost the big one. We fished with flukes, rubber worms and tiny torpedo's. By taking our time and fishing along the banks we were able to hook and release at least 60 smallies between us. What a way to spend a Fathers Day and celebrate Scott's 17th birthday. Each year he and his dad go camping and this year they were kind enough to invite me. Of course I had the canoe and carried the camping equipment but I still enjoyed it anyway.

Accommodations:

We camped on an Island about 1 mile after the access point. The Island is on the left after the Ripplemeade railroad bridge. It is the large Island before the large ledge that you pass on your far left. You can't miss it as it is used frequently by campers.

Outfitting:

Dagger 15' Reflection, Dagger Delta & Loon 138.

Directions:

Take 460 West from Blacksburg VA. Take Pearisburg/Ripplemeade exit. Take left off of ramp go down to the New River underneath 460 bridge about 150 yds. to your left is a access point to the river. Put in here.

Your exit is at the 460 bridge before Celense there is a new boat access point under the 460 bridge. You can park your take out vehicle in the Wades Grocery Store Parking lot.