malcolm robertson
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Cabela’s offers it (Gmax) in 100 yard spools for $39.99, which brings the cost per foot down to a level more in line with the competition. I haven’t found 7X in 100 yard spools yet, but I’m told that it’s available.
DBunch,
There is not a lot of public access or boat ramps on the river. You will probably want to put in at the bridge on Holston Dam View Rod right below Osceola Island. This is about a mile downstream from South Holston Dam, just below the weir dam. There are two ramps at the bridge, one on either side of the river. TVA or TWRA is in the process of repaving the old gravel ramp, but I think you can use it. You can also use the ramp in the parking lot. It’s a little steep, but it works fine for drift boats…just don’t roll your trailer over the edge of the ramp.
Most people do a short float (about 3 miles) down to Jack Prater’s house just below the Hickory Tree Bridge. Jack runs the local shuttle service and has a ramp and parking at his house. Call him at 423-878-5345. This is a great float when the sulphurs are coming and you can anchor up on pods of rising fish.
You could float down to the Weaver Pike Bridge (about 7 miles). There is a dirt ramp under the bridge. It can get pretty muddy if it has been raining, and there is very little parking for truck and trailer rig.
Finally, you can float the entire river down to Bluff City and Boone Lake (14 miles). There is a ramp there, but you will have to row across the lake to get there. Of course, you can put in at Jack’s house or Weaver Pike to shorten up this float.
As others have said, you don’t want to float the river at low water in a drift boat. TVA hasn’t been running the wheels much this past month, just hour long pulses to keep water in the river. However, the lake has just reached flood pool, and I saw where they are running the generator from 5 pm to 10 tonight so you may have an opportunity to float.
Not much in the way of hazards on the river. The rapid below Hickory Tree Bridge is probably the trickiest thing you’ll face. After you go through the first slot on the right, quickly ferry left to line up on the next slot and you’ll be ok. A lot of fish will feed in those rapids, so don’t be afraid to pull over an anchor up to cast a few nymphs.
It’s still pretty early for the sulphurs. They are beginning to show up down river. It usually takes the fish a while to get on them at high water. You will probably have to stick to nymphing and streamer fishing right now if you float.
Hope this helps.
Troutwag,
I think you will have a ball around Livingston. Are you going in early or late July? Late July will mean hopper fishing on the Yellowstone.I love Nelson’s. It’s small, but truly a beautiful little creek. Try to get Bob Bergquist for your guide. I think he actually lives on the Shields. He books out of GA’s Yellowstone Angler and is a top-notch guide-especially on the local spring creeks. Regardless of who you get for a guide, pick his brain for spots to fish during the week you’re there. Usually they’ll give you some decent places off the beaten path. There is so much water and the conditions change so much, you’re better off not having a too rigid game plan. Be flexible and fish where the conditions warrant.
Have fun!
