Well, I was supposed to be in Athens, GA on the 7th for the UGA homecoming game, but it wasn’t meant to be. Since I got to stay in town, I called dad on Friday evening, and didn’t exactly have to twist his arm to float the Caney.  They were generating until noon, and then would continue to run the sluice gate. the water was high and more stained than we have seen it.  Even with it being the weekend, I still had a good feeling about the day.  How could we not be out on the water with the weather the way it was? And not to mention we had the X factor: another opening day. I love deer and football season, they give me the river!

We got in the water about 1 pm, and started slinging streamers witha purpose. It didn’t take long until I hooked up with my first fish. There was no mistaking it, two strips on the streamer, and it felt like a log came to life.  My 8wt had a good bend in it and the fish stayed deep for about 5 mintues before I had a good lookat it.  the boat net again paid for itself and I could marvel at the solid brown in spawning colors. We measured it right at 22″ and and then released the fish with only a bruised ego.  You know it, we were without cameras, and honestly, I am ok with that, because if we would have had it, I would not have caught that fish.  We kept throwing streamers the rest of the afternoon, and things were really slow, but we were able to find fish here and there with some persistence. We stopped to have some lunch and watch some fly anglers do their thing along a good run, and in over 30 minutes of watching, nobody was catching anything………..slow day for sure. Just as we were about to leave, dad stopped me and pointed out some rises within casting distance of us……..beautiful.  We kept watching these fish as we got into soft hackle mode, and my first cast produced a 14″ brookie. I love seeing them do well in the Caney. 

for the rest of the float, we got a lot more casting practice, and saw a handful of large browns do some bellyflops, but that was about it, we had to make it to the takeout before it got too late. Yet another day on the water withdad, and even though we didn’t have the camera, I was so happy to catch that fish and have dad be there withme. These are the moments that will live forever and we both cherish. I am truly fortunate to have these opportunities, and whats more, to realize it. 

If you go:

With the generation and sluice running, the river is high and fast.  Remember, once the generators shut off, they will continue to run the Sluice gate, and the river will only drop a couple of feet, thats all.  Plan on floating if you go, and if you do wade, dont go alone, and consider a PFD.

Flies:  streamers, and dont forget soft hackles for the shallow runs. 

Be safe out there, and leave it cleaner than you found it.