Saoirse Downs
Trout fishing is a popular pastime, and there are many different ways to do it. Some people prefer to fish from the bank, while others like to wade into the water. But for those who want to try something a little more adventurous, there's always the option of taking a boat downriver to the shoals. This can be a great way to access new fishing spots and try out different techniques. However, it's important to be mindful of other boats and maintain a safe distance to avoid accidents.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Water flow | High water flow can be accessed at Wildcat Shoals |
| Anchoring | Anchoring is easier than drifting and is ideal for beginners |
| River access | Rim Shoals has a trail that goes down about two miles with access points to the river |
| River etiquette | If a boat is moving fast, let it pass and get a good distance down |
| River access | The Narrows is a great walk-in access point with no boat ramp |
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What You'll Learn
Anchoring your boat
To anchor your boat, you should first select an area with plenty of room. This should be a well-protected area with adequate water depth and a sandy or muddy bottom. Head slowly into the wind or current to a position upwind or upcurrent of where you want to end up. When you are in position, stop the boat and slowly lower the anchor over the bow to the bottom. Never anchor from the stern, as this can cause the boat to swamp.
When choosing an anchor, you should consider your boat's size, weight and design characteristics. The most common pleasure boat anchor type is the fluke (often called a Danforth), which is popular for small to medium-sized boats as it is lightweight, easy to store and handle, and offers excellent holding power in sand or mud. The plow-style anchor is more common on heavier boats and holds well in most bottom conditions, resetting itself if the wind shifts.
When retrieving your anchor, if it is stuck, try slowly turning the boat in a large circle to change the direction of the pull on the rope. Alternatively, pull up the rode until the boat is directly over the anchor, then give the line a turn around a cleat. Pull it taut as the bow dips in the bottom of a wave, and the next wave may lift the boat and break the anchor free.
Finally, remember to be considerate of other boats when anchoring. Do not anchor in the middle of a narrow channel, as this can force other boats into tricky rowing situations or small side channels.
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River etiquette
- Be mindful of other boats: If you see a boat moving fast towards you, let them pass and get a good distance downstream. If the boat is moving slower, work quickly to put some distance between you.
- Anchoring: Do not anchor in the middle of the river if the channel is not big enough for other boats to pass safely. This can force captains into tricky rowing situations or small side channels. Instead, look for a suitable spot on the riverbank or a designated boat ramp.
- Access points: Choose access points that are suitable for the water flow and your vessel. Some access points, like Wildcat Shoals, offer easier access to the river even during high water due to their position on the inside bend of the river.
- Fishing spots: When fishing from a boat, consider the depth of the water and the distance from the bank. Early and late in the season, fish tend to shoal tightly and can usually be found within 70m of the bank in water 10-16ft deep. Position your boat 60m off the bank and cast parallel to the bank, especially if there is a weed bed or drop-off.
- Respect the environment: Be mindful of the natural surroundings and wildlife. Do not disturb the fauna and flora, and take all your rubbish with you when you leave.
- Safety first: Always wear a life jacket and ensure your vessel is in good condition. Be aware of potential hazards, such as shallow rocks or small rapids, and choose a vessel suitable for the conditions, such as a jet boat or kayak.
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Access points
One popular access point for trout fishing is Rim Shoals, which offers a remarkable trail that goes down about two miles with various access points. Another good access point is Wildcat Shoals, which is positioned on the inside bend of a river, providing protection from faster flows on the outside. The sloping grass bank at Wildcat Shoals allows for easier access, even in higher water conditions, and the boat ramp creates a jetty-like structure that blocks the current downstream.
When accessing the river, it is important to be mindful of other boats and maintain a safe distance to avoid accidents. If a boat is moving faster than yours, let them pass and get a good head start before continuing downstream. Similarly, if you are moving slower, work quickly to put some distance between your boat and the other vessel. Anchoring your boat in the middle of a narrow channel should be avoided, as it can force other boats into tricky rowing situations.
The time of day and water temperature can also impact your choice of access point. For example, starting below the Bull Shoals Dam at the Jim Griffin access point in the early morning can be a good strategy, but as the temperatures rise and the demand for power increases, you may want to move to a different location like the Narrows, which offers a great walk-in access without a boat ramp.
When fishing from a boat, anchoring can be a useful technique, especially for beginners. By positioning your boat 60 metres off the bank and casting parallel to the bank, you can target shoaling fish within 70 metres of the bank in water depths of 10 to 16 feet. Anchoring provides a stable platform and allows you to access areas that may be inaccessible from the shore.
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Boat ramps
When navigating river shoals in a trout boat, it's important to be mindful of other boats and maintain a safe distance to avoid accidents. Boat ramps play a crucial role in this regard. Here are some detailed instructions and considerations for using boat ramps when going down river shoals in a trout boat:
When approaching a boat ramp, it is essential to give way to any boats that may be moving faster than you. If you notice a boat travelling at a faster pace, allow them to pass and maintain a safe distance, preferably a few hundred yards, to avoid any potential collisions. This can be likened to the etiquette of a highway onramp, where you wouldn't want to cause an accident by merging too closely in front of another vehicle.
When fishing from a boat, anchoring is often easier than drifting, especially for beginners. By anchoring your boat, you can position yourself approximately 60m off the bank and cast parallel to the bank, targeting weed beds or drop-offs rather than open water. This technique is particularly effective during the early and late seasons when fish tend to shoal tightly within 70m of the bank in water depths of 10-16ft.
However, it is important to exercise caution when anchoring your boat. Avoid anchoring in the middle of a narrow channel, as this can obstruct the passage of other boats and force their captains into challenging manoeuvres. Always be mindful of other boats and maintain a safe distance to prevent accidents.
In some cases, you may encounter locations without boat ramps, such as "the Narrows" mentioned in one source. These spots can be ideal for those who prefer to fish on foot or wade into the water. The absence of a boat ramp means you won't be in anyone's way, and you can enjoy a more secluded fishing experience.
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Water flow
Additionally, water flow can affect your fishing strategy. In some cases, it may be advantageous to anchor your boat in an area with good access to the river, such as Rim Shoals, which has a trail that goes down about two miles with access points to pull off and walk down to the river. This allows you to fish in areas that may be inaccessible from the bank.
Furthermore, water flow can influence your choice of fishing spots. For instance, Wildcat Shoals is a remarkable access point because even in high water, the access is positioned on the inside bend of the river, where the flows are slower. This allows anglers to fish in flooded grass and softer currents.
Overall, understanding the water flow and its impact on fish behaviour, safety, fishing strategy, and choice of fishing spots is crucial when going down river shoals in a trout boat.
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Frequently asked questions
Trolling is the most popular method for fishing for trout from a boat. Anglers use large weights called downriggers to fish at depths of over 200 feet. Vertical jigging is also becoming more popular for targeting trout in deep water. Anglers can use spinning or casting rods to drop jigs from 1/2 to 1 ounce or heavier into schools of bait.
Trout are not particularly picky eaters and will go for almost anything. You can use live bait such as insects, minnows, fish eggs and nightcrawlers, or artificial bait such as PowerBait.
You will need an ultra-light, fast action spinning rod between 4 and 5 feet long, with a light-duty spinning or spin-casting reel outfitted with 4- to 6-pound test line.
