Shad on the Occoquan

[Kevin KB]

Any word on how the shad are on the Occoquan?  Any one using the new kayak launch in Occoquan city.  Can you launch a large canoe from one?

Thanks,

Kevin

[Gregg Rockett]

Hi Kevin.  No word on the shad as yet, but I have used the new ramp under the bridge and it is awesome!  You should be able to launch a canoe from there.

[Owen Williams]

Had a great day fishing the Rapp on Easter Sunday at Fredericksburg. Thanks to my friends George and Brook for showing me the ropes. 

This made me think: now that the Embrey Dam is gone, are there good access points above Fredericksburg for shad fishing on the Rappahannock? Will they run (in numbers) as far as they can? 

[Gregg DiSalvo]

Unless you're using a sub 10' kayak or a light canoe/kayak that you can lift over your head, the launch is worthless.  I still launch my yak on the rocks to the right.  The launch has many tight, 90 degree turns with too small of landings.  While ADA, it's no good for turning corners with a kayak trolly.  I'd imagine I'm not the only angler with this issue.  I can also imagine there are many people with light kayaks.  Mine is 12' and 90 lbs...oh and I'm not the biggest guy hahah.  I'm not gonna kill myself lifting that when I can quickly and easily launch on the rocks.  As a designer who works on designs with universal accessibility always in mind, I'm clearly more salty than I should be.  I'm happy it's good for some people at least.

As for shad, they are there.  You can fish for them similarly to how you do on the Rapp.  It's not terribly deep, so I toss my 150-250 grain full sink line, but unlike at Fletchers, I barely let it sink before stripping.  

[Gregg Rockett]

Despite Gregg's issues with the launch, I have used it a number of times with no problem.  I have an 11 1/2 foot kayak of 79 pounds, but use a cart to roll it from the car to the launch.  So I would not discourage others from forming an opinion on its merits.  It is also free, unlike the Regional Park down river of the town. I also have had success with a sinking tip line for shad under the pedestrian bridge up river of the town.  Looking forward to trying my luck this weekend.