Fredericksburg Float....If we ever get lower water

[Greggory DiSalvo]

Hi guys,  I think I may be a bit optimistic, but I'd love to meet a friend in Fredericksburg to take a canoe float for bass. I've waded the river in college, but never has access to a canoe, so I am wondering what a good float would be.  I'd be happy to do a true 1/2 day float where we leave a car at the takeout, but would also be fine putting in and taking out at the same spot. I've read a bit about the falmouth flats and city dock, but as some of yall are displaced fredericksburgers, you may have better insight.  

Thanks!

Gregg

[Flyfish FXBG]

Gregg,
There are pros and cons to the lack of access on the Rapp. The cons are that there aren't than many short trips, but once you get on the water you can have a wilderness experience an hour from DC.

For half day trips my first recommendation would be the motts run to fall hill avenue float. Take out just past the VOC but before the first major rapids. There are some Rapids ( the ones you can see from 95) that include one class 2+/3 but it is runnable at most fishable levels in an open canoe.

Another short section near town is Elys ford to hunting run on the Rapidan. We fished there tonight and had about 18" visibility and caught several smallmouth on large sliders fished around rocks. There were lots of active carp but we never got a shot at them.

[Greggory DiSalvo]

Thanks!  I made it out Saturday evening.  I put in at Motts Run and we paddled hard upstream a ways and then floated to the first fast water.  I need to get a rack on my car for a canoe so I can float to the city.  the mid day fishing was slow with only a few smaller smallmouth and a tiny striper, but the second the sun started dipping, they slammed poppers.  Mostly small fish, but my dad hooked into what looked to be a really nice smallie that broke him off (he fishes ultralight spin gear).  I did get him on the fly rod a few times and he caught a couple.  Most of the early day action was on a dark olive crayfish pattern I tied on a 8 streamer hook.  

I'd love to get out again in some clearer water and try around some of the larger boulders.  

Question: A number of the smallmouth had dark eyes, but a few had red eyes.  They weren't rock bass, or at least those that I am familiar with.  Are there numerous species of smallmouth in the rapp?

Gregg