Lower South branch short float 5/22/2021:

[AndyS]

Got together with The1 and floated the S. branch from Camp Carr to the take out just above Rockafellow dam, about a 4 and a half hour float. We opted not to put in up by Rt. 78 and Clinton Falls, could have, there may have been a few more trout up that way and added an hour to the float but went for the easy ride today.
Water was low and clear and a bit on the chilly side.
Luke threw a small white Mr. Twister and I stuck with the black jigs, we started to pick away at trout. SMB seemed hard to come by today, just a few dinks.
Seemed like I used to catch a mess of trout on this stretch through mid June with the old stocking schedule, now, mostly a pick.
River was very clean, saw a Bald Eagle and lots of animal life along the banks. The Stanton Station stretch is really pretty. The South Branch is already starting to get that weedy bottom and making the transition from trout looking water to more of a smallmouth look.

I got a question, when did the tolls on the Darkway go to $1.90, I remember when they were just a dime !!!

[thmyorke1]

yea smbs still in deep pools, also the beds we saw shallow were unpopulated. Those might have been sunfish/rockbass beds. There was one shallow stretch where we saw about a dozen clumped together.

I think once that weeds grow + we get higher flows its game on for SMB-Gardens

[rwp2101]

Sounds like a nice trip! I’m curious what sort of setups you each used for the float. I’m most interested in the specs and whether or not you think that’s ideal for that type of fishing. I have used both a 6’ M rod and a 7’ UL. One with 8lb test and the other with 4. Both on a 2500 size reel. I was thinking the next time I go for trout I’ll go 6’6” L on the rod with 4lb test, but wondering as to your experience.

[AndyS]

I use a 5 ft. UL rod and small Daiwa reel with 4 lb. test.

[Lard Almighty]

Still plenty of trout in the river, but with water temps in the 70s they are sluggish. You really have to bonk them on the head to get them to bite.

[FASTEDDIE29]

Great day for a float. Glad the Trouts cooperated! Where did the Smallies go?

[Drossi]

Originally Posted by Lard Almighty

Still plenty of trout in the river, but with water temps in the 70s they are sluggish. You really have to bonk them on the head to get them to bite.

Water temps in the 70's means they are stressed out from the high temps not that they are sluggish. You should keep the trout or not fish for them as fighting them in will only lead to death. C&R at that temp point becomes C&K.

[Mikey topaz]

Nice trout guys, I’m overdue for a nice float trip