RiverQuarium on the Flint - Albany, GA

OK, it's not kayaking but there's a lot of information here about the Flint River system including the fish and wildlife. A great place to take the family if you're fishing in the area. And if you've got kids or grand kids they're going to have a good time, too.
Location: The Flint RiverQuarium in Albany, GA is located next to Riverfront Park which lies on the west bank of the Flint and to the north of US 19. It's two blocks north of the Civic Center. The GA 133 bridge is closed. When looking at the map at the bottom of the post Pine Ave runs directly into the RiverQuarium.

Hours of Operation
Monday – Friday
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sunday
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day

I actually enjoyed this more than the Atlanta Aquarium. Much more relaxing and laid back.

The Flint was running pretty high and fast this day as you can see in this video. Kayaking would be rather difficult and probably dangerous.



I couldn't see how anyone could possibly catch fish in this mess but an angler showed me it was very possible!
Click any picture to enlarge













Some pan fish and kitties caught on earthworms.













He was tossing up stream less than 10 feet out along the edge of some grass where the water was a bit calmer. No bobber. He let the bait settle to the bottom and waited (and not long either). He diligently watched the tip of his open faced spinning rod for the least little twitch then set the hook. The twitch was so small that it was hard to make out even though the tip of his rod was a florescent orange.

RIVERQUARIUM

Upon entering the RiverQuarium you will go upstairs and see the surface of the Blue Hole which the facility is built around. I wish I had brought my sunglasses inside because there were numerous fish but hard to see due to the glare.

Here you can see a bunch of turtles stacked up on a log.














Inside you wind your way back down so that you can see into the Blue Hole.

I'd only seen pictures of sturgeons. These guys are big and ugly!














One can spend quite awhile just standing and watching. This was my first glimpse at striped bass, too. I'd love to latch onto some of those monsters!













































































There are more exhibits and small aquariums regarding other rivers, salt marshes and salt water.

A rather interesting albino alligator.













AND NOW FOR THE KIDS!

There were several interactive activities in Riverquarium.

This large sand box tilted at a slight angle was set up so that a child could release water and watch as it flows forming channels like a river. Educational even for this adult.













These video games were available to play with water flow.













And then a little water works play area where the child can control the water flow to perform mechanical work.















The Riverfront Park has a really impressive play area. I was a bit jealous . . .


















































Of course, if you're going to really be a tourist . . .














Interactive map for RiverQuarium.


**********
LINKS
Current Georgia river levels: Real Time Georgia Streamflow
Solunar Tables for your zip code: HERE
Rigging your kayak: Captain Dick
Interactive map by Angling Technologies: HERE

FORUMS
Georgia Kayak Fishing
Georgia River Fishing
Jax Kayak Fishing
Gulf Coast Kayak Fishing (you might need to be registered to view this one)

FLY FISHING RESOURCES
Fly Fishing West Georgia
Books and DVD by George Roberts:
Master the Cast
Fly Fisherman's Guide to Saltwater Naturals and Their Imitation
Saltwater Casting - 10 Steps to Distance and Power (DVD)

**********
If you are a resident of Georgia and like to fish from a kayak I recommend becoming a supporting member of the Georgia Kayak Fishing Association located at GeorgiaKayakFishing.com.

Withlacoochee- Madison Hwy/GA 31 to Florida Shoals

As you can see I've got my kayak high and dry not wanting it to wash downstream. That would have been a chase!

These shoals are about 2 1/2 miles upstream (west) from the Madison Hwy/GA 31 launch site (see September 2009 post) and occupy approximately 600 yards or more of the river.

Look at the map below.



You will notice that if you go west from GA 31 up the Withlacoochee you will meander up into Georgia then dip back into Florida. As you dip south into Florida you will arrive at the shoals just before the river turns west and back into Georgia.

A leisurely paddle of just over an hour by kayak if the water is low and slow as it was this day.














George was paddling the Ocean Kayak Trident 13 while I was in the OK Big Game. I could tell the BG was a bit slower to get under way than my Tridents but the river was like a pond except when the water got skinny so it was no big deal. Once the Big Game was underway it wasn't that hard to paddle.

The river has some interesting limestone banks. With the water this low they are very evident. Gives one the feeling of being in North Georgia.


















At some points the bank was very high, maybe 20-30 feet above our heads.

Arriving at the shoals we got out of the kayaks and waded.














I fished here with George for awhile but eventually decided to go further upstream to explore and get some more pictures.


















































I hope you can tell from the pictures that one would have a difficult time trying to float through these shoals. Count on portaging over parts of this section. I did find a trail along the bank which would make it a bit easier to tote your 'yak.














If the river rises this would be underwater. However, with the water up you may be able to float through.

Looks like the beavers were having a time. Wonder if it'll be there when I return. I'm guessing not!














We had a great time. Spoke with a group of paddlers passing us going downstream who had put in at the Nankin bridge. Said it took them close to 8 hours to make it to the GA 31 bridge.

I'd love to end this post with pictures of fish but we were skunked.

We'll return and do better next time. Like they say. It's called fishing not catching!

**********
LINKS
Current Georgia river levels: Real Time Georgia Streamflow
Solunar Tables for your zip code: HERE
Rigging your kayak: Captain Dick
Interactive map by Angling Technologies: HERE

FORUMS
Georgia Kayak Fishing
Georgia River Fishing
Jax Kayak Fishing
Gulf Coast Kayak Fishing (you might need to be registered to view this one)

FLY FISHING RESOURCES
Fly Fishing West Georgia
Books and DVD by George Roberts:
Master the Cast
Fly Fisherman's Guide to Saltwater Naturals and Their Imitation
Saltwater Casting - 10 Steps to Distance and Power (DVD)

**********
If you are a resident of Georgia and like to fish from a kayak I recommend becoming a supporting member of the Georgia Kayak Fishing Association located at GeorgiaKayakFishing.com.

Withlacoochee - Madison Hwy/GA 31 to Bellville Shoals - 4 1/2 miles

Here are the landings if you decide to float the Withlacoochee from the Florida/Georgia line at the Valdosta /Madison Hwy (31 in GA and 145 in FL) to the Bellville shoals above the Bellville Bridge on CR 150. Using Google Maps it looks to be just over 4 1/2 miles.

I'll be fishing this float later so check back after about a month for an update.

To get to the boat ramp you'll need to get off the west side of the road on the Georgia side. I could not find a Florida side access so if you know of one leave a comment.

Click any picture to enlarge.













You'll end up under the bridge where there is plenty of parking.














The long boat ramp is on the east side of the bridge.















You'll find sand at the bottom making it easier on your kayak's bottom.















Here's looking downstream on the Withlacoochee from the ramp.















You'll not find a good take out point at the Bellville bridge. To find a decent spot take the entrance to Twin Rivers State Forest just west of the bridge.















Going north keep straight (don't take the immediate fork to the right) until the jeep trail finally veers right and takes you to the river (probably a good half mile). You'll find a sandy area where people fish. It's kayak friendly.















You'll see a parking area and some picnic tables. It had gotten dark by the time I took this picture.















While I was standing here I heard water and looked up stream to see some limestone shoals.





























Part of it looks man made. It appeared to be chipped up limestone arranged in an S-shaped curve.















I've been told that it resembles a fish weir. But one of the features of a weir (an opening to funnel fish to another pool) seems to be missing. I have, also, been informed that there are other similar sites in our area. They appear to be in relatively good shape so they may be recent (not related to Native Americans). If you have any idea about the man made looking shoal leave a comment. I'd like to know more.

Got out the fly rod and tried my black foam spider with no luck. Switched to a black woolly bugger and got two red breasts and a blue gill. All pretty small.















As you can see I had to use flash for this picture. It was getting dark but it was hard to leave those shoals.

Oh, and I swear I saw some mullet jump! Didn't expect to see them this far upstream.

Interactive Map



**********
LINKS
Current Georgia river levels: Real Time Georgia Streamflow
Solunar Tables for your zip code: HERE
Rigging your kayak: Captain Dick
Interactive map by Angling Technologies: HERE

FORUMS
Georgia Kayak Fishing
Georgia River Fishing
Jax Kayak Fishing
Gulf Coast Kayak Fishing (you might need to be registered to view this one)

FLY FISHING RESOURCES
Fly Fishing West Georgia
Books and DVD by George Roberts:
Master the Cast
Fly Fisherman's Guide to Saltwater Naturals and Their Imitation
Saltwater Casting - 10 Steps to Distance and Power (DVD)

**********
If you are a resident of Georgia and like to fish from a kayak I recommend becoming a supporting member of the Georgia Kayak Fishing Association located at GeorgiaKayakFishing.com.

Sprewel Bluff - Thomaston - Flint River - Auchumpkee Creek - Shoal Bass

Sprewell Bluff
740 Sprewell Bluff Road
Thomaston, GA 30286

Directions: 10 miles west of Thomaston. From GA 74 turn on Old Alabama Road and go 6 miles to the park.
Admission: $5/car, $30 Van, $70 Bus
Hours: 7 AM to 8:30 PM

Boat ramp is present but there are plenty of places to launch a kayak along the river.

Contact Flint River Outdoor Center at 706-647-2633 for canoe/kayak rental, shuttle service and river information.

********** After a three and a half hour drive from Valdosta it appeared we were in Tennessee at the footsteps of the Appalachians. Yet, we were only about an hour's drive west of Macon.

Click any picture to enlarge













From the forums I had heard about shoal bass on the Flint and George was wanting to get out of the kayaks and do some wade fishing. My wife and I decided to spend the day together and take a trip up to the Thomaston/Macon area and scout out the possibilities doing just that at Sprewell's Bluff.

Although I certainly had my fly rod with me this was not an actual fishing trip. More of a scouting expedition/date/excuse to go the Bass Pro Shop in Macon kind of trip. And a great trip it was! Once off I-75 at Byron the road became two lane, curvy and hilly. A beautiful drive. Made me wish I still had my '94 Corvette.

Cissy noticed a note on the map about a wooden covered bridge on Achumpkee Creek so we took a detour (it was actually a shortcut) to take a look. Plus, I was hoping the creek would be big enough to hold some fish.

AUCHUMPKEE CREEK BRIDGE

A beautiful old bridge built in 1892 and restored 1985.



























Inside showing the lattice construction.
















And what do you know. The creek was big enough to fish. However, none decided to take my black foam white legged spider during the short time we stopped.














Leaving Auchumpkee Creek we continued to Thomaston then out US 36 to Flint River Outdoor Center which sits right on the river. You won't find many fishing supplies here. Enough to catch fish but just the basics. You can, however, get you some pickled quail eggs, boiled peanuts, play pool, or buy some beer, wine or liquor. Get the picture. Their main business seems to be renting kayaks and canoes and providing lodging. They do provide shuttle service up to Sprewell Bluff and beyond and can give you an idea what the water level on the Flint is by looking out their front door at the bridge markers. Their phone number is 706-647-2633.

SPREWELL BLUFF

According to the DNR officer I talked with in the park it is owned by Georgia Power and run by the state. At one time there was an effort to dam this area but it was stopped by Governor Jimmy Carter.

There is an automatic metal gate that opens and shuts at the appropriate time. If you get caught inside the gate after closing there are instructions as to how to get out.














If you can figure out those instructions you may leave . . .

When you arrive at the Flint inside the park you will see a large open area for parking. Adjacent are places to BBQ, picnic, swim, play volleyball and a play area for younger kids. There are picnic tables and grills available but it's first come first serve so you might want to bring your own.


























































Oh yeah, the ice cream truck. The driver said he comes on Saturday and Sunday around 3 PM.
















Yes, there are bathroom facilities . . .


















While it's not a hole in the ground . . . well, OK, it is a hole in the ground but it's better than a wooden outhouse with spiders under the seat. It was actually relatively clean.

I said relatively. Bring your own toilet paper.

KAYAK FISHING AT SPREWELL

It appears to me it is easiest to hire a shuttle at Flint River Outdoor Center, have them take you up to the park, and float the five miles back to FROC. The current seemed a bit fast to count on paddling upstream any distance.

You can fish from the kayak but it would be better, I think, to use the kayak as a means to access the numerous shoals then get out and wade. If you decide to stay in the kayak you'll need a good anchor and an anchor trolley would be nice, too. I'll be trying my Stake Out Pole sold by Stan at Capt. Dick's. Don't know, yet, if it's sandy enough to use the SOT.

WADE FISHING










































This was my first attempt and I must say it is potentially treacherous if you don't pay attention. There is ample opportunity to cut yourself or break a bone if you fall. I did fall. Fortunately, it was near the bank and I landed on the most padded part of my anatomy.

I wore some outdoor water sport shoes by Merrill because that's all I had. These offered no ankle protection and I think wading boots would be a much better idea. As long as I stayed on top of the rocks there was no problem even if the rock was underwater. A slanting rock if slick from algae could take one down quickly. Slipping a foot between the rocks and falling with the current could result in some nasty cuts, twisted ankle, broken bones or all the above.

Personally, if I caught a fish I would stay put. Trying to run around concentrating on landing a fish seems asking for disaster.

A wading stick seems a good idea.

If you click on any of the pictures you'll see the shoals much better. According to FROC the water level at the bridge was 6 1/2'. A bit low probably.

And, yes, I did catch a little shoalie. They look essentially like a smallmouth bass. I think for all intents and purposes that's what they are. From what I understand there are only two types of bass on the Flint: large mouth and shoalie.




























As you can see he took the black spider I'd been fishing at Auchumpkee Creek. Also, proof that you can be clumsy at fly casting and still catch fish!














George and I will return!

Interactive map for Sprewell Bluff State Park



**********
LINKS
Current Georgia river levels: Real Time Georgia Streamflow
Solunar Tables for your zip code: HERE
Rigging your kayak: Captain Dick
Interactive map by Angling Technologies: HERE

FORUMS
Georgia Kayak Fishing
Georgia River Fishing
Jax Kayak Fishing
Gulf Coast Kayak Fishing (you might need to be registered to view this one)

FLY FISHING RESOURCES
Fly Fishing West Georgia
Books and DVD by George Roberts:
Master the Cast
Fly Fisherman's Guide to Saltwater Naturals and Their Imitation
Saltwater Casting - 10 Steps to Distance and Power (DVD)

**********
If you are a resident of Georgia and like to fish from a kayak I recommend becoming a supporting member of the Georgia Kayak Fishing Association located at GeorgiaKayakFishing.com.