Little River launch at GA 122 Lowndes/Brooks County line

This launch site is located approximately 5 miles west of Hahira (Exit 29 on I-75).  The Little River flows south from Reed Bingham State Park near Adel providing the boundary  between Lowndes and Brooks Counties.  It eventually loses its name as it  joins the Withlacoochee River just west of I-75 at Exit 18.

A very easy launch site at this water level.  Although I had to drag the kayak about 30-40 yards due to some deep sand near water's edge.

The state maintains a water level gage at this bridge which can be seen HERE.  On this day the water level was just above 4 feet.  North of the bridge the river is very shallow and the river much wider.

In fact, at times I found it easier to just get out and pull the kayak.  Glad i had my waders on.

Here's a video of the flow.

North and south of the bridge the river has many sand bars which can be used as stopping/fishing points.

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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

DP Poppers
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)

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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.
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Reed Bingham State Park - Adel

Reed Bingham State Park: Over 1600 acres
Reed Bingham Lake: 375 acres
Entrance Fee: $5 per vehicle

Reed Bingham State Park is located approximately 40 miles north of the Florida line. From I-75 take Exit 39 at Adel and go 6 miles west on US Hwy 39. It was formed by damming the Little River. It has nature trails, swimming beach, canoe/bicycle rentals, camping areas (RV/tent/trailer), pontoon boat tours and more. There's a good web page HERE with more information and a calender of events.

For supplies Adel Outfitters is located in Adel at 413 Hutchinson Avenue which is on US 41. You can call them at 229-896-7105. Haven't seen any fly fishing gear there but they seem to have everything else including firearms and hunting supplies.

On this trip I was fortunate to fish with George Roberts. George has published two books and a DVD on fly fishing and written articles for several fly fishing magazines.

Master the Cast
Fly Fisherman's Guide to Saltwater Naturals and Their Imitation
Saltwater Casting - 10 steps to Distance and Power (DVD)

We got there close to lunch time. Temp in the mid 80's, some breeze and gnats! Geez, they were bad. Fortunately, once we were on the water they were not a problem.

We launched at the northwest boat ramp. This site is closer to the river which is where we were headed.

Click any picture to enlarge














You can fish the lake but you will have to put up with waves from ski boats and jet ski's. My gear for the day was a light spin caster and a fly rod (9 foot 6wt). I was using a small baby shad arty on the spin and a popper on the the fly.















George was using a 6 foot 4wt fly rod. I believe he used a popper most of the day. It's fun to watch the distance he can get with this little set up.

Here he is casting under some overhangs close to the launch site. We were still picking up waves from the boats on the lake at this point.




























The river water is typical for our area being brown tannic colored. The river is beautiful (and fishy looking!).







































You'll see DNR patrolling in their pontoon.














Midday fishing was slow. None of those I talked with on the river had done much. George caught two. A panfish and a bass that straightened his hook.

I had a panfish suck my popper and spit it back and caught this one on my shad.














We headed off the water a bit after 3 PM. A bit tired, hot, thirsty and tanned (burnt!).













Gotta remember the sunscreen and cooler next time!

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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.

HUTCHINSON POND - Adel - Hahira

Hutchinson Pond

250 Acres

Owner: Jim Kent
Phone 229-896-3161
Yearly Fee: $400 for family
Location: Between Adel and Hahira east of I-75. Get off at the Cecil Exit around the 32-33 mile marker. Go east straight through Cecil to Hutchinson Pond/Caulie Harris Rd and turn north (left) at Friendship Church. You'll see the pond on your left after a couple of miles. For a map enter "Cecil, GA" in the search window at Google Maps. Hutchinson Pond is not labeled but you will find it as a somewhat triangular shaped body of water ENE of Cecil. It lies along a road with two names: Hutchinson Pond Rd. and Caulie Harris Rd.
Jim has been developing this pond for several years. He'll be glad to give you a free tour if you like. He has stocked the pond with Georgia Giants and there have been some really big bream caught here.
The eastern half of the pond is mostly clear with the western half thick with cypress. The deepest I've found with my sonar is 9-10'. I've had good luck with live minnows and artificials that resemble baby shad. Others have used crickets with success.

Be aware that there are alligators. I know that there was once a ten footer and my friend says he has seen another at least that large.
There is a boat launch along side a low dock on the southeastern corner of the pond that is excellent for launching a kayak. I don't think I could ask for better. You can back right up to the launch site so you won't need wheels to tote your yak.











A windy day on the Hutch. Winds were around 15 mph this day. You'll find a need for an anchor or stake out pole on days like this if you're in an exposed area. Back among the trees it is not near the problem.











It's thicker in the back and provides cover from the wind. No, this was not a windy day but it can be remarkably calm in these areas.















Dad caught these four kitties totaling 11 lbs caught off Jim's dock with liver.



















Some miscellaneous pix from Hutchinson Pond














































































Google Map

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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 ImitationSaltwater 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.