Gsp

[SalmonDaze]

Originally Posted by TroutFiend

Question... If my partner and I were to put in at Coles Ferry could we make it to the Steam Plant and back? 15' Tracker jon boat with 55lb. TM and 2 batteries. Or is this just wishful thinking?



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You could launch yourself in an innertube from Coles Ferry and have no problem getting there and back with a standard issue, wiley coyote acme booster rocket. It's only a few hundred yards.

[TroutFiend]

Had did you know, I always keep one of those for back-up. With the picture of the area shown in previous post. Is it best to shoot straight across between the 2 islands and ride down to the canal mouth parallel with the power lines?


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[Dakota]

Originally Posted by Pookie

Why is nobody wanting to launch at Cherokee?

That's were I launch.


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[MNfisher]

Originally Posted by TroutFiend

Had did you know, I always keep one of those for back-up. With the picture of the area shown in previous post. Is it best to shoot straight across between the 2 islands and ride down to the canal mouth parallel with the power lines?


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Yes sir! Shoot straight across to the right of that island. Watch for debris...it's shallow. Bit there is hardly no more current after the island.

[Hammy]

Guys, would you do this in a yak? And do the same both ways. ( as marked )

Hammy

stream plant1 map marked.jpg

[Dakota]

I'm not a yak guy but a gsp guy and I'm thinking the other yaks do that trip.?


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[TroutFiend]

MNFisher, is that pink line below what you recommend for me in a Jon boat?
Thanks



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[Jim]

First off, cool that you all found my boat ramp map again. I made it for one of my company projects. It is up to 11,000 views. Here it is for those that have not seen it:

Boat Ramps and Marinas on Old Hickory Lake, TN

And my steam plant picture map from past years. Glad it is still being used.

As for getting to the steam plant from Coles Ferry. It is no problem getting there. Just ride the current to the mouth while staying to the inside of the channel. The issue is getting through the shallows between the islands coming home. I know the kayakers make it just fine, but depending on how heavily you load the jonboat and if the water is falling, it may be hard to get through.

It is no problem to move around behind the islands and the fishing can be good up there. The deeper water is near the shore away from the islands and it is 2 to 4 ft deep. It is usually around 1 foot deep between the islands at the deep spot, but that can vary 6 inches either way with the falling or rising water. Six inches is fine for a kayak, but not so sure about a loaded jonboat.

It has been a few years since I used the pathway between the next islands upstream (on right side of picture), but that used to be deeper and bassboats could run it on a plane. So you almost always had at least 1 1/2 ft of water. Plenty for your jonboat. It is not that far to trolling motor up to the upper pass. I do it all the time looking for shad on the flats. So you could probably get around that way if you needed to.

If you try this, bring a long rope so you have it if you need a tow and don't leave late to return to the ramp your first time, so if you need help there will still be boats around.

Stay safe,
Jim

[TroutFiend]

Thanks Jim, that makes sense too motor up past the ramp in slack water on the way home and drift down and angle over towards the ramp. Thanks man!

Andy




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[Jim]

Just to be clear, I have not gone through that upper pass in a few years. So it is still a risk that it may be too shallow. Next time I am in that area, I will see what it is like.

Jim

[TroutFiend]

Sure thing Jim. Do the flats hold any warm water or does the warm water take a quick turn as it leaves the mouth?




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[Jim]

Both flats can hold warm water. I mostly depends on the direction of the wind and how much current there is. The downstream flat almost always has warmer water flowing across it and the upstream flat varies a bit more.

Fishing can be really good on the flats, but most people only fish the channel. The fish tend to school on the flats so you have to hunt for them. Look for shad or birds (both blue herons or gulls) to find areas that have life in them. It does not have to be real warm to hold fish. Typically, I will fish for largemouth or white bass on the flats although sometimes the crappie are common. In some of the deeper cuts and holes the small striper can get thick as do the gar. The cats also like the cuts and the edge of the main channel.

Good luck,
Jim

[tkwalker]

Originally Posted by Pookie

Why is nobody wanting to launch at Cherokee?

I will be launching from Cherokee ... Coles Ferry will be a little tight for my rig with all of you guys ... also I think the after event will settle here (Cherokee) afterwards ..
as far as flippers and Cherokee ... Cherokee will be dormant compared to Flippers ... But you are looking at against the current to the steam plant ... Coles Ferry will let you split up or down stream ...

I am going to be the safety power boat for most of the day ... Plus may get in a little Bass fishing also ... If I remember how ! ... So everyone put this cell number in your phone ... If you need help call me ...

<'TK>< 615-347-8277... I will have dry cloths (may not fit) towels, blankets etc .. Also tow any one in need ... Especially at tourney stop time at 7:00 PM ..right at Dark ... ... <'TK><

[Pookie]

The thing I appreciate about Cherokee is that they have security. Also, being a yacht club, there are always people around. Boat people seem to be a brotherhood who watches after one another, like good neighbors ought to be. The launch there is tight, and only one ramp, but there is plenty of parking. Additionally, when I come off the water, I have been known to have a drink of whiskey and order a big steak