Hamilton Creek ramp

[TNtransplant08]

I was wondering if Hamilton Creek ramp is a safe place to launch out of? I am thinking about trying out fishing the lower part of JPP in search of smallies, but I've never fished that part, just the upper half.

[wormdunker]

I launch out of the Hamilton Creek ramp pretty often, and haven't had any trouble. Most often I go to the Ham. Crk. Sailboat cove ramp (first left turn) I feel like my truck etc. is safer there, as there are more people around usually. The only thing is that the no wake zone is much longer than the other ramp on down the road, and it takes a little longer to get out to the channel. Lower end of the lake is good smallmouth territory. Go get 'em.

[Trealtree]

It's sad when we can't even park our vehicle without worrying if its safe there....I'm going campin soon and having to leave my vehicle at seven points is that a safe place or not? I'd rather drive around the whole lake than to have my vehicle broke into or trailer stolen!

[Pinwheeled]

Hamilton Creek isn't too bad compared to some others. As someone has already said, sailboat marina is much safer although you may get a few sideways looks. Launching at Elm Hill Marina is better yet if you don't mind paying $5.

[TNtransplant08]

Thanks for the input guys, much appreciated. I never keep anything of value inside my car and really all my boat is a rowboat with a trolling motor on it, so the trailer is pretty small. So I'd like to think its a less inviting target for thieves, but you never know. I always feel nervous about launching out of Pooles Knob with recent reports of trailers getting stolen. I used to use the ramp at the Pooles Knob campground before I was told it was for campers only. I was pretty bummed because I felt safe there and the fishing in that area was one of my better spots. Now its hard for me to reach it from the other ramp before my trolling motor goes dead.

I may check out the Elm Hill Marina as well. I noticed on my paper Hot Spots map that there is a ramp on a road just south of the Elm Hill Marina road. Does that one exist still or any good?

[jad2t]

I fish there a lot and sometimes get there at 4am, never had an issue. Head out and go to your right, that bank gets heavily bank fished and trashed but if you'll head south along the bank for about a half mile, the bass fishing is pretty good.

[TNtransplant08]

Originally Posted by jad2t

I fish there a lot and sometimes get there at 4am, never had an issue. Head out and go to your right, that bank gets heavily bank fished and trashed but if you'll head south along the bank for about a half mile, the bass fishing is pretty good.

Thanks Jimmy, I'll give it a shot. Theres also an area on my lake map between Elm Hill and Hamilton Creek ramps that I'd like to try. Dunno if its good, but never know until you try it.

[SAMBOLIE]

Originally Posted by TNtransplant08

Thanks Jimmy, I'll give it a shot. Theres also an area on my lake map between Elm Hill and Hamilton Creek ramps that I'd like to try. Dunno if its good, but never know until you try it.

I believe you are looking at Elm Hill Recreation area.
If so, I think there is a $5 charge there also.

[TNtransplant08]

Originally Posted by SAMBOLIE

I believe you are looking at Elm Hill Recreation area.
If so, I think there is a $5 charge there also.

You are correct. I drove by this afternoon to check it out and it does indeed have a $5 fee. I will launch out of Hamilton Creek tomorrow morning. I was surprised how much clearer the water is there compared to the upper lake. May have to try fishing the cove with sailboat too. If anyone is fishing the area, feel free to say hello!