Fishing at Normandy

[Alphahawk]

I have had some folks inquire about fishing below Normandy Dam. The rain made me think that if they decide to open the gates at Normandy there is no horn..siren....nothing....no warning at all. The best you could hope for is that a man may look over the dam and if he sees you he will yell down to you to get back. Just thought I needed to make everyone aware of that. Now having said all that I don't think we are going to get enough rain for them to open the gates.


Regards

[FlipaYak]

I have no direct experience fishing below the dam, but I watch water releases at the dam because I fish the Duck River a lot.

I wonder how prone to sudden releases Normandy Dam is? On their water release schedule, they typically post what they're doing and getting ready to do. Also, you can check out the Operating Guide for Normandy to see where lake levels are relative to where they should be to give you an idea of what future releases might look like.

Looking at the Operating Guide, they are raising the level of the lake to reach summer pool. As dry as we have been, it might take a lot of rain for them to really ramp up their water release.

[olddognewtrick]

No warning?

Alpha, how is the float below the dam? It looks like, from google maps, you have to at least float to 269, and port around one low-head dam. Is it private property around that low-head? Are there any other take out points?

Current... I see they have two flood gates. How is the duck within a half mile or so of the dam for kayaks, both with gates open and closed?

Thanks

[Fishbus]

I have floated it from the dam to 269 and done the portage at Cortner's Mill.

We floated with about 500cfs release, normal is 160cfs.

No problems at 500cfs, good meandering current, enough to keep you moving, but not as fast as the Caney Fork with a generator on.

Portage at Cortner's Mill is on the opposite side from the Mill. Private property, but well worn path, and I hear ok with owners. Looks like people respect it. Did not see trash or abuse. Little tricky getting back in due to a large fallen tree across the area, but we did it.

We caught trout and small bass all the way down the river on TM/CM's and mini-spinners. Alpha can say much more about the fishing because he's already caught more there than I ever will in my lifetime.

They rarely open the spillways, the release comes from a sluice pipe that they can throttle through most of the ranges you will see.

I recommend this float highly. We went in December when we had those 70 degree days after Christmas and had a great time. Did no see another boat or kayak on the entire trip. Not another person once we left the dam area.

In fact if you plan a trip here or on TKA (I'm BoroBilly over there) I'll probably ask to come along.

Billy

Originally Posted by olddognewtrick

No warning?

Alpha, how is the float below the dam? It looks like, from google maps, you have to at least float to 269, and port around one low-head dam. Is it private property around that low-head? Are there any other take out points?

Current... I see they have two flood gates. How is the duck within a half mile or so of the dam for kayaks, both with gates open and closed?

Thanks

[olddognewtrick]

I'll definitely let you know if i get a chance. I'd love to float/fish below the damn there.

[Alphahawk]

Billy is right...they rarely use the gates. But....at times through the week a group of workers will show up and do what they call "Exercise the gates". The float is good...even now with only 50CFS. The closer to Cortners Mill one gets the more Kentucky bass you can get into....along with black perch...and trout and crappie all along the way. Just a neat place to fish and float.


Regards

[olddognewtrick]

What is the depth through to Cortners mill? If it's deep enough, i could put in the PA near the damn and peddle back up towards my vehicle once I get to the mill.

[Alphahawk]

They are only releasing 50 CFS. You would have to do some dragging.....plus in a lot of stretches the water will be very shallow. I wouldn't make that trip in your PA at the river level now. However the Ride 115 will work great for that. My two sons are floating from dam to Cortners Mill tomorrow......and paddling back up.....they have done that before. The fishing for that float should be awesome.....trout...spots....red eyes, and maybe some walleye and Smallies.


Regards

[Alphahawk]

My sons floated from dam to Cortners Mill today, and then paddled back to dam...whew....that was a haul. No Kentucky's were caught at all....don't like the sound of that. They caught plenty of trout with one being an 18 inch fish.


Regards

[Heiny57]

That is a nice fish. Good report.

[creekcrappie]

Nice rainbow!

[olddognewtrick]

That is a nice fish!

I have to plan a saturday or sunday float there soon. I need to get the 115 out for my first ride in it anyway.

[Alphahawk]

Spent morning at Normandy again today. No pics but caught a lot of really fat trout....a few at 16 inches. As I was headed back to parking lot my oldest son and a friend were going on another float. The trout below Normandy this year are quality fish. I highly recommend to those who trout fish to check it out...a beautiful place.


Regards