Author: jayj0

Chattooga River Camp and Raft

Overview map:

Map Link

Campsites (marked with orange markers) are free, No out of state fishing licence required. Camping close to the river at all three campsites.

Rafting:

Rafting will cost about $100 per person, depending on option of Section III or Section IV. Section IV is more physically intense than section III. Section III is rated for beginners and is also about $10 cheaper. There is also an option to rent some inflatables and do an easy, laid back, unguided float. The latter will be the cheapest option. This link contains additional information regarding rafting on the Chattooga.

Outfitters:

Guided:

NOC

Southeastern Expeditions

Wildwater Rafting

Unguided/ Equipment rental:

Chattooga Adventures

 

Hiking and Fishing:

Nearby trails lead to feeder creeks and waterfalls. River and feeder creeks are stocked with Rainbow and Brown trout, there is also a holdover population of Brown trout. Main river is ususally busy with rafting traffic and too deep to wade, but 10 miles north of the proposed campground is smaller and wadeable. Lake Tugaloo provides a flatwater fishing/paddling opportunity and contains Smallmouth Bass, Redeye Bass, and trout.

Breaking Wind or “Am I Going to Die Today?”

The importance of wind speed and direction cannot be understated. Understanding how much wind to expect and which direction the wind is blowing changes where you fish, how you fish, or even if you fish. Especially for those of us on the coast, and especially for those of us bobbing around in plastic boats.

IMG_20151002_090905
Wind whipped waves on a turbulent Lake Michigan.

Fortunately for us humans alive right now, we live in the information age. Here’s some information that is relevant to you if you want to try and rip a lip today:

Windfinder – Wind and wave conditions and forecasts that include specific locations, including harbors and offshore buoys.

Ventusky – This one is a bit prettier than windfinder, and it has historical data too. Also has wind/temperature maps but not wave data.

Tides4Fishing – One stop shop for conditions and forecasts at a particular location. Has tide predictions, solunar forecasts, weather conditions, etc. Not a map based site, but once I have settled on a location I check this site to see how things are going to be.

For my own convenience I have these links pointed to the Charleston, SC area. I recommend you find your home or favorite body of water and save that link somewhere convenient for you.