The clear water permitted me to stare directly at the bottom of the river where a few dozen minnows were darting back and forth scooping up bits of food, which was invisible to my eyes. I was about to take a fast paddle down the Rappahannock River from Motts Landing to the Rappahannock Outdoor Center to scout the river's twists and turns for a trip my brother and I were going to take with our kids the next day. Chris dug into the warm river water with his paddle as I popped my Rebel Crayfish lure loose from the eye of my ultralight Shakespeare Rod. I was quite certain I would be tempted to cast to a submerged log and haul in a fish or two as we drifted down the river. Of course that is exactly what happened over the course of the next hour and a half.

The float from Motts Landing to the Rappahannock Outdoor Center is an hour and a half with current water levels. I would figure an even two hours if you plan on making a few casts for fish along the way. The trip is a good one for an afternoon of fishing. The first third of the trip is a good mix of deep pools and rapids that may require a bit of maneuvering or even some dragging of the canoe or kayak over some shallow spots. There is some decent fishing for redbreast sunfish and smallies after you get away from River Road. The deep pools tend to lend themselves to drop-shotting plastics and using live bait. Make longer casts with light line to get the better fish.

There are plenty of ledges and runs of rock formations that hold good smallmouth at this time of year. Crayfish and minnows are by far the best smallmouth bait and both can be caught with a minnow seine right on the river. Nightcrawlers and crickets are good sunfish bait and will also take smallmouth bass and rockbass. Be sure to make casts to cover, which includes log jams and fallen trees. This is especially true where the riverbank is steep.

Up to the halfway point (with normal and low water levels) the river presents no difficult or dangerous rapids for paddlers. I took both my young girls on the entire trip and they handled the trip extremely well. Approximately halfway through the trip paddlers will begin to hear the I-95 bridge traffic. This is where the fishing begins to really pick up. The banks are best for sunfish and rockbass while the riffles are great for smallmouth bass. It is more tempting to fish the deep pools for smallies but on our trip we found more fish in the moving water.

Paddlers should begin looking ahead as they approach the bridge as the choices they make will affect their paddle through the rock formations and log jams. The water alternates quickly from very shallow water to deep holes, which hold plenty of really respectable fish.

Having paddled the river for many years I must say that the blowing of the Embry Dam really changed the section of the river downstream from the bridge. The rock formations are HUGE and many new fishing spots are exposed to anglers who can more effectively work them. Take care to use an anchor to slow your pace enough to work the spots thoroughly.

There are a few sets of rapids that have sudden decents which translated to water in the canoe for us. These locations require some skill to get through and/or a portage or wading through while handling your canoe. Rapid turns and twists combined with lower water levels made things a bit tricky but manageable for us. The fishing is good in the riffles and the pools and slick water between fast water. Once past where the old dam stood the paddling is no problem.

I should note to readers that sudden changes in water levels or rainfall will certainly change the paddling conditions. However, with normal water levels this trip can be done by anyone with some experience paddling. Being able to swim and wearing a life jacket should be considered prerequisites for the trip.

Wildlife abounds on the upper river so bring a waterproof camera or stow it will be OK during the trip when not in use. Remember a light action rod and some river tackle for bass and bream. Wear water shoes that will hold up to rocky conditions such as the Keen shoes that I did a review a few issues ago. Finally, be sure to take plenty of water to drink!

For more information on the float trips available on the upper Rappahannock River, the river conditions or canoe rentals call Rappahannock Outdoor Center at 540-371-5085.