No, this float isn't made with ice cream. Last week the column subject was local waters that produced good midsummer fishing. When the flows of our local rivers are at their normal summertime levels, one of the more enjoyable methods is floating these watersheds in a small car-top boat, canoe or kayak. There are few summertime outdoor activities that bring more relaxing pleasure than paddling and drifting along with the moderate current of a medium-size river like those in our region.
For starters, spending a hot summer day floating with the currents is a refreshingly cool escape from the heat. Many sections of the Chenango, Unadilla, Upper Susquehanna and Tioughnioga flow through wooded areas, and even in those sections that don't, shade is often available from abundant shoreline trees, the canopies of which usually extend well out over the water. Add fishing opportunities, and it makes for a great day outdoors despite the warm air temperatures.
The ability to keep cool also extends beyond being "just on the water," as there will be numerous shallower sections in these rivers, usually where deeper pools start or end, that demand for you to exit your craft and walk it through the ankle-deep shallows. And sometimes, especially on the hotter days, you'll wade/walk your craft through the shallower sections even when you don't have to, just for the enjoyment of feeling the cool water flowing around your feet and legs. You're also apt to encounter an occasional fallen tree spanning the river, which will mandate a short portage. These trips usually involve wearing clothing that's cool and dries quickly, but river-floaters never go barefoot -- for there are sharp rocks, broken glass, barbed wire and other assorted dangers lurking beneath the water. Whether you wear shorts or long pants, make sure you use a sunscreen stout enough to protect from sunburn and skin damage. If you wear shorts or pants, there's several khaki brands that stand up well to water and dry quickly. Choose one of those. Protect what's between your ears, and that means wearing a hat and polarized sunglasses.
Speaking of what's between your ears, carting along a cooler with some cold brews in it may sound mighty tempting, but it's better to bring along non-alcoholic beverages for two reasons: health and safety. If you start dehydrating, alcohol does nothing to prevent or slow this. Cold water, ice tea, lemonade or soda will though. Drinking alcohol on a blistering hot day can also cloud your judgment and slow your reactions – not a good thing whenever you're involved in water sports of any kind.
Being on the water also tends to increase your hunger, so bring along some quick energy snacks, sandwiches and fresh fruit. It also goes without saying that whatever you bring in also goes out when you leave. Don't litter.
Other gear that should go in your craft includes, of course, the mandatory Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD), either vests or cushions (always vests for children), a rope to secure your craft when you beach, and a spare paddle or oar as insurance in case one breaks or is damaged during the trip.
Another item which really comes in handy is a large sponge. This can be used to squeegee out water that finds its way into your craft and also to wash mud or other debris from it once you're done for the day.
A few decades ago, finding appropriate access sites to launch and take out was as simple as finding bridges that crossed the river. However, new bridge and road construction techniques have resulted in paved-to-the-guide-rail shoulders that extend a 100 feet or more at each end of most bridges. All four rivers in our area do have specially marked access sites and parking areas, and a brief scouting trip via river-paralleling roadways will determine which ones are best suited to your trip plans. Hopefully, more access sites on these watersheds will be constructed in the years to come.
Although the float-trips are fun by themselves, those who enjoy fishing will find them particularly enjoyable and usually productive.
All four tributaries of the Susquehanna offer excellent fishing opportunities for a wide variety of species. Most common in the watersheds are smallmouth and rock bass, walleye, sunfish, perch, pickerel, fallfish, suckers, carp, and in some sections, northern pike. The uppermost flows also harbor brown trout, although these sections are usually so small and shallow that they don't readily lend themselves to float-trips, especially during the normally low water levels of summer.
I'm probably biased, but my favorite technique for summer float-trip fishing is using light spinning gear or a light fly rod. With either outfit I can vertical-fish a small tube or twistertail jig, night crawler, crayfish or minnow down through a promising pool or deep run, allowing the offering to just tick bottom as we drift along. There's little or no casting involved, I just let out sufficient line until the lure or bait is near bottom, then let the craft and current do the rest, taking in or letting out line as mandated by the depth of water we're currently floating over.
Another angling technique that's effective is beaching your craft above (upstream of) a promising pool, undercut or run and fishing the holding water on foot. Sometimes the imposing shadow of a boat or canoe drifting overhead is enough to spook fish holding in a pool, especially if the water's low and clear. By first fishing the water on foot, the float-fishing angler is dealing with relaxed and unsuspecting fish.
When you stop ashore for lunch or a break to stretch your muscles, it's also a good idea to set a baited line or two from shore. Toss 'em out, set your rod on a stick, and then keep an eye on it. This way, you're still actively fishing even while taking a break from sitting in your craft.
Of course, fishing isn't the only extracurricular activity that lends itself to floating along on a river; there's also wildlife watching and photography. Abundant wildlife inhabits the shoreline covers while waterfowl and wetland species wade and paddle in the waters. If you're on the water during the early sunlit hours of the day, before the sun gets too high in the sky, wildlife is more active and the lighting is much better for capturing quality photos, of wildlife or scenics.