Flint River

[troutman]

Hey guys, now that my daughter is older I am taking her out fishing, hunting etc more often. I was thinking of doing a little kayak trip on the Flint River. I was thinking of putting in at the public ramp off Mt. Carmel Rd in Gay and going to the bridge at Flat Shoals Rd. I have never been on the water here so I was curious as to what it is like. Any input would be appreciated.

Enjoy that time with your daughter. Buying kayaks was the best thing I have ever spent money on for my boys and myself.

Take some pictures of your adventure and post here.
https://www.theoutdoorstrader.com/threads/pictures-taken-while-paddling-a-kayak-or-canoe.1446610/

 

[backwoodsga]

That's a good float. You won't run into any white water or anything your daughter can't handle. With all the rain the water is pretty muddy but you should be able to pickup some shoals bass. Towards the end of that float you'll come across a spot we call the little sea. The river opens up like a large pond and it's very deep in the middle. Expect to see plenty of gar smacking the top of the water in that area. Don't have any fish hanging from a stringer because the gar won't hesitate to take them from you there.

The last time I was down there some jackhole was on a jet ski going up and down the river. I really wanted to tie on a big Zara spook and send it his way but I had my son with me. There are usually some kids drinking, etc. down around the bridge.

 

[SMLEshooter]

We're planning a trip later this week, putting in at Sprewell Bluff and getting out at Hwy 36. Just under six miles...

Only one spot that may be exciting. River funnels down to a narrow point between some large rocks.

I'd like to try the float you're planning sometime. Is there public parking at the Flat Shoals spot? I seem to remember there being some type of disagreement with the abutting residential subdivision association saying that the parking area was theirs and they blocked it off. Last time I drove by, it was no longer blocked, but no cars were around that day...

Anybody know what's the situation is there?

 

[cwgibson]

That's good to know, I was going to do some scouting and check on the parking situation at the bridge before we went. If you cannot park there it looks like you might have to go all the way down to Sprewell Bluff, but I would have to look at the map again.

 

[SMLEshooter]

That's good to know, I was going to do some scouting and check on the parking situation at the bridge before we went. If you cannot park there it looks like you might have to go all the way down to Sprewell Bluff, but I would have to look at the map again.

Good. Let us know what you find.

If I recall correctly, the drive access is on the north side of the road on the east side of the bridge. It's a long narrow dirt path.

 

[Fatal_Bert]

You can park at flat shoals. If you're facing the gated community park on the left. Just don't block the narrow little access to the river there. I park there all the time.

 

[Macvan]

No alligators where he's talking about. You gotta go a good bit further South before you start seeing Gators.

oh and I suppose there's no copper headed water moccasins ether .....ya right ............lol

 

[sc951]

The Pike Co. Sheriff's office has been writing tickets if you park on the side of the road next to the subdivision entrance. You can park on the other side of the road though. If you were crossing the bridge from the Meriwether side, the gate to the community is on your left, go about 50 yards past it and you will see where you can park on your right. They won't ticket you there. My grandfathers farm where I grew up is the property on the Meriwether side of the Sea Hole. I've been on that stretch of river all my life. The above post about no rough water is correct. The only place that tosses people is the first set of shoals that you come to south of the Joe Kurtz landing. It's not really bad but there are a couple of rocks where the water speeds up and they might get you sideways. As you go down the river the first house you see on the left side of the river sits high up on a ridge and the river turns to the right. That is the last set of shoals before you get to the bridge. Its about 2 - 2 1/2 miles of flat water that includes the Sea. From the Sea, you have about a mile till you get to the bridge. Just a couple of landmarks that will give you an idea about your location.

If you have any other questions hit me up. I float/fish through there probably a dozen times a summer.

 

[SMLEshooter]

Outstanding, thanks!

I think we may go from Mt. Carmel to Flat Shoals tomorrow instead of the Sprewell Bluffs trip.

Looks like about a six mile trip overall?

 

[sc951]

It's almost exactly 6 miles. Slot less rock and shallow water to deal with compared to putting in at the bluff