Porktown
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Joined: 9/4/2001
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There are two sections of the river that you can raft in Ohiopyle. Above the falls has less rapids, and below has more. I know they call them the upper, middle and lower, but not sure which is which... One is not in Ohiopyle. Just for description purposes, I am saying lower for below the falls and upper for above. Not sure if this is really which is which though.
I wouldn't attempt taking fishing gear on the lower section, if this is your first time rafting. There is a very good chance that you will flip your raft and lose your gear, or at the very least gear getting in your way. You don't want to hook a family member, your self, or your raft... During the weekend, you will likely not have enough time to cast, with the amount of other boats on the water as well. If this is your first time, you'd likely want to get a guide too. Not sure if they'd be too thrilled with you fishing instead of paying attention to the rapids.
The portion above the falls is much more suited for fishing. There are only a few relatively fun rapids though. So, if the family is looking for a thrill ride, this section might not be what you want. If you are looking to float a regular river, with a few rapids, get your fish on, this is the section. It is a trophy trout area, but is filled with smolt sized trout, which are likely forage to the larger fish... (pack a rainbow trout "walleye style" rapala if you have one). If you plan the upper area, pulling off and fishing is a blast, but make sure that you plan your time accordingly. I kayaked this area with a friend, and took us about 6 hours. That is with about 1 hour of pure paddling at the end, to get off of the water before it was dark.
Suggestion -
If you want a thrill ride, there is a section of the lower called the Loop. This is about 2 miles long. If you want to do the slow stuff, but then want a taste of the real rapids. Do the above the falls trip, then take a trip on the Loop. This takes you only an hour or two, where the full below falls takes 4-5 hours. There is a good bit of raft carrying involved, which will likely wear you out more than the trip itself. Park you car at the take out, if you don't have a shuttle service. You can toss a raft on the roof. Doing a little planning ahead of time will make the trip much more enjoyable.
Have a good time, and be safe.
< Message edited by Porktown -- 8/19/2008 11:35:49 AM >
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