Questions about floating the french creek?

Author
Post
Essentials Only Full Version
Brandon Sosack
New Angler
  • Total Posts : 6
  • Reward points: 0
  • Joined: 2009/08/24 19:32:12
  • Status: offline
2010/07/27 12:24:10 (permalink)

Questions about floating the french creek?

Is there boat ramps on the French Creek? I have never been there but heard it has excellent muskie fishing. Now my question is can I launch a 15 foot flat bottom boat into french creek? I would like to only float down to another boat ramp and have a friends vehicle there to get back to the truck with the trailer. My boat only drafts 5 inches of water loaded with two men so I think I could get to most places a canoe can go especially if we get out and push. I am going to take the outboard off and use only a trolling motor to help with weight and shallow water fording. Where in your guys opinion would be a good place to launch and load up? I would like to float at least a couple miles more would be better if the ramps are spaced far enough apart. Well thanks in advance for any info.
#1

10 Replies Related Threads
    Pork
    Pro Angler
    • Total Posts : 1419
    • Reward points: 0
    • Joined: 2009/05/04 11:06:26
    • Location: NWPA
    • Status: offline
    RE: Questions about floating the french creek? 2010/07/27 13:36:05 (permalink)
    Not many ramps...Only ones I can think of accessible with a trailer are Wilsons Shutes, Shaws landing & Franklin.....not sure where you're coming from...

    For a short trip, with a 'bigger boat', I'd recommend Wilsons Shutes to Shaws Landing.
    These are between Meadville & Cochranton.
    One of the deeper sections of the crick...although you'll probably still have a little draggin' to do.
    They aren't far apart either...

    One option would be to put in at shaws & see how far upstream you can make it without portage, then float back down.
    Another option would be to float it in a tube to get a feel for it, then hit it with the boat to fish.
    Or, you could put in at Wilsons & head upstream toward meadville too...couple nice sections right there.
    For a longer trip, Wilsons or Shaws to Franklin...but there's plenty of pulling there.

    Have fun.

    "If you ever get hit with a bucket of fish, be sure to close your eyes." ><)))*>
    #2
    psu_fish
    Pro Angler
    • Total Posts : 3104
    • Reward points: 0
    • Joined: 2008/08/28 22:37:11
    • Location: PA
    • Status: offline
    RE: Questions about floating the french creek? 2010/07/27 14:23:45 (permalink)
    there is a access in utica as well, but primarly for canoes but with 5 inch draft you can prolly float down to Franklin
    #3
    Brandon Sosack
    New Angler
    • Total Posts : 6
    • Reward points: 0
    • Joined: 2009/08/24 19:32:12
    • Status: offline
    RE: Questions about floating the french creek? 2010/07/27 14:25:08 (permalink)
    I am coming from Butler. The boat isn't really that big its on 54'' wide and 15 feet long. It's an all welded aluminum jon boat it ain't real heavy either. But it is heavy enough two men don't want to carry it down or up a steep bank. How far apart are wilson's and shaw's? Mainly looking to fish deeper holes that may contain a musky or two.
    #4
    Pork
    Pro Angler
    • Total Posts : 1419
    • Reward points: 0
    • Joined: 2009/05/04 11:06:26
    • Location: NWPA
    • Status: offline
    RE: Questions about floating the french creek? 2010/07/27 14:32:12 (permalink)
    ORIGINAL: Brandon Sosack

    ... How far apart are wilson's and shaw's? ....


    Around 3.5 miles by road...probably closer to 5-6 on the water.

    Edit: Just checked it on google earth...it's actually just under 5 miles by road from launch to launch.
    Further by water. And let me add, google earth is a GREAT tool for crick trips...

    No spot burn here, so I don't want to hear it guys...
    PFBC access ramp locations: (plug into GPS or google earth)

    Shaws Landing:
    latitude: 41°32'26.39"N
    longitude: 80° 6'14.18"W

    Wilsons shutes:
    latitude: 41°35'21.19"N
    longitude: 80° 8'58.48"W


    post edited by Pork - 2010/07/27 14:53:19

    "If you ever get hit with a bucket of fish, be sure to close your eyes." ><)))*>
    #5
    Brandon Sosack
    New Angler
    • Total Posts : 6
    • Reward points: 0
    • Joined: 2009/08/24 19:32:12
    • Status: offline
    RE: Questions about floating the french creek? 2010/07/27 15:00:18 (permalink)
    Thank you very much pork. Are these areas the bigger pools? I am after the bigger water that may hold musky. How far is Utica from these sights?
    #6
    Fishon1021
    Novice Angler
    • Total Posts : 51
    • Reward points: 0
    • Status: offline
    RE: Questions about floating the french creek? 2010/07/27 15:44:26 (permalink)
    There used to be a fish commission launch outside of Cambridge Springs on Miller Station Road. Does anybody know if it is still there and what kind of shape it is in?
    #7
    acmaul13
    Pro Angler
    • Total Posts : 1193
    • Reward points: 0
    • Joined: 2008/06/08 10:03:54
    • Location: NW Pa
    • Status: offline
    RE: Questions about floating the french creek? 2010/07/27 15:58:34 (permalink)
    OH you nasty spot burner you!!
    http://fishandboat.com/wwcw.htm
    check french creek sec 6
    Just kidding Pork
    #8
    Pork
    Pro Angler
    • Total Posts : 1419
    • Reward points: 0
    • Joined: 2009/05/04 11:06:26
    • Location: NWPA
    • Status: offline
    RE: Questions about floating the french creek? 2010/07/27 16:04:37 (permalink)


    that's an awesome map ac!
    don't believe I never came across it....
    bookmarked.
    TYVM

    "If you ever get hit with a bucket of fish, be sure to close your eyes." ><)))*>
    #9
    acmaul13
    Pro Angler
    • Total Posts : 1193
    • Reward points: 0
    • Joined: 2008/06/08 10:03:54
    • Location: NW Pa
    • Status: offline
    RE: Questions about floating the french creek? 2010/07/27 17:11:15 (permalink)
    You're welcome bub.Sometimes the Gov. does get it right LOL
    #10
    citysticker
    Novice Angler
    • Total Posts : 96
    • Reward points: 0
    • Joined: 2008/07/24 02:38:10
    • Status: offline
    RE: Questions about floating the french creek? 2010/07/28 11:07:26 (permalink)
    id recomend smaller baits for the creek muskies. large bass and walleye lures. nothin bigger than a 18 rapala or 7/8 spinnerbait. save the double cowgirls and suicks. my biggest muskies took 4 inch tube jigs from there 48" 51" and 45inchers. they all came from flooded timber in the winter months hope this helps.
    #11
    Jump to: