For those of you in Columbia, there is now access to drop in a kayak or canoe at the driving range at I20 and the Broad River. In order to use it, you pay a $45 yearly membership fee and then $5 when you put in. This is all just starting up and they are still figuring out details on how best to give access when the driving range is not open.
I joined the other day and haven’t been yet, but Abraham, the guy who is running the place did say he will be putting on kayak fishing tournaments and I believe the first one is May 18th.
Abraham can be reached at 750-1015 (phone number at Riverside) or 397-9344 (mobile) for more details.
BTW, I have no horse in this race other than wanting to see this succeed for them, since it is 5 min from my job and I have been wanting to fish again for years. It’s a vey unique fishery. Access was cut off down there years ago when the row club was given exclusive access on the county property and facilities they currently use down there…all of which I helped pay for as a resident of Richland County. They have fought for years to do everything they can to keep the general public from having access, but this portage area is on the propert of the golf range and they can’t do anything about it.
Sounds interesting. I’ve been hearing about the smallmouth fishing up that way, if there’s any in that area I’d love to catch/release a few. Keep us updated.
They have kayak access at Harbison Forest. I have not tried it yet so I do not have first hand info, but did check into it a few months ago. There is a fee to enter the Forest, and if I remember correctly, they provide a combo for the gate to access the river. Will post more when I get a chance to check it out. Sure the fee is much less than $45.
Steve, I plan on stopping by harbison forest this week to see what their policy is these days. Years ago, when I used to put in there it was a bit of a PITA as you had to plan ahead when you are going, file a float plan and then get the combo to locked gates to get to/from the area to put in. I am not sure the ranger at the park will let you file a float plan that includes putting in and taking out at the forest for concerns of people getting too far down the river and possibly not making it back to the launch area.
Besides just putting in and out at the golf range, I also want to be able to put in at the forest and take out at the golf range, now that there is access again. I’ll let you know what I find out.
I used the Harbison access several times last year & all that’s been said is true. They do require you to log in & call when you’re out, file float plan, get combination, etc… You’ve also got to be motivated & in reasonably good shape to rassle a kayak & stuff from the parking area, down a rough trail, over a 4’ drop & through 50’ of mud when it’s low. To call it “primitive” is being generous.
I spoke with Abraham Greyling & visited the launch site yesterday afternoon. At this point, there isn’t much more than a makeshift ramp, but he has ambitious plans. My fishing buddy & I signed up for a one year membership. in addition to basic improvements to the facility, he intends to begin offering ferry service to Harbison & Peak. This will make planning a float trip much easier. I’m encouraged & hope it will be a success.
Tim I’m gonna get a membership also we’ll have to meet up sometime and go after some of them river fish. I read a post on River bassin.com Where a guy caught lrg mouth smallies catfish and striper off the same white spinnerbait.It was upstate I believe.
Sounds good. Just waiting on the river to clear up some and I’m going. I was at Barron’s last week with a friend who was picking up some offshore gear and I picked up a pack of these Z Man crawfish that look like smallmouth candy. Can’t wait to try them out.