Wetlands

🅿️ Parking: Street parking available about a 1/2 mile from the river on Landria Dr.

⭐ Accessibility rating: 6/10

🛶 Kayak/canoe launch: There is not an official boat ramp here, but there is a sandy beach where people typically launch small boats (bring cart device if so)

🐟 What to expect: Less fish but bigger smallmouth, largemouth and lots of gar.

🍨 Inside scoop… Top water in the evening is a sure bet for success!

The Details:

Located just downriver from Pony Pasture, the Wetlands is a quiet spot that borders Willow Oaks’ golf course and actually connects to Pony Pasture’s trail system with a small bridge. This spot has less entry points to the river but is much quieter compared to other locations. There are really only two main spots to begin fishing at the Wetlands. The first and more obvious entry point is at the small beach located straight back from the parking area. During summer months, when the water is below four feet, you can actually wade pretty far out from the beach and have success fishing deep jigs, crank baits, streamers and top water. My plan of attack for the Wetlands is to start wading by going downstream from the beach about 10 yards from the shore. It stays shallow as you walk downstream, and there are usually some smallies hanging out in the shade. The second entry point is about 3/4 a mile downstream where a small creek, which borders the golf course, enters the river. Starting down stream and working your way up along the bank is another great option. Lastly, the Wetlands is a great place for solo anglers to bring a kayak or canoe. If you have a trolley device, you can wheel your boat down to the beach and launch it for a full day of fishing. Paddle downstream until you reach the end of the golf course and cover the entire stretch of water, which is about one mile. There are some really deep holes in this section, so deep diving baits and heavy jigs will be your ticket for success. I have only spent a bit of time fishing the deeper holes myself, but I’ve heard stories of absolute giants landed in this section bordering the golf course.

Overall, the Wetlands offers a quiet escape for anglers wanting to wade waist to chest deep water all morning or afternoon. Without clear rapids and boulders, this spot can be a bit challenging for new anglers covering water, but be patient and try covering as much water as possible to find the fish. Good luck!

Local tip: Don’t skip fishing the creek, especially where it enters into the river. There’s usually a few little bass (both smallmouth and largemouth) hanging out near the mouth of the creek.

If we were stuck with one lure: Probably an F-5 Rapala for depth and top water action in the summer.