Canoeing the Cahaba

[Lostsheep]

I'm sure someone around here's done it and I could sure use some pointers regarding my next canoeing adventure. Ms. Sheep and I have decided we're going to canoe down the Cahaba River in Birmingham within the next two weeks. We'll be putting in at the Grants Mill Road entry point and pulling out near the Liberty Park exit point. The objective, to spend approx 4-5 hrs canoeing w/ the current and fishing along the river.

This will not be a fast paced canoe race and hopefully not an all day adventure.
The primary goal is to spend the day fishing along the river and hopefully catching something fun.
The secondary goal is to attempt some good photos of the river and scenery along the banks.

Has anybody done this or something similar to this? Any idea on how long of a trip this is, in miles and hours? Is fishing hopeless or does anyone know? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Lostsheep]

Bear, from what I hear, I'd be a little leary of putting in there at the weir on HWY 280. I brought that up one time and a majority of the folks in my office kind of mentioned that I should put park and put in elsewhere but there.

By the way, thanks for the link. That's kind of what I was looking for. Any idea on the time from Grants Mill to Liberty Park?

[toph]

I've done both sections and together they make a great full day trip or each section individually can be done in probably 3-4 hours depending on your pace and current.

Haven't done any fishing but both are great floats...

[Lostsheep]

Anybody know where I can find the current flow tables for the river?

[Lostsheep]

Thank you. You sir, have been much help! Now, if only I can catch some fish

[theprocon]

I've been down the entire river from Trussville to where it meets the Alabama. It is a beautiful trip and probably the best wilderness canoe/kayak trip I can think of. With the exception of about 3 places it is completely navigable via canoe or kayak. The best fishing is found in the stillwaters between Liberty Park and 280....and south. From 280 to Riverchase, it is very slowgoing and the locals are likely to shoot at you....many of them think they own that river with their property...and don't take kindly to people floating it. I'm serious about the shooting part. I'd skip this section of the river altogether.

The best one-day trip is to put in at the Leeds hwy 78 bridge (which is VERY steep...not easy with a canoe), and take out at Liberty Park. If the water is up, you could make a 12 hour from there to 280. If it is REALLY up, I wouldn't be in it. I've done that...and have the scars to prove it. Red water means bad news.

Start your planning by using this link. If the current gauge height is below .80 then it is not suitable for canoes. If it is below .60 then you can plan on a hike down the river...not suitable for kayaks or canoes. It is best when it reads 1.05+. This is typical for the winter, spring, and fall seasons.

From Leeds, there are many class 1 & 2 rapids that are a fun way to teach little ones the lay of the land on the river. There is a 3 between Grants Mill and Liberty Park that is easy and fun, but only when there is water. Directly after rainstorms or a day or so after one, this trip can be dangerous and rising water levels shift the resting positions of debris in the water and can cause blockage that really gets tough to navigate. The banks are high (8 feet+) down the entire river and there are very few places to actually get out of the boat without taking a swim.

If you are into fishing, drop in at Liberty Park and take the slow waters down to 280. There are a few swift areas along the way (especially aproaching 459 at both bridges) but it is pretty easy going. This trip is about 5 hours in low water conditions. With water and a little bit of paddling, it can become a 2 hour trek.

Let me know if you need more info.