Etowah River Camp n Paddle – 2026
Join a weekend of moving‑water adventure on North Georgia’s Etowah River, a scenic shoal‑studded stream known for fun current and excellent warm‑water fishing. This Camp n Paddle is a non‑competitive, education‑focused weekend designed to help kayak anglers get comfortable reading current, running mild shoals, and targeting river bass and other species from their kayaks.
The Etowah combines long pools, gentle bends, and Class I shoals, creating a great learning environment for paddlers who are ready to move beyond flatwater but aren’t looking for whitewater. Along many popular stretches, you’ll float past rocky bluffs, wooded banks, islands, and historic Native American fish weirs while casting to current seams, eddies, laydowns, and shoal edges. Common targets include Alabama (spotted) bass and other warm‑water species that stack up around structure and breaks in the flow, rewarding precise casts and good boat positioning.
Throughout the weekend, event leaders focus on river‑reading skills—how to spot safe lines through shoals, use eddies and current to your advantage, and set up controlled drifts to present lures naturally. Safety remains central to the experience: life jackets are required at all times on the water, and participants review moving‑water basics such as scouting obstacles, avoiding strainers, and managing group spacing in current. There is also dedicated time to talk gear, from choosing river‑friendly rod setups and tackle to outfitting kayaks with anchors or drag chains appropriate for flowing water.
As with other Camp n Paddle weekends, this Etowah River event runs Friday through Sunday to allow time for camp setup, shuttles, and multiple on‑water sessions. Evenings back at camp are all about community—sharing maps, comparing patterns, and swapping stories about the day’s best fish and favorite shoals over a relaxed group meal. Because river access, water levels, and shuttle logistics can change, participants are encouraged to secure camping or lodging near the chosen stretch, confirm access points in advance, and keep an eye on river conditions leading up to the trip.
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