FISH DYNAMICS

The Shenandoah River is legendary for its bass fishery.  In the late 90’s catches of up to a hundred fish per person a day were not uncommon, but this is not always the case.  In fact, bass are not even native to the Shenandoah River.  You wouldn’t be wrong in calling them an invasive species…. Read more »

eager canoe participants getting ready for their float Downriver Canoe Company Shenandoah Valley River

HOW TO READ A RIVER

We try to inquire “How was your float today?” as folks come off the river.  When the river is low, some will say “It was just lovely” and some will say “It was fun, but we kept getting stuck.”  The difference will often be in how well you can read the river, where the deep… Read more »

two sisters in yellow kayaks enjoying the calm waters Downriver Canoe Company Shenandoah Valley River

KAYAKS

Kayaks come in many forms each designed to fit a certain niche so to speak.  Kayaks were historically used by indigenous peoples of the northern latitudes for hunting and fishing in their icy costal waters.  A traditional Eskimo kayak would be made from seal skins sewn together stretched over a driftwood frame and paddled solo… Read more »