S.F. Shenandoah at Port Republic Landing

South Fork Shenandoah River at Port Republic Landing River Right Access (East Side of River) Bank Fishing Worthiness: A* Wade Fishing Worthiness: B* Boat Launching: A (all boats) *see description below Distances to Nearby Accesses: North River at Timber Ridge Rd is upstream 4.4 miles on North River Island Ford Landing is 9.8 miles downstream Access Description: This is VDGIF managed boat and fishing access at the confluence of South River and North River and other uses may be considered loitering. But I can't help but mention this is a great place to cool off, throw stones, and get wet while you're fishing at the starting point of the South Fork Shenandoah River. There is a sloped gravel beach well suited for launching boats by trailer or canoes/kayaks. There is a suitable loop turnaround for cars or trucks with trailers, and a large gravel parking lot along Jacksons Way (Rt. 955) in Port Republic. Parking: Large gravel parking lot The River: The South Fork Shenandoah is a mid sized river averaging 150 feet wide. There are a mixture of class A-II rapids and lots of pools, riffles and runs to mix up the scenery. Almost entirely tree-lined and scenic. One of the longer floats on the South Fork makes for a long day of fishing or a moderate length paddle. Several Bald Eagles call this area home. We have even spotted a mother bear and her cub napping high in a river-side tree downstream from this site. Water Levels: 1) Avoid Floating/boating when river is over 5.0 feet on the USGS Lynnwood South Fork Shenandoah Gage 2) Avoid Floating/boating when there are large objects floating in the river (floods pick these up) or if you are not skilled enough to handle the velocity of flow 3) Avoid Swimming in muddy or very discolored water 4) When levels are under 2.4 feet at the USGS Lynnwood gage this float becomes pretty shallow for floating/boating. Leave extra time. Wear good river shoes. Staying as Safe As Possible: River recreation carries inherent risk of injury, drowning or death. Shenandoah Riverkeeper always suggests people use one of the many river outfitters that exist along the river to rent you a tube/boat/raft and put you on an appropriate float. But for people with some experience or those who would like to venture out on their own you may wish to heed some general guidelines Including: 1) Bring much more water than you think you'll need 2) Wear your life preserver 3) Wear closed-toe secure river shoes or tennis shoes at all times 4) Don't drink water from the river 5) Bring wet weather gear even on the hottest days (long summer thunderstorms can give you hypothermia) 6) If you have an open cut or scrape keep it out of the river 7) If you get a cut or scrape from the river, clean it out very very thoroughly right away and make sure no debris/algae or dirt remains in the cut. Disinfect. Keep Dry. River infections are extremely serious. If you suspect infection is developing in a cut after having contact with the river then seek medical attention immediately - emergency care if your doctor is unavailable. Signs of river infection are increasing redness or prolonged soreness, increasing swelling, wound odor and/or fever. 8) In cool weather dress in warm layers. Never wear cotton against your skin and this includes t-shirts and jeans. 9) Be aware of where you are in the river and become familiar with what your take-out point looks like if you're doing a float so you don't miss it and get stranded after dark. 10) Avoid wild animals 11) If thunderstorms develop you should have a plan which usually includes finding a place that reduces your chance of being struck by lightning and/or being hit by a falling branch or tree in high winds. 12) Fish and boat with a partner