S.F. Shenandoah at Island Ford

South Fork Shenandoah River at Island Ford Distances to Nearby Access Points: Port Republic is upstream 9.8 miles It is a 5.9 mile float down to Stonewall Riverside Park It is a 7.1 mile float down to Elkton Landing/Route 33 Business Access Description: *This public boat landing is on river right, and is a VDGIF managed boat and fishing access and other uses may be considered loitering. It is located beside the Island Ford Road (Rt. 649) Bridge south of Elkton, Va. I can't help but mention this is a great place to cool off, throw stones, and get wet while you're fishing. There is a concrete boat ramp well suited for launching boats by trailer. There is also a loop turnaround for cars or trucks with trailers. BEWARE: VDGIF officers have issued citations for those who ignored the "No Parking" signs near the water, and blocked the loop used by buses and trailers. Parking: Gravel parking lot available for parking with spaces for about fifteen cars with overflow onto Captain Yancey Road. The River: This section of 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 DEEP pools, riffles and runs as well as islands to mix up the scenery. Almost entirely tree-lined and scenic with the exception of some cabins, farms and historic houses. A watchful eye will find the Merck Pharmaceutical plant on river right about midway through the float. Their discharge is just downstream from the plant - mid river - and normally avoids detection. There are a couple of tricky rapids left over from old mill races with rock gardens in them. Smallmouth bass and musky fishermen like this float. Water Levels: 1) Avoid floating/boating when river is over 5 feet on the USGS Lynnwood South Fork Shenandoah River 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 toed 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