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Note: I visited this access point last fall (2008), but the subsequent series of posts as I worked upstream and found other access points will make more sense if I start here....
The VDGIF site mentioned Raccoon Ford as an access point to the Rapidan and that was all I needed to know to point the truck in that direction on my way back from fishing on the James River. After all, it would just be a quick detour on the way home.
My first assumption based on a map recon was that the best approach was from the North. After all, there was a road that looked like it led all the way to the river. Unfortunately, it terminated in what looked like private property. I pulled the truck up next to the large birm and could see a faint path to the river. There were no “posted” signs so I walked quickly across the small field to check it out. While there was access down a very steep bank, I was uncomfortable leaving my truck parked at the end of the road and continued to be concerned about trespassing.
I jumped back in the truck and peered intently at the Gazetter. The road on the other side of the Rapidan ran the length of this stretch right next to the river. That looked a bit safer in terms of violating private property, so I took the 20 minutes to drive back and around.
The road does run next to the river, but it only closes on the river at the point shown on the map. Here, there is a one truck pulloff across from a private driveway. The river is feet away so there is no issue with private property. However, the bank if very steep and high at this point. I carefully climbed down, grabbing trees and roots along the way, until I could plop into the river. Looking up, I realized that I would need to find another way back out or face the task of digging some footholds in the red mud. Something to worry about later.
I turned to the river and it looked typical of either the Rapidan or Rappahannock. It was wide, shallow and sandy. Uh-oh. Sandy is a key that there are no smallies unless there is also some holes around structure. I looked up and down the river and did not see anything encouraging except that there was a riffle about 50 yards downstream where the river broke over a small gradient. Knowing that there would be a swifter current and more oxygen there, I move directly downstream, stopping to fish the fallen tree at the head of the riffle. No luck.
Not much to look at below the riffle. The bottom continued to be mostly sand with a deep cut river left. I fished that and picked up a sunfish or two on the terrestrial and attractor patterns I flipped. Downstream did not look much better.
At this point, the sun was getting low in the sky and I could hear shots ringing out as we were in black powder season. Even though I had my blaze orange hat on, I decided that I did not need any more encouragement to point the truck at home. I was able to find a spot about 20 yards downstream of my entry point that had more roots to grab as well as having a slightly more gentle slope. I pulled myself up and dodged through the thick undergrowth to heave back on the tailgate of the truck to contemplate the day. Not bad. I started the day on North Creek, fished Jennings a bit, spent a number of hours on the James and then wrapped up here.
Bottom line: Not worth coming back to this section. More to follow on the spots upstream...
Getting There: From US 29 near Culpeper, take US 522 / VA 3 exit towards Culpeper. Turn left onto 15. Turn right onto 522. (in other words, take 29 to 522 and stay on it). From 522, turn left onto Raccoon Ford Rd (VA 611). Follow Raccoon Ford Road until right before it turns away from the river. Park there.
Google Local Coordinates: 38.362606,-77.937355
Secrets Revealed? No. This is a very public location that is documented on the Virginia VDGIF website.
Date Fished: Fall 2008
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