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kyfanatic
02-25-2006, 08:04 PM
Anybody ever been to the campground at Blue Heron in the Big South Fork? Or Hike any of the trails in that area? I've rode the train ride into Blue Heron coal camp,but never had time to hike any distance or see the campground.Just wondered if it would be worth a trip. Another question,anybody ever fish the river in that area?
tripod
02-25-2006, 09:38 PM
When the walleye start to run, game on.:)
teacher
02-25-2006, 10:17 PM
I rode the train once in like 3rd grade for not missing any school that year. We used the fish those waters all the time back then. The most memorable time was night fishing with my dad and older brother. Once we stayed out until daylight the next day. When we got back to ramp, I honestly couldn't lift the stringer of crappie and white bass. It took hours to clean them all. A few guys that was getting ready to launch their boat helped out. Dad let them keep what they cleaned for their troubles. What I remember the most was the truck not starting. The lights used for fishing were powered by the truck battery and the juice was gone. I don't recall any cell phones in 1980 or 81, so we had to sit there a while. Other times we camped out in this lookout cabin along the river, don't remember any camp grounds. Keep in mind this was all before they re-routed the river for the Big South Fork. At that time Blue Heron was called "Mine 18" by the locals. Haven't been on the river since in a boat, we moved like in 83 or so. I have walked up to an area called "Devil Jumps" once to cast a few. Didn't catch anything, but didn't really try that hard. Just wanted to see it again for memories.
kyfanatic
02-26-2006, 04:21 PM
When the walleye start to run, game on.:)

Do walleye make it upriver as far as Blue Heron?
rick243
02-27-2006, 04:03 PM
When the walleye start to run, game on.:)

they should be running now, right?? Last time I went (looong time ago) they were tearing it up at the end of Feb.. Rick
kyfanatic
02-27-2006, 06:27 PM
they should be running now, right?? Last time I went (looong time ago) they were tearing it up at the end of Feb.. Rick

Should be time or pretty close.
Birdman
02-28-2006, 02:21 PM
What's the size limit on the river for Walleye? When do the smallies start moving?
kyfanatic
02-28-2006, 04:35 PM
What's the size limit on the river for Walleye? When do the smallies start moving?

The size limit for Walleye is 15", Can't tell you much about SmallMouths in the river,but in Lake Cumberland they catch them all winter,I caught a 5lb 8 ounce Smallie below LC Dam last April at the mouth of Crocus Creek.

Should be some decent Walleye fishing in Paintsville lake Birdman,haven't been there for several years,used to do well around the island.
tripod
03-04-2006, 12:03 AM
[quote=kyfanatic]Do walleye make it upriver as far as Blue Heron?[/quote

Yes, they make it as far as Angel Falls in Onieda Tenn. If you have a boat, some great action around Yamacraw. Ramp is located next to bridge.
JerryO
03-27-2006, 10:07 PM
How do you get to Blue Heron campgrounds and how can I on the web find info about their camping and boat fishing cost and possibilities.
I have rode the on the train ride before but not sure where the campgrounds are located.

thanks
kyfanatic
03-30-2006, 07:46 PM
How do you get to Blue Heron campgrounds and how can I on the web find info about their camping and boat fishing cost and possibilities.
I have rode the on the train ride before but not sure where the campgrounds are located.

thanks

Campground is near the coal camp where the train ride takes you (Blue Heron),you can find info from the national park service or here=
http://www.nps.gov/biso/

http://www.nps.gov/biso/pphtml/camping.html