Smallmouth from Alcona Dam to Loud?

[Smallie]

I was thinking of fishing the stretch from Alcona Dam down to Loud Dam next weekend primarily for smallmouth bass. I was curious... what is the float time on this stretch?
I have a 14' semi v lowe and can run up or down the river with, i would prefer to not boat up river to much as we will have two vehicles for shuttling. Are there good access sites for boat and trailer through here?
Should I consider below Loud in Foote as well?
I've fished Alcona Dam Pond many times but never south of that.

Thanks, Smallie

[n.pike]

Too big of a boat for that stretch. You can float from Alcona to Loud in 5 hrs, but its a drift trip, meaning a shallow boat with oar power or small electric. If you launch at Loud Dam you can motor upriver 6 miles at best, but its a huge risk once you get upriver of Rollaways. With that boat you are better to go below Cooke Dam.

[Krull]

By canoe you have 2-3 hours of moving water before you hit the pond at Loud. I agree, the boat you are using is probably too big for some stretches, be extremely careful. I have always done best in the water the first 1/2 hour or so after putting in. The small mouth action used to be fantastic but I have not done it for years. Good luck.

[Smallie]

Thanks for your guys replies. Sounds like I would be better off taking my canoe to fish that stretch below Alcona Dam.
What do you mean by "be extemely careful"? because of shallow water, sand bars, skinny river, log jams and getting my 14' boat stuck I hope...
Is there not much flow below Cooke Dam? Is this a decent smallmouth section? Is there boat and trailer access in that area if I do bring my boat as well?

Thanks, Smallie

[n.pike]

What do you mean by "be extemely careful"? because of shallow water, sand bars, skinny river, log jams and getting my 14' boat stuck I hope...


All of the above. Lots of canoes gat dented up in that stretch, so anything bigger would take a beating. The launch below Cooke is ok for your size boat.