Seven Islands State Birding Park

Description: Guided Morning Paddle and Fishing Adventure

Location: Seven Islands State Birding Park

Bring your own kayak, canoe, or paddle board and join Ranger Casey on a guided morning fishing and paddling adventure on the beautiful French Broad River! Ranger Casey has been fishing on this section of river for many years and knows all the ins-and-outs of fishing this beautiful stretch of river. We will learn all about the game fish that live in the water at Seven Islands, the hiding spots they inhabit, and how we can help protect the environment these beautiful aquatic creatures call home. If you already know how to fish and paddle but want more knowledge of this river and an in-depth experience guided by an expert, register now! 

Criteria for attendance:

• A shuttle will be able to transport boats, but no boats will be provided. That means you must bring your own kayak, paddle board, or canoe with the appropriate paddles and personal floatation devices (PFDs).
• Participants should also bring plenty of water, sunscreen, appropriate footwear (no flip flops or slides) and wear clothes that are able to get wet/dirty.
• We will be paddling from Seven Islands boat ramp to the Seven Islands bridge, and a shuttle will take all participants back to their cars at the boat ramp. This will be an approximately 1.5-2 mile paddle. 
• All participants who wish to fish must own a TN Fishing License, which can be purchased at the link below. YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO FISH WITHOUT A LICENSE. If you would like to just paddle and not fish that is perfectly fine and you will still learn a lot from this program. You do not need a fishing license if you do not wish to fish. 

TWRA Fishing License Purchase: https://license.gooutdoorstennessee.com/Licensing/CustomerLookup.aspx

• This is NOT an intro to fishing course, participants should already have a baseline knowledge of how to fish before registering. Which means you should be able to cast, tie a fishing knot, and know how to handle a fish. The ranger will be able to assist with any aspect you might be a little rusty on, but this is more of a guided trip rather than a lesson on the basics.
• Lures and bait that are known to work on this river will be available to be used if you desire, but if you need to borrow a rod please message Ranger Casey at casey.sink@tn.gov to reserve one. There is a limited number of rods and reels to be borrowed, and is on a first-message first-serve basis.
• For more information about the paddle route, read the Essential Eligibility Criteria. Pets are not allowed on programs, except service animals. Bring any additional gear you think you might need for your safety and comfort on the water.
• This program is subject to cancelation based on weather and the release schedule of Douglas Dam

For any questions about the program please email Ranger Casey at casey.sink@tn.gov

Cancellation Policy 

Event Document:   Essential Eligibility Criteria