Salthouse Branch

Home

Philpott Lake - Salthouse Branch III

Put In - Salthouse Branch campgrounds on Philpott Lake. 2 hour 40 minute drive from Raleigh. I camped for a third time at campsite 87. It is on the lake, and since the lake was at +1 of full pool, the cove extended very close to the campsite, I had the whole area to my self for Thursday and Friday night. A fishing tournament did start on Friday night from 7PM to 1PM and I was paddling to the dam when at least 25 bass boats headed out from the dam boat ramp. I was almost hit by a boat that was trying to pass a boat, they did see me at the last minute and throttled back, but I took a nice hit of a wave when the boat dropped back in the water. Probably would have been better to just speed on by me. They were about 10 yards away. Very interesting watching all the boats in the dark fishing. Usually the lake is empty once darkness sets in. Having a kayak light on the stern helped this night.
Distance/Time - Trip 1: 6 miles; Trip 2: 5.7 miles; Trip 3: 7.6 miles, Trip 4: 5.8 miles, Trip 5: 6.3 miles.
Difficulty - Average.
Trip Directions - Paddled quite a bit in the two day. The first day was tough as the wind was very high so I only stayed near the campsite. Each evening I would paddle down to the dam and hike up to the observation area. The two trips were down to the Ryan's Branch boat ramp. I took the Smith River segment which is to bear left after going under the bridge and found a beautiful waterfall up Puppy Creek. I also found a nice smaller waterfall right on the lake edge. Just a beautiful area. The last trip from Ryan's boat ramp was to Calico Rock and then a paddle up Runnet Bog Creek and Otter Creek. Since the water level was so high was able to paddle quite a bit up the creeks. Last time I had been here it was a dead end right away. All the creeks were feeding around 55 degree F water into the lake. Lake was slightly warmer at 65+ degrees F.
Scenery - Lots of birds and young birds. Saw a set of ducklings and goslings. Had just beautiful weather both days, it was a little cold at night. Was worried about the dog at night but she did fine, I just had the cold feet. Also, took a drive into Floyd, VA and did some Mother's Day shopping at a nice antique store called Finders Keepers. Nice little town with shops and food. I also ran into a couple who had a nice small power boat that the husband had made 23 years ago. He used Philippine mahogany and it was very just gorgeous.
Hazards - Power boats.