Of note is that this float, like all of the ones on the Greenbrier River, typically features very clear water, especially after the spring rains subside. Dan Hudson told me that the water may be so translucent that anglers can often view fish many feet below the surface. This past summer, for example, Hudson said that he observed a marauding school of catfish foraging across the bottom. He also witnessed walleyes doing the same thing. Anglers may want to consider clear or green line when fishing this stretch of river.

The first major feature of the Fort Springs float is a large island. Take the right passageway around this island. You will also note that state Route 63 runs along the river's right bank. Cabins also occasionally dot this shoreline, but the river-left bank is heavily wooded. If that bank lies in the shade, then that is the area to target.

In fact, several times during our float, I cast a Rapala Skitter Pop along that shoreline and had smallies between 12 and 16 inches smash the topwater. Any shady bank offers the potential for similar hookups, specifically if that shore contains rock and wood cover, especially the former.

Below the island, the Greenbrier flows fairly straight once again with the occasional riffle or Class I occurring. The river then makes a very slight river-left curve and then a minor curve to the right. This section features a number of underwater boulders and ledges. Here deep-water structure fishermen who are adept at working diving crankbaits can do well. Bump these baits across the rocks along the bottom, especially those boulders that occur near dropoffs along the main channel. Class I rapids and riffles also occur here.

Next comes the whitewater section that the Fort Springs float is famous for. A massive boulder known as the Anvil Boulder heralds the beginning of this section. Not far downstream, you will encounter a Class II rapid. This rapid is a mere warm up for what awaits you downstream.

Close to the Greenbrier and Monroe county line, you will espy a boulder that looks like a huge loaf of bread. And in that colorful West Virginia tradition of place names, the boulder is called Bread Loaf Rock. Just downstream from this feature lies Telly's Dome, so named because it looks much like the baldpate of the late actor Telly Savalas. And the infamous Big Rattlesnake Rapid lies immediately below.

Both Hudson and Hanshaw recommend that paddlers go to the right of Bread Loaf and watch for Telly's Dome, also known as Telly's Rock. Caution: Avoid hitting Telly's Dome, as doing so can cause a craft to capsize. Go far to the left of this midriver obstacle. However, this is easier said than done because the current forces a boat straight at the boulder. Portaging is possible on either side of the river.

On our floats through here, Elaine and I have always made it safely through this section, but we also, to be honest, always seem to flirt with danger as we seem to just barely miss Telly's Dome.