The only put in upriver is in Alston state park. I think that is the official name. It's a nice park but many people put in and just hang around that area . The reason being that the only other take out is harbison which is a lllooooooooooooooooooooooonnnnnngggg ways away. I wouldn't attempt the trip. The best thing is to try and find someone that lives on the river and ask if they will let you take out and then you and a fried could float down the river and fish the rapids which is where most of the smallies hang out. The smallies are ok, I have seen some big ones, large mouth are good on the river too. The fishing was much better 3-4 yrs ago before we got the first of many floods but it is still really good. The access to them stinks which is probably why the fishing is good.