Is Lower Lil' Mo runnable w/no generation? Canoe trip

[Shell]

Hey guys, first post here. Moved to Hot Springs about a year ago and just got into paddling. Have made 4 kayak trips so far, Mulberry, upper and lower Lil Mo, Cossatot(not the falls yet ). Love it. Also canoed Ouachita (Remmel-Rockport)a couple times and a section of the Buffalo.
I'm trying to find a couple more easy canoe day trip runs close to Hot Sorings for my church's men's group. I'm aware of the Ouachita, Caddo, and Saline so far.
Can you run the lower little Missouri from the Narrows dam to low-water bridge if they aren't generating power? Or would it be a portage fest? I also suspect/worry that all the extra exposed rock(?) might be too much for the newer guys.
Thoughts, suggestions?

[flow]

I don't think anyone has ever floated this section with no generation. My favorite fishing section 30 miles down stream, Highway 195 to Bowen bridge would be a drag-fest right now. They release water but only enough to keep the water aerated for the trout fishery below the dam.

Phil

[Jim Krueger]

Shell,
The short answer is no. About six or seven years ago Mike Coogan and I went over there one winter day to purposely
navigate that whole section at no generation just to scout the riverbed. We walked and drug our boats in many places, totaling almost half of the five-mile length of the section.
You may be familiar with the Upper Ouachita near Sims and Dragover, I noticed this morning it is @2.61ft, enough to float.

Phil,
Really good to see you post, we haven't visited all year. I hope all is well.

Best Regards
Jim

[Shell]

Thanks to both of you for your insight. I appreciate it. I will check into Sim's to dragover.

[flow]

Thanks Jim!
I have been on the side lines since last Spring with some medical issues. Hate I missed such a good water year! Will be ready next Spring!

Phil

[MaxTexan]

Drag over loop on the Ouachita. You can get down it without much dragging to 2 feet in the gauge. At lower levels only one rapid that requires skill.

It is where I learned to paddle.

[Jim Krueger]

Agreed Max, Dragover is a special place for many of us! I noticed this morning it is still in pretty good form @ 2.31ft. currently. I have always been amazed at how long that section remains floatable in relation to other streams in the area.
Yesterday I was getting rid of the water in the kiddie pool I keep out in the yard for our dog all summer. I had my hands down in the water for just a minute fiddling with my home-made siphon and they started to ache due to the cold. I mention this for any of our newer paddling friends, "it's more than time for winter paddling clothes if you get out there on the river!"

Best Regards
Jim

[Shell]

Hey guys, so it's been almost a year since I posted this, I didn't have my notifications set up correctly and didn't know there were more responses. Sorry about that.
Looking at google maps, it looks like I can put in on off Chambers lane next to the 298 bridge and float down to Dragover Rec Area. Is that how you usually do it? Or put in at Rocky Shoals Campground off of 270?
Thanks, hope y'all had a good year.
PS Jim- I'm looking into those winter paddling clothes right now.

[Jim Krueger]

Shell,
Yes, turn on Chambers Ln., it takes you down under the hwy. 298 bridge (aka the Sims bridge) to the put-in which was the site of the old low water bridge. Sometimes when we want a longer float, we put in here and float down through the Dragover section, in all it makes about an eight mile trip.
Next Spring I hope you can join us on the Caddo over near Glenwood as well. Also, we had some good trips on the Little Missouri at Murfreesboro this Summer, more to be had next year for sure. If you do float the Upper Ouachita in the near future, give us a trip report afterward

Best Regards
Jim

[Shell]

Will do sir, thanks! Gearing up to get more active on the local trips, hope to meet up with some of you guys soon.