Illinois River - West of Fayetteville - What's it like?

[ckeasterling]

Newbie here. Bought my first kayak a couple of few months ago and been having a great time with it. I live in Rogers and looking for places to paddle close to home. I see in Tom Kennon's book there are a couple of sections of the Illinois, Lake Wedington to Chambers Springs Rd and Chambers Springs Rd to Hwy 59, that have water most of the time. Thought I might do one of these soon. I'd like to know if there is anything I need to be aware of on either of these sections. Also, any recommendations on other paddling spots in NW Arkansas? I've been to the White, below Beaver Dam, and the King's from Marble to the 62 bridge but that's it. Thanks!

[Fish]

The Illinois R. is a great one to start on, especially with low summer flows. Below Hwy. 16, the river is basically never too low to paddle, if you don't mind scraping down some shallow shoals. Trees are a common hazard on the river, so watch out for strainers in the bends. The rapids are not hazards, class 1 and maybe very easy 2 at higher water levels. Lots of pools to swim and fish in, and the scenery is pastoral and relaxing. Most of the surrounding land is private, so don't get too far from the river on the banks. There are some very popular stretches of the river in Oklahoma too, and those are fun, but if you want to get away from the crowds, the Arkansas sections are a good summer float.

Not much else up in NW Ark right now, but you can go to the Elk R. south of Joplin, MO, the Spring R. near Hardy, AR, or the Mountain Fork R. near Broken Bow, OK. Those all have water in the summer and are beginner runs with class 1 and a few class 2 rapids.

Have fun paddling!
Fish

[GN YAKN]

Be especially aware of sticks that wiggle this time of year. :shock:

Snakes like to hang out along the brushy shore lines. They are especially fond of lying on branches overhanging the water. Just bump the tree and they will drop in the water, or worse, in your boat! Been There, Done That!

[cyberpapa]

Follow this link to buy the Illinois River Guide by Ken Smith from Amazon. $2.95. Combine it with some other stuff and you will get free shipping.
http://www.amazon.com/Illinois-River-Ke ... 0912456035" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
This is probably my favorite guide for any river. Good maps.. a mile by mile breakdown. The author also takes you along on a couple of sections of river with a narrative of some trips down the river. Be aware there are two places where the river crosses Hiway 16. The first is near Savoy (Before you get to L. Wedington headed west from Fayetteville). This will get too low to float. The second Hiway 16 crossing is to the east of Siloam Springs. Water is a little more reliable there since the flow from Osage Cr. enters a ways upstream from there. Osage Cr will not run dry unless the folks in Springdale and Rogers stop showering and flushing their toilets. If you did not know the treated effluent goes down Osage, you would not be able to tell visually or by smelling that there was a treatment plant upstream. Not sure how easy the access is at the 16 bridge near Siloam. Cal

[Fish]

If the water is really up (a few hours after heavy rains only), you can also run the river as far upstream as Hogeye, but beware! It's a wild, fast class 2-3 ride when the water is big and muddy under the bridge near the Hogeye Mall!

- Fish