August canoe trip

[Eventinggirl2316]

I would like to plan a three day float somewhere on the Buffalo and I could use some help... I've only taken a couple trips before many years ago and have never planned one myself, nor am I familiar with the Buffalo, so please pardon my ignorance on the subject.

Myself and those accompanying me would like a challenge, but honestly, is the upper river (if there's even water in it) suitable for (basically) beginners or would you suggest somewhere on the lower or middle river? If you could tell me what the conditions are like in late July/August, or perhaps give me any suggestions as to what sections you would recommend and a good general date to go, that would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks-

[KimL]

Unless the circumstances are exceptional, water levels will be too low for anything but a downstream, slow. We like putting in at North Maumee, camping two nights along the way, and taking out at Rush for a nice summer three-day float.

[Clif]

easy shuttle on that float, too.

[Richard]

Your first night should be at the gravel bar across from Spring Creek and Spring Creek Bluff. Thats four miles downriver from North Maumee. Plan to hike up Spring Creek. It will be cool and refreshing.
If Spring Creek gravel bar appears to be too crowded then go another mile or so, just past the Spring Creek campground and access. There should be late afternoon shade there as well. The downside is that you may have visitors from the campground. On the plus side, you can wade across and use the facilites. Vault toilet but no water.

Second night should be at Bice Bend. Thats 12 miles from Spring Creek but you have all day to get there. An added bonus is that you pass Buffalo Point which has water, flush toilets and showers if you care to stop. Bice Bend is a long gravel bar that can handle multiple groups. I normally camp at the downstream end but its all good. Look for shade.

Both gravel bars offer some shade in the late afternoon. They can handle more than one group and you should probably expect company.

Practice Leave No Trace. If possible avoid the weekend.
Here is the NPS website http://www.nps.gov/buff" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

DON'T FORGET DEET AND DO A FREQUENT TICK CHECK.

[panicman]

if you really want more adventure put in at rush and take out on the white river. 24 miles of wilderness with no access in between. Did it one time and had a great run. Make it near elephant rock for your last nights camp and you have a short day tot he takeout.

[Bob Stout]

Richard and I did the lower section many years ago with a couple of friends - two of us fished along the way. We caught only blue-gill, with one exception - I caught an 18" large-mouth on my fly rod - took about 20 minutes to land. We had a fish-fry our last night on the Buffalo - the blue-gill were much better eating than the bass.
I think the "hi-light" of the trip was watching two red-tail hawks doing acrobatics in an up-draft along a high ridge on the east side of the White River below the mouth of the Buffalo.