Dierks Info. Needed

[Jim Krueger]

While the Saline is running over there this Summer, I think I'd like to come float it but have never been there or know what to expect. I'm pretty much a down-river paddler and would want to just put in at the dam and float to hwy 70. (or other recommended take-out)

Is this about a five mile float?

Are there any other rapids or shoals downstream of the three mentioned that you all play on? Any known hazards downriver?

Most importantly, what is the situation at the Hwy 70 bridge, is there a place to drive down to the river there to take out, parking, etc?

Anyone fished the section? Anyone even floated the section?

Thanks for any information :)


Best Regards
Jim

[Jim E]

There are really only a couple of hazards, the low water bridge half way down (a must portage) and, at these higher flows, the water is into the trees. Expect alot of standing waves and few pools. Fishing wise I wouldn't try it until flow was less than 5 ft. Access at the hwy. 70 bridge, East side of river, presents no problems. This run is comparable to the Little Missouri below the dam.

[David Lewis]

Jim K, I've never done this river either -- and can't go this weekend -- but sometime in the future would love to follow you there and give it a go.

David

[Minna Ulmer]

Me too! Minna

[BEubanks]

Jim, I went from campground down to low water bridge a few years ago, not too long after the big ice storm. I was checking it out as an option for taking a class. At that point there was too much wood in the river to be safe for beginning paddlers. I'm sure much of that has cleared out now, but I don't recall there being many eddies along the way. Not a lot of places to get out of the current safely is my memory. No problem for those with a little experience and good boat control, but could be trouble for others. Still, I'd like to hear your impressions to see if it's any more suitable for a class with less wood.

[ouachita hiker]

If you are going to be here at horshoebend this weekend talk to Travis. He floated from the campground to the low water bridge Thursday. Not the best of situations, he will have to explain that, but he is the most recent person that I know to have done it. If you can't be here PM him.

Tom

[Jim Krueger]

Thank you all for the information!

Jim

[ouachita hiker]

Funny this tread should pop up at this time. I just talked to two fellows that are going to float the stream. He told me that at this level of the river the main obstacles are trees. The stream is out of the bank thus in the trees. I noticed this at the hwy 70 bridge Thursday afternoon. Also down stream is a low water bridge. It has a culvert under it. The whirlpool that forms above it at when the water is high can be considered a obstacle. As I find out more I will post here. Guess I am going to have to float it some time! Only problem I have a paddle but no canoe!

Tom