Can anyone tell me?

[Phil W.]

What is the lowest on the gage one can float from Heltons farm down to Longpool? I have it written down as 3 feet. But if one doesn't mine dragging every now and then how low can one go on the gage for a somewhat decent float?

[Roger]

Think people are floating that section when it's no lower than 2.3-2.4' on the 164 gauge. To get an idea of the Long Pool sight gauge (minimum 3.0' for low flow float), add .6-.8' to the 164 reading. Different people add a different number and I usually go with .7

When this run became popular, the gauge was located at Long Pool. Not sure why (think Cowper can answer this), they moved it down to the 164 bridge. Took a bit of awhile to get decent correlations and then after some big flows, issues of sand/silt build-up made it act up. I think that was it!

Now, you can go lower to say 2.0' on the 164 reading, have 2.6' at Long Pool and still make the float. Plan on starting early, have sun block, carry plenty of water and snacks, paddle through the pools,swim, sneak or portage through some rocky rapids, swim, picnic, fish, and did I say swim? Chances are your group will be the only one on the river. Sounds like a great day!

Be safe.