Spring River beta. Going this weekend (aug 20-21)

[tomOzarkVideo]

Any tips on level, shuttles, best section to run?

I don't mind the party floaters. I'd avoid them if i could but not a deal breaker.

[R_Corter]

In short.....
Level: Low but everything is manageable if you take the right path in a canoe.Rafts will get hung on some falls.
Shuttle: I will use Southfork when I go back!
Section: Dam#3 or southforks first access which is just below Dam#3 to Southfork take out just below Saddler Falls about 11 miles.

Long version and my recent experience:We just ran from Dam#3 to Taylors camp. 3 rivers outfitters. I personally will not use them again. I had reservations for 8am shuttle for me wife and our canoe. We get there Saturday morning and they pretty much refused to shuttle us until 930 b/c we were the only ones going that early and they wanted to charge more for the 8am $40 compared to $25 at 930am. Wife was more upset than I was . I was upset but didn't want to run the trip by blowing a head gasket over it, they just wont get my $ anymore! There 930 am turned into 10am the wife was real upset by then.

We had a good trip the river levels are about as low as they get which is still float-able b/c it is the Spring R. I was very surprised at the lack of people on the river and at the campsites along the river. We stayed at Riverside an it was pretty much empty as were the other's. Maybe something to do with back to school IDK. We did stop at dead mans curve for about 45 mins. 7 out of 10 canoes did not make it including 1 kayak. I am amazed at the amount of ppl who don't know to kneel in there canoe.

I talked to most of the outfitters and Southfork seemed the nicest and most flexible. They have a take out near Taylors camp. So from there put in below Dam 3 to there take out is about 11 miles and if you go on down to Hardy its about 16 miles. From the 11 mile take out to Hardy is mostly dead water from what I'm told. Only a couple falls High falls which is the highest and Rio Vista. So the best water is from Dam 3 to right below Saddler falls.

P.S. Taylors Camp is privately owned by 3 Rivers.

[Deuce]

+1 on South Fork. Nice folks.

[tomOzarkVideo]

Great info!!! thanks!

One more ??

Would i be miserable in a ww boat? is it really slow?

Anybody else heading out there?

[Jim Krueger]

Tom,

The Spring is just a little lower than it was in June when the Recreational Paddling course was taking place, so I'd say you'll have good water. When not teaching a course there in which we use Rec. boats, I always enjoy taking my WW kayak for general floating myself. (As a disclaimer, my WW boat is about as long as my Rec. boat )
The level this evening of 4.52ft. is just a little lower than the 4.64ft. or so we had in June up there, so it should be just great. The section I have most floated on general 'day trips' has been from Dam#3 to Spring River Oaks take-out, about an 8+mile trip. If you are floating a longer trip, or in a 5-foot long or so play boat, you may find it more tiring. I sure wish the Caddo could be so good throughout the Summer! Have a good time!

Jim

[tomOzarkVideo]

Thanks Jim!

[Jim Krueger]

Tom, I realize this morning that I reported the level at the Mammoth Springs gauge instead of the one at Hardy which is the one I have always used to gage the stream. Currently Hardy indicates 3.20 ft., still OK to float but lower than I reported.
Most years when we go in early June, the river is usually between 3.70 and 4 ft. This year we had 4.34 on the first day and that was higher than I'd ever floated it, no problems but Saddler was fairly pushy that day.
Current levels will be fine, just pick your lines, as was mentioned.

Jim

P.S. Radar this morning just showed a decent line of thunderstorms, just passing over the Spring

[tomOzarkVideo]

Thanks again Jim.. Looks like my job maybe doing me in again for the weekend.

I still have the 'ol fingers crossed.

[Karla]

There are 4 of us heading that way for Sat. and Sunday, if you go you may join in with us and with our shuttle. Will be be there noonish on Sat.

Karla 501-680-5595

[tomOzarkVideo]

Thanks Karla. Alas.. Work has captured yet another Sunday of my life.
We are going to the Boatball Throw-down at Lake Ft Smith on Saturday!

I'll be hitting the spring or Rockport soon.

Conversly, Please let me know when your crew wants to hit the Mul or upper buff.