Lower Illinois River- Tenkiller Dam to Gore?

[fettsway]

Anyone ever floated this section of the lower Illinois? I am interested in floating this stretch, but don't know what to expect or know any access points. I have been to the Tenkiller Dam were they release the cold bottom waters for trout fishing, so I could put in there, but don't know about a take out downriver.

Looks like its about 6 to 8 river miles down to the Gore area?

Any experienced knowledge of this run on the lower Illinois would be welcomed. Thanks!

- corey

[ktmusa45]

Never done the lower but let me know when a good time is and we can set up a shuttle and go find out!

[L.A.paddler]

I have been thinking about this run a lot lately. I have played around below the dam before. But I have not made the run. I plan on doing some research on it. I am thinking this may be a good place for me to do some instructing possibly? If you find out any info please post it and I will do the same.

Thanks, Terry DeMoe

[fettsway]

http://www.marvalresort.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

This is a nice resort, about 3 river miles downstream from the dam. It would be a good place to leave a vehicle and take out. A little further on down, maybe 1 river mile, is the Gore Public access landing, another place take out.

I haven't found a resource to keep me informed on the water level like the upper Illinois River, so I might just have to eye ball it and take a chance on a run and see what it looks like.

[fettsway]

Well, I don't think the run will be in the plans for me. By my calcuations it's only about 5 miles from the Dam down to the Arkansas River convergence. And the river is alot wider and muddy than I expected, with motor boat traffic, so I don't see it a being a fun and quiet kayak run.