lower ouachita

[rahicks76]

the wife and i were planning to float from remmel dam to arkadelphia on june 13. i have never been there, and we would be considered novice paddlers. do you guys know how long, on average, this float takes. we were planning on spending one night on the river. we are also looking at buying a canoe. the one i found that i like is the old town saranac 160 xt. any advice on a canoe or gear would be helpful. this will be our first overnight trip, but we have floated the spring river and buffalo river on day floats several times. thanks.

[Jim Krueger]

I've been floating the Lower Ouachita for years so will try and offer my opinion.
The distance from Remmel Dam to Arkadelphia is around 38 miles, this would be farther than I'd care to try and paddle in two days. I've got to be away from the computer this morning but will check back in this evening and make some specific suggestions on sections, accesses, etc. if you like.

Best Regards
jim

[rahicks76]

jim, that's what i kind've thought. what would be your opinion on a two day float on that part of the river? put ins and take outs? we just want to kick back, maybe do a little fishing, and get away from it all for a couple of days. all input is appreciated. thanks

[AR-Nimrod]

Google "Fly Fisher's Guide to Missouri and Arkansas" Look for "Middle Ouachita" section.

[Jim Krueger]

OK, back now. For a weekend trip I would recommend putting in at the Malvern Whitewater Park and trying the 19mile trip down to the Ark. Game&Fish access at Hwy 67 near Donaldson. A vehicle left at the WW park should be fairly safe and the ramp access on the other end is handy but I would consider leaving the car across the river, up on the hill in the vicinity of the Ouachita School for better overnight security.

I really like the more secluded scenery on this trip and the fishing opportunities.
I would float' a ways' on past Grigsby Ford G&F Access on the first day and choose a nice gravel bar to camp on.( I always think it's better for me to get the most miles covered on the first day and have a lesser distance on the following day) I would pick a gravel bar with good uphill access to the woodlands, fields, or pastures and not one where you will be cut off by a low spot in reaching higher ground in an emergency. All the land along is private but just pick a bar that does not have posted signs or ready road or ATV trails coming down from the adjacent lands. Leave a schedule with someone/ friends at home and have a nice time! There is no telling what the daily water levels will be like at that time, especially if we get some rains or they need to generate otherwise. Last weekend I floated the Caddo and Ouachita from Hwy 67 at Caddo Valley to Arkadelphia, the river was at minimum flow and we averaged 1 to 2 miles per hour depending on how much fishing and rock-hounding we were doing.

Please post a trip report where ever you go! Have fun.


Jim

[rahicks76]

thanks for the info guys. very much appreciated.