Arkansas Canoe Club Forums

Want to plan a trip in the next month to kayak the Buffalo River. We have two Hobie Pro Anglers with the Mirage drive. These are fishing kayaks with a fin-like system that lets you peddle instead of paddle, for those that are not familiar with it. Our question is has anyone used this system in the Buffalo and how did it work? Worried about water being too low and/or rocks destroying the Mirage drive. We would like to make this an overnight trip, maybe a two-night trip. Suggestions on where to put in and to come out and an outfitter to get us back to the starting spot is also appreciated. Goal of the trip is to fish and enjoy the scenery; not looking for rapids. Looking forward to your input! Thank you in advance!

This is just my opinion but I would not take those boats on the Buffalo, I have run almost all parts of the buffalo and at various times and levels. The only time I did not drag on rocks was when we were on the river right before it reached flood stage.

Should be fine on the lower provided the HWY 14 gauge is at least four feet. Probably okay as low as three feet if you can pick a decent line. When in doubt you can always hop out and line or drag to deeper water. I say go for it but be extra special keerful when approaching shoals and gravel bars.

As for where and whom, if you want to avoid rapids anything below the Maumee accesses to Rush will work, but you really should consider the last thirty or so miles of the river from Rush to the mouth. Great fishing, great scenery and very remote. If you were so inclined you could even go on down the White for a while and do some trout fishing. There are a couple of spots where you need a little boat control to avoid trouble but they're nothing major. For service on the lower I like Buffalo River Float Service and I'm not the only one.

Thank you so much for this info! This is just the kind of feedback I was looking for.

Very welcome. Be sure to post your plans when they're finalized (that is if you don't mind running the risk of strangers inviting themselves on your trip) and you might score a shuttle or other help. BTW, if you decide to leave the Hobies at home you can always rent a boat or boats.