Releases from Lake DeGray

[Minna Ulmer]

I got an email announcing "releases from Lake DeGray" today.Does this make the Caddo or Ouachita Rivers more floatable temporarily? Just lookin for movin water. Minna

[Jim Krueger]

Minna,

During the Summer, the Corps. releases water on the Lower Caddo about every afternoon during weekdays only, to generate electricity.
Three or four O'clock is usually when it gets going but the paddling distance from the Lower Dam Ramp to Hwy 67 is only two miles, and while it's a cool diversion for a Summer-time kayaker, it's mighty short for your long drive. Still, it can be fun, and run more than once. When the flow increases it's just smooth and fast. My only 'other' advice is to stay well away from the outsides of the few curves.

Best Regards
Jim

P.S. Lake Degray is different from all other lakes in the state in that it has a 're-regulation lake' below the main lake. What this means for flows on the river below is when they start generating from the main lake, it takes time for the Lower Lake to fill to the point of overflowing the spillway dam (Lower Dam) and flow into the Caddo River. So if the advertized flow from Lake Degray is scheduled to start at X hour, there is usually some lag time between then and when it actually spills over the Lower Dam. Having said all of this, it's important to note that the minimum flow of 150cfs that comes into the Caddo continually, comes from the Lower Lake, I think, and not the main lake. Thus, if you're looking at a Monday release, after all weekend of the Lower Lake draining 150cfs, then it's going to take longer to refill the Lower Lake to overflowing than any other day of the week when otherwise it would drain a lesser amount each of the other nights after generation. I hope this helps :)

[Minna Ulmer]

Thanks,Jim Ifigured I might here from u on this,and yes,that info helps me a lot. always,Minna

[BEubanks]

Jim and Minna,

One thing to add. This summer, at least some times generation occurs on weekends, too. Usually late in the afternoon, but still early enough to catch folks on the river. Not generally a problem, but the volume and speed of the water does increase significantly.

Remember, if y'all need help with a shuttle some time, with a little notice I can arrange to help out.

[Jim Krueger]

Thanks Byron! I do remember times in past Summers when they released on weekends as well. Aside from the way things are on the Caddo now, do you remember quite some years ago when they were experimenting with the Caddo as a potential 'Cold Water Fishery'? It seems like the larger and much colder releases of the study went on for a year or two during the eighties.

Minna, I'm not certain, but there is a chance, Marlo and I may be taking some out of state family members there tomorrow. I'll know more this evening. Barring that, I do figure Marlo and I will get on the water ourselves, either there or the Remmel Dam float.

Best Regards
Jim

[Susan Tinker]

Hey Jim .... if you are taking out of state family on a float, I know you have a lot of boats, but you are welcome to borrow some of mine ..... but if you do, I'll have to bring them and might as well paddle with you too!

Figure if you post you are going down the river, we can all follow! Of course, unless you are fishing!

Susan

[Jim Krueger]

Susan, You're very kind, as always! I'm taking my Uncle& Aunt and adopted son, all here from Calif., on the short Lower Caddo trip in the morning. I have the boats covered but you are welcome to join us if you'd care to. Looks like I will paddle my Aunt & Uncle in my canoe, they're both in their 80s. Their son is 10 so I will put him in one of our smaller kayaks, and have Marlo ride herd on us all in her kayak :)
I'm going to meet them at the canoe rental, at Caddo Valley (near Arkadelphia) at 10:30 in the morning.

Best Regards
Jim

[Karla]

Any chance you will go on Sunday too?

Karla

[Jim Krueger]

Karla

After today, and tomorrow, I will probably stay home in the A.C. on Sunday with my all fours pointed up toward the fan :)

Best Regards
Jim