KeithJones

I *believe* River Ranch quoted $10 last summer, but that was when I asked about having them haul a friend's kayak back up to where they put and floating back down to RR, so he could float down with us in our rented kayaks. I think the campground in Anderson will shuttle you on Indian Creek, though I don't remember how much they charge. There's no easy way to do it. The second best idea I've had involves my wife 1) following me to where I would pull out, 2) leaving her vehicle there and riding back with me to my put in, 3) taking my Jeep back and picking up her van. I haven't actually convinced her to do this with me, however. The best idea is to find a friend who wants to do exactly what you want to do.

The place you're thinking of is Sycamore Landing, Chief. You do have to pay for that spot, but there's a city park across the river. It's actually up Butler Creek about 50 yards, but Butler is deep enough to float in and out of. It's across Main Street from the night club. I'm thinking the same thing as Bleeding Shiner up there. There's a little riffle at the upper end of Shadow Lake, but I think I can haul my boat over that pretty easily. Above that, the river is slow all the way back to Two Sons. Another access point that one can float back and forth to is Mt. Shira. It's slow about a mile up from there, and I think there are some decent fish above the campground.

I can second what everyone else on here has said. Indian Creek is a good float, but in summer the water's usually low so you can expect to drag a few times. However, with only one outfitter on the whole river (and they don't rent boats) there is very, very little traffic. The best smallmouth fishing is from Lanagan City Park on down to the Elk. A buddy of mine and I floated Lanagan City Park to Mt. Shira a couple weeks ago. The Elk is a great float during the middle of the week. I wouldn't recommend going on the weekend, epecially if you're going to fish. There is one exception, though. Put in at Noel just below the dam for Shadow Lake (use the term "lake" loosely) and you may have the river to yourself all the way down to Grand Lake. Also, Big Sugar from Powell down to Cyclone or Little Sugar from where 90 Hwy crosses it at Jane to Pineville.