Stupid Rain

[hoglaw]

As I mentioned earlier, I'm switching jobs and have about ten days off. My wife has to work wouldn't ya know it

Anyway, I'm planning on hitting the lower in about seven days. Unfortunately, the river is totally blown out right now. The graph shows a vertical line at Ponca from about two feet to ten feet as of a few minutes ago. It hasn't even slowed down. No telling where this one is going to stop. The lower hasn't caught up yet, but I'll be shocked if it's where I want it next week. What do you think Bobber?

[Wayne SW/MO]

By lower do you mean the wilderness? If so you might check with Reilly's Station, they're directly across the White from the Buffalo. They're very nice people.

[bobber]

it's still 2 ft. on top of the ponca bridge! and the river is closed. it's in flood ,but should drop out by the weekend. but just a heavy mist could pump it back into flood .... fishing will be way off in the muddy water if that's the plan. on the good side it filled all the holes with new life and that will be great later. i know it doesn't help you out for your trip ...floating, should be good stuff all the way. just camp above a 9 ft waterline and don't leave the canoe down low at the waters edge .(it's the first thing to float away in the darkness!!!) don't load the canoe heavy, pack light!!!! have a good time BUT THINK SMART about camp sites and rain clouds

[hoglaw]

Yeah, that's pretty much sums up what I've been thinking. On the bright side, we may be out of the woods as far as the big rains go. I'm not going to head out until next week, probably camp Monday and float Tuesday, Wednesday, and take out Thursday on the White. It looks like bright sunshine for the first few days, so hopefully things will clear up a touch. I'm thinking about five days of falling water might make for great conditions on the lower, but I'll have to contend with all the dang boats from the White again. Maybe the traffic will be light during the week, although I imagine quite a few bowhunters head up there. I can probably forget about camping at horseshoe bend. If it's six feet or less at 65 on the first planned floating day, I'm doing it. Anyone want to come along?

[GloryDaze]

I would love too if I could sneak away next weekend but I have to work. I actually convinced the wife to head there this weekend with me. We are leaving Saturday morning and coming back to KC Monday morning. Looks like th Buffalo Outdoor Center is reporting the air space a the bridge at 16" or so.

We're base camping at Kyles and hiking Saturday- floating Sunday morning and hiking again Sunday night. Looks like Hemmed in Hollow should have quite a bit of water dropping!!

I'm going to bring the fishing gear and at least wet a hook-

[hoglaw]

Just checked the water level again today. She's dropping quick! I'm hoping for 5 on the first day of the float. I did it at 6 last time around. It was dead perfect floating, but fishing was tough and we got to the half way point of our three day float in about five hours! The forecast is looking good, so barring a freak storm I'll be putting in either Monday or Tuesday!!!!! Guess I'm living right, this big water couldn't have come at a better time.

[bobber]

it does look good for you!! catching it falling out like this. you might add some top water lures too the list of things to bring with.you'll have the first shot at some fish that haven't been worked since late june!!! ... we are camping at steel creek all weekend to catch the last of the white water that's left... but make out a( float plan) and let some folks(wife ,rangers, outfitter), know about what time to start looking for you to return . >> yeah! i'm Mr. Safety BUT IT'S SO EASY TO DO..... AND SO HARD IF YOU DON'T.

[hoglaw]

Will do Bobber. I just picked up a BRAND NEW curado E 201 to pair with my G3 and a couple of sammy's. After reading all the hubub about WTD's, I'm going to dedicate myself to giving them an honest shot. With the big water, I can drag an anchor and really take my time this weekend. I imagine I'll see quite a few flat bottoms, but since I"m going during the week and bow season will not quite be open, I'm thinking I'll be nice and alone for a good bit of the float. Can't tell you how excited I am. I'm going to try to make it a three day affair, but with this water level I know I could do it in one long day. Have to take it slow I guess!

[GloryDaze]

Might see you on the river Bobber- looks like we will do Steel Creek to Kyle's tomorrow afternoon. If you see a BOC canoe with a guy in the back fishing and a woman in the front playing "princess" that would be us!!