Buffalo This Sunday (5/6): Where To Go?

[TroutRinger]

It's going to be 90 degrees on Sunday and next week is the last week of classes before exams (and GRADUATION!) so I am treating myself to a float on the Buffalo. Should get down there around 7:30 Saturday evening and will be floating and driving back to Springfield Sunday. Looking for a campsite and scenic stretch of river? It will be just me and the lady.

[hoglaw]

Trout:

There will be many many folks floating this weekend. I went last weekend (post in thread below) and managed to avoid the crowds. There's an 11 mile float that ends at Maumee I believe that should be a little quieter than most, especially if the water is lower than it was last weekend. I went from Mt. Hersey to Woolum in about six hours, but we were paddling a good deal of that especially through the GIANT pools on that stretch. I liked that float and had never done it before, and it's certainly less crowded than most of the sections. Regardless of where you go, you're going to see traffic. Whether you see ten boats or two hundred is up to you. Find out where the outfitters are putting folks in/taking them out and avoid those areas. Hasty is a major jumping off point on the upper river right now, so I wouldn't float there. If you don't have time for Rush to the White River (you might be close to alone down there this weekend), then look for the longest single stretch you can find as that will keep most day trippers away. Alternatively, put in at 2 or 3 in the afternoon and float half of a more popular stretch and you'll be behind most of the day crowd, and in front of them the next morning. Only problem with this is any other campers will beat you to the good spots, though there are plenty of them. Google "Buffalo River Map" and there's a good river map that shows all the accesses and the distances between them. That will help you pick a float that's hopefully a little too long for most day trippers. The entire river is senic. Don't know what to tell you there. Not far above Woolum we got into some really neat smaller rock formations and cliffs that would have been cool places to camp around.

Good luck to you. We caught a lot of fish on DT hula grubs and on topwater frogs.

[TroutRinger]

Well after checking the gauges, the river looks VERY low. Pruitt to Hasty may be our best option (but I really want to do Ponca down someday). I'm looking to stay at Dogwood Spring unless I hear differently from you guys.

Thanks for the advice

[JRsTheMAN]

How was the float "Green Sunfish"? I plan on going down for my birthday this weekend. We are planning to stay at Tyler Bend. Not sure where to float due to the water levels. Anybody reading have an idea where the level is best for floating? Never floated Buffalo before, so help a newbie out. Would like to be close to the campsite if possible. In fact, I have not paid anything yet, so if any of you recommend a better place to stay with no crazy parties, let me know.

Thanks!

JR