Lower River In A River John

[YellanMan]

Been lurking for a very long time but never post. I've already done some searches on here and found a little bit on the topic but not much. I have floated from Rush to the White at least 8 times over the years in canoes, kayaks, and even a Clackacraft(wind was brutal rowing the pools). The last time I did that stretch was at least 5 years ago. I'm planning on slapping the little motor on my Supreme L48 and launching at Rush. In the past I have taken out at Buffalo City, Riley's, and Cartney. This time since I will have a motor I might just go on down to Norfork and take out there. There will be 3 of us and camping gear will be ultra light backpacking type stuff. Cooler full of cold nectar will weight twice as much as the rest of our gear. I'm thinking a minimum river level of 4' at 14 bridge. Floated it lower and much higher but guessing that would be about as low as I could comfortably handle the john boat. Wondering if Clabber creek rapid has changed any since I have been there. I'm planning on scouting it anyway and hand lining the boat down if I need to. The only other place that I remember could be a problem is the rock garden shoal a mile or so up from the White. Looking for any advice or suggestions from those that have experience with this type of boat on this section of river.

Thanks,

Jason

[Wayne SW/MO]

I remember the rock garden well, we had to walk the canoe down it and it was slick. I don't remember the level however, but it was low.

[Riff-Raft]

Launching from Rush Landing, it sounds like you have the right plan on hand lining down your boat through the Clabber Creek rapids starting out so you don't damage your boat. I floated that section last year in a canoe while the water level was under 3 feet. I'm not familiar with the rock garden shoal that you speak of but the only other place I would recommend hand lining your boat is a small stretch of the river which I believe is past Elephant Head Rock... the river pools up and there is a slight downhill gradient to the right where the river flows and then it button hooks around to the left. I only know the spot when I see it because I wiped out there one summer in a canoe.

[Wayne SW/MO]

I think the rock garden he speaks of is the bedrock section not far above the pool that leads to the White. It is eroded in such a way to create rock above the water with some algae slick sections under water in between.

[YellanMan]

Thanks Riff-Raft, I'll try and look out for that section. I believe it may be right above Elephant's Head. I'm not going to do it if the water isn't at a good level. This weekend would have been perfect. Not too worried about hitting a few rocks. Just had about 12 good sized "chips" in the gelcoat repaired a few months back. I just don't want to do any serious damage to it.