Two Day Float Trip And Camping Over Night On The White. Is It Possible?

[N9BOW]

I would like to do a float/camp trip this fall but I am not sure if that it is even viable with all the private land along the river. Have any of you done this and are there any places along the white that would be a good option?

I have an Excalibur inflatable 2 person pontoon boat set up. I can use it frameless or with a one or two person frame.

I am looking to put an outboard on it. I am assuming a short shaft is optimal for the white? I plan to float down day one, camp float another half day then motor back to the ramp.

Eric

[Ozark Sweetwater]

It can be done but it's difficult do to the lack of camping spots. There is a campground in Cotter on river right, the name escapes me at the moment, but you could float from the dam to Cotter and the Cotter to Rim Shoals.

Being able to motor back up is going to be the problem. I'm assuming you can't run much more than a 6 hp motor on your pontoon, that's a long way back with such a small motor especially if they are generating. I would call Bill Thorne at Dally's Ozark Flyfisher and have him run a shuttle for you.

[N9BOW]

It can be done but it's difficult do to the lack of camping spots. There is a campground in Cotter on river right, the name escapes me at the moment, but you could float from the dam to Cotter and the Cotter to Rim Shoals.

Being able to motor back up is going to be the problem. I'm assuming you can't run much more than a 6 hp motor on your pontoon, that's a long way back with such a small motor especially if they are generating. I would call Bill Thorne at Dally's Ozark Flyfisher and have him run a shuttle for you.

Awesome! thanks for the info I will definitely give him a call.

I am in the process of picking a motor for the pontoon. I use to run a small layout boat for duck hunting on the Wabash river in Indiana with the 2.5 and could motor up stream in that fairly quick but that was a small boat and there were times where the wind and the waves were about as much as the boat could handle. I have never been on the White so your input will be helpful. Is the river not very navigable in a pontoon when there is a high level of generation from the Dam? This Excalibur is 12' x 5'6" and 48lbs you can see it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6aePrcDLlQo I have the two person frame as seen here: http://www.northforkoutdoors.com/_Media/challengerxxx-3.gif and and will mod a transom for the motor.

I sold my tohatsu 2.5 and am in the process of deciding between a torqeedo t1003 3hp electric and rollable solar cell to recharge while underway or at camp. the other option I am looking at is a 5hp Lehr propane outboard. the whole boat frames transom and motor with me and gear should not be more than 400lbs with either option. If anyone has any experience with either of these two motors and inflatable pontoons on the White I would appreciate the input there as well.

Thanks again.

[Ham]

I think the campground is named "Blue Heron". And I agree completely that running back up is not going to be optimal.

[N9BOW]

I think the campground is named "Blue Heron". And I agree completely that running back up is not going to be optimal.

thanks! I'll check them out.

[Ham]

Simply put, IF they are running big water > 18,000 CFS any 5 HP on any frame is going to have trouble going upstream. I would guess that you would float at least 15 miles over the two days. If you were lucky and made 5 mph headway against the current (and I think it might be less), that's 3 hours motoring back on the second day. I'd rather fish than motor back for 3 hours.

[N9BOW]

Simply put, IF they are running big water > 18,000 CFS any 5 HP on any frame is going to have trouble going upstream. I would guess that you would float at least 15 miles over the two days. If you were lucky and made 5 mph headway against the current (and I think it might be less), that's 3 hours motoring back on the second day. I'd rather fish than motor back for 3 hours.

Excellent point! I would rather not mess with bringing a motor anyway. will just plan to go frameless and use the flip fins and oars and get a ride back.

If anyone is interested in a float trip and camping excursion with a Noob on the White in Early October Fri - Sat let me know. I have room for a second person. You'd have to bring your own tent and food.

[hoglaw]

With a small motor you can also run up the buffalo and camp. So put in at rim, float to and camp up buffalo, then float to norfork on day 2.

[N9BOW]

With a small motor you can also run up the buffalo and camp. So put in at rim, float to and camp up buffalo, then float to norfork on day 2.

What is up the buffalo?

[mhowerton]

What is up the buffalo?

The Buffalo National River runs into the White River between Cotter and Norfork. Only motors below 10hp allowed. All public around the river so there are plenty of gravel bars to camp on. Excellent smallmouth fishery.