River Round

[moturkey]

I've spent most of my winter reading this forum and in doing so developed an itch to go after river smallies (CPR only) with the HighDef craws y'all have been raving about (which are incredible... I can't wait to put them to use). I bought myself a kayak a few weeks ago and have been scouting places that I can tackle solo for short day trips without having to find someone to park a second vehicle at a take-out point.  Looking at River Round CA on Google Earth, it looks like it might be a perfect spot if there is a way to put in a kayak on the upstream side of the area (see yellow pin in the pic below).  There appears to be a trail along the river, and if I could launch somewhere around there it would be a nice ~3 mile float down to the ramp then a short walk back to the car. Anyone familiar enough with River Round CA to know whether this would be possible? Also, I've read more than a few comments about break-ins at this CA. Is that a major problem there? 

[Al Agnew]

I've parked at River Round a lot without any problems, but have heard of others whose experience is different.

As for your idea...where your yellow pin is, there is an 80-foot bluff.  No trail leading to the water, just a cliff and talus slope, with the parking lot atop the ridge.  If you were very energetic and didn't mind a lot of scrambling in the brush, you could possibly climb the ridge behind the downstream access at the river and see if you can find a way down the bluff there...it's lower, maybe 50 feet.

[moturkey]

Well, so much for that idea. I'm energetic, but I'm no Sherpa. Thanks for the input Al. Anyone know of any similar types of riverbends that have relatively close (walking) distance between in/out access points? Big River is my second option - the 3 mile float between the ramp at the 21 bridge and Washington state park looks to be a manageable hike back to retrieve my car - but I'd love to hear if anyone has done similar solo trips. Not looking for honey holes, just knowledge about in/out accesses that can be covered on foot back to the launch. Thanks!

[Gavin]

Al is correct, steep slope down the hill there. Not any easy paddle up from River Round but have paddled up from the access to your thumb tack before. Easier to float down from above or float down to Choteau. Dead body found at Chouteau about a month ago. Folks will steal your stuff if you make it easy anywhere anymore.

[Gavin]

21 to Washington SP is a super short shuttle. Chain a bike up at the end ride back. One big hill to climb. Easier with a buddy to run shuttle.

[Ken1949]

I have launched/taken out at River Round many times with no problems. I agree that the terrain is too steep to launch upstream. We used to use the old Bruns Bridge above River Round for access until the no parking signs were installed. Probably best to avoid it now for that reason. Also, people tend to congregate there for illicit activities. 

[moguy1973]

There are a couple accesses on the Big that you can paddle up if you are willing to get out and pull it through some runs or portage across some sand bars past swifter water.  I've paddled up from Brown's Ford all the way to Merrill Horse before during lower water.

[moturkey]

Thanks, fellas. 

[Deadstream]

Wrong side of State but I know a great place near Platte City that is just what you desire if anybody's interested.  

[Haris122]

I like the way you're thinking. I've been thinking of doing something similar, just cause of the same issue with being on my own. Usually I try to just go upstream as far as possible given the speed of the water, and then fish back down, but it would be nice to not have to fight the current for a change, only to have shortened fishing time on the way back down.