River Round

[moturkey]

Haris - I checked in with the outfitters at Washington Park today - http://www.missouriparkadventures.com/float-trips.html - and they can run a shuttle from WP back to the 21 bridge access (3 mile float) or a bit further upstream to a private access (7 mile float) for $10.  But, they don't start operating until April 1.  The lady I spoke with thought there was a trail through the woods of WP that would make for a fairly short hike to cover the in/out distance on the 3-mile float (Gavin's bike suggestion would work, too). That seems to be the best solution I've found so far on a solo trip.

[Hog Wally]

I'm available sometimes for a portage in the area.  

[Haris122]

Cool, thanks. That's good to know.

[Al Agnew]

Maybe the longest float with the shortest shuttle is on the Bourbeuse, from Reiker's Ford to Mayer's Landing (both are MDC accesses).  About 11 miles by water, less than 4 miles by road.  Four miles is a little long to carry your kayak, but it's doable with a bicycle, just drop your bike off at the take-out and chain it up, go put in, and at the end of the float chain up your kayak and carry what you can on the bike back to pick up your vehicle.  I've done that for the 21 to WP float on Big River.   

[Ken1949]

I put in at Mayers Landing for the first and only time last July. It appears that the main channel of the Bourbeuse has meandered about 1/4 mile to the east. It was a difficult portage and paddle to get to the channel from Mayers Landing. I am guessing that the flood in Dec. 2015 caused the shift. I advise everyone to check it out before planning to launch or take out there. 

[moguy1973]

7 hours ago, Ken1949 said:

I put in at Mayers Landing for the first and only time last July. It appears that the main channel of the Bourbeuse has meandered about 1/4 mile to the east. It was a difficult portage and paddle to get to the channel from Mayers Landing. I am guessing that the flood in Dec. 2015 caused the shift. I advise everyone to check it out before planning to launch or take out there. 

I see what you mean.  Looks like the channel has cut farther south.  This happened just up river on the Meramec from Chouteau Claim access also due to the floods last winter.

[Pat Magee]

I can definitely see why the pedal drives and retrofitted trolling motor kits are becoming more popular for kayaks.  Coordinating a shuttle or getting a buddy to go with me is sometimes the biggest hurdle when it comes to going out on a day trip.  Having the ability to go upstream (or downstream for that matter) quicker and more efficiently will definitely open up some more water for some people.

Perhaps I am just trying to justify my desire to buy the new Coosa FD when it comes out this spring...

Anyone on OAF fit a trolling motor to their kayak yet?  The kits are out there but they cost more than the kayaks.  Have been looking for some different ideas for a long time but haven't seen one that I really like just yet.

[jpb2187]

1 hour ago, Pat Magee said:

Anyone on OAF fit a trolling motor to their kayak yet?  The kits are out there but they cost more than the kayaks.  Have been looking for some different ideas for a long time but haven't seen one that I really like just yet.

I plan on building something for my Prowler. I'll post pics after its done. 

[Pat Magee]

Looking forward to seeing your progress.

[moturkey]

The kayak I just bought is the Old Town Predator PDL. Primary use will be on LOZ (dusk/dawn when the crazies are off the water), so the pedal drive was a huge selling point.  It has about 16" of draft with the drive system, so I'll be curious to see how that works on the rivers this spring. If the water is too shallow, I can lift out the drive as needed or swap it out with a floorplate before launching and just paddle. This was my consolation prize in lieu of a bass boat, but the versatility of a kayak -- and one that can cover some water, to boot -- is quite appealing.