Creeks to Run

[bassfisher2017]

As most of you know, I am not very familiar with Stockton. I have been looking at maps and noticed some of the bigger creeks (sons, maze, googer, birch and turkey) have a bunch of standing timber. Are there any creeks you can run to the back of or what's the best way in your opinions to navigate these creeks? Thanks

 

 

[Dutch]

Navigate at idle speed with a gps to mark the way.  A few years ago I had a guy with me who "knew the channel" from Hi Point to Aldrich.  That trip cost me $800 in prop and prop shaft repairs.  Now with the water down should be a good time to get in one and be able to see many of the stumps.

[Smithvillesteve]

Very carefully!!!!!

[Flysmallie]

GPS or lots of experience. And then you have to remember that things always change. 

But yes there are some smaller creeks you can run to the back of. 

[bassfisher2017]

What creeks can you run without much knowledge? Also, in sons maze and birch, should you just start idling at the mouth?

[lundone]

I put hundreds of hours in on Stockton every year and I won't run open in the creeks.  A friend of mine who makes his living working on outboards near Stockton says he replaces a lot of lower units from hitting stumps.  Especially slow on Sons where there is a very narrow channel.

 

[Basfis]

The idle and learn mentioned above by Dutch is sound advice. Don’t assume the channel represented on your gps is spot on. There are places the channel is safest, others the flats are less hazardous. With the lake lower now, the pool level hazards are pretty visible. Lake level impact is a must. I grew up around Truman and still hate running it 1 foot high! Too many “markers” disappear.

Look at maize creek from the highway now and you can see some good examples. The “where” to leave the channel and re-enter is a seat time and search deal. 

[MrGiggles]

I always unlock my outboard near timber so that if I do hit a tree with the skeg or lower unit it will just trim up instead of trying to rip off the transom. Only applicable on tiller motors though.

[dprice]

Soon as you throw your self out and boat circles you   You will slow down 

[bassfisher2017]

15 hours ago, lundone said:

I put hundreds of hours in on Stockton every year and I won't run open in the creeks.  A friend of mine who makes his living working on outboards near Stockton says he replaces a lot of lower units from hitting stumps.  Especially slow on Sons where there is a very narrow channel.

 

What creeks can you run to the back of and be fine? I've noticed on google earth that birch, sons, maze and even price branch look like you can't run too far without the possibility of hitting stumps/trees. I am definitely not interested in outboard repair from hitting things lol