Devils River

[TroutRinger]

Does anyone have experience on the Devils River in Texas?

Plastic_worm posted about his trip about a year ago so I hope he chimes in. This was the blog he linked in that post for those that aren’t familiar with the river: http://looknfishy.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-devils-river.html?m=1

I have read a lot about it online, but most of the people seem to be from Texas or surrounding areas and probably aren’t spoiled like we are with dozens of beautiful streams within a couple hours. I would love to hear from anyone that has experienced Ozark streams and Devils River to see if it is worth the expense and effort or is what we have in Missouri and Arkansas just as good (albeit different). 

Floating the Devils is not easy to plan like a Missouri stream that you can just hop on at any time. They limit usage with permits, need to use an outfitter to access the river, permits to camp, etc. By the time permits and shuttles are worked out (which must be months in advance), gas (14 hour drive), and probably lodging for a night or two on the drive, I’m guessing it is a 3-500 per person at least. 

[Al Agnew]

I haven't been but know several people who have been, and have seen videos.  It's a unique experience, and as you said, not easy.  It also isn't an easy river to paddle.  I used to really want to do it, but now I'm not quite so gung ho about it...if somebody else set up a trip and invited me I'd go for sure, but there are other rivers in other parts of the country that are friendlier to visiting anglers and have better fishing.

[Gavin]

Would try to find Kelly Watson, used to guide it, last time I heard from him he was in Nawlins.

[Gavin]

Have a buddy in Austin, but his drift boat was in Belleville, IL maybe sold, dunno. Could quiz him. Would love to do that trip.

[Dances With Smallies]

About 20 years ago, when my wife was a kid, she went with her family to Devil's River. It's an epic story they still talk about sometimes. Apparently, a landowner who owned a huge swath of land on the river approached them with a gun and told them they couldn't camp on the bank. He then followed them down river to make sure they didn't trespass. They cut their trip short after that. She said it was a beautiful river though. 

[TroutRinger]

46 minutes ago, Al Agnew said:

I haven't been but know several people who have been, and have seen videos.  It's a unique experience, and as you said, not easy.  It also isn't an easy river to paddle.  I used to really want to do it, but now I'm not quite so gung ho about it...if somebody else set up a trip and invited me I'd go for sure, but there are other rivers in other parts of the country that are friendlier to visiting anglers and have better fishing.

I’m open to other suggestions. 

Honestly, if it wasn’t for all the hoops to jump through, I’d probably be on my way. I am going to call a couple places that others have recommended tomorrow to get a better idea of the cost and hassle. 

Also need to find out if they can pair people up. I only have one friend that would be game for this kind of trip and I’m not sure he could afford to go. Even if he could, I do not think this is the type of trip that should be take with just two people. 4-5 days without cell signal is kind of dangerous if someone can’t paddle ahead for help. 

[Gavin]

Yes, some difficult logistics. Easier to find big stupid  smallmouth in Canada. But, it really is not about that. Don't remember many trips when all went well, fork ups, and misadventures always retold.

[Ham]

7 hours ago, Dances With Smallies said:

About 20 years ago, when my wife was a kid, she went with her family to Devil's River. It's an epic story they still talk about sometimes. Apparently, a landowner who owned a huge swath of land on the river approached them with a gun and told them they couldn't camp on the bank. He then followed them down river to make sure they didn't trespass. They cut their trip short after that. She said it was a beautiful river though. 

Sounds about right. Same thing happened to me on the Blanco River. 

Later on down river, someone opened up with a long burst of Full Auto. Not in any way associated with my group being on the river, but intimidating as hell. Huge difference between semi auto and Full Auto.  

[Al Agnew]

The biggest reason I'd still go to the Devils is just because I haven't been there before, and it's excellent if challenging fishing, great scenery, and some interesting rapids and falls.  Like I said, I would go in a minute if somebody wanted to set up a trip, but I think I'd pay the money to have a guided or outfitted trip, rather than trying to jump through all the hoops of doing it on your own.

Some places I'd recommend:

John Day River, Oregon--the best trip is 65 miles of wilderness in a high desert canyon that's just spectacular. I've done that trip twice, first time was the best smallmouth fishing I'd ever had up to that point, second was mediocre fishing but water conditions weren't great.  I may do this trip again this summer, since I have a friend who is planning it.  This is the trip to do if you're looking for probably good to great smallmouth fishing in a long, wild river trip. 

Lower Salmon River, Idaho--has to be a guided trip because of major whitewater rapids.  I haven't done it yet but will this summer, though the trip is mostly just river running and not concentrating on fishing.  But I know the fishing can be very good and the river is spectacular.

Maine--any of three rivers, the Kennebec, Androscoggin, or Penobscot.  Not sure what the opportunities are for long floats and camping on the rivers, but the smallmouth fishing is terrific, with lots of 17-20 inch fish.  Scenery is nice.

  

 

[snagged in outlet 3]

Al,

What location would you think is closest to St louis with the best probability for good to great smallmouth fishing?  We have jet boats.

Thanks Pete