Devils River

[Gavin]

Pete , the Upper Missippi above the Twins or the Menominee can be really good. The rocks up there are granite, so be careful. Could get there in a day's drive. Not sure if they allow jets on the St. Croix in the Scenic section but worth the trip.

[Plastic_worm]

In my opinion yes it's worth it.  Like others have said, there are other rivers that are just as remote and scenic, like the John Day but I'm not sure how anyone picks one over the other...I would like to float all of them.  What I can say about the Devils compared to AR/MO is...you won't see jets or props on it, hardly any people besides those that are out for the experience like you, no drunk tubers or a canoe hatch like we can get in the summer, no bridges or other man made structures.  Yes, the property owners are serious but I've had worse encounters on AR creeks.  The ones we saw (we saw more of them than floaters) just reminded us where there property began and ended.  We were also warned that the river is regularly patrolled by the Texas Wildlife officers.  The permit makes it easy for them to track you and they do keep an eye on you.  The shuttle driver warned us they float the river at night and have access to private property.  Honestly, I appreciate that the state is doing its part to hold floaters accountable.  I saw no fire rings, trash, graffiti...the river was pristine and I believe the remoteness and hassle keeps it that way.  However, the fishing is on the down side from what I was told.  Too many people keeping fish rather than bringing food.  The state has put in place a CNR of all smallies. 

Also, you only need a permit if you use the state access (SNA's).  There is a property in the river now that is shuttling floaters to Bakers crossing and letting them float to his property at Blue Sage. ...since he/you aren't using the state owned property you don't need a permit.  I can see where this is going to become an issue if you want truly remote.  In the late Spring and Fall I was warned the river is getting more traffic b/c of this.  But it's a 25 mile float that probably requires 5 or more days...so still not a weekend trip.  

 

Your est cost was correct.  The who cares b&b was 50/night.  Which isn't bad since you probably need a place to leave vehicles and stay the night before and when you get off the river.  It's more of a bunk house.  So don't expect a private room.  But, it was part of the experience for me.  All in all, it's claimed to be the most pristine and scenic river in Texas so for sure other rivers are just as scenic.  It's just a different experience than what we have here but one I truly cherished. 

PM me if you have any specific questions I'll help any way I can

Drew

[TroutRinger]

Thanks Drew! If I make it down there (dependent on getting a couple friends to commit), it would be 2019 as we are expecting our first child this summer, but something like this needs some planning so I’m looking now. Will definitely hit you up, when I get further along. 

Your mention of the fishing being down isn interesting. I recently watched a video of a group that was there a week or two ago. I think they caught one smallmouth. This was the second year they have made the trip, and the guy said it was his first smallie...meaning he didn’t catch any last year. Other videos and posts from 3-4+ years back seemed to be a pretty even mix of largemouth to smallmouth.