Floating the Big Sac

[MoFisher22]

I’ve been trying to find info on how to know when they’re going to generate on the Sac but haven’t found much. Wanting to do some kayaking on it this spring but obviously I don’t want to get caught out there when they start to generate. TIA

[MOPanfisher]

https://www.swpa.gov/generationschedules.aspx

But remember it's just a projected schedule, they may have a need earlier or not need the generation at all.

[MoFisher22]

Thanks Panfisher I really appreciate the help. Looks like everything recently shows it’s either full generation or none at all, is it safe to assume it’s always like that? 

[MOPanfisher]

Well they only have one unit so yeah it's basocally either all or none.  It is a lot of water in that channel when running.  

[Gavin]

https://waterdata.usgs.gov/mo/nwis/uv/?site_no=06919000&PARAmeter_cd=00065,63160,00060

This is probably it...10' rise when they generate

 

[fishinwrench]

2 hard rises and fallouts during the same day would make for some challenging fishing.   I wouldn't even attempt it myself.  

[MoFisher22]

darn. It seems like such large quantity of sudden changes would be hard on the fish but obviously they cope with it well cause I know people catch good fish in there; atleast in the spring. 

[Gavin]

Tailwater trout learn to deal with the rises & falls...Low to High is usually better fishing than High to Low on trout tailwaters. USGS has a free app for your phone called River Data...Get that and SCOUT every access at low & high water before you toss a boat in. Did some dumb stuff and floated the Norfolk tailwater in a solo canoe with full generation years ago. Not an experience I would like to repeat. We did not dump or die....but....best case would be lose your boat and all your stuff and walk of shame if something happened. If you die, you are spared the walk of shame.

 

[DADAKOTA]

Floated it many times.  Biggest headache is where to take out.  J bridge is used often, but it is actually private land.  I have permission to take out there.  J to Caplinger is a long float unless they turn the water on.  There is public land at Caplinger.  You can't hear the horn very far below 32 highway if they flip the switch on.  If you notice the current picking up you'll know why.  Best to get to your takeout as it is a gradual but quick rise and not a wall of water.