Little Missouri River
Narrows to Muddy Fork
July 27, 2023
by Kent Walters
We met at 15:30 at the Muddy Fork Take-Out, moved boats to my truck, and got on the water just after 16:00.
|
|
 |
|
 |
| Karen and Calvin |
|
Duane |
|
Sam |
The water was high and moving fast – about 4-5 MPH. The surface was often chaotic, but suitable lines were not difficult to discern in most places. There were occasional strainers and sweepers, but all were visible and avoidable. That is not to say that one of us did not intersect with the occasional branch while distracted with snapping photos.
Kent enjoying a clear spot on the river
Karen, Duane and Sam enjoying the calm between wave trains and dodging downed trees
It was hot as hell when we were unloading and prepping boats, but on the water it was very pleasant. We attribute this to the relatively cold water from the dam release combined with the abundant shade from the late afternoon sun and the light breeze in our faces. The fact that we were all wet to the shoulders from diving into waves and being slapped around by the hydraulics might have emphasized the coolness factor. It was delightful and unexpected.
We saw a few great blue herons and two juvenile bald eagles.
Duane and Calvin resetting for the next noisy water
Six miles downstream we arrived at the take-out about an hour and 20 minutes after we launched.
We did the shuttle thing and enjoyed a nice meal at Terlinga’s, the fun Mexican restaurant in Murfreesboro.
LESSONS LEARNED:
We did not keep the last person in view at all times and were out of contact for about 15 minutes – not safe practice and shame on four of us for not paying attention.
Here’s what’s around where we paddled
Please see photo album Little Missouri River - Narrows Dam Release
Alternate trip report from Calvin Doody
After shuttle from the take-out, paddlers launched. Release was through 3 generators starting around 2:00 PM. It was an easy launch from a concrete ramp.
On the Water: The air was hot, but participants were pretty comfortable on the water because of the cooling effect of the water. Water released from a dam is cold and relatively clear. There were many places where a tree canopy occurred, so shade was sometimes available. The pools between rapids were short and current was definitely noticeable in them. There were many long stretches of rapids with standing waves. Some of the standing waves were quite high so kayak skirts were a big advantage. Also, the shallow, rocky bottom in many places made it quite advisable to wear a helmet. The challenge during the trip was mainly to pick the path to avoid rocks near the surface in shallow rapids. There were no swims this day.
When the water became too shallow it was because the group was paddling faster than the water released through the generators was progressing downstream. Three times during the run, paddlers paused and waited for the water level to rise before proceeding. Due to the rapid current (about 5 mph), the 6 mile trip resulted in a paddle of just 1 hour and 15 minutes. Because of the high volume of water, the rive was HIGH and few rocks were in play. Still, the strong currents made the river “pushy” in the turns. We had to aggressively paddle away from a few strainers. The buried rocks still “showed up”, in the form of big wave trains (some 3 foot, plus!) Take-out: The takeout was at the Muddy Fork Rd. (Hwy 222) the end of the run. The group spotted quite a few Great Blue Herons, a hawk, crows, some kingfishers, a few turtles, and an occasional fish. It was surprising that more fish weren’t sighted because this river stretch is a regulated trout fishing area.
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: It was an absolutely beautiful day to be out on a cool water river. This river stretch is worthy of repeat visits and, based on paddling skills. When, in late summer, other rivers begin to become too low for paddling, this river stretch may be a good alternate. Paddlers on this river segment should wait 20 minutes after full flow development to launch.
|
|
The author, Kent Walters |