CHAMPIONS LAKE 9/6/26—BY JOE COKER
On Sunday 9/6/26, 11 of us in 9 boats did a fine Houston Canoe Club paddle on Champion Lake. Excellent day...organized by Natalie W. and guided by yours truly. For those unfamiliar, Champions is located in the southern part of the 30,000 acre Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge in the Trinity Basin about 50 miles east of Houston. It is fed primarily by Caney Creek and the Trinity at overflow levels above 20 ft. and 20,000 cfs. The area comprises one of the largest rookeries in the country. To protect nesting, the western half of the lake is closed between March 1 and June 30.
The last time we were out there was back in February, the water was at barely 5 feet on the gauge. At that level you're pretty well confined to the main channels, and we couldn't even make it up to #10. The other day however, we had about 5'3". Just that little extra enabled us to go all the way up to #12 (albeit scraping bottom now and then). We also made it up to #5 but were thwarted there in the entrance by a small fallen tree. The minimum to get in there now with the obstruction is about 6 feet on the gauge. We'll keep trying. It's one of the best, if not the best, of all the ponds.
We launched the other day at 9 AM and took-out at about 1:30 PM. Total distance 6 miles. Our route took us over to the dam, then back to Caney Creek and up to #5. The water was too low to access any of the ponds on that wing. So from there we retraced
the main channel to Caney Creek north at the Five Finger marker and went up to #10 and 12. Fortunately, both were accessible and the whole area up there was absolutely pristine.
After a quick lunch and relaxation, we headed back down to the main drag and out the #13/14 exit winding slowly through the beautiful stretch of huge trees into the South Channel and home.
As usual, we were treated to a plethora of birds including wood storks, spoon bills and even a mama whistling duck with babies! A couple of small gators dilly dallied around the fishing pier, and we took care to bang our boats to advertise our presence throughout the day. Champions is renowned for its large gator population, and we've had a number of close calls over the years. Paddling down on the South Channel always reminds me of the famous encounter Dave K. and I had with the 15 foot "Monster" back on 9/16/12. That was way too close for comfort, and we've learned from our experience.
The weather turned out to be fine. Temps were in the muggy mid 90's, so we hydrated frequently and took advantage of the plentiful shade. 40% rain was expected but never came. Although, there was distant thunder and a welcome occasional draft of rain-cooled air. Of note was the surprisingly heavy infestation of aquatic Cabomba weed in most of the channels along with lots of Duckweed. Both are a good sign of healthy conditions but a drag to paddle in. Slogging through that as well as the many shallow spots definitely tested our energy. Otherwise, it was wonderful out there!
Another great day on the water!
* Note: Pics of me credit Lisa & Chuck. See all pics on the HCC website.