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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Listening Point - General Discussion :: Post your pics, first float 2018
 
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cburton103
03/22/2018 08:22AM
 
I would highly recommend the Pecos. River flows are highly variable based on rainfall in the giant Pecos watershed. I've done it as low as 45 cfs and as high as about 120-130 cfs (still not a lot of water). I hear it's best between 200-300 cfs, but you have to get lucky to catch it at that rate. The Pecos is largely fed by spring fed creeks in its lower stretches when it's not raining.


The upper stretch of the Pecos that runs through most of Texas barely has any flow rate - certainly not enough flow or interesting scenery to make it enjoyable. The lower Pecos is fed by Independence Creek, which dumps in a fairly consistent 15 cfs. Then at 18 miles into the main southern stretch of the river Everett Canyon Spring dumps in about another 5-10 cfs depending on its flow. Another few springs dump in a few cfs each as you go along.


I've done trips in March, May and October. My next trip is planned for October. The flows tend to be 80-120 in October (less variable than other times of year) and the weather is typically still warm enough (70s to 80s during the day) to enjoy swimming but not as hot as the summer. The fishing has been best on my March trip, but it's been decent each other trip as well.


Who did you go through for your Lower Canyons of the Rio Grande trip?
 
OneMatch
03/22/2018 07:11AM
 
cburton103: "OneMatch: "Lower Canyons of the Rio Grande, February, eft" > "



That trips on my list as well. I've done the Pecos River three times - the last 60 miles before it dumps into the Rio Grande just before the Amistad Reservoir. Planning on my fourth Pecos trip this fall."



Chris, that sounds really cool. I'm curious as to the water level there this fall. I've been told the Rio Grande water level is too high for a canoe then due to summer rains. Of course the Rio is influenced by Mexican rivers (most notably the Rio Conchos) upstream. I might have to go back down and do both! Thanks in advance for the info.
 
BeaV
03/22/2018 01:56PM
 
You probably don't want to see the one from Lake Superior in January- think spring and warm weather. Here's one from Tampa Bay, Gulf of Mexico 70 degrees air and water temperature.

 
MisterKrabs
03/25/2018 09:07AM
 
MisterKrabs: "On my first of 2018, I left my camera in the car. So this is the same place, on the last float of 2017, December morning, Carter's Lake, GA. Three 16 year old boys and me."
 
Frenchy19
03/25/2018 09:42AM
 
Keep the pics coming! Heading out next week when it is my spring break. Either Mississippi or St. Croix River, will post pics then.


Beav, I would love to see the January Lake Superior pics!
 
MisterKrabs
03/25/2018 08:58AM
 
On my first of 2018, I left my camera in the car. So this is the same place, on the last float of 2017, December morning, Carter's Lake, GA. Three 16 year old boys and me.
 
TominMpls
03/25/2018 10:10PM
 
Frenchy19: "Keep the pics coming! Heading out next week when it is my spring break. Either Mississippi or St. Croix River, will post pics then.



Beav, I would love to see the January Lake Superior pics!"

Are you a school teacher? Which district?
 
BeaV
03/26/2018 08:45AM
 
Frenchy19: "Keep the pics coming! Heading out next week when it is my spring break. Either Mississippi or St. Croix River, will post pics then.


Beav, I would love to see the January Lake Superior pics!"

OK but this one looks colder than the Florida pic:)

 
cburton103
03/26/2018 11:02AM
 
OneMatch: "cburton103:




Who did you go through for your Lower Canyons of the Rio Grande trip?"



Would love to see some pics from your Pecos trips. Did you have to carry in your water or was it okay to filter there?"



It's ok to filter the water (it won't make you sick, despite what some people say), but it tastes salty enough to where it's pretty unpleasant to drink. We generally carry along a couple gallons per person and refill at a few springs along the way. Some aren't always running, so we filter out of the river as needed and cover up the taste with drink mixes.


The best spring is about 18 miles in (Everett Canyon, river left). There is Chinaberry spring around mile 33 or so I think, but it can be difficult to find back in the river cane. Often there will be groundwater or a seasonal spring at Painted Canyon around mile 45 or so. Most trips we drink 80% spring water or so.


I don't have many pictures of the Pecos on my work computer, but here are a couple that I have with me.


Lewis Canyon, Pecos River








Painted Canyon, Pecos River
 
OneMatch
03/20/2018 10:01PM
 
Lower Canyons of the Rio Grande, February, 2018. Rapids & campsite



 
Cc26
03/21/2018 10:49AM
 
OneMatch: "Lower Canyons of the Rio Grande, February, 2018. Rapids & campsite



"



bucket list
 
cburton103
03/21/2018 03:35PM
 
OneMatch: "Lower Canyons of the Rio Grande, February, 2018. Rapids & campsite



"



That trips on my list as well. I've done the Pecos River three times - the last 60 miles before it dumps into the Rio Grande just before the Amistad Reservoir. Planning on my fourth Pecos trip this fall.
 
fadersup
03/21/2018 08:13PM
 
Not the first but Chicago River tonight.
 
Cascadian
03/26/2018 10:38PM
 
Here in the PNW I do paddle year round- island life.
This video was our first 70 degree day.... Cascadiab



 
OneMatch
03/24/2018 09:13AM
 
cburton103:



Who did you go through for your Lower Canyons of the Rio Grande trip?"



Northstar Canoes officially hosted and outfitted the trip in that they wanted to show off their new B-17 in ixp layup as an expedition canoe (A great boat!). Since they sponsor me and my music, I got invited (lucky me!). They had several outfitters and such along. A group of 12.


We used Far Flung in Terlingua to shuttle us and shuttle our awaiting vehicles.


Would love to see some pics from your Pecos trips. Did you have to carry in your water or was it okay to filter there?


Thanks!
 
deerfoot
03/20/2018 11:17AM
 
ozarkpaddler: "Well, not first paddle, but this was last week on the Current here in MO:













I remember a great trip on the Current Rv with my daughter in March about 20 years ago.









"

 
wrestlencanoe
03/18/2018 07:31PM
 
I know many in the south float year round, but for some of us it is hard to get out in the hard water season. Lets see some pics of you getting the dust off the paddles. Got out today on the Turkey River in Iowa.


 
Arcola
03/18/2018 08:55PM
 
HayRiverDrifter and I got out a couple of weeks ago on the Apple River.



 
ozarkpaddler
03/18/2018 08:55PM
 
Well, not first paddle, but this was last week on the Current here in MO:



















 
nooneuno
03/18/2018 09:34PM
 











After 30 years of marriage were still breaking the ice.