It's been over ten years...

[Phil Landry]

... since I fished the elk.  Back then I didn't have a boat and didn't pay attention to flows as much etc etc.  How much cfs is needed to run a long boat and a jet on the Elk?  I'm entertaing the idea of a Tuesday after easter trip.  Any info, tips, etc from the peanut gallery would be greatly appreciated.

Phil

www.arkansastroutbum.com

[Luke Warmwater]

Phil,

One generator is just over 3000 cfs

I probably wouldn't get on the Elk in a long boat with less than one generator. Less than one exposes shoals, the gravel bars and most of the stumps, etc...

One generator running could be a real problem. As you know the Elk is a little tight with the turns, downed tree (at Van Zant) and the stumps again could come into play, but in a different way. 

If you have a canoe, kayak or something like that, it might be better on less than one.

Just a few things to consider.


 

[Hilljack]

I agree with Luke - the downed tree at the island would likely pose a real problem for a boat of that size. 

I think the water between Farris Creek Bridge and Old Dam Ford might be easier to navigate with a jet boat, but I would still want to scout it from a canoe or yak before taking a larger boat, in which case you might as well just stick with a canoe or yak and get a shuttle (call Rhonda at Tim's Flies and Lies in Lynchburg to set up a shuttle).

One other consideration is that on many stretches of the Elk, something like a 20' Supreme jon boat would resemble the U.S.S. Enterprise due to the size of the water.  A canoe, yak, Gheenoe or drifter would be sneakier.

Most beadhead midges, scuds and sowbug patterns should keep you busy....

[David L. Darnell]

back in the winter when TVA was running 400 cfs it was a fine jet river, now with the 100/200 cfs, I'd scout it out in a canoe before I'd run it in a boat. As I keep saying, I think of the Elk as more of large creek than a river.

Below Farris Creek Bridge,  1/2 to 3/4 way to Cashion Bend, the big turn hole with the brick home on the bluff above you, on the way to the Bend is lot of debris in the water, water turns tight to the left and would be hard to get the Supreme turned, I'd not try it with my 16 Tracker Jon until I scout it. Will look at it soon.

Game Warden in the past has run it but he's driving tax payers boat