Kayaking the Guadalupe

[98ag]

I’m looking at doing a kayaking trip on the upper Guadalupe in a couple weeks. Probably around the 281 crossing south of Blanco or out between Comfort and Sisterdale. Day trip, not camping. Anyone know what minimum flow rate I should look for in order for it to be a good trip. One outfitter said I could do the area around 281 as low as 40 cf. that seems a little low to me even for the minimum. It is currently around 170 so I think we will be ok in two weeks. Any information on what I should expect at different rates would be appreciated. I have seen some of Michael’s videos but I have not seen what he considers a minimum for a good trip. Thanks.

[Huntindad]

If'n you are needing a partner to shuttle vehicles, I've been thinking on going the comfort/sisterdale route sometime.

[98ag]

We are looking at paddling Monday 7/12. I have invited a couple others but do not have confirmation yet. Plan A was going to be around 281 but comfort area is not out of the question. I will keep you posted if you are interested in going on the 12th.

[bklem]

Comfort sitting at 87 cfs rt now. That’s doable but anything below 70 or so gets to be work IMO. Below 50 you’ll be dragging the yak a lot. Supposed to get more rain this week and river has held fairly decent the last couple of rains so you might have a chance.

[98ag]

Comfort sitting at 87 cfs rt now. That’s doable but anything below 70 or so gets to be work IMO. Below 50 you’ll be dragging the yak a lot. Supposed to get more rain this week and river has held fairly decent the last couple of rains so you might have a chance.

Thanks for the info. That is good to know for the area near comfort. I was looking at the springbranch gauge and it currently says 178. Do you know about that part of the river?

[bklem]

Thanks for the info. That is good to know for the area near comfort. I was looking at the springbranch gauge and it currently says 178. Do you know about that part of the river?

Nope, not any help south of Sisterdale. Real familiar with every inch of the river from Comfort to Zoeller lane crossing south of Waring. I floated on a tube two weeks ago and it was running at 140 and it was a good float. In a kayak, it would have been super!

[Casey]

I dropped off and picked up my wife and her friend to float Nicholls Landing to 281 on Tuesday. Flow was 135fps and they had a great float. It's not a long float. You could do Nicholls to 311 or Rebecca's Creek for a more full day. 311 is no long a spot with parking which is maddening and complicates using that spot.

Bergheim campground to edge falls road is another short option. My daughter did it a while back. Might be a 2 hour float of you don't take your time.

If you get around 100cfs your risking a kayak/hike/drag adventure depending on the route. I think the Nicholls to 281 is probably the one least impacted by lower flow.

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[98ag]

I dropped off and picked up my wife and her friend to float Nicholls Landing to 281 on Tuesday. Flow was 135fps and they had a great float. It's not a long float. You could do Nicholls to 311 or Rebecca's Creek for a more full day. 311 is no long a spot with parking which is maddening and complicates using that spot.

Bergheim campground to edge falls road is another short option. My daughter did it a while back. Might be a 2 hour float of you don't take your time.

If you get around 100cfs your risking a kayak/hike/drag adventure depending on the route. I think the Nicholls to 281 is probably the one least impacted by lower flow.

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Thanks, I was planning on Nichols Landing to 311 so I’m glad you let me know about the parking. If we can’t leave a car there we will have to adjust something.

[Casey]

Thanks, I was planning on Nichols Landing to 311 so I’m glad you let me know about the parking. If we can’t leave a car there we will have to adjust something.

You need to have someone meet you there. As a take out spot it is one hell of a walk/carry up the hill. I ran into a guy at Rebecca Creek a while back that did Nicholls to Reb. Creek. He was on the water for 7 hours but said he took his time. Might not be a bad option if you want a full day.

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[careybirdwell]

I kayak from Kerrville to Centet Point last weekend. It was a good time, but got hung up several times in some shallower waters

[98ag]

You need to have someone meet you there. As a take out spot it is one hell of a walk/carry up the hill. I ran into a guy at Rebecca Creek a while back that did Nicholls to Reb. Creek. He was on the water for 7 hours but said he took his time. Might not be a bad option if you want a full day.

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Is there anywhere close at all to park at 311. I’m willing to hike up the hill if needed to go get the truck? If I hike up to get the truck can I drive down to load up? Thanks for the info!

[RifleBowPistol]

I have never checked the flow rates, so I am not any help in that department. If you are going to be fishing, that area, of the Guadalupe from up stream of Guadalupe River State Park, down to 281 and a ways down stream of there, is usually some good fishing.

[Casey]

Is there anywhere close at all to park at 311. I’m willing to hike up the hill if needed to go get the truck? If I hike up to get the truck can I drive down to load up? Thanks for the info!

The parking was right at the bridge but now there are no parking signs a good 1/2 mile or so from the parking lot. To do it you have to park on side of the road and would likely get a ticket anyway. I think it is a no go.

The river there is 100 yards downhill. If you use 311 you have to carry down that or up if putting in there or getting out. The 5 dollar spot is not a bad place to pull out. Check Guadalupecanoelivery.com for pricing to park. I've only paid the$5 to pick someone up there, never parked. They offer a shuttle too

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[98ag]

Sounds like 311 is a no go. Thanks for the info. We may do 281 to Reb. Creek.