Beating the Heat

Caddo River, Arkansas

One thing I learned this weekend is the Caddo River offers much more than floating! The small mouths were on fire! Not only was the fishing hot, I saw three bald eagles, two hawks and a variety of birds! The Caddo River is great to get in touch with nature! This weekend was an excellent time to be on the Caddo!

My group arrived at Caddo River Camping and Canoe Rentals at 9:00 a.m. Saturday, April 27. Mr. David and Mrs. Gayla Claborn had our canoes, campsite and information for the float ready for us when we arrived. The Claborn’s were so hospitable and caring!

Our plan was to float Caddo Gap to Glenwood on Saturday, dock at our campsite and take off Sunday floating Glenwood to Amity. When we arrived at the drop off location, it was sprinkling a little bit. The rain did hold off for us though. I can tell you the weather was perfect for smallmouth bass! They were biting on stump jumpers, jerk minnows, baby brush hogs and salty super tubes all up along the banks. We caught 8 smallmouths, 2 largemouths and perch. The float is 7.5 miles long with some quick moving water here and there, nothing to be concerned about. The flow was great and the temperature of the water was surprisingly nice.

Caddo River Camping and Canoe Rentals offers tent camping on the river. If you would like to take a two day float, I would suggest staying here. You float right up to your campsite. There are no time constraints with the float. At the campsite, there is a beautiful backdrop of the Ouachita Mountains and a waterfall. When we arrived at camp, Mr. David came down to check on us to make sure the float was good and to check to see if we needed anything.

We woke up early Sunday morning to start the second part of our float. It is from Glenwood to Amity. It is a 5 mile float. This is the best float for fishing and birding! There were a few rapids, but more large pools than the previous float. The smallmouth were biting more on stump jumpers and jigs. If you are a fisherman, it is hard to make it to Amity by dark! I know there are very large catfish in these holes as well! It was on this stretch we saw the bald eagles and they were marvelous!

If you are wanting to beat the heat, the Caddo River is definitely an option! Whether you are looking for a relaxing weekend float, great fishing or spending time with family and friends, the Caddo River should be on your list of summer trips! I highly recommend Caddo River Camping and Canoe Rentals! You will not find better, more caring people anywhere! They keep their facilities very clean and they even rent cabins for the folks who would prefer to not sleep on the ground. For more information on the Caddo River, click here. For more information on Caddo River Camping and Canoe Rentals, click here.

My group is planning on visiting as many rivers and outfitters that we can this summer to help inform you of the flow, fishing, camping etc. We are planning a trip in the next few weekends. Do you have suggestions on what river to float or what outfitters to contact? You tell us the river, we will float it! I look forward to hearing your suggestions!

Keep an eye out! It is that time of year when the snakes come out to play. Arkansas is home to 36 species of snakes. It is always beneficial to know how to determine if a snake is venomous, where they are most likely to be located and their benefits.

The snakes of Arkansas are most likely to be found in shady, cool areas. Most of the time, you will not even notice them. They are not out to get you. Most snake bites occur because it was provoked. For example, picking up a stick and poking the snake will increase chances of a bite. Just leave the creature be. Snakes see by using infrared. Generally, if they sense you, they notice you are too large to eat and could be a possible threat. That is why they will coil up. They will leave you alone as long as you do not provoke them.

Copperhead

Of the 36 species located in Arkansas, 6 are venomous. They are the Copperhead, Cottonmouth, Western Diamondback Rattlesnake, Timber Rattlesnake, the Western Pigmy Rattlesnake and the Texas Coral Snake. A good identification to determine the type of snake is the shape of its head. If it is shaped like a heart, it is venomous.

Snakes do offer benefits. King Snakes will kill the venomous snakes, such as Copperheads. They also eat the rodents that run around and destroy your yard such as moles and mice.

Should you encounter one of the serpents, do not fear. Just keep calm! If you see a snake, do not try and pick it up. Just walk away. No matter what type of snake it is, let it be. Be hesitant and watchful, but do not avoid your favorite Arkansas summer activities. Snakes are a big part of the delicate balance of life.