Big Pigeon???

1. More like ~ 3 miles.

2. More importantly, it's badly silted in from it's confluence with Little Pigeon to ~ B. Mallet. Better stay out of that stretch.

3. In response to OP -- some of the old landmarks (like the Microwave Tower) are gone. There are two "crossover" canals between Big & Little Pigeon that are pretty much OK to run at most any river stage. But is's kinda hard to describe them w/o pointing at a map.

a. About 1/2 mile back toward the landing from the canal that goes back to Cowen & Catfish is the old Sonat Canal (not sure which pipeline operator has signs there now). You be able to recognize this canal because there are small valve platforms in the middle of the canal (there are two, maybe three of these platforms between Little & Big Pigeon).

b. I wouldn't recommend the other canal (it's further down Little Pigeon, between the "B. Cowan Canal" and the silted up end of Little Pigeon) because of the rock bulkheads that have been installed where it crosses Big Pigeon. At this river stage the canal looks fine for boat traffic -- but you'll leave your lower unit on the bulkhead if you fail to turn at the right spot (45 degree turn, right before Big Pigeon).

4. Your best bet is to go out there with somebody who knows the area, or follow another boat that knows these two crossovers. Otherwise, you need to run at idle speed if you're not sure where you are.

quote:

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I was able find the canal going to Big Pigeon that comes before the canal that leads to Cowan..

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There are two canals in that area (within 700-800 feet of each other where they intersect L. Pigeon). You'll want the one that's closer to the "Cowan Canal" and runs southeasterly (as opposed to due east) to Big Pigeon.