- My Forums
- Tiger Rant
- LSU Recruiting
- SEC Rant
- Saints Talk
- Pelicans Talk
- More Sports Board
- Fantasy Sports
- Golf Board
- Soccer Board
- O-T Lounge
- Tech Board
- Home/Garden Board
- Outdoor Board
- Health/Fitness Board
- Movie/TV Board
- Book Board
- Music Board
- Political Talk
- Money Talk
- Fark Board
- Gaming Board
- Travel Board
- Food/Drink Board
- Ticket Exchange
- TD Help Board
Customize My Forums- View All Forums
- Show Left Links
- Topic Sort Options
- Trending Topics
- Recent Topics
- Active Topics
Started By
Message
Black Creek, Desoto National Forest, MS
Posted on 4/3/17 at 12:14 pm
Posted on 4/3/17 at 12:14 pm
Anyone ever floated the black creek for multiple days? A buddy and I are looking to take our 11 year old boys on a multi-day trip (3 days, 2 nights). Want to eventually do the Buffalo in Arkansas, but wanted to do something closer first as a dry run. Dad's would be in canoes to carry gear with the boys in kayaks. Looking at the Black Canoe Rental site, it appears Brooklyn, MS to Fairley bridge would work. Would like to do a fair amount of fishing. Don't know if 3 days would give us enough time for a ton of fishing. Any insight is appreciated.
TL;DR - Black Creek multi-Day float trip with fishing tips.
TL;DR - Black Creek multi-Day float trip with fishing tips.
5
Posted on 4/3/17 at 12:35 pm to LSUengr
I grew up there swimming and fishing it.
The best advice I can give you is to watch the weather closely. It's a small creek thats perfect for canoeing but a few days of spring rain and it can be a miserable trip with heavy current and no sandbars to camp. Like any camping trip being woken up at 2am during a thunderstorm is a massive PITA, but even more so since you'll be hours from a vehicle.
Fishing for spot bass, bream, and catfish is awesome but again will live and die by water level.
Any specific questions just ask.
The best advice I can give you is to watch the weather closely. It's a small creek thats perfect for canoeing but a few days of spring rain and it can be a miserable trip with heavy current and no sandbars to camp. Like any camping trip being woken up at 2am during a thunderstorm is a massive PITA, but even more so since you'll be hours from a vehicle.
Fishing for spot bass, bream, and catfish is awesome but again will live and die by water level.
Any specific questions just ask.
Posted on 4/3/17 at 1:31 pm to TheDrunkenTigah
Does the flow ever get so low you have to drag? Thinking of going 2nd or 3rd weekend in June depending on weather. Spring is too busy with kids events to make a three day weekend work. Obviously not the best time, but heat shouldn't be unbearable by then yet.
Assuming regular flow and average water clarity, could we catch enough for dinner one night or is keeping fish frowned on? Have experience catching spots and bream on Comite River, Bogue Chitto and Gaudalupe.
Assuming regular flow and average water clarity, could we catch enough for dinner one night or is keeping fish frowned on? Have experience catching spots and bream on Comite River, Bogue Chitto and Gaudalupe.
Posted on 4/3/17 at 1:35 pm to LSUengr
You can do 3 days/2 nights in Brooklyn to Fairley Bridge, but may not have time to fish, swim, explore, etc. (Edited.)
I wouldn't use one float on the Black Creek as a true test run for the Buffalo River in AR, though. That is true wilderness. But I see what you're saying-something to get acclimated to floating a river.
And don't use dry duffels. Use true roll-top dry bags.
I wouldn't use one float on the Black Creek as a true test run for the Buffalo River in AR, though. That is true wilderness. But I see what you're saying-something to get acclimated to floating a river.
And don't use dry duffels. Use true roll-top dry bags.
This post was edited on 4/3/17 at 2:28 pm
Posted on 4/3/17 at 1:47 pm to LSUengr
quote:
Does the flow ever get so low you have to drag? Thinking of going 2nd or 3rd weekend in June depending on weather. Spring is too busy with kids events to make a three day weekend work. Obviously not the best time, but heat shouldn't be unbearable by then yet.
Yes, the water level does get low enough that you'll have to drag, but again it all depends on recent rainfall. Here's a link to the stage, as a general rule 5ft at this marker is the "normal" level where you won't have to drag very much, and is the nicest float. June is one of the best months to go as the heavy rains are usually gone and the water level is more consistent. Even if it's getting hot the creek will be cool.
Now, I would caution you against doing the brooklyn to fairly float if you want to have plenty of time to fish and not make it a three day weekend. At the lower end the creek gets deeper and wider and it can be work as the current is non existent. I would point you more towards doing one of the longer "overnight" floats and just taking your time. It's way easier to slow down, especially with kids, than it is to speed up.
quote:
Assuming regular flow and average water clarity, could we catch enough for dinner one night or is keeping fish frowned on? Have experience catching spots and bream on Comite River, Bogue Chitto and Gaudalupe.
If the water is clear you could load the boat with spots, and plenty of people keep them. I've caught dozens on a good day. That said, water clarity is very hit or miss. Watch the link I posted, you'll want to see it smooth out for a few days prior to make sure it won't be muddied up, and I would caution against counting on fish as your only food.
Posted on 4/3/17 at 2:26 pm to TheDrunkenTigah
quote:
TheDrunkenTigah
Is right about distance. I was thinking Brooklyn to Janice (16 miles) as opposed to Brooklyn to Fairley Bridge (25 miles).
Posted on 4/3/17 at 2:46 pm to TheDrunkenTigah
Great info. Thanks for the help guys. We will watch the gauge and make it a shorter distance so we have time to fish/swim.
When we get to the Buffalo trip, we will use an outfitter to make it easier. Some friends go every year and they make it seem fairly easy with the outfitter.
When we get to the Buffalo trip, we will use an outfitter to make it easier. Some friends go every year and they make it seem fairly easy with the outfitter.
Posted on 4/3/17 at 2:55 pm to LSUengr
quote:
Great info. Thanks for the help guys. We will watch the gauge and make it a shorter distance so we have time to fish/swim.
When we get to the Buffalo trip, we will use an outfitter to make it easier. Some friends go every year and they make it seem fairly easy with the outfitter.
we were planning a trip in march and if you call black creek canoes they will tell you what the water looks like.
it was fine on the gauge for us to go but they said the water was dirty for fishing so we held off on the trip
Posted on 4/3/17 at 3:06 pm to LSUengr
My buddies and I do a 3 day 2 night trip every year. We start at Black Creek Canoe rental. Don't count on fishing to feed yourself. There are sand bars and stopping points all along the way to stop and camp at. Make sure you bring plenty of beer.
Posted on 4/3/17 at 3:09 pm to RodFarva
We will have beer covered. We will prepare properly for food. Will just count fresh fish as a bonus if we can manage.
Posted on 4/3/17 at 3:53 pm to LSUengr
The canoe place will warn you, but drinking is prohibited at the national forest landing camp grounds. They've had issues with the rougher crowd hanging out around there, and it's enforced from what I've heard. That said I've never been hassled on the creek, just no glass and keep up with your trash. There are plenty of nice sandbars as long as the level isn't up, so there's really no need to even stop at the landings.
Posted on 4/3/17 at 4:44 pm to TheDrunkenTigah
I've only done day trips on Black Creek, so can't tell you. It is very nice, though.
Not sure why an above poster is acting like the Buffalo is the Wild West. It's a nice float. Like anywhere, it can get sporty if flooding.
Not enough room for beer on either trip. Take booze for a nice evening drink. Otherwise, drink water.
Not sure why an above poster is acting like the Buffalo is the Wild West. It's a nice float. Like anywhere, it can get sporty if flooding.
Not enough room for beer on either trip. Take booze for a nice evening drink. Otherwise, drink water.
Posted on 4/3/17 at 9:36 pm to 257WBY
quote:
Not sure why an above poster is acting like the Buffalo is the Wild West.
I'm not sure anyone said that. But the Buffalo River, AR >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Black Creek, MS. There's no debate in that.
If things go south in South MS, you can walk out. If things go south in NW Arkansas, you'll be flown out.
Posted on 4/3/17 at 9:49 pm to 257WBY
quote:
Not enough room for beer on either trip
6 of us did a 2 night 3 day trip down the buffalo. We drank beer the entire time
Posted on 4/3/17 at 10:11 pm to LSUengr
One thing I would add is make sure you are camping on Park service land, MS has very different laws than LA as to who owns riverbank.
Posted on 4/4/17 at 6:12 am to LSUengr
We do it every year. Myself, about 6-8 buddies and 6 dogs. 3 days 2 nights. Everyone in their own canoe.
I've caught one bream the past 3 years. Not the best canoe trip fishing.
Launch as early as possible the first day. The trip can easily be done in 3 days but you can get caught up having fun on the sand bars. Creek gets wide before the end and the sandbars dwindle. Keep going on that second day. The best sandbars are about 2hours out from the fairly bridge takeout. That will allow you to take your time on the last morning.
Also, it's really easy to miss the takeout at fairly bridge (it's well past the actual bridge tucked in the trees on the right). Take your time and spread your boats out.
The guys at black creek canoe are pretty good. Very helpful, you just gotta ask. Verizon gets the best service there. AT&T is just about useless the last half of the trip.
We're looking forward to our trip first weekend in June. Good luck.
ETA: Here's some pics from past trips.
I've caught one bream the past 3 years. Not the best canoe trip fishing.
Launch as early as possible the first day. The trip can easily be done in 3 days but you can get caught up having fun on the sand bars. Creek gets wide before the end and the sandbars dwindle. Keep going on that second day. The best sandbars are about 2hours out from the fairly bridge takeout. That will allow you to take your time on the last morning.
Also, it's really easy to miss the takeout at fairly bridge (it's well past the actual bridge tucked in the trees on the right). Take your time and spread your boats out.
The guys at black creek canoe are pretty good. Very helpful, you just gotta ask. Verizon gets the best service there. AT&T is just about useless the last half of the trip.
We're looking forward to our trip first weekend in June. Good luck.
ETA: Here's some pics from past trips.
This post was edited on 4/4/17 at 7:03 am
Posted on 4/4/17 at 6:29 am to cave canem
quote:
One thing I would add is make sure you are camping on Park service land, MS has very different laws than LA as to who owns riverbank.
We never camp on park service land. The sandbars on private land are much nicer and cleaner. The land owners know people canoe the creek. Just leave their land like you found it. No one will be coming out the woods chasing you off with a shotgun....
Posted on 4/4/17 at 7:39 am to CajunCommander
quote:
We never camp on park service land. The sandbars on private land are much nicer and cleaner. The land owners know people canoe the creek. Just leave their land like you found it. No one will be coming out the woods chasing you off with a shotgun....
Never had an issue myself, but do know someone who has.
No shotguns involved, just trespassing tickets.
OP just needs to be aware, the choice is his.
Posted on 4/4/17 at 8:23 am to CajunCommander
Again, thx for all the good info. I knew the OB would come thru with plenty of guys who had done the float. Nice pics.
Posted on 4/4/17 at 8:36 am to cave canem
quote:
Never had an issue myself, but do know someone who has.
No shotguns involved, just trespassing tickets.
OP just needs to be aware, the choice is his.
On this particular creek there is tons of canoe traffic during the summer. The creek is within a national forest, so if there's no signage then there's no way to know if you're on private land or not. I guess it's possible for there to be that one pissed off one somewhere along the creek but in my experience if the landowner hasn't posted signs then you're not going to have any trouble. If they have, just move on.
Page 1 of 2
Popular
Back to top
Follow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News