Colorado River Trip
Columbus, TX
May 19, 2007

Trip Description:

This will be a leisurely float trip down a scenic (Class I) section of the Colorado River, at Columbus, TX. This section is occasionally called the Columbus Loop. The trip will cover approximately 6.1 miles of river and includes two islands, two sets of light rapids, and a creek that flows into the river halfway through the trip.

We will enter the river from the dock at Howell’s Canoe Livery and take out at Beason’s Park. Estimated float time is 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the water flow and the fishing. If the water is clear it will be a great time to try for bass on the fly rod. If the water is muddy go for the catfish. (Bring both rods and decide that morning.) Cummins Creek empties into the Colorado along the way. It offers great fishing and easy exploring.

Howell's is providing a meeting area in the morning and a ferry service back to the launch area in the afternoon. We'll use the meeting area before the launch to enjoy coffee and kolaches and a safety briefing on river navigation. And we'll come back there in the afternnon for some relaxation and a lunch snack before heading home.

River Conditions: This portion of the Colorado River is considered as a light Class I river. It is mostly flat with two short sections of light rapids. However, a strong south wind can cause the river to become choppy and difficult to navigate (What is a PACK trip without a little wind! This is a consideration over two sections approximately a mile each.)

If the river stage in Columbus exceeds 15.5 feet, we will call off the float trip for safety reasons. Do not start the trip if you are uncomfortable with the water conditions.

You can check the current river stage by clicking on the following site and looking down the list for "Colorado River at Columbus": http://www.lcra.org/water/XML_lower.html

Wildlife Found Along the River: Bird life abounds along the river. The most visible are the kingfishers, herons, and egrets. There are also several pairs of American bald eagles that frequent the area. Though mainly nocturnal, there is a healthy population of beavers that inhabit this section of water. Other wildlife found along the river includes raccoons, opossums, skunks, squirrels, fox, nutria, snakes, turtles and deer.

A Little History:

The Colorado River is approximately 600 river miles long and is considered one of the great rivers of Texas. One of the first settlements along the river was Columbus, established in 1823. There is a rich history within this town and the river that surrounds it. As you travel along this section of the river, you will pass the old low water bridge and the remains of "The Wall". While doing so, try to visualize the many ferry crossings and the paddle wheelers that were once common place. In the mid-1800's there was a castle (Robson's Castle) built along the banks of the river, complete with a moat and running water. Allow yourself extra time to explore Cummins creek as you paddle under the trees in this peaceful body of water.

Leader:

Milton Robertson (Click here to send message,  281.491.2622 Cell 281.731.2820).

Date/Time:

Saturday, May 19, 2007

Arrival time: 8:00 AM. Depart Howell’s Canoe Livery approximately 9:00 AM. This one hour allows us to:

• unload and prepare our kayaks
• enjoy coffee and kolaches before the launch
• hold a safety briefing on river conditions and navigating the minor rapids.

Take out time will be planned as 12:00 noon (approximately).

After loading and securing our kayaks we can relax and enjoy a lunch snack before starting back home. All should be on the road by 2:00 PM.

How to Sign Up:

If you want to go, use the auto enroll featur at the top of this description and your name will automatically be included in list below if you decide you can't make it you can unenroll by clicking the link above in the trip description.  You may also contact the trip leader (or sign up at a monthly meeting) and provide: name, email address and phone number (preferably cell phone).

How to Get There:

Columbus, TX is approximately 75 miles (1.5 Hours) West of Houston on I-10. For Map Quest directions and map to the destination (804 Robson St, Columbus, TX, 78934) click here.

What to Pack/Bring:

The following are not optional (rather mandatory):

• Common Sense
• PFD (worn at all times)
• River shoes (worn at all times)
• Change of dry clothing
• Thirst quenching drink (water, sports drink, no alcohol)
• Water tight containers secured to the watercraft (for food and clothing).
• Litter bags for trash (leave only tracks behind)
• Never take glass on the river
• Protect yourself from the elements (ex. sunscreen)
• Use a strap to secure glasses

 

Also bring your favorite paddling/fishing gear plus appropriate food/drinks. A VHF radio or pair of the GMRS/FRS radios would be helpful for keeping in touch (VHF tune to channel 69). Cell phones may not work on the river.

See Standard PACKing List for other items to consider. But remember we will be fishing in fresh water primarily for bass and catfish so plan your fishing tackle accordingly.

Accommodations:

Howell’s Canoe Livery is our starting point. The area is relatively secure (as compared to a public boat ramp) with a restroom, meeting room, and a good launch point. They rent canoes and kayaks also, so this is a good time to bring the ‘yakless friend who wants to try the sport. Howell’s can also rent you the items that you may have forgotten (PFD or a paddle). See their website for rental fees: http://www.howellcanoe.com .

You are on your own to get there. (Contact Leader if special arrangements need to be made.) However, Howell’s will provide us with a ferry service from the take out back to our cars. This is for our bodies only (no kayaks). The trip is a short 10 minute ride. We pick up our cars and then go pick up our kayaks. This eliminates time consuming multiple loading and tie down time. Of course, we will leave one or two people behind to guard the kayaks/canoes while the others are ferried back to their cars.

Expenses/Fees:

A $5.00 fee will be collected prior to the trip. This will cover the expense of the ferry service and proposed snacks. Any overages will be returned to participants.

Fishing Options:

For the light tackle/fly fisherman, test your skills on the white and Guadalupe bass that inhabit the river. The best time to catch these is when the water is clear. Catfish (channel, blue, and flat head) are more readily caught in the spring and fall. The best time for catfish is when the water is muddy. During the summer, it is not uncommon to see alligator gar coming to the surface near "The Wall", some which exceed 100 pounds.

Trip Report:

Saturday morning, May 19th dawned, bright and clear. The temperature would get into the low 80’s and the wind held below 10 MPH. The Colorado River was flowing in the high 10 to low 11 foot range according to the gauge. The weather could not have been any better. The only improvement to be made would have been in water clarity. But that was not to be. It looked like our gang of paddlers would have to settle for mud cats or nothing.

Eleven yaks left the dock at Howell’s Canoe Livery at 9:30 AM. This would have been a fast trip if we had not taken our time enjoying the sites and casting a few lures. The water flow carried us between 3 and 4 mph. That made fishing easy. You could concentrate on fishing instead of paddling. Most of the eleven paddlers only paddled to correct their position in the current or to position themselves to cast a lure into a fishy looking spot.

The river was a pleasure to float. The two rapids were really pleasant ripples. Rocks did lie below the surface but the river was of sufficient height that clearing them was not a problem. No bottom dragging on this trip. We even got to go about a mile up Cummins Creek before the water depth became a problem.

For those of you who made the trip last year, it was young Kevin McNeff’s first kayak experience. This trip he paddled his OWN kayak and paddled the entire 6 miles. Thanks to all who help our young people develop and grow in this wonderful sport!

Unfortunately, the fish won on this trip. Only one small bass was caught by Dad McNeff. We were not beaten for lack of effort. The fly rods were in full force as were the spinning rigs and bait casters. The water was just too thick with slit from the recent rains.

After enjoying a leisurely float, we exited the river at Beason Park around 2:00 PM. This stretch of the river has been declared a paddling trail by TPWD. Did you notice the new loading area? Thanks TPWD.

Upon returning to Howell’s Canoe Livery, we were treated to a wonderful lunch of a premium quality chopped beef from Tom’s Ribs of San Antonio along with a fruit and vegetable tray. Chips, two cakes and cola rounded out the meal. (A special thanks to Tom’s Ribs for the meat and to V.J. Nichols for all the hard work and hospitality.)

The PACK paddlers were:

John S.
Ken J.
The McNeff Family
Christi M.
Buzz B.
Milton R.

Guest included:

Santiago M. from Victoria
Gary G. from Sealy
Chuck O. from Sealy

The PACK paddlers were recognized on the river by several other groups. Many of them had observed the new website and expressed interest in joining us next year if not sooner.

Thanks to Frank, Evelyn and their son Levi of Howell’s Canoe Livery for the use of your wonderful facilities. The PACK group loved your place.
Remember that we are all ambassadors for the sport and the club. Conduct yourself as such at all times; you never know who is watching you.

Smooth, clear water, cool breezes and tight lines to all.

Milton R.

 Click here to viw the photos