Canadian River,

US 287 bridge play spot

US 287 bridge play spot
Photo by david brauer taken 1224043200 @ 900 cfs

Gauge Information

River Description

Just upstream of the US 287 bridge a high water channel joins the main river channel. The high water channel has created a sandbar that extends into the main channel. The edge of this sandbar creates an eddyline like feature that can be utilized for stern squirts and bow stalls. Feature is accessed from river left.

The US 287 has two concrete supoprts. Both bridge supports create eddy lines that are good for stern squirts, bow stalls and other eddy line play boating activities. The river right side of the downstream support is not very friendly due to the USGS gage equipment. These eddy lines are good at 900 cfs and above. Play may be possible at lower flows.

At 3000 cfs, compression waves form adjacent to the downstream bridge support. The first wave is breaking and surfable. About 50 yards downstream of bridge is another set of waves that may be surfable on the fly.

At 3000 cfs and above, the river is bank full, creating few eddies and those eddies that exist are not well formed.

At 900 cfs and above, the water is very silty, like boating in chocolate milk.