Tye

'Minimums' are often a function of the boat you're paddling and your expectations. We ran this from 654 to Rucker Run on August 18, 2020 at 60 cfs and had just enough water for an enjoyable float in a tandem touring canoe. A few scrapes unavoidable, but no dragging required. The takeout at Rucker Run is a steep, brambly mess, though.

We ran this stretch today from US 29 through the confluence to the Wingina boat ramp on the James below JRSP. The Tye was at 341cfs when we put on and 304 cfs when we took out. I think it would have been perfect with just a little more water to pad a few of the rough places. I wouldn't recommend this run below 300 cfs because you need the extra water to get you to the confluence in a timely fashon. At this level, most of the river was made up of class 2 wavetrains with several nice class 3 spots in between. This stretch is fast, secluded and fun. Total run time was @7 hours with a couple of extended breaks.

At the begining of June 2011 we did this run at 76cfs and it wasn't bad. Did it in my Old Town 158 and had no problems and the fishing is GREAT !!!

Paddled the Tye today. At put it, it was flowing about 175 cfm. I wouldn't want to paddle much lower. I'd bet 200 cfw is perfect. Nice river, caught plenty of fish, though all were small. Good with kids in open boats with knowlegdeable paddlers. Access for rescue would be limited, so be prepared. We saw one pinned boat, which they were able to free. Bad move on the one large undercut rock we saw.

Paddled the Tye today. At put it, it was flowing about 175 cfm. I wouldn't want to paddle much lower. I'd bet 200 cfw is perfect. Nice river, caught plenty of fish, though all were small. Good with kids in open boats with knowlegdeable paddlers. Access for rescue would be limited, so be prepared. We saw one pinned boat, which they were able to free. Bad move on the one large undercut rock we saw.

We paddled the lower Tye on 7-2-2006 at 180 cfs - very nice in an open canoe - would be fun in a kayak. We paddled it in ww-kayaks on 7-7-2006 at 120 cfs - scraped a bit in several places - I would not recommend the river at 120 cfs or below.

Water was about 6 inches below the bridge ledge on 739. Good fishing.

Virginia Canoeing legend and pioneer, Bob Whaley, receives his medal from Connie Roussos after the 2006 Nelson County Downriver Race.