Okatoma Creek
Seminary to Lux (19 miles)(MS HWY 590 to Lux)
| Difficulty | I-II |
| Length | 15.1 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 10 fpm |
| Gauge | Okatoma Creek at Sanford, Ms |
| Flow Rate as of 51 minutes | 116 cfsbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | February 15, 2004 |
The full length run has seven 'waterfalls' & several waves.
According to Kayak 111 'You may not think it, but there is a whitwater creek in Mississippi! It is the Okatoma creek, it offers three class I falls and chutes. If the water is right, surfing is possible. The trip can be completed in three and one half hours. It depends on how much time you spend swimming in the water. If you live near by it is certainly worth the drive.'
Jun 17, 2024
Creek is runnable at 87 CFS. There are numerous downed trees, but there is little concern about getting through. The creek is crowded from the put-in until 7 miles in when the outfitter kayaks begin their take-out. After that, it is quite quiet and peaceful.
After the 7 mile point, the current becomes almost non-existent in many places and becomes a hard paddle in slow water. In a Jackson All Star and hard paddling, the trip was completed in 5 hours. This did include a stop for lunch.
The owner (John) of the property at the bridge by the take-out is friendly and amenable to kayakers, he is also the owner of John's Bar and Grill.
Apr 22, 2013
J Palys running 3rd falls from river right.
@ 600 cfs
Apr 22, 2013
J Palys reentering the second falls
@ 600cfs
Apr 22, 2013
@ 600 cfs
Liquid Logic Remix XP10.
Apr 22, 2013
3rd falls @ 600cfs
Apr 22, 2013
D_Palys at 3rd Falls @ 600cfs
Aug 18, 2012
The canoe rental at Sanford says good levels for floating are 7-10 ft. at the Sanford bridge gauge. Floated upper section today at 8.50 ft. and that level is just about perfect.
Aug 18, 2012
River level about 8.50 on Sanford gauge.
Jan 1, 1900
The Okatoma River is mostly flat or slow current, but has 3 little waterfalls that can be classified as class 1. If the river runs high they can approach Class 2.
