Illinois Bayou
Bayou Bluff to Hector (4.3 miles)
| Difficulty | II |
| Length | 4.1 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 15 fpm |
| Gauge | Illinois Bayou Near Scottsville, Ar |
| Flow Rate as of 29 minutes | 7.01 ftrunnable |
| Reach Info Last Updated | June 1, 2021 |
River Description
Steady moving water with plenty of class 2 water throughout. Very scenic steep hills and small 'bluffs' line the shores. A couple hazards of note....Approx half way through where the Bayou is thin and fairly shallow there is a right hand turn where the flow has washed out the roots of several trees causing them to fall nearly perfectly horizontal into a line of strainers right where the flow wants to push your boat. There is a large gravel bar on the opposite site that makes for an easy short portage if so desired. At higher water levels where more of the gravel bar is covered this isn't as problematic if you stay far left. On the last rapid, noticeable by the noise you can hear well in advance and the break across the horizon, stay towards river left if the Bayou is less than 8 feet and you don't desire to drop onto a large boulder. Defintely not a beginner run. For those familiar with the Big Piney float from Longpool that is popular in that area, imagine a float like that only with the rapids common in the first mile consistent throughout.
River Features
Put In
Take Out
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportShortly after the swimming hole near the hwy there is currently a 3 way split (35°30'45.3'N 92°58'01.9'W). Doesn't appear any are great options. Both left and right have large trees blocking the path. Middle has the least amount of water. Short portage may be necessary.
Floated Memorial Day 2021. Water level was right (7.6') and weather was suitable enough. Did a little bit of fishing and my 13 year old managed one nice smallmouth bass. Probably one of my favorite floats in Arkansas, if you like less traffic.
Made it alright 9/3/20 with a sit on top. Water ~8 feet @ Scottsville. You can head North at the middle fork bridge just past Bayou Bluff campground and the reasonably maintained dirt road closely parallels the Bayou. Lots of launch points and its easy to monitor the water and rapids. I only went about 1/4 mile. Was dragging every rapid on the middle fork. Wouldn't launch on middle fork less than 8'.
Paddled on 5/25/20 at 7.6 ft. River was above zero, but low. Another group on river with sit-on-tops & SUP, having fun. Fun class I & II rapids, frequent enough to keep one interested. HOWEVER, about 1/4 mile before takeout at Rt. 27 bridge (near Hector) there is a challenging Class III rapid. It was a read-and-run for us. On approach, notice louder than usual whitewater sounds, and distinct horizon line across river. Starts with a 2 or 3 ft. drop with grabby bottom. There are 'soft spots' in horizon line so you can avoid a straight drop into boil. This is followed by about 75 yards of very busy Class III-ish whitewater to negotiate. What a fun rapid to finish off an otherwise leisure trip. (A couple of the sit-on-top paddlers took a beating.) Scott Gravatt
Near Bayou Bluff
Near Bayou Bluff