[garytcosta]

Hey all!
The wife & I are planning a Lower River trip towards the end of July (the 21th-25th). It would be our first trip with the boat to that area of the river. Looking for advice on best places to launch (The Cove, McIntyre Park, etc.)
Advice on whether the water above I10 (Water Wheel, Lost Lake, Aha Quinn) or below I10 (Desitny, McIntyre Park & below) is better or easier to navigate that time of year.
Also places along the river that are good hangout spots (I've read here about Goose Flats) as well as stuff to avoid (hazards).


We'll be there a few days so I was hoping during that time I could learn a bit about the river & her peculiarities in preparation for future trips, and as well as have a bit fun in the process.
Besides that, anyone planning on being down there around that time?  It would be great to hook up with some fellow jet boaters.
Thanks,
Gary

[78Southwind]

I have boated both above the 10 freeway and below the 10 freeway. I personally like Lost Lake for the North side of the Dam and McIntyre for the South side of the Dam. The problem is finding a place to stay. I stayed in a 5th wheel at Lost Lake and a mobile home at McIntyre and it was bitchen. If you call the local stores you may be able to get a hold of someone that will rent you a trailer or mobile. I have also stayed at the local flea bag hotels (they are ok if you're spending most of your time on the water). Also, staying in parker at the Blue Water Casino isn't that bad either, it's only a 30 minute drive to Lost Lake if you take Angnes Wilson Rd to cross the river from AZ to CA. I haven't been out that way for a while so others may have some other ideas for you.

Lost Lake is cool because they have the Saturday Night Drags (at least they use to).

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They would also have a band on the big weekends. They have fuel at Lost Lake but you might want to call to make sure they have 91 Octane if that is what you run.

One of the launch ramps is in a cove and is protected so you don't have to launch into moving water.

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Just down river there is a nice sandy beach.

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There is also a nice cove just past the three bends in the river that everyone hangs out at (if the waters low you will have to walk your boat in).

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There is also some nice beaches up river.[attachimg=6]



My best trip has been a day trip from McIntyre to Fishers. It's about a 65 / 70 mile trip each way though. I have always wanted to do a week trip from McIntyre to Fishers. Stay at McIntyre for a couple days then camp for 2 days and then stay in Fishers for 2 days then head back up to McIntyre. There are several boat-in only camping sites on the way to Fishers from McIntyre. We went on a week day which was a Monday since they only have gas at Walters Camp Thursday through Monday.

McIntyre also has a launch ramp which is also in a cove so you don't have to worry about the current. They also have fuel.

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[dat1evo]

Hoping to get my kona out soon! My lab ready!

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[78Southwind]

You can go up river from McIntyre a couple miles and there some cool sandbars. The water is pretty warm too perfect for a night float down river back to McIntyre.

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Once you go past the 10 Freeway in my opinion it gets a little dicy with a couple trees sticking out of the water and very shallow areas. But the Sandbars are really nice. I have made it to the dam but the water level was pretty much knee high where I took this picture.

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[Shocker_04]

78southwind pretty much explained everything you need to know. We may be out there that weekend as well. We keep our trailer at the Cove. I'll definitely keep in touch with you on this thread as that weekend gets closer.

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[JordanDangerfield]

Great info 78Southwind! I love Blythe.


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[Kroggy3771]

I'll be out there as well with about 8 other boats. We all know blythe very well and can help as well


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[garytcosta]

78southwind pretty much explained everything you need to know. We may be out there that weekend as well. We keep our trailer at the Cove. I'll definitely keep in touch with you on this thread as that weekend gets closer.

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Shocker, thanks for the 2nd on 78Southwind's info. Yeah let's keep in touch... Looking forward to seeing you out there.
Gary

[garytcosta]

I'll be out there as well with about 8 other boats. We all know blythe very well and can help as well


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I'm wondering if there is a typical time of day when the water is highest?  I know it probably varies on different parts of the river, but is there a rule of thumb or a way know when the the water will be up or down?

[Kroggy3771]

I'm wondering if there is a typical time of day when the water is highest?  I know it probably varies on different parts of the river, but is there a rule of thumb or a way know when the the water will be up or down?

Typically from what I have seen is the water starts rising mid morning!!! We usually launch out of Riviera which is now the Cove and we base launching our boats off the water level at the launch ramp. I have never had an issue tho in blythe with water level. It's all about reading the channel


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[garytcosta]

Typically from what I have seen is the water starts rising mid morning!!! We usually launch out of Riviera which is now the Cove and we base launching our boats off the water level at the launch ramp. I have never had an issue tho in blythe with water level. It's all about reading the channel


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When you say reading the channel, is that gauging the current speed, or water volume? (i.e. faster current means more water being released from PV?) or am I way off?

[Shocker_04]

Usually Fridays are pretty low, sometimes I won't even launch. Then it starts coming up and pretty good sat morning by around 10. 2 weeks ago Friday was really good and sat it was higher than usual it seemed. So.... it varies but other than Friday, the weekends are pretty good.

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[Shocker_04]

Like kroggy said,  best way to tell is the Coves launch ramp. If you can see the rocks on the right...... it's still too low lol.

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[garytcosta]

78southwind pretty much explained everything you need to know. We may be out there that weekend as well. We keep our trailer at the Cove. I'll definitely keep in touch with you on this thread as that weekend gets closer.

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Shocker_04,
We got to Blythe this morning. Going to be here all week trying out different parts of the river.  You still going to be out here this weekend?
Anybody else??