Oswegatchie

[swampblaze]

Headed to the Oswegatchie river begining of May 2006. Anyone know about river water levels? Is the ice gone?

[Jeff]

Going back in probably Memorial week-end. I've seen the river drop over a foot in two days, depending on rain and what not. Canoed through a lot of the headwaters. Talk about serenity! Most folks never go past High Falls. It's more than worth it.

[Glen L]

Oswegatchie levels

Ran it yesterday after paddle & carry across from Low's. Water is down to almost summer levels but still very navigable. We've had a nice slow all-day rain here today w/ same predicted for Sunday so it may even rise ?
Lots of blowdown above High Falls requiring lift overs. Beaverdams also.
Bring your headnet !
Ice is outta rivers well before lakes & Low's was clear
Enjoy !

[Wldrns]

Going back in probably Memorial week-end. I've seen the river drop over a foot in two days, depending on rain and what not. Canoed through a lot of the headwaters. Talk about serenity! Most folks never go past High Falls. It's more than worth it.

Try turning left after the carry and head upstream. You'll run into an increasing maze of headwater source channels and beaverdams, almost one every boat length apart (so it seems after the first 30 or so).

[swampblaze]

Is the Buck brook lean-to still there and accesible from Oswegatchie???

[Glen L]

Yes it is, as are 2 others @ High Falls & the Griffin rapids leanto

[ALGonquin Bob]

ice out

The Racquette has been running ice-free for quite a while. I paddled Lower Saranac last weekend which was completely ice free as well. While the Oswegatche will be running swift and clean, your main concern should be the dirt access road that leads to "inlet", which can be quite soft and muddy this time of year, and a problem to drive back up on your way out.

[swampblaze]

Black Flies

Are the balck flies out yet?? what's the expected hatch date?

[Glen L]

Blackflies have already made their appearance here on the lower Oswegatchie. Normally they're not bothersome inside blue line until May 7th +/- but I'd guess they'll be about earlier this season
BTW, recent rains have water levels back to seasonal norms & Inlet Rd is in excellent condition.
Enjoy ! (but don't forget that headnet)

[swampblaze]

Thanks to everyone for the great info. We head out from Long Island tommorrow afternoon and put onto the river on Saturday morning. Hopefully the weather cooperates>