On Tuesday Hans Geyer & I floated down from Oxbow Dam to the campground. We wanted to check out the various fishing areas at the top of the club and also the North Fork of the Middle Fork which is where the club begins. Denny Freidig drove us to the Dam launch point. I had just delivered Denny his new Renegade float tube so he wanted to try it in the lake before making the run. Pictures were taken as we entered the cold water. Actually the water felt good with the hot weather.

One of the first rapid you hit is called “Good Morning”. It’s named that because early morning rafters get to enjoy a considerable splash of icy cold water. We made it through even though we were both getting used to maneuvering our float tubes. I was using my Scadden Renegade and Hans was using a Water Slider. Even though I don’t have a lot of experience in whitewater I felt very confident in my Scadden Renegade. It allows you to sit high in the water and is very stale with the large pontoons. Some of the waves were over four feet high and my float tube easily floated right through them. Really, the Renegade is one great whitewater float tube. It is rated for a level five rapid (Tunnel Chute) which is more than I would ever try. The box car rapid was easily maneuvered by us. Hans took the shallow course and I ran the white water on the far side of the river. Next came the American Bar run. I started down first and made it easily over the top part of the run. Hans passed me midway down and handled the bottom of the run masterfully. At this point I was feeling very confident and in spite of the white water it seemed like a pleasant float down the river. We pulled into the campground and uncapped a cold beer. I considered going back for another run but had other things I needed to do.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We both learned a few things while doing this float. One was attaching a leash so that if you flip your float tube won’t float away. Next time I will be wearing my GoPro camera. I will also add an anchor. Now I am looking at making a run down to the Cathedral and beyond. This new method of traveling along the river is very exciting for me. There are more than a few areas I have been wanting to fish but could reach. I can even see doing a two day float down to “Ruck A Chucky”. The Renegade has opened up a who new way to enjoy fly fishing. I am looking forward to doing a float down the Trinity this fall and stopping along the way to swing some flies.

Please feel free to e-mail or call me regarding the Renegade or the float.