Ouachita River — Pencil Bluff to Rocky Shoals: Water Level Today — Can You Paddle It?
Ouachita River · Class II · Arkansas
Current verdict
Too low to paddle
Not enough water to float well — expect scraping and walking. Wait for rain or a dam release.
USGS gauge 07356000 · updated Jul 9, 8:45 AM UTC
7-day flow trend
Section facts
- Difficulty
- Class II
- Length
- 8 mi
- Float time
- ~4.5 hr
- Best months
- March–July
- Put-in
- Pencil Bluff (Hwy 88)
- Take-out
- Rocky Shoals Access
Reading USGS gauge 07356000 — Ouachita River near Mount Ida, AR ↗ · runnable range is an estimate (see methodology)
FAQ
What water level is good for paddling Ouachita River — Pencil Bluff to Rocky Shoals?
This section is generally runnable at 100–1,500 cfs (a conservative estimate — see our methodology). Below that it gets too low and bony; well above the top of the range it becomes pushy and then dangerous. We compare the live USGS reading to that range to produce today's verdict.
How do I check Ouachita River levels?
We read USGS gauge 07356000 — the same public data USGS publishes — about every 30 minutes and compare it to the runnable range for this reach. You can also view the raw gauge yourself at waterdata.usgs.gov.
Is Ouachita River — Pencil Bluff to Rocky Shoals good for beginners?
This section is rated Class II. At good levels it suits confident beginners and up, but it can have riffles or small rapids. Scout anything you can't see, and stay off it at high water.
When is the best time to paddle Ouachita River here?
Typically March–July, when flows are most reliable for this section. Spring can run high after rain or snowmelt; late summer can drop too low. Always check today's gauge reading rather than assuming.
How long does it take to float Ouachita River — Pencil Bluff to Rocky Shoals?
This reach is about 8 miles, roughly 4.5 hours at a relaxed pace. Higher water is faster; low water and headwinds are slower. Add time for stops.