Low water on the Selway River

[@todddaugherty110]

We had an early season permit for the Selway in '02 that was right after a planned Middle Fork trip. Both were below 1'. Everyone bailed on the Middle Fork but no one was going to bail on the Selway. The guy I went with (Jerry) had a fat Jack's Plastic Cat that we rigged up for tandem rowing. Everyone told us every tandem boat they had ever seen was a disaster. Though the rest bailed on the MF, we decided to do it on our own as a shakedown cruise for the Selway. We made it work... and work well. The reason was that I was relatively new to it and was on the stern oars. All I did was mimic exactly what Jerry did and by the time we were halfway down, we made that Cat dance. We even got applause at Haystack from a couple of outfitters on Sweep Boats. When everyone gathered for the Selway it was 0.9' at Paradise. On the first day, the group spent more time in the river dragging boats over rocks than on the river rowing. By the second day, enough creeks have entered to make the float more tolerable. The only bony spot was just before the confluence with Moose Creek (under the foot bridge) where the river spreads out.... it is always bony there. In five year's time, we snagged 3 more elusive permits for this wondrous spot. Where most do the short 47 miles in 3-5 days, we take 7 and have two layover days.... you want to spend as much time as possible as you may never get another permit again.

[@spokanetrish]

I know EXACTLY where you are with all that "high water" wood!! We have camped the Selway for over 30 years...my very favorite place in the US ;-) WOW! such low water, and your still in Heaven!

[@willydidwhat]

Thanks for posting! What was the reading at Paradise for this trip?

[@jimbouldin9164]

0.8, beginning of video...