July 7, 2019
Again this year the family vacation found us settling in for a long weekend in the cabins at Echo Bluff State Park. And again we opted for a Friday Current River float trip. This year, however, we decided on the next traditional leg and launched from Pulltite Access and ended the float at Round Spring. The 9-mile float turned out to be an incredibly scenic and worthwhile float. It was also easy enough for our group that included some first time paddlers and young children.
Getting There
Our group of 19 used a local outfitter for our adventure. Carr’s Canoe Rental got the call for our Current River float trip, and they were exceptional. They sent a bus to pick us up right at our cabins, and arrived promptly at 8:15 as promised. From there we took the 15-20 minute drive to Pulltite Access where they set us up with clean and newer kayaks and canoes. They provided adequate flotation devices for everyone and couldn’t have been more friendly. For more information on Carr’s, check out their website:
The Float
The river conditions were perfect, high enough to move us along at a good pace but not too high where it was dangerous. We also did not have to get out and drag anywhere, even if it was close a time or two. The spring-fed water is cold, refreshing on a hot day but far from the bath tub water of the lower Meremec. We spent plenty of time wading and not much time swimming, even on a sunny day in the upper 80’s. We went on a Friday so the river was certainly not crowded, but other floaters were present. There was plenty of room and time to relax on a gravel bar to find a snack or cool off in the shade.
Pulltite Spring
A highlight of our Current River float trip came very early in the float, just .08 in when we pulled over at Pulltite Spring. Be sure to watch for the sign on the right and pull off, it is totally worth the stop. A trail follows the spring branch up a ways alongside interesting rock formations and streamside vegetation. Just before reaching the spring, there is an old cabin built sometime around 1913. I can only imagine the wonders enjoyed in the area by those who used to stay in that place. The spring itself is just another 50 yards past this, and it appears to be gushing out from under large cliff. I’m just glad that we didn’t race on by this spring and I look forward to seeing it again next time.
The Fishing
Well if Pulltite Spring was a highlight, then fishing was the lowlight. The 3 fisherman in the group had to share time with everyone else, but as mentioned we had plenty of opportunity to work over interesting holes and rapids. We tried all sorts of popular baits large and small, and in the end only had a few smallmouth bass and and lone rock bass to show for our efforts. That is two years in a row that we have struggled to solve the fish of the Current River, but we will be back.
End of Float
After passing Sinking Creek on the left, the river seemed to pick up pace and the last mile and half to Round Spring went quickly. We pulled off in the heavy current to the ramp at Round Springs, located just shy of the Highway 19 Bridge over the river. Our 2019 Current River float trip kept us on the river only 5 1/2 hours, but it was memorable and we will repeat that exact float in the future. The crew from Carr’s Canoe Rental was there to help us out, and they waited while we did some shopping at the store and settled up with the man at the counter. The bus dropped us off right at our cabins after a short 10 minute ride back to Echo Bluff. Already we are making plans for 2020, and you can bet they include another Current River float trip.
Our 2018 float was documented here:
