The best kayaking/canoeing water extends from St. Rd. 37 downstream (west) to the St. Rd. 145 bridge.
Between St. Rd. 37 and the Grimes Lake Landing the Patoka River is actually a fast little, winding river that is an excellent float from April to the first week of July. After that it is too dry. This stretch needs lots of rain to make it a go.
Grimes Lake to Co. Rd. 450 S. (Ethyl Road) the Patoka Reservoir backwaters change the character of the Patoka River from a stream to lake backwaters with the current changing from subtle to not detectable as you proceed downstream. However, the reservoir backwater area is an outstanding fishery. Just upstream of Grimes Lake Landing a log jam must be negotiated. The log jam, around Grimes Lake Landing, at the Ethyl Road Bridge, Dumplin Branch, and all feeder streams coming into the river are excellent fishing. Stumps are everywhere and where the timber is adjacent to channels and ditches are the best locations for fish.
In warmer weather, from Walls Lake landing on down is also very good swimming water.
Plan on taking a full day as there is so much to see and do along the way.
ratings are based on a scale of 1 to 3
Challenge Level: 2
Duration: 4-7 hours to 2 days
Wilderness Experience: 3
Water Speed 2
Age Suitability: 10 and up
County Road 110 to C.R. 450 Bridge
Challenge Level: 3 (logs)
Duration: 4 hours
Wilderness Experience: 3
Age Suitability: 13 and up
$80 per Solo
$70 for shuttle only