Saline River Conditions
and Guide
For up to date Saline River conditions near Benton, Click and scroll down to the graphs for the height and flow.
detailed descriptions are below.
Float trips available when water levels are between 3.5-6ft.
All paddling times given are approximate and will vary according to weather, & water condition.
See below for details.
3.5ft or 92 cf/s and below—Low
Hey let’s face it If you are floating the river at this level you either are a true river rat or you missed out on all the action. But don’t fret fun can still be had, just know what you’re getting into. It’s probably the middle of summer, it’s hot, the river is low and you’re going to have to work, expect to drag the shoals and paddle the pools.
We suggest Peeler Bend to Lyle Park (4 miles/2-3 hours) or Lyle Park to Cherry Gingle’s (4 miles/2-3 hours–temporarily closed).
3.6-4ft or 92-355 cf/s—Typical
This seems to be the resting level of the Saline. You can expect this range “most of the year,” but don’t hold me to that. At this level dragging is minimal, if any. The water is usually clear and great for fishing, swimming and exploring.
We offer canoes and kayaks from Paul Wright to Lyle Park (9 miles/4-6 hours) and Peeler Bend to Lyle Park (4 miles/2-3 hours).
4.1-5ft or 355-1030 cf/s—Optimum
This is it—if you’re floating the river at this range you either know what’s up or you’re just lucky. At this level expect swifter currents and quick turns. Good boat control comes into play; some folks prefer sit on top kayaks at this level.
We offer canoes and kayaks from Paul Wright to Lyle Park (9 miles/4-6 hours) and Peeler Bend to Lyle Park (4 miles/2-3 hours).
5.1-5.5ft or 1030-1310 cf/s—Highish
If you’re renting with us at this level you have likely convinced me that you’re up to the challenge. I will probably say something like experienced only and no 3rd person in a canoe, we may require you take sit on top kayaks. The farm bridge at this level will require a duck—not the bird—literally you will have to duck. For all you techies the coordinates for the bridge are latitude 34.6003 longitude -92.6192.
We offer kayaks from Paul Wright to Lyle Park (9 miles/4-6 hours) and Peeler Bend to Lyle Park (4 miles/2-3 hours); canoes based on experience.
5.6-6ft or 1310-1620 cf/s—High water route
In this range she’s a scooting along at a pretty good clip and the water is likely to be cloudy. The farm bridge on our normal route has eaten more boats than I care to talk about so to prevent it from eating you and our boats we offer the high water route in sit on top kayaks. Hazards include: strong currents and strainers. Experience and strong boat control is a must. This is not the day to bring the kids or first timers.
We offer kayaks to experienced paddlers from Moore Ford to Peeler Bend (6 miles/3-4 hours).
6ft+ or above 1620 cf/s—Too high for rentals
If you got it, you got it—go on with your bad self, but let’s be real it’s not the best idea–today is a good day to stay off the river. If you must get on the river (we strongly advise against this) there are very strong currents and strainers that present very dangerous conditions. The farm bridge, located at latitude 34.6003 longitude 92.6192, will not have enough air space to paddle under and must be portaged.
We will not be renting boats.