What is Reddit's opinion of RiverFlows?

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I like this app for checking gauge level and projections. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.riverflows

I just saw this app and realized they showcase The James in one of their screenshots, major props! https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.android.riverapp

also this is a great little app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.riverflows&hl=en

I received a PM asking about the Lower Saluda and fishing last week and figureed I'd just paste my response here.

> So I've never seriously fished the Lower Saluda, but I've tossed a line in while floating from Hope Ferry to the Canoeing For Kids (private) take out just before I-20 on river right while drinking some brews with friends, so, unfortunately, I'm not much help in the fishing department, but I do know the river pretty well.

>In case you need a place to take out/want to go a bit further downstream, call Canoeing for Kids and talk to Jay about options for using their takeout. When I worked there, we'd allow the public to park a vehicle or two and use our takeout for a small fee. Typically $20 or so if I remember correctly.

> I worked as a river guide at Canoeing for Kids for the better part of 10 years through Middle, High School and in College and ran probably thousands of trips on what we called "Section 1" of the Lower Saluda.

> Section 1 is from Hope Ferry/Saluda Shoal Park down to the Gardendale ramp (public, river left)/CFK private (river right) takeout just before I-20.

> Section 2 is from the CFK takeout down to the Zoo/just below Mill Race Rapids.

> Section 3, is from below Mill Race Rapids down to the Gervais St. Bridge. Not sure if others use those terms outside of the kayaking community in Cola, but most WW Kayakers should know what those refer to.. Or at least they did 5 years or so ago.

> That said, I've seen lots of fishermen all over the section of the Lower Saluda between the Lake Murray Dam (about a mile upstream from Saluda Shoals/Hope Ferry), and the confluence of the Saluda and Broad Rivers in Cola. I'd recommend taking the time to paddle upstream from SS/HF to the backside of the dam, just to get familiar with the area. There are a few shallow spots where the water moves a bit faster that may make for good fishing.

> Section 1 (3 very small rapids at low water, not even worth classifying on a normal day):

> Fly fishermen were very common at the first little set of ripples/shallow spots just around the corner headed downstream from HF/SS.

> Around Corley Islands, fly fishermen are also very common, on both sides of the island. In the main channel and the side channel that is river left.

> Below Corley Islands, fishermen working the banks with "standard" rod and reels were most common as it gets flat and slow for a while.

> Section 2 (Significantly more interesting, and depending on the water level, potentially dangerous rapids through here. Do not attempt Mill Race unless you're an experienced paddler at both low and high water.):

> Below I-26, "Ocean Blvd" (main channel/river left) and "Oh Brother" (right side channel/river right) are the next set of rapids. Note that at low water, "Oh Brother" is the best way through that section of the river. Fishermen are pretty common here too.

> After that is "Stacy's Ledge", fun little rapid to play in, but I didn't often see fishermen there either as there's not a good way to get a John Boat either up to or down to this rapid unless someone has access to a private landing in that section of water.

> Following Stacy's Ledge, is Mill Race. If you're a new paddler/don't know the river, I strongly recommend not paddling this rapid. Either take the portage around to the right. It'll be at the far end of the power line clearing on river right. It'll wind throught the woods, cross into Riverbanks Zoo property shortly, then back out to the river. Loaded down with gear, it's quite a hike and would be tough to do solo. Alternatively, I believe there's access now on the top side of Mill Race on river left with vehicle access via Candy Lane and the new Greenway they've put in. (I've been in Atlanta for a few years now, so can't say for sure. If you talk to Jay, he'll know what's available there.)

> Below Mill Race is Shandon Rapids which begins just before the confluence of the Lower Saluda and Broad Rivers. Fishermen of all types are pretty common below Mill Race through to the Gervais St. Bridge. Note that this is a significantly busier section of the river with tubers, swimmers, casual paddlers who often don't know a lick of river etiquette, etc.. If I were going to fish here, I'd avoid the weekends, unless going very early as it gets busy fast based on what it was like 3-4 years ago.

> Did a quick search and found this site that provides some great info: https://www.gopaddlesc.com/waterways/trail/lower-saluda-river

> This DNR map has rapid names and will put the above descriptions into some better context: https://cdn.branchcms.com/e1Xyx1N43v-1054/docs/pdf-maps/LowerSaludaAccess.pdf

> I also strongly recommend signing up for River Level Alerts too. You'll get a call with an alert if the river level is expected to change. It's not guaranteed to happen every time, but good to have: https://www.sceg.com/about-us/lower-saluda-river

> I use the RiverFlows app on my Android to monitor river levels (pulls data from USGS, ACOE, etc.: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.riverflows&hl=en_US

> Looks like this may be the iOS equivalent?: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/riverapp-river-levels/id667012473

> Hope this helps, and remember to wear a PFD, take plenty of water, and invest in a good dry bag/box. Google Maps has a feature where you can share your location with people, and there's an app Glympse that also does this too and in iOS, it is possible to share your location with contacts for a specified time too. If you go alone, make sure someone has the ability to check-in on your location. If you need gear, I like Adventure Carolina quite a bit. They're big supporters of Canoeing for Kids. There's also, River Runner in DT Columbia, too. Both locally owned and know the rivers pretty well.