Peace River Water Levels

Peace River Water Levels
800-268-0083, 863-494-1215, 863-494-4391 fax


The Peace River is about 6" above normal at our dock in Arcadia. See the text in red below. 07/24/08 We have been getting scattered rain, not every day and usually late in the afternoon so try to come early. All rain predictions for this area come from the coast, usually only accurate about half the time. It may be raining where you are but it doesn't mean it's raining where we are so call first. Water is silty from the rains. Fossil hunting is not good but paddling is great! Note: Starting August 1 through September 30, we will have fewer bus trips in an effort to save gas and keep costs down. Bus departure times for the 10, 16, and 23 mile runs will be at 9:00 & 11:00 daily. The Oak Hill will leave at 12:30 every day. We can arrange different departures for groups of 10 or more canoes during the week. On weekends we can try to vary the departures for groups, just need plenty of advance notice.

-If the water level is 12 inches below normal and lower, river is good for fossil hunting. Water needs to be fairly clear and below normal for fossil hunting. Fishing gets good in low water, work the dark water around the tree stumps. If you stay in the river channel, in the dark water, you shouldn't have to getting out except on the upper stretches. If you fall in the river, just stand up, river is that shallow. Kids of all ages are welcome. Update: The river is extremely low. You will have to do some walking on the 23 & 16 mile. You can't go straight up and down the river in the middle, you have to zigzag. Stay in the darker water, the river channel. Great for kids right now, let them get out and run, splash, and swim! Bring the dogs, perfect time for them!

-If the water level is between 12 inches below normal and 24 inches above normal, river is perfect for canoeing. Kids of all ages are welcome. If the water level is above normal, fossil hunting is not any good, needs to be normal or below.
-If the water level is at 2 feet above normal to just below 5' above normal all runs are open, no non-swimmers please. Leave the itty-bitty kids at home unless both adults in the canoe are very experienced paddlers. Currents are swift on the runs north of Gardner and there are lots of downed trees under the water. If you tip you'll lose everything. No hourly rentals. Oak Hill Runs are real short, hour and a half to an hour if you paddle. Trips north of Gardner are for the experienced paddlers only. When the water is at these levels and higher, you need to stay in the middle of the river, stay away from downed trees (strainers). If you hit a tree, more than likely you'll tip and lose the canoe and all your gear. No kids under six years old as paddlers. Kids, 4 years and older in the middle, are o.k. just make sure they keep their lifejackets on. We suggest that canoes tie together to minimize tipping.
-If the water level is at 5 feet above normal to just below 8 feet above normal, no non-swimmers, experienced paddlers only. Trips north of Gardner are not available (no 23, 30, 40 or 50 mile runs). There is a strong current. No tipping of canoes, there is hardly anyplace to stop and turn the canoe back over i.e. no beaches, no sandbars, no shallow spots. No kids under the age of 12 years old as paddlers. Kids, 6 years and older in the middle, are o.k. One adult and one to two small children under the age of 12 in a canoe that is not part of a group will not be allowed to go. We suggest that canoes tie together to minimize tipping. If you stay in the middle of the river, you shouldn't have a problem. Most people tip when they get too close to the trees. If you tip, you will lose everything including the canoe.
-If the water level is 8 feet above normal or higher up to just under 11 feet above normal, no non-swimmers, experienced paddlers only. Everyone is required to wear a lifejacket. There are very few places to stop. If you tip you lose everything including the canoe, there's hardly anywhere to flip it back over. Tie your canoes together! We suggest that canoes tie together to minimize tipping. If you stay in the middle of the river, you shouldn't have a problem. Most people tip when they get to close to the trees. There is a very strong current. No kids under the age of 16 years old as paddlers. Kids, 12 years and older in the middle, are o.k. The only trip available is the 16 mile/Gardner Run or Brownville Run (call first, the Brownville is at the whim of the ranger); all other boat ramps are closed because of the high water.
-If the water level is at 11 feet above normal or higher, Canoe Outpost closes canoeing on the river.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/FL/Arcadia.html Click for local weather report.

USGS Streamflow Gage Links:
Ft. Meade: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/fl/nwis/uv/?site_no=02294898&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060
Zolfo Springs: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/fl/nwis/uv/?site_no=02295637&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060
Gardner: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/fl/nwis/uv/?site_no=02296500&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060
Arcadia: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/fl/nwis/uv/?site_no=02296750&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060

Shallow water in 2007, looks like this in 2008. Great for fossil hunting, fishing, and playing in the water! Fisherman is sitting in the middle of the river at Oak Hill, the kid is the middle does seem to be praying to the river gods for rain and Ollie the three-legged dog can hop-a-long through the shallows.