Sprite Creek runs during the draw down of Canada Lake and other assorted times when it rains and water spills over the dam at Stewart's Landing. (Not to be confused with Stewart's Bridge Dam on the Lower Sacandaga River.)
Water is let down each year beginning on Nov. 15th until the water is so low the top tanner gate is wide open. After that it's a free flowing creek once again. The exception is Leap Years when the lake is dropped about four feet starting on Oct. 15th. Then on Nov 15 the water is dropped to winter levels. This is for any dock repairs that shore owners need to make.
Locals: This is NOT boater country. My friends are hunters, four wheelers, snowmobilers, ATV's and loggers. I have managed to turn a couple to the dark side. But, if you all have a problem with diversity in the great outdoors... well we just don't want to hear about it. While I hunt, I still believe in the right to arm bears and while I'll hug a tree, I do have the "Earth First, We'll Log the Rest of the Planets Later" T-shirt. (Cotton T-shirt).
No body thinks banjo jokes are funny any more.
The Creek:
The get in is where the fish bump their heads.... DAM! (ok I'm tired, coming off a 24 hr shift...)
Once the Tanner Gate is open it has been known to provide a thrill ride to Sprite Creek. Highly advisable to scout this before committing. It also helps to know you can clear the gate as it is GRADUALLY raised over the week.
The creek I split into two sections: above the RT 119 bridge and below the RT 119 bridge.
Upper section is tight technical and blind in spots but can be boat scouted the whole way with the right skills. If you need to land scout every blind corner than you are going to be awhile. BIG caution <WOOD> collects on this creek like a bad metaphor on a blog. Beware, I carry a saw, and sometimes I cut wood with it.
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| Thanks Brabunit |
Before you get to the lower section you'll have to pass under the RT 119 bridge. Three hazards: the drop immediately above the tunnels, the bridge support that splits the channels and the hole at the other end. At high water the hole at the other end is a stopped and a recirc'er... beware.
Below here the river character changes to more pool drop. A little harder to boat scout and at least two drops need to be scouted from shore. Wood still collects in many inconvenient spots. There are two water falls that have fun technical lead ins to... the rocks have been moving around on many drops and at the base of the second falls.
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| Thanks Brabunit. |
I guess I can start measuring my boating career geologically.
There are names to the drops... some like Crack Whore are more specific to events at a particular drop... I personally retired Wild Child and now just call the whole thing the "Bridge Drop"....
The upper section I grade... eh, get the guide book... I never was good at grades.
The following videos are for entertainment only and are not a substitute for river running or creeking skills. Watching them may make you feel superior...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UOnbIRv1yM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWyaCjJnXgI
