The navigation maps from the Army Corps of Engineers are very accurate and allow us to navigate down this huge water-system. We mark the route in red, circle places we stop at, record the arrival and departure times and write notes of what we did.

Since the epic 1,700 mile Mississippi River decent in 2014, the Barrel Raft Boys have compiled an advice page with any knowledge we accumulated. For reference, the upper Mississippi River we discuss in anything north of St. Louis, Missouri.

Best advice is to ask locals for help.

Navigation

• Obtain the Army Corps of Engineers maps.
  • These maps are insanely accurate down to buoy placement and mile markers.
• Have a marine radio to contact Lock and Dam operations and for emergencies.
• Take the inside corners on river bends to avoid barges and other traffic.
  • Taking a turn on the outside will tend to be faster, unpredictable and be more powerful.
  • Always assume their will be someone approaching you.
  • It takes a barge one mile to stop!
• Maximize each opportunity on the river to fill-up on supplies, towns will become more and more difficult to access.

Safe Landing & Camping

• Camp overnight in sloughs and side channels on the upper Mississippi.
  • These are alternative river flows that connect back to main route.
  • Usually have slower water flow, less traveled by boats.
  • Barges will never deviate from main path, these areas shield you from waves that keep you up all night rocking.

• On the lower Mississippi sand bars will often provide relief on backsides.
  • Head down a sand bar until it comes to a point.
  • The backside around the sand point will be like a personal parking space.
• Use river claw anchors to secure vessel, these are shaped like a ” T ”
  • These anchors grab the roots under water.
  • They also embed into sandy shores well.
• Tie off boat in two places as the flow of the river will constantly try to take your boat to New Orleans.
  • Have 4 cleats on each corner.
  • Use trees or large rocks to tie off.
  • Learn from a marina the best way to cleat a rope.

Fishing and Wildlife

• A fishing license is required, the area you fish must be one of the States you are between.
• Catfish is plentiful, best to catch at night with very stinky bait.
  • Older catfish have more PCB’s, therefore can make you not feel good.
  • Younger, smaller catfish eat best because they consumed less PCB.
• Bald eagle, turtles, swans, geese, deer, mosquitoes and anything else will be joining you on your journey.
• The upper Mississippi River is packed full of wildlife, the best time for viewing is early morning.
• The lower Mississippi River is mostly fish, we didn’t encounter alligators until Louisiana.
• Mosquitoes will show up exactly once the sun sets, close everything up beforehand.
  • Your body will build up a tolerance after time, they also become less attracted to you.
• Biting flies are worse than mosquitoes, they relentlessly attack your ankles.
  • Two fly swatters, a bunch of fly strips and keeping things dry are your best defense.

River Towns and Supplies

• Many towns have yacht clubs and marina, they charge $1-$5 per foot per night.
  • Great spot for recovery from elements.
  • Offer showers, laundry, boat enthusiasts, bars.
  • #1 location for Fuel and Water (make sure your drinking water is pulled from fresh water though)
• Supplies exist in town, sometimes right on the river, but most are a mile or two away.
  • Ask locals about supply locations before journey, most times they’ll offer to drive you.
  • Gasoline in 5 gallon tanks will weigh close to 50 pounds.
• A good backpack is crucial, should be able to hold two bag of groceries.
• I personally recommend hitting Taco Bells and fast food stops when you can to replenish for cheap and warm meals.
• Bring a bicycle to experience more.
• The farther south you descend on the river, the farther towns become.
• Although Skully was on guard duty, we’d take him most times into town leaving our boat open; we never had one incidence of damage or theft.

The following is specific advice from contacts who’ve help us along the way by email or meeting us on the river.