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Devil's River Trip

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AgAttack
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12:03a, 3/13/26
AG
Planning a 3 day 3 night trip with my twin 13 year old boys as a coming of age trip. Another dad and his boys are coming too and we've hired a guide. It'll be June and hot.

Working on planning and packing... What did you wish you brought that you forgot or brought and realized you didn't need? Open to all advice. Thanks!
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StayGolden05
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1:16a, 3/13/26
AG
Like a borderland hookers and ayahuasca guide coming of age thing where they wig out with their twig out chasing beings made of light through the brush or like a bonding campfire stories kumbaya thing? Those packing lists are totally different but we can help either way.
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redaszag99
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1:23a, 3/13/26
eat crispy tacos at El Chatos and put in at Ozona
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AggieT
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8:00a, 3/13/26
AG
Be sure you are completely covered. The sun is no joke, and there is zero shade. Good hat, Buff, long sleeves, pants, paddling gloves. Otherwise, bring a ton of sunscreen.

Good shoes with a closed toe. Keens work well.

Bring extra paracord and carabiners. Tie down anything you want to keep. Including your paddle. You're all going to get tumped repeatedly.

Extra fishing poles. You will snap some in the reeds.

Water tight cooler if you plan to have ice for very long.

Deet

Maybe whistles for the boys? You will lose sight of them in the rapids.

Definitely have the boys in life jackets.

Camping chairs.

It's an awesome trip. You're going to love it.

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Dirty-8-thirty Ag
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In reply to redaszag99 • 8:28a, 3/13/26
AG
redaszag99 said:
eat crispy tacos at El Chatos and put in at Ozona


Devil's River headwaters is well south of Ozona, in Juno. You take 163 south out of Ozona and put in at Baker's Crossing.
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Streetfighter 02
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In reply to AgAttack • 8:47a, 3/13/26
AG
I wished I had a suppressed .22 pistol to manage the racoons that are conditioned to raid the kayaks at night.
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AgAttack
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In reply to StayGolden05 • 10:25a, 3/13/26
AG
StayGolden05 said:
Like a borderland hookers and ayahuasca guide coming of age thing where they wig out with their twig out chasing beings made of light through the brush or like a bonding campfire stories kumbaya thing? Those packing lists are totally different but we can help either way.


Hah! No, this is more pack your portable Bible and journal type of trip
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AG81xx
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10:35a, 3/13/26
AG
Going next weekend, so will report back. Friend bid at a charity auction for a 3 night stay and access on the Monarch West Ranch right at Bakers Crossing. We are bringing Kayaks, but will only using them to fish the 3-4 miles of river on the Ranch. A little easier for us olds than the long float most people do.
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nealan
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In reply to AG81xx • 10:41a, 3/13/26
That sounds like an awesome trip. Let us know how the ranch stay is. Sounds like something my son would love to do !
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AgDad121619
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10:52a, 3/13/26
AG
Get some zoom fat Albert grubs - green pumpkin and some zoom fluke jrs in bass bass and Arkansas shiner. If yall have never caught a smallie you are in for a treat
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KRamp90
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12:51p, 3/13/26
AG
My son and some buddy's did it a couple of Spring Breaks ago. They lost or broke every rod they took...
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nealan
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In reply to KRamp90 • 1:09p, 3/13/26
P.H. Dexippus
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In reply to Streetfighter 02 • 1:22p, 3/13/26
AG
Streetfighter 02 said:
I wished I had a suppressed .22 pistol to manage the racoons that are conditioned to raid the kayaks at night.

Bring a bear bag or equivalent. I took a plastic canister version with a locking lid, no issues with wildlife.

Dry bags large enough for your clothes and other essentials.

Close-toed shoes. There are plenty of rocks and brush to grab your feet while porting your craft around falls or over shallows. Chacos would be fine if you did not have to get out, but you will, frequently, depending on water levels.

Water purifier. I took a hand pump version Katadyn or MSR. You don't want to wait on the slower kind or be dependent on iodine tablets.

Shorter, light draft kayaks, cause you're going to be scraping bottom and making some tight maneuvers before you reach open water on your last day. Hopefully your guides are providing those.

Biking gloves or equivalent are optional. Cuts down on blisters from days of paddling.

Small solar charger for phone, lights, camera, etc.

Go pro with mounts for those memories. Some friends and me from 11 years ago:
https://vimeo.com/122872627?share=copy
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Maximus Johnson
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1:58p, 3/13/26
AG
I am not trying to be negative at all and I think this trip will be very memorable for yourself and your boys, but you planned a "coming of age" trip for them and then outsourced the potential for learning & failure to a "guide" .

Again, not trying to be negative at all, more so thought provoking, but how will your boys see challenges in their future? Will they think they can do things on their own or will they think they need to outsource the potential for challenge to people who know better? What would be more memorable in this trip, you guys catch a ton of fish thanks to a guide that puts you on them? Or you guys dont catch much of anything, tip over the boats, break your rods and struggle a little and laugh about it 5 years down the road?

Also, since you mentioned bringing a bible with you I would highly recommend Joby Martin's book Stand Firm and Act Like Men. You will probably learn some things and it will help your boys discern what a godly man looks like. Would be a great opportunity to talk to your boys about some of the themes in the book. Whichever route you choose I hope you guys have a ball!
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Ag_07
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In reply to Maximus Johnson • 2:06p, 3/13/26
AG
Maximus Johnson said:
I am not trying to be negative at all and I think this trip will be very memorable for yourself and your boys, but you planned a "coming of age" trip for them and then outsourced the potential for learning & failure to a "guide" .


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EMHJR
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3:23p, 3/13/26
Having made the trip I would add - fly fishing vs spinning. We slept in hammocks on islands covered with ankle breaking rocks - small lights and good shoes for the nighttime.

I am sure the guide told you but anything above the highwater line is considered trespassing.
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MD1993
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3:47p, 3/13/26
AG
Do not overpack; get to the essentials. There is shallow water, and a couple of extra pounds mean the difference in floating and or getting out to drag. 5 years ago, I went down the Devils, and it ended on I think June 2nd. Hot as can be. The nights are hot, but the trip is worth it.

As others have stated, tie down and secure all gear at night. The raccoons have gone through SEAL Team training and make water front invasions and work in teams and fast. They can unite and remove any strap you think you might have.

Water bags are critical. Also, sunscreen, hats, and good sturdy footgear. I wore keen walking shoes. Kept me from slipping, gave ankle support.

Who is your guide?
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AggieT
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In reply to Maximus Johnson • 3:55p, 3/13/26
AG
Have you ever done the trip? A guide is actually the responsible route with younger kids. I've been planning an unguided trip with a neighbor, but our boys will be 17 and are 6'3" and 6'5" with lots of outdoor experience. And I've done it before.

You can get in trouble out there, and help could be days away. There is zero cell service. What if one dad gets hurt? The group would be screwed.
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Dirty-8-thirty Ag
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In reply to Streetfighter 02 • 3:57p, 3/13/26
AG
Streetfighter 02 said:
I wished I had a suppressed .22 pistol to manage the racoons that are conditioned to raid the kayaks at night.


Speaking of Devil's River raccoons and getting in to things, about 10 years ago we did the trip and one of the guys in the group brought along a bunch of "special" brownies and a raccoon got into them and ate them all. I always wondered what it went through about an hour after ingesting A LOT of very potent edibles.
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Dirty-8-thirty Ag
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4:00p, 3/13/26
AG
May have missed it, but haven't seen anything about a Garmin inReach or Sat phone in case of needing to make an emergency call for a dire situation. Anybody spending time in the back country with absolutely zero cell service needs one of these in their pack.
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ATX_AG_08
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In reply to AG81xx • 6:28p, 3/13/26
AG
AG81xx said:
Going next weekend, so will report back. Friend bid at a charity auction for a 3 night stay and access on the Monarch West Ranch right at Bakers Crossing. We are bringing Kayaks, but will only using them to fish the 3-4 miles of river on the Ranch. A little easier for us olds than the long float most people do.


I just went on a charity auction trip to Monarch East (right across the river) for an aoudad hunt.
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Maximus Johnson
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In reply to AggieT • 7:37a, 3/14/26
AG
That's the point……
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devilriverag72
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8:31a, 3/14/26
River is as low as i have seen it in 26 years, Float could be a hike, Trespassing is highly frowned on by landowners.
rick rylander
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CaptnCarl
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9:19p, 3/14/26
AG
Check the water level. If the water is not flowing, you could end up portaging/pulling your boat across rocks, which is a beating and physically exhausting. That may be a stretch for 13 year olds. Did it at 22 and we were beat to sh*t. Agree with getting a guide if not experienced.
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JB!98
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In reply to StayGolden05 • 9:39p, 3/14/26
AG
StayGolden05 said:
Like a borderland hookers and ayahuasca guide coming of age thing where they wig out with their twig out chasing beings made of light through the brush or like a bonding campfire stories kumbaya thing? Those packing lists are totally different but we can help either way.

Ah, I used to "guide" for the brown breasted mattress thrasher in those parts. Too dangerous now.
Today, unfortunately, many Americans have good reason to fear that they will be victimized if they are unable to protect themselves. And today, no less than in 1791, the Second Amendment guarantees their right to do so. - Justice Samuel Alito 2022
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Mas89
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In reply to devilriverag72 • 9:50p, 3/14/26
AG
devilriverag72 said:
River is as low as i have seen it in 26 years, Float could be a hike, Trespassing is highly frowned on by landowners.

Might consider the Llano River instead. Plenty of water currently.
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AgAttack
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In reply to EMHJR • 12:01p, 3/15/26
AG
EMHJR said:
Having made the trip I would add - fly fishing vs spinning. We slept in hammocks on islands covered with ankle breaking rocks - small lights and good shoes for the nighttime.

I am sure the guide told you but anything above the highwater line is considered trespassing.


I've been thinking about this. Which did you choose or would you recommend? Fly or spin?
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AgAttack
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In reply to Dirty-8-thirty Ag • 12:02p, 3/15/26
AG
Dirty-8-thirty Ag said:
May have missed it, but haven't seen anything about a Garmin inReach or Sat phone in case of needing to make an emergency call for a dire situation. Anybody spending time in the back country with absolutely zero cell service needs one of these in their pack.


Good call out! I believe our outfitter will have one but this is important to confirm
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AgAttack
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12:04p, 3/15/26
AG
Great notes! Thanks all. Would not have thought about raccoons.

For folks that have been or are going, what tackle would you recommend for fishing?
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AgAttack
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In reply to MD1993 • 12:05p, 3/15/26
AG
We are going with Charlie Angell

https://angellexpeditions.com/devils-river-guide/
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AgAttack
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In reply to AG81xx • 12:07p, 3/15/26
AG
AG81xx said:
Going next weekend, so will report back. Friend bid at a charity auction for a 3 night stay and access on the Monarch West Ranch right at Bakers Crossing. We are bringing Kayaks, but will only using them to fish the 3-4 miles of river on the Ranch. A little easier for us olds than the long float most people do.


Awesome! Hope it is a great trip. Would love your thoughts and report back!
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ATX_AG_08
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In reply to AgAttack • 12:53p, 3/15/26
AG
Tore them up on small spinner baits.

Weedless top water frogs to drag across the grass.

Small weedless worm/creature baits.
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P.H. Dexippus
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5:21p, 3/16/26
AG
Does anyone remember the guide for the Devils that had a terrible reputation a few years back? Left people in the lurch? I want to say the thread spilled over to Texas Bowhunter as well…

ETA- found it
https://texags.com/forums/34/topics/3109617/1#discussion
https://texags.com/forums/34/topics/3114390
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DTP02
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8:01p, 3/16/26
AG
We had a Sat phone for emergencies that would have come in handy if needed. Big wide brimmed hat. I'd recommend water filters over packing your own. We did a lot of frozen water which doubled as ice for the drinks and food we wanted to keep cold but it added a lot of weight. Long sleeve shirts and zip out long sleeve pants. Polarized glasses and good waterproof/sweatproof sunscreen. Some type of underwater camera because man it gets really clear. There were times I wish I'd brought a mask and snorkel but probably not worth it. Baby shampoo for all over washing of body and clothes. Blowup sleeping pad and stakeless tent. Compact folding chair.

More than one fishing pole, including something collapsible like an ugly stick. Powerful headlamp and some type of backup light. Good first aid: I got a hook under my thumbnail which was a painful ordeal to get out and wish I'd had something a little better.

A couple of us brought pistols which probably weren't necessary. I think we all brought machetes and I wish I'd brought a little foldable hand saw for the kind of firewood we were seeing instead of a machete.
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raidernarizona
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10:21p, 3/16/26
Already been said, but a comfortable camp chair. Something like the REI Flexlite. I've done Baker's to Blue Sage twice and this awesome to have once you're at camp.

Dry camp shoes like slides or Crocs.

Don't freeze water, save that room for cold beer. Not to sound like a lush, but we took pre-made cocktails in Nalgenes for the evenings. Old fashions, Palomas and Rum Punch hit different after a long day and 7 miles of paddling. Iodine tablets and Propel or your choice of electrolyte for drinking.

A small 8" piece of 3-4" pvc ziptied on the front of kayak will save your rod tips in the reeds if you have nice gear.

Free standing tent!!! You're not getting a tent stake in the ground at Raccoon Island or Game Warden rock or any campsite in the river bed for that matter. The paddler's camps may be different if that's where you are. I may take a therma-cell in June? I've been there in Oct and March and bugs weren't bad at all.

I'm sure your guide is cooking, but dehydrated eggs are awesome out there. OvaEasy is sold at REI. I pre-cooked bacon and had breakfast tacos every morning while everyone was eating cold cereal or oatmeal.

Have fun! It's an awesome Father-Son trip. Took my 16yo down it last year with three other dads and their boys.

ETA: forgot the most important part, take an ultralight cot if you have one. I have this one and love it. Beats being down on the rock. You'll be sore enough by day 3, as it is

https://www.rei.com/product/213486/alps-mountaineering-ready-lite-cot?sku=2134860001&store=&CAWELAID=120217890013693834&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=136853394914&CATCI=pla-434366324343&cm_mmc=PLA_Google%7C21700000001700551_2134860001%7C434366324343%7Cbrand_flag%7C12192957071&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=12192957071
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