Volga River in Iowa

Trip Overview

When the locals tell you that the water level is probably to low to float, believe them (USGS site showed flow rate around 150).

Put in at Langerman Ford just East of Fayette with our destination downriver about 18-20 miles to Volga City. Water level was way too low and rocks everywhere - name of river should be "Rock River". We ended up walking about a 1/3 of the distance. Very good fishing spots and water quality pretty good. Camped overnight on sandbar. Seen numerous eagles.

Will not try this stretch again, except to wade in and fish a few of the excellent spots that we passed. There were stretches of river in some areas 300 to 500 yards in length that had to drag canoes over rocks. Not much fun or relaxing. Very small river, and when low, almost impassable.

Resources:

Iowa DNR publication; Canoe Iowa publication