DDRC URL: Caddo Lake / Goat Island
Trip Description:
We will be paddling Caddo Lake and camping on Goat Island. We will meet at the Caddo Lake WMA Boat Launch at 10 am. If you know how to get over to Goat Island, you can join us any time.
Anyone interested in this trip should e-mail Bryan or RSVP on Meetup so that that a head count can be taken and appropriate planning can be done in advance of the trip date.
Meals:
Everyone will be responsible for their own food, although if the fishing is good the chances of a fish feast breaking out are likely. Bring plenty of beverages, but remember - NO GLASS OR FOAM POLYSTYRENE STYROFOAM CONTAINERS!
Directions to the Caddo Lake WMA Boat launch
To Caddo Lake, Texas:
From Dallas: Take IH-20 East to Marshall. Exit onto US Hwy 59, and then turn LEFT (North). Follow US Highway 59 north to Marshall past US Highway 80. Turn RIGHT on Hwy 43 East toward Karnack / Caddo Lake. Stay on Hwy 43 until you see the CR 3222 /FM 805 intersection. (about 18 miles) Turn RIGHT on FM 805. Follow FM 805 to the intersection of CR 3414 and turn RIGHT on Fr Camp Rd. (You will see the sign for the WMA canoe launch). Follow to the Canoe launch. We will be parking at the launch area and will provide more instruction about that closer in.
Goat Island is about a one mile paddle from the WMA launch. The paddle trail will be marked with reflective markers and we will run hourly guide trips after between 8 and 11 pm Friday to assist you in reaching the island.
Goat Island is in the Caddo Lake WMA, so everyone over the age of 17 needs to purchase a Limited USE permit from Texas Parks and Wildlife. It allows you non -hunting access to WMA camping areas. They are available anywhere Hunting and Fishing Licenses are sold or you can buy them on line.
IMPORTANT - No not purchase your Limited Use Permit until AFTER September 1, 2020. They are effective 9/1 to 8/31 each year, so it would expire before you need it if you did.
Camping on Goat Island is PRIMATIVE. There is no water or electric. DDRC will provide latrines, but you will need to bring everything else you need with you and most importantly TAKE EVERYTHING when you leave.
There will be no charge for camping on Goat Island other than the Limited USE Permit, BUT all attendee groups will be asked to bring 5 or 6 pieces of firewood for the group bonfire.
ALL DOGS MUST BE KEPT ON A LEASH AT ALL TIMES. NO EXCEPTIONS.
