02/12/2011 - Caswell Lake, MS

Launch: Cumbest Bluff Launch in Three Rivers, Mississippi
Launch Cost: $2
Destination: Caswell Lake and backwater tributaries.
Distance: About 11 miles (round trip)
Paddle time: Almost 5 Hrs
Weather: Sunny, winds calm to 10 mph. Air temp 45-50 degrees. Current in Pascagoula River was strong. Water temp cold.
GPS Track: To view or download the GPS track of this trip, Click Here.

Header Image

1) Houseboats near the launch site - Culbert Lake. This the first time I've paddled from this launch site. It is a 1.5 mile trip up the Pascagoula to get to Caswell Lake entrance.

2) These houseboats are on Caswell Lake. Once you go past the houseboats into the deep swamp, you can get lost - be sure to take a GPS with spare batteries. If you look at the GPS track, you can't even see the stream, but there were streams all over in there. Probably could have gone to Parker's Lake had I not run out of time and had to turn around to get back before dark.

3) Current on the Pascagoula River was flowing up to 2.5 mph in places.

4) Once off the Pascagoula River, paddling was easier. The backwaters of Caswell Lake were awesome to explore. There were plenty of large based bald cypress trees with character.

5) Even though there has been freezing temperatures the past two nights, signs of spring were evident, like this tree in bloom - perhaps a Chokeberry?

6) Water levels in this area can get deep. Tree trunks are covered in a moss about 10 feet high. Following the creek was difficult at times because there are so many paths to choose.

7) There are plenty of interesting tree shapes - this photo was rotated 90 degrees.

8) This was the only deer I saw today - unfortunately the deer's head is on the deck. The guy on the right is holding one of its legs. The boy in the middle shot the deer with a muzzleloader and was posing for this photo. This kayaking area, not in the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta, is part of the Pascagoula Wildlife Management Area. It's serious hunting territory so wear bright Orange when you paddle over here!

9) A fisherman with his dog.

10) Another houseboat in the making. All the white specks in the water are styrofoam. The Pascagoula River is littered with styrofoam. Did you know Styrofoam is bad for the environment?