East Race rafting starts while gates being repaired. Also, catch free fish, Elkhart fest.
South Bend’s East Race Waterway opens this weekend for the rafting season, starting June 5. There’s a new, temporary floating dock, and only two of the three water gates are functioning. But that shouldn’t change the experience for rafters this summer.
Aaron Perri, executive director of the city's Venues, Parks and Arts, says that plans for next year call for replacing the boardwalk and dock where rafters and kayaks launch. But the dock itself hit the end of its life this spring, so a floating plastic dock has been installed for this season.
Also, the middle of the three metal gates that regulate water going down the waterway hit the end of its life, too. Its hydraulic motor failed, causing the gate to be stuck open, Perri says. A specialized contractor has been hired to fix it, but that may not happen until we’re most of the way through the season.
Why 2021 season ended early: South Bend ends East Race rafting season early for lack of lifeguards
Because the east and middle gates are most important (that is, closer to the dock), the middle gate’s motor was temporarily replaced with the west gate’s motor, which leaves the west gate closed. It’s “very rare,” Perri says, that all three gates need to open — only if the river is really low from drought.
East Race rafting hours will be noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays, potentially running through Labor Day weekend. Cost is $6 for one raft ride, $10 for two rides, $15 for three and $20 for an unlimited day pass. Book passes at eastracewaterway.gr8.com.
Because the repairs were still up in the air early this spring, organizer Greg Emmack says he had to call off the second annual East Race Whitewater Festival, which had been planned for this weekend. It debuted last year with several kayak races and a pool floatie run for the public. He said paddlers plan to bring it back in 2023.
Here are a few more events to catch, from this week's Outdoor Adventures column.
Free fishing
Indiana residents can fish on public waters without a license or a trout/salmon stamp on June 4-5. Normally, it’s required if you’re 18 or older.
Elkhart Family Fish Fest
This free event starts with a family fishing derby from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. in any park in downtown Elkhart and at McNaughton Park; register by 1 p.m. at Nibco Water and Ice Park.
Teams can be formed. Free bait, tackle and poles will be provided. Then there will be live music, a beer garden and dinners sold by Jonah Fish Fry from 5 to 7 p.m. in Central Park, plus a kids area with lure painting, minnow races, casting and games. Fish derby awards and prizes will follow.
Fees and other outdoor news: Indiana hikes hunting and fishing fees to shore up lagging wildlife conservation
LaPorte County Parks feedback
Got ideas for the LaPorte County Parks’ five-year master plan? Sound off during a session at the parks board’s meeting at 5 p.m. CDT June 7 at Bluhm County Park, 3855 S. County Road 1100 West, Westville.
Also in this column: Kayaks, paddleboards can now be rented at Pinhook Park in South Bend
Tour bison ranch on wagon
The Elkhart County Park is organizing a trip June 11 to tour Cook's Bison Ranch in Wolcottville, Ind., where you’ll ride a covered wagon and feed and pet the bison. You’ll need to provide your own transportation.
The group will meet at Ox Bow County Park at 9 a.m. June 11 to depart for the roughly one-hour drive into LaGrange County. Cost is $16 per person and includes a bison burger meal. Registration is required by 4:30 p.m. June 9 at elkhartcountyparks.org.
More in this column: 'Bike to Wherever' this summer in South Bend with these cycling challenges
Follow Outdoor Adventures columnist Joseph Dits on Facebook at SBTOutdoorAdventures. Contact him at 574-235-6158 or jdits@sbtinfo.com.
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Whitewater Rafting: East Race Waterway in South Bend and free fishing
