Fencing thru a creek bed

[wildcatblue]

I have 2 creeks that will need a fence to pass thru for cattle and was wondering if anybody has good ideas on how to acomplish this task, I may try the use of empty plastic 55gal barrels? any input will help thank you!!!..

 

[Travelover]

I'm watching because I have a similar issue.

 

[mbmrang]

We have had good luck with running a cable from bank to bank and tying old sheet metal from the cable. It doesn't catch limbs and leaves and provides a good block for the cattle. This works on narrow higher banked creeks. Across wide shallow creeks we just run a fence across it but only loosely connect each side of the creek. If the creek gets up, it may take out the fence across the creek, but doesn't take out the entire fence.

 

[bcp]

Some good ideas from Australia:

http://www.nynrm.sa.gov.au/Portals/7/pdf/LandAndSoil/43.pdf

Bruce

 

[Ted Summey]

We use a cable to suspend an aluminum gate with barbed wire above that. The gate hangs when water is low and swings when the water comes up. It doesn't catch debris but swings down to prevent cows from moving down the creek.

 

[Western]

I have used cable as the others have, stretched across the creek, then I attach cattle panels that are free to swing with the current. Occasionally you have to remove sticks or washed out debris if it floods. Cut to fit the lengths. If you need it to ride on the water, some 4" PVC pipe capped off usually gives a enough bouncy. I have done this on several creeks from 10' across to over 40' and never had a cow/calf get out, or my horses for that matter.

I suppose it will also depend on what the creek is like?? is it large like the Mississippi , or 10' across???????

 

[Larry Caldwell]

I have used cable as the others have, stretched across the creek, then I attach cattle panels that are free to swing with the current. Occasionally you have to remove sticks or washed out debris if it floods. Cut to fit the lengths. If you need it to ride on the water, some 4" PVC pipe capped off usually gives a enough bouncy. I have done this on several creeks from 10' across to over 40' and never had a cow/calf get out, or my horses for that matter.

I suppose it will also depend on what the creek is like?? is it large like the Mississippi , or 10' across???????

That's a pretty classic water gate.

 

[wildcatblue]

Thanks for all the ideas, the creeks are small ,one is about 8' with steep bank across and the other is 14' with a low bank.
I will just have to make sure my posts are large and solid to support extra weight hanging on them..awprint:

 

[Western]

Just another piece of advice FWIW. Build the water gate "independent" of the main fence if possible, If it floods, you would rather have the gate break free, rather then take out more fence.

Steep banks are usually easier, cable across and material of your choice. I have also seen people use pallets with good result, but I dont like the possabilities of nails getting in the creek. Large trees make a great "anchor" if there in the right place, just remember to loosen the cable around it every year.

Good luck!