First question, what kind of boat do you have? If the dam is running 4 gates for example you could run any boat full speed without any danger, if there is 1 or 2 gates open you could run jon boats and smaller bass boats, if there are no gates open you could run a kayak or canoe or a small type jon with the trolling motor. There are a lot of rock piles and gravel shoals up by the dam. Downstream you will encounter big tree snags and stickups along the banks. If you take your time an use caution you can learn to navigate the river, its worth it