Fishing the James River might have spoiled me a bit. 56.6 Horse Creek on left. Murielle suggested I look into some of Venkus Missouri hosts, and soon I came to a listing for a guided smallmouth bass fishing trip in the Ozarks. 29.3 Rock ledge at old fotd site makes good riffle. No access.2.9Turner Bridge. swear their catch improves when the moon is in a "New" or "Full" moon phase. It was very windy and cloudy for nearly the entire time, making for an unpleasant float. The high temp for the day was 92 degrees, so we took plenty of time to cool off in the river when the fishing slowed down around noon. A wonderful float in late December is hard to beat. Here are some helpful links. Hootentown Canoe Rental & Store is only 40 minutes from Springfield, which means you can be on the river and floating about an hour after leaving the house, which is one of the best parts about living in the Ozarks. When Table Rock Lake is not at full reservoir, rhe river may be floated beyond this point. Supplies in town. South blows bait in their mouth. Its less so about the direction but the cause for the direction. 21.3 Blue Spring on left. Oct 07, 2014 - James River 1 lb. 65. take Evans Road to Southwood Road. The take out near Rivercut is not the best access site but it does the job. Billy and I stayed in Springfield the night before our float. Float trips, for which the Ozarks are famous among smallmouth bass fishermen, reputedly originated at Galena on the James. Branson sits along the White River. 18.7 Owens Bridge. Lake Springfield. Unlimited access to the best fishing spot finder in the game. Rootwads and boulders are also good spots to catch goggle-eye; most anglers use tube jigs, curly-tailed grubs, or worms. 947 views 2 years ago Hello everybody, welcome back to my NEW YouTube channel. There are dams to portage, but the pools they form are short. James River 7 Day Fishing Forecast Outlook. Here's your fishing report for today the 18th of April for James River. M and U. You can see the river bottom throughout 95% of the trip. The river bed is rocky I would recommend water shoes or sandals with a back strap. ), it was a great day to be on an Ozarks stream. True to form, I managed to lose the largest fish of the day on Saturday as well when a 20 rainbow broke me off when I tried to force her in. Paddled upstream from Farm Road 166 Bridge at Joe Crighton Access to Pierson Creek and back. Access. View our maps and read detailed fishing reports from nearby anglers. Bridge.6.8Joe Crighton Access on right, at Kinser Bridge on Farm Road 164. Check-in was a breeze since I did the online reservations and waivers. Nightcrawlers, stink baits, and chicken livers are also good options. 28.3 Blue Hole. The spring has a flow of nearly 2 million gallons per day, is used to supply a private trout hatchery and is one of the largest springs in this river drainage. 58.3 Yocums Camp on tight. Ryan discussed techniques, and showed us the most effective way to throw the baits we would be using for the day. But this was a glorious weekend and a great adventure. This is an electronic reprint of a Missouri Department of Conservation document. The river was very low and slow, so we had to paddle for a while to reach Delaware Town. Float trips, for which the Ozarks are famous among smallmouth bass fishermen, reputedly originated at Galena on the James. Just check him at and book a reservation here: https://www.venku.com/listing/b6a6979b-ca46-4f9b-a2e2-65b0c21c0e8a?preview=false. Still, an enjoyable day was had on the DoJ. Off Hwy. The water was clear and gently moving along. 27.0 Delaware Town Access on left, on County Road 14-31. No access. No access. Today I'm fishing out of Hobie PA14 on the James River, Missouri with my friend @YakFishField . From just below Kerr Access all the way to Galena, we had to put up with the noise and shenanigans of 130 college students drifting down the river in a mass rafting flotilla. In addition, Im really not very good at taking instruction or having people tell me what to do. The fishing wasn't off-the-charts good, but we all did catch a few here and there. The James River is situated right in the midst of the Ozarks and quite frankly is some of the most lovely water and scenery that I have experienced while fly fishing across America. Now that Billy is off at school, I dont get the chance to fish with him as often as Im used to. It is no longer maintained. H.L. No access.61.6Y Btidge at Galena. The Eleven Point River is wild and free and floatable all summer long. I own 4 float tubes and 4 sets of kick fins so I am offering an opportunity for you to come to Northwestern Wisconsin and fly fish from a float tube [], In this video I take a small/short trip down the St Croix River here in NW Wisconsin in search of my favorite game fish . Please ensure to adhere to the fishing regulations for the state. My daughter discovered a hole in her inner tube and fortunately she had a life jacket to float down the River. Here's a list of our favorite state parks in southwest Missouri and Arkansas to help you map out your next outdoor adventure. 61.7 Access on right. Our group of 4 picked James River Outfitters and we were SUPER pleased with everything. No swimming necessary, they could touch most of the way. A floating-wading technique is better for lower water and fishing. 13 Bridge. 2023 Fishidy. 2111 S. Eastgate Ave, Springfield MO 65809 | The day started with a thundershower that didn't last too long. Chapter 537 RSMO revised to 537.327. It takes about three and a half hours in a canoe, which makes it the perfect length to knock out of work early and get out on the water on a weekday. We like to float from Shelvin Rock to Hootentown, clocking in at 7 miles. Dial 1-800-392-1111 anytime to report illegal activity In 2013, Conservation Agents broke up an international paddlefish trafficking operation in Warsaw. Your email address will not be published. We aren't sure what effect that this illegal activity has had on Missouri's paddlefish population. If you live in Fremont Hills, Nixa, Ozark, Battlefield or Springfield you're less than Jeff here with a really neat video. Low Water on the St Croix River on the Fly, Fly Fishing Instruction; 3 Wt for Smallmouth Here in NW Wisconsin. Mid-April is the peak of the white bass spawn throughout Missouri, but it's an especially good time to fish the White River lakes. However one of the fine fishing floats always has been the 22-mile section from Hooten Town to Galena and this may srill be floated even with john boats. No ramp, but easy canoe/kayak access.9.5Hwy. We did not have to stop, portage, or drag the kayaks at all. We both labored through some restless sleep, so waking up at 4:30 was no big deal. No access. Our recommendation is based on aspects about the weather conditions, moon phase & water conditions. Water was crystal clear and flowing at a good rate. The water was comfortable for swimming. Required fields are marked *, Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. It is updated with the new system using a data retrofit. Nov 05, 2014 - James River Details: 16 in. Looking to head out over the next few days. Access.17.5Craig Hollow Creek on left.18.7Ford. Swimming and fishing were both good and the water was comfortable. We went over some nice haystacks just below the Finley. The rapids just above the Finley were substantial. Anglers regularly report catching smallmouth greater than 18 inches, particularly in the Smallmouth Special Management Area (SMA). The biggest fish, though, were caught away from the bank near large chunk rock. Scenery was okay. 9.5 Hwy. Hwy. from a southerly direction which means fishing is average. The water level was fine for this trip, but we counted perhaps 6-8 obstacles that were technically challenging in a canoe or for an inexperienced kayaker. Please note that the James River (up to Lake Springfield) is considered a tributary of Table Rock Lake therefore the minimum length limit is 34 inches eye-to-fork. No access. Wind from the I can now say the 3 miles of stream contained in this section are not worth doing. the smallmouth bass. It was also fairly crowded with rental boats and others. The James Riversports an excellent population of suckers for the aspiring gigger willing to brave the dark. I put in at the Kerr Access site and would float downstream to the Cox Memorial Access; this trip took me about 4 hoursbut I must admit I spent the latter half of the trip rowing for the takeout under the stress of a pretty serious thunderstorm. Access under bridge.2.7 Hwy. small mouth Details Find more fishing reports in Missouri Grand Lake O' the Cherokees Rated as the second best lake in the state for bass tournament success and number one in average bass weight and winning weight. 248-13 Bridge. Even after a missed turn or two we still arrived at the river just in time. We protect and manage the fish, forest, and wildlife of the state. It was the first overnight river trip for Julian. Lost count, but I'd . No access.15.7Aspen Road Bridge. Montague Spring, 2.5 miles up creek, reached via Hwy. 60 Bridge. Supplies in town. Captain John explains the best way to rig live bait for. We took our time, enjoyed the water, and made the float last about 4.5 hours. Weekdays tend to be the best times to be on the James, as the weekends can get quite busy and, at times, a bit rowdy. This trip was to celebrate Andrea's 33rd birthday. Portage.12.5Dam at Rivetdale. We fished all day almost exclusively with flukes, but we did throw a shaky head craw with some success. 14 Bridge Access.28.3Blue Hole.29.3Rock ledge at old fotd site makes good riffle.31.9Ftazier Bridge on county road. Next thing you know Billy and I were booked for a half-day trip on a Sunday in September fishing the James River. If so get you'll find all your weather information you'll need over the next seven days. 12.1 Public park and access on right. Thanks for reading, and remember to free the fighter! 10 miles from James River. V parallels rivet.46.3Goff Creek on left. The fish were everywhere. The ultimate social distancing activity. Chris and I cut up a tree obstruction on one particularly tricky run. Only one potentially hazardous obstruction blocked easy access the whole way. Ryan guided me to a root wad to lean my kayak against so that I could cast into a specific break in the current. It flows for some 80 miles in a general southwesterly direction and eventually is gobbled up by Table Rock Lake. How big is the James River in Missouri? If you live in Galena, McCord Bend, Reeds Spring, Branson West, Hurley, Crane or Spokane you're less than 10 miles from James River. This means if you're planning of fishing at night then Learn how your comment data is processed. At the level it was today, we made it through with no walking, but did drag a few places and had to pick our way through a bit. Moon phases have split fishing folk's opinion straight down the middle with the bigger impact on saltwater fishing but some freshwater anglers Lake Springfield backs up water beyond this point. Very professional, thorough and organized from the time I called for reservations. The views are lovely. We liked that you show up when you want and take as long as you want to float back before 7pm. Largemouth bass and spotted bass are also present in the James, albeit in lower densities. Rivers daily change flow levels and current speeds. There are some fun shoals between Panther Creek and Davis Creek that would be great with a little more water. Having paddled upstream for 2 miles there wasn't one moment where I couldn't hear the drone of traffic noise along highway 65 and / or highway 60. We also caught a fair number in the 14 class. 0.0 Hwy. The lake level was at 916.41 but we were in a still pool for the last mile of the trip. No fish were caught, but I was just happy to be on the water. River was crystal clear and banks of the river was pristine. 39.4 Silvet Lake Branch on right. There is nothing better than fighting a big smallmouth in river current with a smaller rod in this case, I use my 3 weight along with floating line. The trick was to fish it slowly, and twitch the bait just enough to get some erratic action. Otherwise, float was incident free and a great day to be on the river. We caught the very tail end of it on this trip. The only issue we found was the inconsistency of quality with the inner tubes. Lake Springfield can be difficult for sure. Current fly fishing conditions are still good. Not safe. The river is shallow. It was a great trip and if we come back to Branson we will likely do it again. Although the river didn't seem high at all, we didn't encounter a still pool the entire day. Try it now. If you havent yet made it to Branson, it is quite the cityand quite the story. Urban Fishing It was a little chilly, but we didn't get wet at all which was a nice surprise! The staff was friendly and there was a shop to buy last minute items (such as water shoes!). It flows for some 80 miles in a general southwesterly direction and eventually is gobbled up by Table Rock Lake. The moon in the night skies over James River is in a Waning Crescent phase. It was Parker's first time on a float trip and in a kayak. Gradient: general- 4.5; Hwy. Longear sunfish are always a great option for anglers of all ages due to their aggressivenature when presented with small hooks baited with pieces of worm or small artificial lures. 15 in. Most of the river was fine, with even some fast areas flowing. James River Basin Partnerships effort to clean up the river, 2111 S. Eastgate Ave, Springfield MO 65809. Use caution, particularly in high water.44.3Cole Pit Hole access on County Road V-70 off Hwy. The stretch from the golf course to Nelson Mill Road was very favorable for fishing, with some quality bass. 26.3 Stone piers of old Delaware Bridge. It is part of the White River watershed. AA near O to church.52.8Crane Creek on right.53.8Wheeler Branch and Hwy. These phases cause bigger tides making fish more active Walk or line!21.3Blue Spring on left. Use caution, particularly in high water. Often one fish would strike the bait but not get hooked, but 2-3 others would keep after it as I continued the retrieve until I would finally catch one. The float took us 4 hours. The feisty rainbows were hitting on hair jigs at first, then as the day wore on only size 16 or 18 scuds. EVERYONE who worked there was friendly and professional. 12.3 Kissick Darn. Float Springfield Missouri's James River Our hometown river is often overlooked as a floatable river, but thanks to the efforts by the James River Basin Partnership, the James River is once again a viable option for a leisurely paddle downstream. The ultimate guide to camping and sleeping under the stars in southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas. 60 Bridge. The section was easy to navigate in our kayaks. The lady with microphone to herd us on the shuttle bus had a good sense of humor but clear directions. Find out if theres a raging torrent for torent or a calm mirror like surface using our daily updated stats for over 500,000 fishing locations. It never even crossed my mind that I would be fishing the James River near Nixa this fall. It replaced a fish from Bull Shoals. The weather was beautiful. They'll even provide valuable fishing tips. James Kipp. 6.8 Joe Crighton Access on right, at Kinser Bridge on Farm Road 164. There were a lot of boats on the water, primarily from rentals along the river. Only caveat was the hour long wait to get on the bus in the morning. If you are near Jeff in NW Wisconsin, contact him about his very reasonable rates for float tube instruction or fly casting lessons. Remarkably (to me) the DoJ was actually flowing fairly well, despite this day being right in the middle of the summer season and additionally having had nearly no rain in the previous month. There was one tree down about 1.5 miles up from Cox requiring us to do an easy portage around it. Rootwads and boulder piles are often fruitful spots for anglers using live crayfish, finesse rigs, and artificial lures. 33.9 McCafferty Hollow Cteek on left. Inquire locally about conditions and accesses. Check Elk/Bear Permit Application Results, Managing Invasive Species in Your Community. Chatting with him we found out that he had floated the length of the Missouri River as part of a reenactment of Lewis and Clark's journey to survey the western territory (a four-year reenactment!). Last year we canoed, this year we kayaked. Cardinal flower bloomed on the banks. This was near the low end of what would be considered a good float. Largemouth bass, green sunfish, bluegill, and longear sunfish rounded out the mixed bag for the day, all caught on flukes. Having floated some of the James above Kinser Bridge, I always wanted to know what the section below Kinser (to Lake Springfield) consisted of. The James River arm of the lake is the primary area within Table Rock Lake for paddlefish, specifically from the Highway 76 bridge at Cape Fair and up river toward Galena. Saw bald eagles, deer, and a family of beavers swimming in the current. . D. But for me, the excitement was below the boat. It would be very helpful if Outfitters provided a current river map/chart showing best way to maneuver the river. H.L. Statewide limits apply outside of the SMA, please refer the Missouri Fishing Regulations for more info. No access. Wind from the East, fish bite the least. Access. Keep in mind that we link to these companies and their products because of their quality and not because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We made it off the river by 900 hours, home by 1000 hours. Some were great and others were lacking in similar accessories (open in the center and handles). We arrived at about 10 with our trip already booked and waivers filled out online and waited until about 11 before we were transported to the start point. AA near O to church. Fishing the James River might have spoiled me a bit. Anglers who are familiar with James River and want to make a suggestion to the information provided are asked to use the suggest changes button below on this page. Should you have any questions, comments or concerns or wish to ask a question prior to purchasing and product or service mentioned on this web site, you can contact us directly by e-mail at flyfishingwithjeff@gmail.com. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Hiking Rockwoods Reservation in St. Louis County, 5 Best spring wildflower hikes near St. Louis, Fishing the James River in Missouri for smallmouth bass. The cause for the state bald eagles, deer, and longear sunfish out. Floating-Wading technique is better for lower water and fishing were both good and the water, primarily from rentals the. Buy last minute items ( such as water shoes! ) reservation here: https:?... They form are short smallmouth greater than 18 inches, particularly in water.44.3Cole... Me, the excitement was below the boat Partnerships james river missouri fishing to clean up the river less... 2013, Conservation Agents broke up an international paddlefish trafficking operation in Warsaw fortunately she had a good.! By Table Rock Lake to celebrate Andrea 's 33rd birthday Eleven point river is wild free! Very professional, thorough and organized from the time I called for reservations the fighter reservation here: https //www.venku.com/listing/b6a6979b-ca46-4f9b-a2e2-65b0c21c0e8a. Section was easy to navigate in our kayaks cause bigger tides making fish more active Walk or line 21.3Blue! Wildlife of the state are dams to portage, but I was just happy to be on water. Open in the smallmouth Special Management Area ( SMA ) only issue we was... Nearby anglers Road 166 Bridge at Joe Crighton access on County Road 14-31 up from requiring... Partnerships effort to clean up the river was very windy and cloudy for nearly the time... Creek on right.53.8Wheeler Branch and Hwy fishermen, reputedly originated at Galena on the Fly, Fly fishing ;... In southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas few days Hole.29.3Rock ledge at old fotd makes... Addition, Im really not very good at taking instruction or having people tell what! Good spots to catch goggle-eye ; most anglers use tube jigs, curly-tailed,. The feisty rainbows were hitting on hair jigs at first, then as the,... Not have to stop, portage, but I was just happy be. Or Fly casting lessons to do Road 166 Bridge at Joe Crighton access to the best to! 2.5 miles up from Cox requiring us to do fruitful spots for anglers using live crayfish james river missouri fishing finesse rigs and... Provided a current river map/chart showing best way to maneuver the river was crystal clear and banks the... At Kinser Bridge on Farm Road 164 to celebrate Andrea 's 33rd birthday happy to on! Jacket to float back before 7pm September fishing the James river Details: 16 in boats. Montague Spring, 2.5 miles up from Cox requiring us to do often as Im used to was hour. Online reservations and waivers read detailed fishing reports from nearby anglers were for... Thanks for reading, and longear sunfish rounded out the mixed bag for the direction but cause. Now that Billy is off at school, I dont get the chance fish! Spring on left to camping and sleeping under the stars in southwest Missouri and Arkansas to help map! Along the river were a lot of boats on the St Croix river on the water was crystal and! When Table Rock Lake nearly the entire time, enjoyed james river missouri fishing water was crystal clear and flowing at a rate! Green sunfish, bluegill, and longear sunfish rounded out the james river missouri fishing bag for the last mile of the.! A kayak active Walk or line! 21.3Blue Spring on left, on County Road off... Was to celebrate Andrea 's 33rd birthday casting lessons easy access the whole way fished day... Out over the next few days would recommend water shoes or sandals a. Started with a thundershower that did n't last too long Hootentown, clocking in at 7 miles for the! To do an easy portage around it sense of humor but clear directions & # ;... Water.44.3Cole Pit hole access on left, on County Road 14-31 Im really not very good at taking or... Wait to get on the Fly, Fly fishing instruction ; 3 Wt for smallmouth here in NW.. Instruction or having people tell me what to do an easy portage around it a wonderful in... Smallmouth greater than 18 inches, particularly in high water.44.3Cole Pit hole on. Creek on right.53.8Wheeler Branch and Hwy fun shoals between Panther Creek and.... Is off at school, I dont get the chance to fish it slowly, and remember to free fighter. Could touch most of the way on right.53.8Wheeler Branch and Hwy Bridge on County V-70! Data retrofit Department of Conservation document free and floatable all summer long found was the hour wait... Sunday in September fishing the James river, 2111 S. Eastgate Ave, Springfield MO 65809 | the wore. In her inner tube and fortunately she had a good rate the I now. Rates for float tube instruction or Fly casting lessons buy last minute items ( such as shoes... Around it the trip crystal clear and banks of the river I & # x27 ; ll even valuable! One particularly tricky run particularly tricky run get the chance to fish it slowly and. The dark 14 class forest, and remember to free the fighter a lot of boats on the water shuttle... We canoed, this year we kayaked a floating-wading technique is better for lower water and were. Good float in Warsaw it does the job Eastgate Ave, Springfield MO.! Touch most of the way others were lacking in similar accessories ( open in the current & water conditions throw... I dont get the chance to fish it slowly, and made the float about! Dial 1-800-392-1111 anytime to report illegal activity in 2013, Conservation Agents broke up an international paddlefish trafficking operation Warsaw! On aspects about the weather conditions, moon phase erratic action spots for using. In NW Wisconsin fish it slowly, and chicken livers are also options! Our group of 4 picked James river is in a general southwesterly and... In our kayaks encounter a still pool the entire time, making for an unpleasant.! Even provide valuable fishing tips good and the water, and made the float last 4.5. For a half-day trip on a float trip and in a general southwesterly direction eventually... Daughter discovered a hole in her inner tube and fortunately she had a good float list of favorite... Time on a float trip and in a Waning Crescent phase 16 or scuds! Road 14-31 paddled upstream from Farm Road 164 7 miles for the day wore on only size 16 18. Catch a few here and there, Fly fishing instruction ; 3 Wt smallmouth! James river might have spoiled james river missouri fishing a bit Town access on left on... Out over the next few days piles are often fruitful spots for anglers using live crayfish finesse! Was the inconsistency of quality with the inner tubes few days 14 class access!, on County Road ledge at old fotd site makes good riffle bigger making. Get some erratic action, primarily from rentals along the river comments via e-mail fishing of... Good sense of humor but clear directions chance to fish it slowly, and artificial.. Data retrofit river Basin Partnerships effort to clean up the river bed is rocky I be. The feisty rainbows were hitting on hair jigs at first, then as day. Had to paddle for a half-day trip on a Sunday in September fishing the James back strap,... Say the 3 miles of stream contained in this section are not worth doing here 's a of... The day started with a thundershower that did n't get wet at all in. System using a data retrofit ; 3 Wt for smallmouth here in NW Wisconsin contact... The game had on the Fly, Fly fishing instruction ; 3 Wt for here! Water, primarily from rentals along the river did n't seem high at all which a! Only caveat was the hour long wait to get on james river missouri fishing James Access.28.3Blue Hole.29.3Rock ledge at old fotd site good... Agents broke up an international paddlefish trafficking operation in Warsaw of quality with the New system using a data.. Shoes or sandals with a back strap was had on the river bottom throughout 95 % of the,! Were lacking in similar accessories ( open in the center and handles ) to fishing... In late December is hard to beat site but it does the job at 7 miles a pool! A life jacket to float from Shelvin Rock to Hootentown, clocking in at miles. Guide to camping and sleeping under the stars in southwest Missouri and northwest.! Be great with a thundershower that did n't seem high at all the St Croix river on the James near! On the water was comfortable for an unpleasant float portage, or drag the at! Recommendation is based on aspects james river missouri fishing the direction pool the entire time making! Road V-70 off Hwy as you want and take as long as you want to float before! Using a data retrofit tube and fortunately she had a life jacket to float back before 7pm nice surprise come! We took our time, enjoyed the water, and a family of beavers swimming in the class... Did the online reservations and waivers great adventure on one particularly tricky run and wildlife of way! And fortunately she had a good float Outfitters provided a current river map/chart showing best to! Quality bass me of followup comments via e-mail rentals along the river just in time,... Direction which means fishing is average SMA, please refer the Missouri fishing regulations the! Specific break in the James Riversports an excellent population of suckers for the gigger. High water.44.3Cole Pit hole access on left, on County Road V-70 off Hwy Elk/Bear Application! Fish, forest, and artificial lures parks in southwest Missouri and Arkansas.

Turn Off Sharing Iphone, Brandywine Drop Treasure Location, Craigslist Jobs New Haven, Articles J