A friend and I "floated" the entire Gasconade in the 90's, over a 6 year period. We started at Hartville on (I think) July 27th and drug and floting to the 33 mile mark (Forest Service Access) in 3 days. Most of the dragging was in the first 11 miles. Highly suggest a Spring float for a Hartville start. We would do a Spring and Summer float, usually 20 to 25 miles over three days, using paddles and trolling motors, fished a lot. Gasconade Hills and Graven's were used as outfitters until Jerome. Then took a johnboat and motor and buzzed the rest of the river over 3 days. Caught fish everyday on those trips.
These days, my brother-in-law and I still try to take a 2 or 3 day float on the upper Gasconade every year, still using Gravens or Gasconade Hills!