float fisher

I floated Steel Creek to Ozark with my canoe and two kayaks beginning Friday April 30th. That first day was a royal pain. Both my canoe and the yaks were constantly on the rocks. We took out and camped early during a rainstorm. The next day we all did fine. A little shallow but did not have to get out to push at all after the rain. I checked the USGS site when we returned. The river was at ~2ft @ Ponca on April 30th. It was at 2.9ft on May 1st. That made all the difference.I would agree that 3ft @ Ponca is a good minimum mark for put-in at Steel Creek. The yaks I traveled with were Old Town 12ft recreational. Nothing to heavy or bulky. I had the gear in my canoe so they were traveling light and they still spent a lot of time on rocks the first day.

Thanks Zack, I like that this site makes a go/no-go decision so much easier.

Thanks for the heads up Dan. Yes I do live in the StL area, close to Powder Valley actually. Sorry I could not make the event last evening. Just too much to do around the house and yard in the spring time and I am working on clearing things off the honeydew list so I can get away next weekend.

Good Morning all, The name is Tim. After 21 years we find ourselves with an empty nest and I am finding more time to get back to my canoe and fishing. I have been floating for the past couple of years with a small group of kayakers and who really have little interest in fishing. I float the canoe and haul the important provisions (cold beer) so I figure I can lag behind and pick up my rod and get back to what I have missed for so many years. In the last couple of years we have taken on the Jacks Fork from Buck Hollow,(It took two attempts as the first was washed out and the River "closed") the North Fork of the White River (last time it was dropping from flood stage and was a hoot)and we are working on the Meramec with day floats working upstream (No, we don't float upstream) from StL County and we have it covered almost up to the Huzzah. End of April we are floating the Buffalo from as far up as the river level will allow down to Pruitt. I have a cabin on the Gasconade at Hazelgreen and can't get enough time on the river there. Favorite fish to hunt and fry - Goggle Eye Favorite fish to catch and release - Smallmouth favorite type of fishing - from my canoe Type of fishing I would like to try - Flyfishing just a little leary to invest in the equipment without trying it first. Best fishing day - Sunny day, solo float, fishing line wet and not caught on a snag, Only a few tugs at the hook to disturb my peace, two nice panfish for my skillet by the end of the day.

Thanks bobber. I'll be praying for some moderate rains prior to our trip and we will check for that 18" of airspace at Ponca Bridge as we are hoping for the Boxley put-in so we can enjoy a stretch of the river pretty much to ourselves. We keep our campgear well protected against mishap so as long as we are not risking life and limb we enjoy a fast run. As far as pushing across a gravel flat, not a problem. I've got a heavy duty plastic paddle I keep just for those days and I don't mind getting my feet wet. It's the rock gardens that require more than just a walk-thru with my canoe tethered to me that I am concerned with. Once the canoe is off the truck I prefer not to have to carry it. Thanks for the info

I have not heard of him but he has a phone # listed on that site and a link to another site where he has an e-mail contact of; shooter@arkansaswildlifephotography.com Good luck.

We are floating at the end of April. No one in our group has floated the upper Buffalo before. Our group is two kayaks and my solo 13' canoe. This is a multi-day trip so we will be loaded but we do pack light. Our plans are to attempt a put-in at Boxley if the water is right. I have read that the water at the Ponca bridge must be 10" airspace or less to make the Boxley run. Is this good info? We are all experienced Ozark "whitewater" floaters. If we nix the Boxley put-in because of low water, what level do we need to have to float from Ponca without portage?

Thanks bobber. That is just the info I was looking for. We are floating end of April and with any luck the weather and water will co-operate.

That was quick! Thanks Zack, that is exactly what I was looking for. I will be catch and release on small and largemouth but what about panfish like rock bass? There are no size limits or season on those in Missouri. Is it similar in Arkansas? I have a fry pan that just loves goggle eye.

Can someone direct me where I will find information about getting an out of state fishing license and fishing regulations especially on the Buffalo? Thanks