I don't know what "bridge hop" is? But I did float in one of my kayaks. Yes it was tough fishing.
I have been to the little niangua three times this year. All have been after labor day. I can tell
you that the river needs to be at 4.1 feet at the USGS river gage at Macks Creek. If lower I think the oxygen level drops. Above 5.0 the river becomes turbid.
Mike