DaveMac

I used SongDog Kayaks last week to float from Harmon to Pyatt, and then from Pyatt to Snow. We rented 3 yaks – all were Wilderness Ride 115s outfitted with rod holders, nice seat cushions and dry bags. Dan and Peggy Pratt, the owners, were great to work with. They were flexible on times, ready to meet you at the put-in whenever you wanted. They shuttled our SUV with no problems. They wanted to know how the float went, what worked with the kayaks and what didn't, and if there were any trees down across the creek and where. I could tell they were interested in maximizing the experience, especially for fishermen! Dan spent time with us before the first float showing us how to adjust all the seat and foot positions. He plans to put more information on his website about CC water levels, and may even offer lodging in the future. Overall, a great experience. I live in Omaha, NE, and only get to come down and fish this area about once a year, so it's crucial to have an outfitter who is easy to reach (by phone at 7 am!) and willing to work with us on scheduling around the crazy weather we seem to be having. I plan on using them again next year without a doubt. It was also great to see several Crooked Creek Canoes out there. We did business with Jimmie Walker in the past, and it was good to see his boats still out there carrying on his business.

Drove by Ponca today. High and muddy. Doesn't look good for at least the next 4 or 5 days.

I'm also a day-tripper who would like to see what the overnighters have to say about what and how to pack. I would also add, if OK with the OP, how you choose where to stop for the night. Is this something you plan beforehand or just random based on your knowledge of the river?

Red worms for trout on the White river when the water is rising. There, I said it. Now I'll go back to polishing my collection of Panther Martins.

I too paddle right through the hated frogwater. I love catching smallies in the current, but was recently encouraged by an outfitter to fish rocky ledges that step down from the bank into the water. The fish like to hide right along or up under these places and though maybe not as fun as catching them in riffles, I always seem to get decent size fish in these areas.

Nice report and pics! Looks like the water you were fishing in is a little slower and bigger than what I usually target in Ozark streams. Was there action in riffles or did you catch most in pools as the pics seem to suggest?

+1 on the educated smallmouth! I'd say these fish are so educated they probably have master's degrees... ; ) Fished the 4.5 mile stretch from Trigger Gap to McMullin farm on Saturday 06/15 (was in Eureka for the Blues Fest so only had time for a short float). The traffic was not too bad but just about every boat had a fishing rod or two in it. I can confirm the water was low and clear - missed all the rain that Springfield had - and the fishing was tough. Caught a few smallies on tubes but the action was slow and the fish came in shady spots in areas where the water was flowing along rocky ledges and boulders. I had no luck in the fast water which is unusual for me. Gave me a reminder of why I try to stick to longer floats and go on weekdays that tend to discourage the masses. Have to agree that despite the high pressure, Kings is a great little river. I'll be back!

Hey thanks, Al, for the detailed answer to my question. Somewhere way back in my past I learned the different canoeing strokes - on a lake at summer camp! - but am mostly getting by with trial and error. Fortunately, most Ozark streams are pretty forgiving unless there is high water or a tree falls into the water in a bad place.

Great post, Al. I know you said this was about fishing and not canoeing, but because traversing riffles is such an integral part of the process of fishing Ozark streams, can you elaborate on the proper technique of controlling (steering) the craft while going down a riffle? I have to admit my error of using speed to avoid obstacles on the outside bend : )

Buffalo River Canoes (upper) and Silver Hill (middle) will both shuttle to Mt. Hersey. The shuttles are expensive, but worth it in my opinion because you'll have the river mostly to yourself.

In my experience you can't go wrong with any stretch, but a particular favorite of mine is Pruitt to Hasty. It's 7 miles, has good scenery and plenty of good spots for fishing. I recommend Buffalo River Canoes as an outfitter - Jesse will set you up with a good float.

Drive across the Cooper River bridge to Mt. Pleasant - I used to live there - there's a county park below the bridge that has a pier that goes well out into the river. Folly Beach also has a pier that goes into the ocean, but I don't think the fishing is as good. You can fish from the pier and do pretty well without spending much money, and you don't have to worry about where to put a kayak in. Redfish are caught at the shallow end near the grass, trout and flounder in the mid-depth, and sheepshead off the end (using barnicles for bait!). There is a tackle shop that has bait and tackle rentals, and the views are great.

I guess I'm in the "with someone" camp. The camaraderie, shared successes (and disappointments) and the safety factor - I often fish where if something happens, you really don't want to be alone - make fishing with someone preferable. My sons and I, and friends from the past, have always enjoyed some version of first fish, biggest fish, most fish, most species contests, which obviously doesn't work when alone. Having said that, I find myself more and more in the situation of, if I want to go fishing I have to go alone (sons grow up and do their own thing, friends drift apart). Maybe I should get a dog!

I have converted to an ultralight 3 wt - I like to feel the fight of the small fish I (mostly) catch.

I was just thinking of dancing (scantily clad of course) at home. But only if it would help the rain situation. BTW, I like Al's advice whether there is plenty of water in the creeks or not!