DaveMac

Great thread, Al. I too have been trying to broaden my horizons. Its fun to explore new rivers and see first hand what their differences are compared to ones you're familiar with. Last year I did the Buffalo, Niangua and Gasconade. Each one was unique, though I floated them at different times during the summer. This year the Buffalo is again on my list, but I'd like to hit the Kings and Jacks Fork among others. Don't rule out wading smaller streams when considering exploring new rivers - I plan to check out Richland Creek (big-butt boulders), a trib of the Buffalo.

I don't understand this either. Quick check of the USDA website shows the average price of farm-raised catfish at about $2.50 per pound (whole fish). Gas money, time, bait & tackle, etc. would seem to at least make this roughly equal in cost to coming to clean out a stream of smallmouth. With the exception of stocked trout, I don't think we can afford to take fish from creeks anymore. There are just too many people vying for the same resources.

Catch a smallie on a flyrod. Get back to the Spring River for the first time in 20 years.

Chief, I don't know you but I read all your posts and have enjoyed your Friday fishing photos since I joined the forum. I'm a firm believer that we are losing the right to access "public lands" to private owners who then restrict or eliminate access. In the state of Nebraska where I live, the state constitution dictates that the water of every stream (navigable or not) is accessible to the public, and that includes portage on land that is privately owned. Put me down for $100.

Nice description of materials and methods! Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

I recommend the upper section, especially during the week (no crowds) - plenty of 1-3 day trips are available. May/June is the best time of year for the upper because later on there may not be enough water. If it floods, the upper Buff will recede to floatable conditions much faster than the middle or lower. I floated-fished the upper (Erbie to Hasty) last May about a week after it was blown out and the fishing was great (the 2 weeks leading up to the trip, I checked the USG river gauges almost hourly!).

I suggest the Gary Loomis Freshwater Spinning Rod 6.5 ft 2-piece medium light by TFO (TFG FWS 663-2 - $99). I ordered one from Burfish.com and had a great experience (got a thank you note from Mr. Burleson himself!)

Bull Shoals Boat Dock. Bait and tackle shop on the water.

I keep rainbow trout that are stocked, but that's the only species I keep. There are plenty of good catfish restaurants in the ozarks to keep me from wanting to keep other fish!

Just a quick image to whet your appetite for visiting GP. Worth visiting even if there were no fish!

Gunner Pool is gorgeous and well worth the trip. The fishing is just OK - small stream with mostly small fish, but the clarity of the water puts gin to shame. Blanchard Springs caverns is also close by and and fun if you like cave tours. I was on N. Sylamore creek last May around the time of the big rains and I couldn't see how you would get a canoe down it. Better off hiking and wading.

Fall can be a great time if the weather's right. This is the time of year to fish the Niangua as the summer crowds have departed. Fishing from Bennett on down will give you the opportunity to catch smallmouth and trout in the same water. Tube jigs work well this time of year for smallmouth. Check out Adventures for your canoe/kayak rental - that's the best way to get on 'em. Good luck- it's a beautiful river. DaveMac

Best wishes and get well soon!

I recommend going the rental canoe route. Too many riffles and tricky spots to worry about with your own boat. Weekday floats during the summer months can make a big difference on Niangua, but you'll probably be OK even on a weekend during the fall (it's the off-season for the aluminum hatch!). I'd also take a few trout lures if you plan to fish the stretch below Bennett Spring. Doesn't get much better than having a shot at a nice brown trout if smallmouth fishing is slow.

As a totally CR angler who has used tubes for over 20 years I can say that gut hooking has never been a problem. If it was, I wouldn't use them and this is why I will never (again) use powerbait when fishing for trout (yes I've gut hooked a few rainbows that way which I then kept). I don't mean to dismiss Ham's and Wayne's concerns about tubes and smallmouth - I can only vouch for myself - so any approaches that emphasize less risk of harm to the fish (and provide a more interesting fishing experience!) are certainly worth trying. Having my notions challenged and being encouraged to think about the consequences of my actions on the river is why I participate in this forum. So thanks to Al and others of you who have been gracious enough to let us tube fishermen in on your topwater expertise.

I recently floated the 6 mile stretch upstream from Gasconade Hills back down to the resort and can vouch for the excessive amount of frogwater. Fishing was tough though it was very hot and should be a little better with a little cooler weather. If you're planning to float on a weekday, I'd suggest the Niangua which is not too far to the west of Gasconade. Not sure about camping but in my opinion it is a much better river for fishing (trout + smallmouth).

Thanks Al and CWF for the info on topwater baits in fast water. Your willingness to share your expertise is what makes this forum great. I can't wait to try this approach next time I'm on the river!

Let me be the first to say, "Wow, what a fish!" Congrats and thanks for the photo.

There is something about the current that draws me to fish rivers over lakes. Fighting a fish in the current is another thing that distinguishes the two - even small fish can put up a challenge in strong current. One thing I've wondered about in relation to topwater fishing in rivers is where you guys apply it - I would guess that topwater baits work in the pools (like like they do on a lake), but do they work in faster water too?

Yes this is a shot taken in Sylamore creek right next to the lower section of the campground at Gunner Pool. One of my favorite places.

Did what I could, oneshot. Met your son on Monday when my family rented 3 canoes from the outfitter you referred to above. Great service and good people. Will go back for sure. Floated from Bennett to Barclay and had the river mostly to ourselves - I was worried it would be crowded even on a Monday but was pleasantly surprised. Though I guess that's the problem. Caught some nice smallies and a bunch of trout. My dad (74 years old) landed his first smallie (18 inches!). Beautiful river. Here's a shot taken just downstream from Riverwoods by my 14 year old son.

I too have caught trout in feeder creeks of the trout streams, usually in early spring before the smallmouth fishing heats up. Big Creek is a feeder of the the Little Red that holds trout in the spring. They fight like crazy when hooked! Great pics, BTW! Thanks for sharing.

Just as important as wearing your seat belt!

Beach the canoe and fish the riffles wet wading.

Wow! Great pics. Thanks for sharing.