I'm headed down this Thursday for the Trout Bust and decided to finally load up one of the kayaks for a float on Friday. I haven't floated the Niangua yet, so I'm looking for some advice from you fine folks.
The first question I have is which yak to bring? I have a Pungo 14 and have access to an Ascend 10, both are sit-in angler models. From what I've waded around BS access and viewed on Google maps, the 14 should be a perfectly good option from BSP to NRO or Barclay CA. Most of that stretch is non-technical and is all riffle -> short run -> slow and deep until next riffle from what I gather. The Pungo is obviously much longer, tracks much better, and is more comfortable, but at the cost of some maneuverability. I'm guessing the discharge at the Windyville gauge will be down to 150 or less by Friday. Given the conditions and how I'm looking to fish, will the Pungo be fine or will I definitely need the maneuverability of the Ascend?
I plan to put in by 7am at BS access and take out around 6pm. NRO seems like it could be rather short. Should I continue on and take out at Barclay? I'll be fishing 5 and 8 weights targeting rainbow, brown, and smallies. I'm happy to take time and experiment but I don't want to end up at NRO by noon.
Any advice would be much appreciated!