Mark

I believe the part of the river being discussed for a state park is below the 44 mile designated Ozark National Scenic Riverways. The ONSR section runs from Thomasville to the Hwy 142 bridge. I am all for keeping that section of river just as it is, although I would like to see the Greer Campground have electric available for RVs. I have older friends who would love to visit the area but have RVs and electric is a must. I plan to retire in a couple years and have an RV as well. Some cabins would be a welcome addition as well. Not everyone enjoys tent camping. As for the section being debated, there are already houses, cabins, and private property below the Hwy 142 bridge. Are those people the only ones entitled to access along with a place to stay?

Gov. NIxon is talking heat. The land purchase is seen as secretive. Oregon County Commissioner is outspoken critic. Mineral area politicians are upset over money being spent in Oregon County that they feel should be spent in areas affected by the settlement. I understand that point. I don't understand Oregon County being so opposed. I for one would like to see the state park project at the Narrows move forward. A nice park on the lower Eleven Point would be well used and a boost to the local economy but needs to be done right - boat ramp, RV camping, nice restrooms/showers, plenty of riverfront access. Ten campsites in the middle of the woods would be a waste of money.

Yeah I don't understand why Oregon County residents are all upset. The Narrows is a beautiful area and so few have even heard of it. But with no boat ramps, tree cutting, or development, what good is it with only a few primitive campsites. And it is far enough downstream to not effect the National Scenic Riverways and their primitive beauty. I think a state park on the lower the Eleven Point would be a wonderful idea. Oregon County is so poor, and why would locals not be in favor of some development on their most precious resource if it would boost their economy, and allow more people to enjoy the river. I guess it all goes back to the thinking that they like things just the way they are, it's their river, and don't want to see change. I get that part of wanting to not turn into a touristy Van Buren type town, but the Oregon County ranks near the bottom in annual income each year. The added bonus of purchasing the land to keep mining interests out makes it all sound good to me. What am I missing that has everyone up in arms?

Thanks joeD. BTW -Magnolia Hollow Conservation Area is a beautiful place in Ste. Genevieve County overlooking the Mississippi River. But like idea - Magnolia Hollow String Band!! Wondering if enough water to rent a johnboat with my 2.5 HP motor? Or take my canoe? Would like to use the johnboat because just easier on a couple old guys getting in and out. Yeah, I read up on the bands coming to Wildwood Springs Lodge this fall. Blood, Sweat, and Tears doesn't have one original member, although Bo Bice is lead singer. Scratch that idea! Marshall Tucker - one original member. Poco (two originals) and Ozark Mountain Daredevils (three originals) should be best two shows. Pretty pricey shows (minimum $100) all around to see basically cover bands.

Bluffs, Garrison's, and Carptracker's place are not mentioned on the MDC mile by mile description I printed off, so I have no idea where they are located on river. I am assuming all trips mentioned would be one day trips. Also, I would most likely take my canoe with 2.5 motor just because I have it, but I did notice that Birds Nest Resort rents johnboats. Is there enough water for a johnboat? I think my partner would prefer a johnboat, just easier getting in and out of all day vs. a canoe. Have my doubts there is enough water for a johnboat this time of year but then again I have never been on the Meramac. BTW - what's with all the spelling variations - must be a local thang.

LOL come on, Joe. Intimate setting is cool. I saw Ozark Mountain Daredevils twice there and both good shows. Definitely old hippie crowd!! I hear Poco gives a good 3 hour show. Blood, Sweat, and Tears first time attending, bet they would be good but pricey at $134. Appreciating all fishing advice and cabin suggestions.

carp - a little confused w/ "check out our website" refers to what website?

A couple guys are looking at planning a weekend float near Steelville and catching one of the concerts at Wildwood Springs Lodge in the next month or so. Never been on any part of the river. I am interested in advice on best floating sections of 6-8 mile day floats, cabins nearby, and not far from Steelville so as to not have far to go after the concert. IF I am correct, the trout waters are from Maramec Spring branch at the 28.1 mile mark to about 8 miles downstream. Is that a good guess? It looks like the Hwy 19 bridge just outside of city limits of Steelville is 47.9 mile mark, so probably no trout that far downstream. We don't necessarily have to fish trout waters if the smallmouth fishing is good nearer Steelville. Or is it possible to wade fish in and/or near the park. Also, good scenery would be a major factor in deciding. I would say having a cabin not far from Steelville is more important, so we don't have to drive far after the show or maybe even rent a cab (WIldwood advertises one on their website for after shows). Open to suggestions on sections of river to float during day and cabins on the water and near town. Help us out Al if you happen to see this. Thinking Poco, or Blood, Sweat, and Tears, or Guess Who or Brewer and Shipley. I've seen the Ozark Mountain Daredevils twice (both great shows) and want to see someone else this time.

Consider the Eleven Point River for a trip off the beaten path. The Blue Ribbon area from Greer Springs to Turner Mill is a 5 mile float. The White Ribbon area begins at Turner Mill and continues downstream for 14 miles to Riverton, with a midway access at Whitten. Fantastic fishing especially this year. Equally fantastic scenery and not nearly as crowded as some of the more popular rivers. Traffic really slows down after schools start.

Agree with all that has been said, but appreciate Al's point about elderly people still being able to fish. I see lots of elderly locals on the 11 pt., wife and hubby, and I think how nice for them to be able to enjoy the river at their age. No way they could get in and out of a canoe all day. Of course, they also happen to be very respectful of others on the river and slow down when they pass someone.

Question: I see the river is at 655 cfs (or 6.65 ft) at Harriet. If we were staying at White Buffalo Resort, how far up the Buffalo could we go in a boat? Jet prop? Jonboat rented from resort??

I would think that the massive clear cutting of timber in the late 19th and early 20th centuries were and still are the main culprits. The loss of topsoil has exposed the level of rock that continues to be washed down the hillsides to the streams and will continue to be washed downhill. The massive clear cut continues to be an irreversible environmental mistake. Agree with all you stated, Al, just think the clear cutting is the primary culprit.

Sounds like a great trip.

Dedication! Tired of rain but water levels and new supply of fire wood should be good for summer.

Would definitely bring my canoe. Unfortunately, looks like going to be a wet week this week. Expect rivers to be high for Easter break.

Thanks hope the weather cooperates

It's still running high at 2,000 cfs. It will drop some by weekend but my guess is expect lots of water and may be tough fishing.

If a couple fellas were just wanting to camp a couple nights on the Jacks Fork and do some wade fishing and hiking, what would be the best choice - Buck Hollow, Rhymers, Bay Creek, or Alley Springs? Thinking of doing this over Easter weekend, and I am aware that water levels may narrow my choices or even eliminate camping on the Jacks Fork, and I have a pretty good idea on what is a good water level from readings on here and following the gauges online. Based on current river levels, let's assume the river will be at optimal spring levels or maybe slightly above = 100-300 cfs. We would go somewhere else if water is high. Water level now at Buck Hollow is 300 cfs, which I believe is about the max for optimal floating and fishing. Rain between now and Easter will be deciding factor. Guessing 100-300 cfs at Buck Hollow would be great for this trip, with 300 cfs being about the upper limit, and too early in spring for it to drop below 100 cfs. Just not familiar with campgrounds and wondering if one of them would be more conducive to wade fishing. I am considering a short float, but my buddy isn't real big on floating and has just as good of time with some wade fishing and hiking. I am fine with that, too. I'm thinking Rhymers since I visited it once and really liked the spot. Alley Springs may have a few more people than we care to camp with, not familiar with Bay Creek, and don't remember much about what Buck Hollow campground was like from my one time tour of the area. Thanks in advance

Agreed! There is no confusion in the language of the bill concerning changing property owners rights from the high water mark to the low water mark. That part is as clear as an Ozark spring. And that is all the leeway a landowner needs to shut down a stream. With a change to the low water mark as the landowner's boundary, all it would take is dropping a log or two across the stream and forcing anyone to the bank to go around the logs, and suddenly you would be on private property. Then we are one step away from the Colorado law where the landowner owns the riverbed too!

I emailed by representative Elaine Gannon (R, Desot) and she never replied. I contacted my senator Gary Romine (R, Farmington) an he did reply - thanking me for my input, how he listens to constituents concerns, and how he will look into the bill should it get out of the House. I replied to him and asked him point blank if he would oppose such a bill. He replied that he didn't think the bill would clear the House since it was introduced so late in session, he would have to read over the bill should it pass the House to make sure there were no attachments to the bill, and how he appreciated the concern of all his constituents - once again never answered my question but gave pure political jargon to dodging the straight answer.

Also go to page 2 here on Jacks Fork - 5th thread from the bottom. "Another First Timer" thread I started in '12 with 46 replies. Covers just about everything you need to know about the Jack Forks. Cottonmouths info has me skittish - LOL

Smallieguy; I am hoping to be down there the same week during the week so basically the same days. I plan on float/camping from as far up river as water levels will allow and floating down to Alley Springs. Keep an eye out for a green square back canoe and give us a holler!! It will be my first trip on JF as well, but it's been on my bucket list long enough and have my heart set on it this time. You may be more experienced with smallmouth fishing so maybe we can help each other out with what is working. And good advice on plans B and C. Anything more in the forecast besides the usual afternoon pop up showers, and I will be rethinking the camping out plan. But very excited about the trip for now.

Sent email to my rep as well, along with encouraging my fishing friends to do so as well. Guessing this may have something to do with the fatal shooting on the Meramec last year.

And people actually pay that? Wouldn't you love to get a bunch of good ol' boys to go sit at the entrance of that business and laugh at the idiot that would actually pay to do that as he drove by.