Mark

Oh I agree, fishinwreck, China and India are the worst offenders of polluting our environment, But is the answer to say "what the heck is the use of Americans taking steps to further pollute our planet when other countries are worse offenders?" We will be known for centuries to come as the people who did more to pollute and poison our planet in 100 years than all of mankind before or after us. It is scary to think about what our planet will look like 100 years from now if we don't change our ways. That is the legacy we are leaving our grandchildren.

This isn't a matter to take light heartedly. Half of the EPA funding is passed on to state and local agencies for emergencies, clean ups, and environmental concerns. Trump/Pruitt stance is that responsibility for environmental concerns should be handled at the state level. The state agencies are strapped for cash already, and do not have the expertise or funds or manpower to handle major environmental accidents and enforcement of federal regulations. Maybe this will catch your attention as fellow fishermen - part of the environmental cutbacks proposed by Trump/Pruitt' EPA will result in less financing, regulation and enforcement of the "Clean Water Act". Suddenly, our environment isn't a high priority to our federal government.

I find it reprehensible that Trump has named Scott Pruitt as our new Director of the EPA, who happens to believe that man made CO2 emissions have nothing to do with climate change. As former attorney general in Oklahoma, he sued the EPA 44 times. He has been politically backed by the oil and gas industries throughout his career. And Trump has vowed to cut the EPA's budget by 35%. I agree with most that there is probably some fat that can be cut from most government agencies. But none of this administration's environmental policies will benefit our environment, and will only hurt it. We are now back on the path to continue polluting our planet for future generations all for the sake of greedy corporate America. Shame on us for allowing this to happen.

Need any help??:)

I have done the Current in sections. looking for something new, and have never been on the NFOW. So many places to see and float in Missouri, and I like the adventure of something new.

Good to know. Just as curious about upper smallmouth as trout water. Also curious about Bryant. Early June, how far upstream can I expect to go with loaded canoe? Private land issues? Actually, plan on a couple days chasing smallies away from the trout water crowd, and hit the trout water at end of the trip. Like 3 nights on smallmouth water (either NF or Bryant), and get fresh ice first chance after that. Which do you recommend - Bryant or Upper NFOW? Sounds like both are pretty.

One of my main concerns is getting hassled for pulling over to wade fish, especially in trout water. All the resorts advertise "private water", as I'm sure private land owners will insist they "own" their stretch of waterfront property. Is the "high water mark" law meaningless to them? I wouldn't argue and just move on, but is there anything to worry about if I pull over to wade? And curious about Bryant Creek. I thought I read that by summer, water levels prevent floating from very far upstream? And not much access? Is smallie fishing better than upper NFOW? Creek wading really appeals to me. And again, the private property issue? Getting chased off once or twice would put a damper on trip - hate being hassled when I know I am not doing anything wrong.

Planning to check out the NFOW in Missouri this year. I've been reading a lot in the past week and have a general idea of what to expect. But maybe someone more familiar can clarify a few things for me.....Ideally I would like to fish and float camp along the way, first for smallies on the upper, and then for trout on second half of trip. Not sure on my take out yet.... At normal summer water levels, it was suggested that Indian Creek is about as far upriver as you want to put in. This section is described thru the M Twain National Forest, and I am all about great scenery on float trips. I don't mind a little draggin or pullin the canoe thru a little bit, but not wanting a big hassle either. l have the section below Twin Bridges pictured as opening up, more flat farmland, less forest, and not as scenic. Would that be accurate? Also the private land ownership has me concerned. Can I expect to get ran off of gravel bars on the upper? I realize the trout water area may have some strict landowners too, especially around the ROLF, Sunburst, and other resorts and campgrounds. I like to take my time, get out of the canoe and wade fish, and basically use the canoe as a taxi to haul gear. It really puts a damper on the experience to always be fearful of catching an earful from a landowner, or even just have to look over your shoulder all day every time you pull over. Are certain private areas well marked? I don't have an issue with island camping as long as zero chance of rain. And I like to check out things like the springs (MCD mile by mile map clearly states some are strictly private) or maybe pull over for some fishing or relaxing at a pretty spot. Actually surprised I haven't visited before, but definitely plan on checking out a float trip on it this coming summer. Would appreciate more comments on description of the float and private gravel bars is mormally hit for some wade fishing. Thanks in advance

That's pretty funny, I don't care who you are!!

Thanks for the info. I can agree that this is not good legislation for our lands.

I agree and understand what you are saying 100%. Just trying to see the other side and not be an alarmists over a piece of vague legislation. So what you are saying is that the federal reserve land in northern Alaska the size of South Carolina should remain untouched by man for all time eternity, and no one should ever be allowed to live there, because a few cabins would endanger grizzly and wolves? We're talking about land the size of South Carolina.

The "Issue that never goes away" in Missouri. Local law enforcement doesn't want to touch this issue with a ten foot pole. Landowners will insist they are right, fishermen will insist they are right, and if law enforcement is called, they will just try to diffuse the situation and ask the fishermen to move along to avoid conflict. So we end up with the episode last summer when the man was shot and killed. Sorry David, no one bit on your comment. But Al is right, there is no way that Republicans are going to side with anyone other than landowners and less public access.

Not sure I am ready to be an alarmist over this bill. I understand what you are saying about the slippery slope and our ONSR being affected. I can see both sides of the issue. Interesting that the vote was split 100% partisan with Rep for and Dems against. I get that part too, though, with Dems paying back for Reps opposing every issue presented by Obama when he took office. I can also see that we have millions of acres of federal land out west that is protected so it sits idle. How much is enough or too much? And I understand once it is sold off, it is private land forever, and we can't necessarily tell people what they can and can't do with their private land. I watch TV shows like "The Last Alaskans" with the seven families living on the federal reserve the size of South Carolina, and after these 7 families that have been grandfathered in are gone, no one else can live on the land. Also I watch "Alaskan Bush People" who don't seem to be hurting a thing scratching out an existence on fed land. All seems harmless to the land to me. Then I watch "Gold Rush" with these crews that are just raping the land in Alaska for gold, and that makes me sad. I don't want to open up all of our federal land to mining and raping the natural resources on the protected lands. I don't know the answer, but if I had the money and the chance to buy a few acres of prime fed land to build a place on out west, I would want to. There is so much of it now just sitting there.

OK really a question for my friends with jetboats.

Are jet boats allowed anywhere on NFOW? Search for awhile but couldn't find answer.

The could build a wall around it, claim someone else will pay for it, and call it Trump State Park and then run an oil pipeline through it. Or maybe Gorky Park would be a better name.

What's wrong with looking like a hillbilly, Al???? LOL

I'll call out there sometime. He hasn't posted since Oct 2014

Tito, are you still in business?? Possibly heading your way next summer and interested in cabins, I'm an old Eleven Point acquaintance. Mark

There is so much wrong with this whole story from several perspectives. #1) I hate to see any law enforcement person go to jail over something going wrong on the job for making poor judgments. On the other hand, we all know the "give me a gun and badge" egomaniacs. Was this boater drunk and a danger to others, or was the cop looking to bust somebody because he could. Many of you know how it is to have to fear the police because we stopped at the local watering hole after work and had a couple beers. The .08 alcohol standard is a joke rammed down our throats by the religious right. But we can't just let the drunk boat driver off the hook either if he was indeed extremely intoxicated. The MSHP taking over the water patrol was never a good idea. "Follow the money" as Deepthroat would say. Sure, one death on the water is too many. But couldn't just a little law enforcement presence deter many from getting "snot slinging drunk" in a boat or canoe. I apologize to all good public servants of the people in law enforcement, but the job is attractive to the pin-on-a-badge tough guys too.

Is feral pig decent to eat? Agree that they need to be eradicated. I don't hunt, but would think that wild boar would be a challenging hunt for hunters. Sorry Walcrabass, bullying needs to be addressed in schools. Young kid's brains don't function like adults. Bullying doesn't introduce them to adult life because they will find out that adults get bullied. Do you realize how many kids that get bullied turn a gun on themselves or others? Or the depression a bullied kid goes thru. It doesn't make them tougher. It only hurts them.

MOsmallies, I may take you up on that in 2 weeks. I may be heading down to LOZ for first time fishing with a friend and could use some advice on the crappie bite.

Give Donald a call - he is going to fix all the world's problems!

Oh yeah, you can just about judge the fishing by the number of boat trailers at Whitten. If you pull in and see several trailers, you can bet there was a recent stocking and a free meal for the locals.

powereggs