Chief Grey Bear

I am sorry but, I have not fished the area you are asking about. But it shouldn't fish much if any different than most other rivers. Deep holes, especially if it has some brush or log jam, is a great place to start with the rod and reel or limb lines. If you want some big cats, I would put some perch in the 6-8 inch range on those lines. Don't foget to set some of those lines along some of the shallows and tailend of riffles. When the lights go down, the cats will prowl. I have got them in water shallow enough that their backs were out of the water. If you can seine some shiners, worm them on to your limb line hook. Channel cats are not picky as to if it is alive on not. Flatheads are. For your rod, and since you only have this weekend, I would just go to the bait shop and get a jug of some brand of catfish dough bait. I like the blood flavors. Though I must admit I haven't bought any since they quit making bloodbait. Anyway just roll a small ball of it on your hook and toss into those brush piles. That should keep you plenty busy. I used to do that years ago and it was nothing to catch 20, 30, or so channel cats. Nothing huge by any means, but up to a couple of pounds at times. Most importantly, if you set some lines...take them out when you are done. I hate nothing more than seeing old limb lines hanging everywhere with bare hooks.

I love wading smaller creeks. You will always be surpised by the size of fish that can be caught out of a creek that is sometimes not more than a trickle.

Nice. It can be very exciting to work a fish like that and finally emerge the victor.

Nice report. Sounds like it was a great day to out on the lake.

Well, I finally repaired the link. Sorry I took so long. If you like to spend time in the outdoors as much as I do, it is worth a little bit of your time to read.

That is the best paragraph in this whole thread. Ditto's on the last sentence there too. I'd bet he was a heck of a guy.

Great report KC! Love those pics too. Funny thing though...didn't the wife catch any???

Way to go there KC. Sounds like a great time. I need to hit that river sometime.

I am not a lawyer either. I just do a lot of research to learn my rights and post my findings here to help others that enjoy this outdoor activity. Be sure to read post #8 to this thread. There is valuable info in there. That came from the DNR site. I do need to fix that link though.

If you are speaking of the land beyond the public road right of way, which is usually somewhere in the neighborhood of 20 ft. from the center line of the road, giver or take a few feet depending on local situations, he does own the land. The public has a right, according to the Missouri Supreme Court to use his land along the creek for activities associated with the creek. Could drinking be considered activites associated with the creek? If they were to claim they were picnicking or camping, then it would appear that they are within their legal right to be there. But once the first can, bottle or cigarette butt falls...game over! I am no way on the partiers side as they are the one's that I point my finger at for ruining for the rest of us that want to use this resource as it should be. Not to mention the varmits that will grab a case of beer, fill the tank with gas and drive around half the night to dump trash. When it would have been cheaper to go to the land fill or even find a dumpster.

Yeah and I still do. I asked Phil about it and didn't much of an asnwer. I don't know what the deal is. I just keep trying and eventually it will take. Most times. Sometimes I get to my third try on my third different pic and they will all show up.

Info on the way via PM.

I don't know of anyone that rents canoes, but I know a couple of good ol' boys that will guide you. You comming by yourself?

I am more of a river fisherman. The Sac River anywhere from below Stockton dam to where it dumps into Truman near Osceola is some really great river catfishing. And hang on, there are some brutes in there! You might also check out the Osage River too. Also has some nice fish in there. Don't over look James River. Spring River near Carthage and to the west has some fantastic catfishing. It is fun to float and hit the holes for flathead. Turnback creek near Greenfield is pretty dang good too. Really though, just about any river/stream in this area has some good catfishing. Just get out a map, plan a trip and hang on!

Just where is SW Missouri are you looking at fishing? There is some astounding catfish waters down this way. Are you looking at limblining or rod and reel?

http://dor.mo.gov/mvdl/motorv/watercraft/#notrequired Boats/Vessels that are NOT required to be titled or registered in the state of Missouri if they are: Owned by out-of-state residents and housed, stored, or operated in the state of Missouri for less than 60 consecutive days; Owned by the United States Government; From a country other than the United States using the waters of this state for less than 60 consecutive days; Propelled solely by paddle or oars (regardless of length); Sailboats or sailboards less than 12 feet in length; or A ship's lifeboat used solely for lifesaving purposes. Vessels documented by the United States Coast Guard are not required to be titled, but must be registered. I didn't think you had to but, I looked it up anyway just to be sure. Looks like you are good to go.

That is a nice fish. I like the sunset pic too.

I bought this in 1999. It was from a friend of mine that had only used it twice. It has no holes in it as I only used it on strip pits. It has a livewell and battery compartment. The lights have been broken off over time and I never replaced them as I was never going to be on a lake at night. This boat is nearly impossible to turn over. I say nearly as I have never done it. I have not used the boat in the last few years and don't really think I will since I have purchased a Jon boat. I did take the livewell drain tube out and real seal it as the boat was taking on some water. You would get about a 2 gallons of water after a day of being on the water. I have not tested it since doing that so I can't say if it is fixed. Or as my luck would be worse! As you can tell from the pics one seat is higher than the other. That is a spacer that a friend of mine that has a machine shop made for me. I am tall and it was more comfortable to use this. Seats are in excellent condition. No motor or battery. I am asking $350.

I am gonna have to stop telling you about my hot spots!

Thanks for the kind words rps. I too like to meet those that are here on the forum. Don't hesitatet to contact me when you get your kayaks. I did forget one thing though.....the trailer hitch canoe loader.

Yeah me too!

I'll take it!

I more than happy to prc but, I want to give waders friend first chance. I think I owe him that. If he passes, I will PM you. Fair enough?

I have just what he is looking for. I have a Basshound 9.4 that I have decided to part ways with. I will PM you with some pics.

Ollie - You are gonna have to hook up with us one of these time when we float Shoal. I think you'll like it.