Brian Sloss

Got the drift boat out and floated (for fun, not guiding) the trophy area fishing my way down with my friends Mike, from West Plains, and Justin, who has an outfit on the North Fork (Sunburst Ranch). The water is up about 10 inches high and stained so getting deep quickly was key. We caught fish on Stoneflies, Don's Crawdads and 1/16oz marabou jigs(fly rods) with the jigs producing the most. We paddled quickly down almost a mile before we started fishing and Justin and Mike started picking up fish here and there while I rowed. It wasn't fast and furious, but a few fish none the less. At the first stop, I got a 17 inch wild 'bow on a jig. Big Bluff down to Mary Decker produced best. MIke lost a real nice one at big bluff and I lost a real nice one at the shoal before Mary Decker. Justin got four smallmouth including two 14 inchers and a fat, fat 15 incher at Little Hurricane shoal. Justin caught all the smallies. We all caught trout with plenty of wild ones in the mix with stockers. The numbers were not out of this world, but the quality was good and we caught enough to keep us interested all day. It was fun to get out on the water.

Very likely not cut out. Not a priority there for the forest service, but I have not been down there to see.

Hey Guys, Lots of ice down this way and plenty of damage and downed trees in the area so don't come to the Eleven Point until you have checked for conditions. This weekend may not be a good time if anyone was thinking of traveling over here.

Just in the past five years since they started stocking the blue ribbon area more, I have noticed a little bigger fish on average in that area. I don't think the blue ribbon area needs expansion, but it is a little more congested during the prime season and poaching is a problem as it is everywhere in the USA and probably around the world. I think the biggest problem with growing really big fish on average in the blue ribbon area and riverwide is that I think the stokers have problems surviving the spawn. This is just a thought, but I wonder if instead of just stocking catchable size trout in good numbers, what about stocking thousands of fingerlings. It might come out in the wash as far as cost is concerned, because they won't have to raise them and the fish will have grown up in the river. They have tried it with 6 inchers, but I'm thinking of just hatched fish being stocked in spawning areas so they can imprint. This way they might become hardier. Of course brown trout have higher survival rates after being stocked, but I think that will probably never happen. Any thoughts?

The idea of a red ribbon area i agree with and could be done from Turner to Whitten or Whitten to Riverton, but I think we have to accept a white ribbon area as well. Frankly getting any of the white ribbon area changed over to red would be difficult to get done as there are a lot of strictly meat fisherman in the area. The spring river is only 18 miles away for catch and keep fisherman, but requires an out of state tag and that may not seem fair. Rather than anger people over another reg change, enforcement of current regs would be better in my mind. That is a whole other problem due to limited resources in the enforcement area. I would love to see brown trout, but again, this issue may be a lost cause. As for the 1200 a mile number, that is true right after the annual stocking, but that number does dwindle signifigantly by the time it is ready for a restocking. There is a modest number of wild trout in the trophy area year round and some fish that make their way upstream from the white ribbon area. I think we lose a large number stoker trout after they are weakened from the spawn, which by the way, I saw a lot of spawning this year. Hopefully it will pay dividends by the spring this year. I would love to see Greer to Turner become catch and release or the size limit increased to 21 or 24 inches.

The McDowell access is something I did not think I would see, being that it is such a remote location. The gavel boat ramp appears to drop straight off at the water line after the spring floods. Have not been there in months though and have never put the drift boat in there. That would probably be the furthest down the list for the forest service to work on, because after Whitten they say improving Riverton is the third priority, as far as access points are concerned. At least that is how I understand it, I could be wrong. That one might be a tough sale considering the limited use it gets, but you never know until you inquire. You ought to call the forest service office in Doniphan to ask about it sometime.

Now that a new year is upon us, I just thought that I would ask for the sake of conversation what changes to the Eleven Point you would like to see in 2009, if any. It can be fishing, camping, floating or anything you would like. This is just a conversation starter and meant to be fun. I was just curious, so fire away. I would like to see repairs to Turner South completed and the new boat ramp done, Whitten enlarged to relieve congestion on Saturdays, float camps completely repaired from last spring's flood and improved trials (ie the ozark trial and White's creek trail loop in the Irish Wilderness).

That didn't take long, just got off the phone with the MDC and they confirmed that the rumor is false, it is maintained will continue to be maintained by by the forest service after the transfer in 2013. The phone number in Doniphan for the forest service is 573-996-2153 if you have any questions you want answered. The West Plains office number for the MDC is 417-255-9561.

I understand your desire to fish the spring branch, I would love to as well. The branch was owned by a family in St. Louis and they have a couple of cabins on it. The USDA Forest Service bought it off them sometime in the 90s, but they retain exclusive rights to the land and spring branch until 2013, at which point the forest service gets total control. Having dealings with the forest service a lot, I have asked about it a lot. No one I have talked to seems to know if the cabins will remain in the family on a lifetime lease or what and that is frankly not my concern, it is between the family and the feds. As for fishing the spring branch, that is a matter for debate, there is a strong possibility it will remain closed to fishing and kayaking, I know no drive up access is planned with a boat launch, and I would have no problem with that, even though that would benefit my business to be able to put people in up there. I would like it to stay remote and untouched by development. It is a treasure. As for fishing, I would like to see it opened as a catch and release fishery, but one you would have to hike into. And yes that would probably help the fishing side of my business. These are just my positions and you should contact the district rangers office in Doniphan to express your views, whatever they are, before the transfer to have your voice heard before 2013. I have talked to people who have fished the branch (a couple of floaters who told me they were friends of the family and a couple of locals who got permission after doing some work on the cabins years ago to fish for a few hours) who said there is a good population of fish. If the MDC got control of the spring branch, it is news to me. Maybe the forest service sold it to them as they lose money in the budget every year it seems. I might call the West Plains office and ask and I'll report back what I find out.

A while back, I had the local Alton Boy Scouts over to the canoe rental to teach them some basic fly rod casting and knot tying for their merit badges. I have been talking to the local scout master about helping them with an outing to catch a few fish. They have a winter camp out every year and I suggested Dry Run creek would be a good place to kill two birds with one stone. They are thinking about Jan or Feb to camp at the hatchery and fish Dry Run creek. I am guessing around 10 kids. Is Dry Run open all year or is it closed at all? Anyone interested in helping me with the kids? I am volunteering my services and would welcome any help if anyone is so inclined.

I am out of town for Christmas, but happened to check the forum. 1-3 inches would be welcome to the river now and should be fine for floating. Check the river gauge near Bardley at the top of this section, anything under a 1000 cfs is good fishing. I'll be back in Alton on Sunday afternoon.

Got to run up the 19 bridge and fish for about 3 hours today. Started at the bridge and worked my way up to the spring fishing a rubber legged stonefly the whole way. About 40 yards above the bridge I got a couple of smaller trout and then headed up to the next shoal up. There I ran into a guy, Gary from Springfield, spin fishing for smallies and doing pretty well. We talked for a while about the fishing before he decided keep working his way up toward the spring. When he left I was able to land three more trout out of that shoal and started my way up to the spring. As I got to the spring on the north shore (opposite side from the mouth) I caught three more. Then after talking to Gary some more (nice guy by the way), I decide to try a crossing about 5 yards upstream from the mouth. I had 1/2 an inch before the water would have topped the chest waders, but I made it. A month ago I would have gotten pretty wet I think. I positioned myself just down from the mouth and started drifting my flies downstream towards a fallen tree about 20 yards down from the mouth. This resulted in 4 more quick trout. Then the unthinkable happened. As I drifted my flies past the end of the fallen tree and got to the end of my drift, I felt a tug and set the hook. It felt good, but then felt odd, like a foul hook. That is what I assumed it was until both fish got near me. I got a 2'fer, one on each fly. I was shocked and called to Gary because I felt I needed a witness, so I hoisted both fish from the river and Gary let out a laugh. Assume! After releasing those two I got back to fishing and got a couple more fish before crossing back to the north bank. Caught 4 more working my way down another 50 yards before calling it a day. I think I might go buy lottery tickets now.

The Brook trout mentioned as state record from spring creek is interesting. I've heard rumors of the occassional brookie on that stream. I can' say for sure, but I think they come from property owned by the Danforth family (as in the senator) on the area above the public water. I had heard that they used to stock brookies themselves years ago. I don't know if it is true. As for the federal water (Eleven Point, Current and Jacks Fork), Gavin is right on about the Feds not allowing any new stocking. From what they have told me it all comes down to the Hellbender more than any of the fish they would be competing with. Until they decide what is causing their decline, they won't consider any changes to any of the waters they have a say over. I saw something on Animal Planet about disappearing frogs and salamanders with Jeff Corwin. Part of it was focused on the Hellbender and they thought it was a fungus (kiptrid, pardon the spelling) causing all the problems. It is so wide spread now that it is found through much of North America down to Panama. Low sperm counts seemed to play a role as well. I am no biologist though.

Of the rivers you mentioned, the Current, the 11 Point and the NFOW would be the three I would choose from, though you should take time to fish them all eventually. The Current is the smallest, at least where the trout are and like Gavin said has good Brown trout. The NFOW has the best wild population of rainbows. The Eleven Point is my home water and favorite because it runs through almost all national forest. Very good rainbow trout fishing, stocked trout and some wild trout. Depending on when you come to the Eleven Point should dictate where you fish. In May, I would probably fish the White ribbon area as the Blue ribbon area usually doesn't fish as well that time of year. That is not to say it won't fish well, but it is more of a challenge then. Sometimes that is a good thing if you like a challenge. Above Greer in May is exceptional for Smallmouth. The White ribbon area should fish pretty well in May and June. If you choose a mid July or later trip, the blue ribbon area is a must as it comes into its own in later summer and peaks in the fall, Sept-Nov. You might consider going over night as you can camp almost everywhere as you will be in national forest with no development. Hope this helps.

Took a couple of Columbia guys out in the drift boat and the fishing was pretty good. They caught fish regularly as we made our way down river, but never in bunches except for one spot below Mary Decker where they got three fish in a row. About half the fish were showing the effects of the spawn. They had the skinny, post-spawn look going on and the fight in these skinnier fish was lacking. The other fish were still fat and fighting well. The fishing has tailed off since the fall, but it is still pretty good. Stoneflies and eggs took al the fish.

JD I have seen more redds this year than I have ever seen before. Lets hope it translates to more fish this upcoming spring and summer.

Just got back from fishing the 19 bridge for a couple of hours. Fishing was pretty good on eggs dropped off a stone fly. All but one took the egg. They were taking very lightly and I missed as many as I landed. A lot of 1 to 2 second hook ups. Three out of the 7 landed were streambred, which is a much higher ratio than normal (normal is more like 1-2 out of ten) The fish were fighting hard and well colored. More than anything I was looking for redds (not to fish, just hoping to see some fish stocking the river for next year). I saw what might have been a spent redd or two, but not sure. No active redds. Went upstream to the first shoal below the spring and didn't see any. They have been spawning actively starting about 2.5 miles below the spring. Maybe they are a little behind in the spawn upstream because the water isn't as cold yet near the spring. Just a thought, can't say for sure. The wild fish I caught were 1 @ 6 inches and two around 12 to 13 inches. Nice afternoon to be out.

The map I sent covers Thomasville to Myrtle.

We are currently in the middle of spawning right now, but JD is right in that there could be more spawning in Dec as there are a couple different strains in the river and Dec is a time to see this activity. Please avoid fishing directly to redds, as hooking a female laying eggs could be deadly to her if she is too tired. This would also result in a lot of wasted eggs. We do get some natural reproduction, though we do rely on stocking pretty heavily as well. In addition to Jd's list, I'd suggest heavy stonefly nymphs, eggs and any big meaty nymph you can find and fish them deep. I'd break the trip into Greer to stinking pond, stinking pond to White's creek, White's creek to Riverton. That being said, you can pull over almost anywhere and camp 98% of that float is national forest land.

Took a couple of guys, Kurt and Zach out in the drift boat. Both guys got around 20 fish landed, most of them between 12-13 inches. Kurt landed one hog, a 19 inch male that was about as round as he was long. Stoneflies with egg droppers were great, with the egg being hit probably 80% of the time. Of course being deep was key. We did see spawning redds here and there, some with fish on them. We didn't fish them and I encourage others not to as well. Those sows can get pretty weak when on the redds and don't need any more stress, plus I would like to see maximum production out of their spawning activity as we do see some successful reproduction. We did come along one spot where there were about 4 redds in a row and three different sows at work and lots of other trout running around. We just stopped and observed from the boat and had a blast. Real cool to see.

Mark & Snap, Nice to meet you guys on Saturday down at Whitten. I hope that the fish were as cooperative as the weather - what a beautiful day to be on the river. Ryan

Orange eggs.

Took Kurt and Bill from Springfield, Il on a guide trip. I have taken Kurt before and this was Bill's first trip. Beautiful weather and cooperative fish was the theme of the day. We pretty much had the river to ourselves except one other group and the fishing was very good. Lots of fish on Don's crawdads and eggs. Eggs did great in the morning and crawdads did best in the afternoon. Deep as usual was important. Great day and nice guys. Friday I took another Kurt out, this time from Springfield, Mo. This was his second trip with me as well. we started early as he had to get home by dark. The theme was much the same, eggs in the morning and when the sun started to get higher, crawdads. With two hours of fishing left before had to get off the water to head home, we were working some fast water with a stonefly with a crawdad dropper. Kurt's indicator jumped upstream a little bit and I saw a good flash. He set the hook and said it was a snag. I said I thought it was a fish, and after about 15 seconds, the fish confirmed this and ten minutes later the following came to the net with the Don's Crawdad in his mouth. Great day with a great guy. Sat was fly flingers and everyone caught at least a few fish. We had a great time and raised some money for TU. The river was crowded with fishermen and floaters for Oct though. Great weather and fall break at colleges I guess.

Most will stay at the canoe rental or a cottage in town. Yes, there will be a good sized crew fishing that stretch most of the day. You could always join us and hit the BBQ and raffle afterwards. It will all benefit TU (Raffle and a portion of any canoes rented).

Took a guide trip with Matt and Kelly from St. Louis in the drift boat. Only Matt fished while Kelly patiently rode along reading her book and spotting fish. These were wonderful people to spend the day with and it was a great time. Nothing really new to report, the river fished quite well with the usual suspects doing the job fished deep. Don's crawdad was the most productive by far. We also used a full sink line to throw streamers and picked up a couple more that way. Great day with good people.