2sheds

What you need is an ultrasonic transducer that propagates in the bat frequency range (20-200kHz). Send out the right type of noise (outside range of human hearing) with the right frequency modulations and they will notice you and avoid. Folks at Devils Den SP or one of the college research labs might be able to provide a recommendation on safe equipment and technique. http://psychology.utoledo.edu/images/users...0bats%20III.pdf

Remarkable story. In fact, I have a niece named Cara and a nephew named Eric. Did you try any jigs in the range from 5/32, 3/16, 7/32 ? And how did the chartreuse & carnelian work out ?

Orbearider Jacks Fork is another great smallmouth bass & float stream, but please be advised that it will rise in a rain faster than Current or Eleven Point. River gauge says its down to 4 feet, but this gauge normally reads 18-24 INCHES !!! So this is still pretty high. Contact ONSR Ranger Station http://www.nps.gov/ozar/ to see what they advise. Closer to Lebanon, I assume you know about Bennett Springs SP and the Niangua River float options. I think the Eleven Point River is one of the best secrets in the Ozarks. I block my calendar to spend a week out on the river every summer and am never disappointed. I concur with others that Greer Landing (SH19) is the easiest drive-to campsite for wade trout fishing. Other possibilities that should be a safe drive/visit in high water are Riverton (SH160) - at the border of trout-smallmouth waters and The Narrows (SH142) - warmer and smallmouth/walleye territory. However, even in low water (< 2 feet), this river REALLY MOVES, making it a very challenging wade unless you've got a boat to position yourself into the right spot. Finally, if you're coming to the Eleven Point for the 1st time and want the best chance of tying into some fish, I recommend you seriously consider a guided experience from Brian or one of his team - a good safe way to learn where/how to fish the river that will continue to pay dividends every time you come back ! And if they don't think its safe to be on the river themselves, we flatlanders have no business being out there either. Be Safe & Have Fun, TwoSheds from Dallas

Introducing new species is a bad idea. While we think that the professionals can predict every interaction and consequence, experience with Murhpy's Law should raise our skepticism. Taney is a special place that seems to be working quite well AS IS. I don't think the resorts or guides would see their business improve as a consquence of a new species. If you're a fisherman already coming to Taney, it must have enough alure with its present offerings. There are lots of things that could go out of balance, and I think we need to look deeper than just the food chain and habitat. Instead, let's pick some place that is failing and attempt to invigorate it through this idea !

My son and I have made the float from Baptist Camp to Van Buren several times and I can highly recommend that stretch. Its easy to cover 25+ miles per day just paddling, but much more enjoyable to leisurely float, explore, and fish if you have the time. I recommend avoiding the weekends due to higher traffic level and the increasing percentage of those who don't respect this incredible resource. You have identified the access points within OSNR that have ice and potable water (Akers, Pulltite, 1st Round Spring access, Two Rivers, Powdermill - water but no ice, and Van Buren). At each, the store is less than 1/4 mile from the river. You should check with the Ranger office in Van Buren for current info downstream - I think there are some private campgrounds that might have stores. Between potable water sources, boil your cooking water and bring Polar Pure, pump & filter, or other treatment for your drinking water. I like to pack dry ice for my perishables, but that only gets you a few days down the river and its sort of redundant in the region from Two Rivers upstream which have a higher density of park stores with ice. But there are plenty of food options you can pack that are compact and don't require ice. Talk to a Boy Scout. Call Philmont to purchase last year's overage of backpacking food packs. I enjoy the upstream section (lot of springs, caves, trout, small motors) more than the section below Two Rivers (better smallmouth fishing), but its all great. Wish I had the time to enjoy the entire length.

http://www.mostateparks.com/survey.htm Here's the URL link, but note that the original survey has evolved into a press release. Looks like its a done deal ! Please get involved and support. Once transfer completes in 2008, information on future plans will be posted with a request for public comment.

I drove down to Parkers Ford last year in a sedan and was scared in several spots that I would drag out the bottom. I encourage a high clearance vehicle. Here's another map off Highway YY. Note that there are two gravel roads within about 50 yards of each other. You want the one that heads to the Lower Parker School http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lat=37.446...&layer=DRGs

Tip #1 - Avoid the weekend (if you can). If floating overnight, pick your campsite to avoid the large put-in crowds at the major access points. Aim for trout if floating from Baptist to Akers, and smallmouth thereafter downstream. If you bring your flyrod, tie up some long leaders (get deep into the shady pools)and weighted nymphs to get down deep. Either on flyrod or with ultralight spinning tackle, crawdad flies, rooster tail spinners, and jigs have worked well for me on summer float trips. And if your planning to fish the upper river for trout near Baptist, read all of Sam Potter's posts. PS - I have never done well in summer months with poppers.

My experience is limited to summer weekdays using rooster tail spinners and crawdad lures. That being said, I've caught a few smallmouth as far upstream as Welch Spring, but IMHO its best in the warmer water around Two Rivers (Jacks Fork junction). PS - The smallmouth generally like a slower retrieve than the trout with more erratic drops (dead falls) into the pockets.

I'll need to be renting a canoe. Can I tent/trap camp at River of Life ? Pros & Cons of ROL vs Sunburst ? I assume this whole stretch mentioned has interesting scenery ? Many Thanks, TwoSheds

Although I've floated the Current and Eleven Point, this will be my first opportunity to visit the North Fork. I'm planning a 1-day float for a weekday in the middle of July and would appreciate recommendations on the best put-in and take-out to enjoy the character of the river and hopefully catch a few trout along the way. Your suggestions will be gratefully considered ! -Twosheds

Definitely Medlock Cave. Its on the west shore of the Current, around mile #95 on the Ozark national Scenic Rivers Map <http://www.nps.gov/ozar/planyourvisit/upload/OZARmap.pdf> although I've never driven there (floated only), driving access would be from the Flying W Ranch Road. From the river, Medlock Cave features a large rock, a bluff, and a small branch on right when heading downstream. Follow the spring branch to locate a trail up the bluff to locate one entrance to the cave which contains a lake. Entry restricted to protect endangered Gray Bat. Topo URL = http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lat=37.397...7&layer=DRG

Spinner = Fly ? Twosets is almost correct. A Mepps or Rooster-Tail like spinner fits the definition of a fly ONLY if its the single point hook variety. They sell some like that, or you can clip your treble hooks down to a solo-hook. These can therefore be used in "fly-only" areas. See MDC Wildlife Code: 3 CSR 10-20.805 Definitions. (22) Flies, lures and baits: {A} Natural and scented baits - A natural fish food such as bait fish, crayfish, frogs permitted as bait, grubs, insects, larvae, worms, salmon eggs, cheese, corn and other food substances not containing any ingredient to stupefy, injure or kill fish. Does not include flies or artificial lures. Includes dough bait, putty or paste-type bait, any substance designed to attract fish by taste or smell and any fly, lure or bait containing or used with such substances. {B} Soft plastic bait (unscented)- Synthetic eggs, synthetic worms, synthetic grubs and soft plastic lures. {C} Artificial lure - A lure constructed of any material excluding soft plastic bait and natural and scented bait as defined in {A} or {B} above. {D} Fly - An artificial lure constructed on a single-point hook, using any material except soft plastic bait and natural and scented bait as defined in {A} or {B} above, that is tied, glued or otherwise permanently attached. Concerning Foam Bugs - It all comes down to how soft is SOFT. Artificial lures or flies made from non-scented hard plastic are permitted in upper Taneycomo. Molded rapellas are obviously hard plastic. Phil has agreed to investigate the judgement call involving foam. I would think the MDC ruling should be based on how trout attack that particular material and the likelihood of deep ingestion (mortality) versus a mouth take and quick spit out like the trout do when midgelover isn't managing her slack. A point of demarcation could be established based on whether the body of the item (bait/lure/fly) remains rigid (versus conforms) when laid across a knife edge or similar shape. If the body distorts under its own weight, then its "soft". If the body remains in its free-form shape, then its "hard enough" to pass muster. PS - My review of the MDC Wildlife Code also indicates that falconry is also subject to restrictions. Refer to 3 CSR 10-6.535. {2} Methods: Pole and line, trotline, throwline, limb line, bank line, jug line and falconry, except as further restricted in this rule. {A} Only flies and artificial lures may be used when fishing on the waters listed in subsections {4}{C} and {E} of this rule ... <snip> . {4E} ... Lake Taneycomo from the closed zone seven hundred sixty feet (760’) below Table Rock Dam to the mouth of Fall Creek."

Nice fish, Stacey. You'll have to show me where you caught it when we go out canoeing next summer. -Bob

Terrapin, you speak with a certain wisdom that makes me suspicious. In fact, there is almost always a magical spring in those Ozark caves. Snap - I've also seen the ATV ruts on the right shore near that location. There is an organization called the Eleven Point River Conservancy that holds near that location, and I was hoping it was a caretaker looking after our river interests. http://www.elevenpointriver.org I think the fishing spot you describe is the head of Connor chute, right after Connor Spring flows in. Another great campsite. And, Turner Mill (Surprise, MO) is a very cool spot of history. TwoSets - Its a lot easier being noble from a distance. I sure wish I had seen your 15" northern, or that your boating buddy had taken the time to bring it back to camp. I'll bet it would have made a fine photo or wall mounting. Were there any witnesses ? And finally, to Midgelover - Thanks for the zuccini bread, Mom. Still enjoying a slice plus one of Twoset's grape tomatos most days for mid-morning snack at the office. I'm thinking its about time for Brian and Ryan to take control back over their river. Over and out for now. - Two Sheds

MOFishwater - Thanks, I couldn't be more pleased to conjure both emotions. Besides the Beatles, I assume you're up to speed on the sad (but unfortunately very true) story of the Lost Irish who settled along the river with very unfortunate timing to form the town of Wilderness, MO in the mid to late 1850's. Terrapin - I can't figure out, Terrapin, if it's an end or the beginning. But the train's got its brakes on and the whistle is screaming, "Terrapin". But (believe it or not - same as anything else you read on a fishing post without documentary evidence), the featured piper is actually a US award winner, builds reeds and pipes, and has competed favorably in the top tier of the Irish Nationals. I know he has been working very hard on his beer drinking, but I'll continue to encourage him to "barrel up". Steve1 - I sit in the same boat as you, so these Ozark memories will have to hold me until next year. I really enjoy following Brian's Eleven Point River fishing posts over the fall, through the winter, and into spring as I rev up again for each year's trek. Twosets - Yes, I will have to admit there is a musical link to the sheds thing. Shed Blueprint (doubles as the Album Cover) Sparse Liner Notes -Two Sheds

Posession Limit means "total number of fish in your posession". This includes any recent catch plus everthing in your freezer plus what's in the frying pan. Now, the practical realm of enforcement is a separate topic.

Yes Twosets, I can see you released that one so fast that he still carries the steely sheen of a Norwegian Blue, pining for the fjords. But, you've got to admit that piper is kind of cute (in a manly sort of a way, of course). And speaking of mano-mano, explain to me why Missouri has still not fully sanctioned noodling. -Two Sheds

Snap - Not sure I recognize the exact spot you describe below Turner Mill. Assume you mean BETWEEN Turner and Horseshoe Bend ? I'll be sure to look for it and check it out though my next time through in July 2007. Below Whitten I recall a nice sandy landing with a long shallow bank on the left side of the river that made for a great spot to wade fish the opposite shaded shore. I suspect this would be a gravel bar with water at its normal level. Wonder if that's your spot ? Caught my largest rainbow of the trip in that run on a MOAT stonefly with 3 jumbo tungsten beads that still zoomed downstream in less than 10 seconds. Twosets (if that's really your name) - Dig the closeup on those rocks. Well, maybe those actually are rocks - I'll have to check my negatives, but I seem to remember eating trout at some point that morning. And here's the before picture. I hooked this one down into the gullett and didn't feel confident he'd make it if I released him. Also, it was almost breakfast time. PS - For purposes of comparison, the blue plastic bucket lid in the background measures only 24" across. Concerning the second of the sheds, I would much rather focus on the topic of breakfast. That, and these 2 nice people I met on the river. And I'll bet my mother can out fish your mother ! - Two Sheds

1) Photo 3 is my favorite gravel bar campsite along Horseshoe Bend, about 1/2 mile upstream from the Forest Service campsite. But there are lots of great campsites (gravel bars and designated float camps) all along the river. Another really beautiful one is the Morgan Spring Float camp, but you have to watch real careful to avoid missing it. There is a nice hike from Morgan Spring up to the top of "the Narrows". 2) For more about the Fab 4 in 1964, you might google "Beatles" + "Pigman Ranch". Seems they had a weekend free after their Dallas concert, and hung out on the river at the ranch of a charter pilot. It amazing to me what a small planet we enjoy.

Rather than discuss the sheds, which are actually privys (having been in the family for many years) and now entrusted to my brother the paleontologist who uses them for ice fishing houses along the upper Gravois Creek, I would prefer to keep this forum focused on topics associated with fishing and floating the Wild and Scenic Eleven Point River. ... That, and the Beatles 1964 visit to the river. - Two Sheds

Another wonderful week of floating and fishing on the Eleven Point River. Great tips on river and fishing conditions from Brian Sloss and Ryan Griffin at Eleven Point Canoe Rental helped me prepare before leaving Dallas and to make some final adjustments upon arriving in Alton. Put in Monday July 17 at the Greer Access on Highway 19. Camped at a combination of gravel bars and forest service float camps prior to my take out at Myrtle (the old Stubblefield Ferry) access. Water was about a foot higher than the last 5 years I have made this float, and was still stained from prior week’s rains. I would rate the fishing as “very good”, particularly for the middle of the summer. Caught rainbow trout consistently down to the Highway 160 bridge at Riverton, particularly the section between Turner Mill (Surprise settlement) and Riverton. Most trout were in the 14 inch range, but a few very nice ones up to 18. Also landed plenty of smallmouth, several pushing 16-20+” which were quite a thrill on ultralight tackle in a raging river. Rooster tail spinners and crawdads were top producers on the spinning rod. Brian’s invention, the MOAT stonefly pattern with a Don’s crawdad dropper was best for flyfishing – although it took me quite a bit of practice to get the hang of throwing such a heavy fly on my 5wt rod. Brian and Ryan stressed that I needed to be ON THE BOTTOM and I would encourage everyone fishing the summertime to really take that to heart. Camping on the river gives you the opportunity to fish the best spots at dawn and at dusk, another excellent tip for successful summer fishing. Brian says that the fall trout fishing is even better, which is hard for me to imagine ! The Eleven Point is a fantastic river to float with beautiful scenery, plenty of wildlife, caves to explore, springs to enjoy, and incredible history ranging from the War Between the States to a visit by the Beatles in 1964. My weekday trip encountered one church group and a few other canoes/jonboats, but most of the time I had the river to myself. If you enjoy floating in serenity or top tier fishing (or both), you need to make the time to check out the Eleven Point River. – Two Sheds

Phil has always said that micro-jigs do their best when there is a light chop on the water. Why ? I see 3 possibilities: Breeze/Chop weather conditions herds the jig-like bait fish in a way that has the trout more actively seeking similar yummies. Chop animates the motion of the jig in an irresistable fashion Chop automatically manages slack line and ensures detecting subtle strikes - significant since most jig strikes are on the downward motion There may be more. Understanding this better might help simulate similar action in still weather. Interested in your thoughts.

Can't comment on this year yet, but I've always had a good time with smallmouth from White Creek (upstream from Riverton) past Morgan Springs (142 bridge downstream from Riverton). Spinners the 142 good c

I'm just glad that my sainted mother and father don't have to fish with these types of characters. -Bob Steffen