Stream-flow Question

[flyphsh]

I'm coming down from Ohio for a 4 day float on the Current starting next Thursday. Knowing what you all know about the river, and given current flows, what do you anticipate for late next week? We put in at Baptist and take out at Pulltite. After looking at last year's data, the river was moving 450 cfm and the most current reading at Akers is 1340 cfm. Is that as much water as it sounds like it is? Last spring the river was low and clear so maybe a little more water is to our benefit? I plan on throwing some big streamers on a Teeny T-200 line in the upper section. Any other methods I should try?

[Docker]

With the river at the bank full stage and being right after one of the biggest floods in years, and with the possibilities of timber across the river, and not least the weather forecast for Monday through Wednesday, I would say Not a good plan.

[3wt]

I would keep my eye on the weather, and maybe call or check with folks down there, maybe the canoe outfitters, or contact Sam Potter from Tightline.biz (he's also the mod for this forum). He can also tell you what to throw. I'd say big heavy streamers are your best bet - bunny's, mohair leeches, wooly buggers, I like matuka's too.

[flyphsh]

Well, it appears that our trip isn't going to happen. I just spoke with a NPS ranger who informed me that the river is closed right now. Even if they can get it open again, it's still going to be very muddy and full of root wads and timber. His words: "If you have a trip planned 6 days from now, I'd make other arrangements." Watch out Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia! We're coming for you!

[ColdWaterFshr]

River closed? Maybe certain lower sections, but not the upper section isn't closed right now that I'm aware of. I know some people who floated Baptist to Cedargrove this past Easter weekend. Ranger Rick may just be trying to scare you off, or they're up to playing river Nazi again. Granted, I'm sure there are some "new" hazards created by the flood, but I take issue with them having the river closed at its present level.

Unless we get another major rain, 6 days from now, the river should be fine. Yes is its flowing pretty good right now, and is definitely high and a bit off color, but its dropped significantly. Keep tabs on this link and watch the weather:

http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mo/nwis/uv/?site_no=07064533

[Gavin]

I'd agree..the Park's closure guidelines are VERY conservative and inconsistently applied. Its running near 3' at Akers right know and thats usually good floating and good fishing. Heard there are a couple strainers to watch out for, and a lot of the big gravel bars got cleaned out.

Upside is that there are a lot of new holes to fish, firewood is easy pickins, and you wont have to worry about any toilet paper mess in the woods.

Here's the official stream closure guidelines from the park compendium.

Rivers are closed to floating during times of flooding when the water level exceeds two feet above the “average levels”, and/or other times deemed unsafe by the District Ranger. Two exceptions are at Baptist camp which closes with a one foot rise and at Cedar Grove which closes when the water runs over the bridge curb. The “average levels” and closed levels are listed below:

Current River

Baptist Camp Ave-1.00' Closed at 2’ (+1’ rise)

Cedar Grove Ave-0.50’ Closed when it runs over bridge curb

Akers Ferry Ave-2.00’ Closed at 4’

Pulltite Ave-2.20’ Closed at 4.20’

Round Spring Bridge Ave-3.24 ‘ Closed at 5.24’

Two River Ave-1.50’ Closed at 3.5’

Powder Mill Bridge Ave-2.50’ Closed at 4.5’

Van Buren Bridge Ave-3.00’ Closed at 5’

[ColdWaterFshr]

Interesting. I didn't even know they had those guidelines.

Average seems a little subjective. They average in recent years has been very, very low, so thats not the best benchmark. And what exactly does closed mean? Just to boats? Can wadefisherman still go in?

[Gavin]

They dont mention anything about closures for wade anglers...The park only say that its closed to floaters at those levels. I'd agree that average levels have been a lot lower in recent years. 1.1' at Akers has been the usual low water mark for the last couple years. Usually a fair amount of dragging is involved at that level, particularly between Tan Vat & Ashley Creek, and in between Cedar and Welch Spring... I normally wont go if it gets to 3.5 at Akers... especially if I'm wading.

Park regulations are available online here.

http://www.nps.gov/ozar/parkmgmt/index.htm

[jdmidwest]

Closed to floaters?? Is that a rule or a reccomendation? I would assume that float camps would be prohibited from launching but a personal boat should be able to launch a boat. That river never gets that bad that an experienced floater would get in trouble except at higher flood stages.

[Gavin]

Its a park regulation..rule applies to outfitters and private boats. Had some friends get a ticket for it a couple year ago.