Enough Already!

[Mark]

To the NEW GUYS:

At least 3 posters on this thread have never floated/fished the Eleven Point River. I have learned not to advertise too much because I (and most others) would like to see the river never change. But for those of you not familiar with the Eleven Point River, you are missing out on the "Hidden Jewel of the Ozarks". First and foremost, the appeal of the river is it's seclusion and undevelopment. It is truly just you and nature - very little trash, no houses, public land on both sides of the river from Greer to Riverton (21 miles of Ozark National Scenic Riverways), and numerous springs, old mills, and caves to explore. In spring and fall, during the week you will practically have the river to yourself. Even in the summer time, most weekdays have very little traffic. Even weekends are not nearly as crowded as other more famous Missouri rivers. You do get the sense when floating the Eleven Point River that you have stepped back in time to when the first settlers came across the area. You are totally isolated from civilization. The float itself is relatively easy, with a couple of spots that will get your heart racing, but if you want to be safe and not get supplies wet or lost, I still occasionally walk the canoe around a couple tricky spots from the bank with a rope, especially with all my camping gear. And the access points are scattered out in such a manner that you can do a half day float (5 or 7 miles), a full day float (12 or 14 miles) or several days (21 miles and over). There is no reason to ever have to rush to the takeout if you plan a slow pace. It is spring fed (even on the hottest day in the summer, it will take your breathe away when you first jump in) and with enough water to float year round (even in dry summers like last year).

Secondly, the fishing can be great at times. The Missouri Department of Conservation regularly stocks the entire river from Greer to Riverton with trout. Even a novice has a chance to catch fish most of the time. Most trout will be in the 12"-15" range but it's not the trout parks (which I call amusement parks), where it's like shooting fish in a barrel, you do have to work sometimes to catch fish. But usually it is no problem catching enough for supper. We only fish for trout, but many people swear by the smallmouth fishing, supposedly there is walleye to be found below Riverton, and I even have a friend who is satisfied to catch panfish for supper.

Lastly, service is great at all the canoe rental places and in Alton. People will do anything you ask of them, whether is meeting you at a certain time, helping shuttle vehicles, offering advice on fishing/floating/camping areas. We have discovered numerous houses to rent overnight very affordable and clean, good food in the restaurants, and everyone in town is very hospitable, not like some places where tourists are treated like a nuisance.

So those of you thinking about a trip on the Eleven Point River, I highly recommend it, but please - SSSSHHHHH - keep it to yourselves, we like it just the way it is!! HA

Mark

[kslr10]

Thanks to everyone for the info. This seems to be a really good site. We are definitely going to be going to the 11pt. One of my buddies wanted to do the Huzzah, but with the info i've got on here we'll check out the 11pt. We will be there the 1st or 2nd weekend of June. We will have to rent some canoes and such, so we'll stop by Alton and check things out. Again, thanks.

[snap]

ksir, You do not want to do the Huzzah on a weekend in June unless you are looking for a party on the creek. The Huzzah isn't a bad smallmouth stream during the week, but IMO, it is a very overcrowded river on a weekend. It is bumper to bumper with rafts and canoes. Use to take my family to float only, but that won't happen there anymore!!! The new laws have made it better, but, there is no comparison between the Huzzah and the 11 point when it comes to fishing, scenery, cleanliness, beauty of the water, cost, ..........We have been doing the 11 point for 10+ years now driving 4 hours 4-5 times a year and have yet to have had a bad trip!!!

[Mark]

ksir10

Snap and I and our group will be arriving the second Sunday of June for our annual weeklong adventure. To get the full wonder of the experience, I suggest camping on a gravel bar rather than the float camps which tend to sit back off the water a ways. While they are not that numerous, if you are floating and start looking for campsites by midafternoon, you will be all right. Hope you enjoy the trip and we look forward to your report. Feel free to ask any more questions.

Mark