Camping, Floating, Flyfishing Help Needed

[soggyfeet]

I wouldnt think the rivers would be too crowded this time of year. Thought all the partier came out towards end of May and June. ( thats when I used to start the conoe season anyway)

[GloryDaze]

Here are a few options for you to consider that have not been suggested-

Big Piney River in Rolla ( One of the best, if not the best smallmouth streams in MO) plus with your limited canoe experience it is a relatively easy river to float. It is the typical pool and riffle stream. You will have long pools of still water followed by an easy section of riffles. Thw water level is up, but not even near flood level- here is my suggestion foran outfitter-google "Rich's Last Resort Bug Piney" The guy is a little strange, but will give you the conditions on the river as well as a decent option for floating.

The Upper Jack's Fork- from the Prongs- to Buck Hollow or even Alley Spring is the most beautiful trip you could take (besides the Buffalo National River in AR) However, it is quite a technical trip for your paddling skills. As of today the water level would be good, but it might be dangerous because the floods may have left behind quite a few strainers for you to deal with. Your option for an outfitter- google "Harvey's Alley Spring" and they can shuttle you there.

Good luck and be safe!

[wenonah31]

I agree with Glorydaze on the Jacks Fork. We normaly float from 17 Highway bridge down to Rymers Access. This is a 9.4 mile float and it one of the best in the state. There is good camping at Jam Up Cave which is 5.8 miles into the float. I have caught some good smallmouths through there, but it is a trophy section. Must be over 18" to keep and only 2 per day.

[Orbearider]

I really appreciate all the info. I've decided to go to Jack's Fork. I spoke with Harvey's Alley Spring Canoe and he suggested Buck Hollow to Bay Creek. Weather permitting I'll do a 2 1/2 day float starting on Saturday afternoon thru Monday night. I'm taking plenty of rope and if I feel the need I'll walk through anything to challenging. I'll give a report when I get back, although I not expecting too much since I've never fished for smallmouths, it may be more of a learning trip. Thanks again for all your help.

Orbearider

[steve l]

Orb, that's just such a great stretch of river - you will not be dissapointed. My wife & head down in a couple of weeks for an annual trip going Buck to Alley. Even after 40 years of floating the JF I still enjoy it very much. While familiar, it seems there is something new to notice every trip. Try not to miss Jam-up cave. It is really a spectacular entrance.

Just to whet the appetite, how about a couple of photos...

Also will look forward to your report.

[GloryDaze]

Orb-

Enjoy your trip this weekend- I'm actually doing a solo trip as well this weekend on Big Sugar Creek just west of you! FYI- when you fish for smallies this time of year, fish the end of the riffles (rapids) where the eddies are (it is usually about 2-3 foot deep)- Jusy imagine where a fish would wait to ambush food coming out of the riffles, Not usually in the middle of the current, but just on the outside of it..... Man, I hope you lay into a 20"- you will be hooked for life of you catch one of those babies!!!

By the way, if you would, please practice catch and release- a 20" smallie can be estimated to be 10-12 years old/

[Orbearider]

Got back from the trip yesterday. It was great! The river level was perfect for floating. The weather was perfect. Floated from Hwy 17 Bridge (Buck Hollow) to Alley Springs. I camped about two miles above Rymers then floated the next day down to Alley Springs, which was a long haul. Had a hard time knowing where I was and how far I had to go, but saw just enough people who I could ask. Not to many people out there though, which was very nice. Originally was going to make it a 2 1/2 day float, which would have been better, but ended up doing doing it in 2 days. I didn't have any luck with the fishing but that's due to my inexperience with smallmouths rather than the fishing conditions. There were three or four places where I walked the canoe through a run or around downed trees.

But I have to say it was a great experience, although I completely wore myself out, and forgot to use sunblock which I ended up needing. All in all it was very enjoyable.

Here are a few pictures of the trip.

Looking forward to this fall or next spring for another trip up there.

Thanks again for all the help and info.

[tinner]

I'm jealous. I was trying to make time last Fall for a trip but it never happened. The river looks pretty awesome. I really like the picture of the fire, tent, and canoe on the river bank. I can just picture myself there. Hopefully this Fall I can make the trip, it will be my first to the Jacks Fork.

[smbass43]

Orbearider,

Thanks for the report. I will be heading down there this weekend and can't wait. We are floating from Bay creek down to Alley Springs. Were there any downed trees blocking the river the last 7 miles of your float?

Thanks!

[Orbearider]

There were no blockages on the upper river. There were two trees down between Bay Creek & Alley Springs, both of them you could walk the canoe around if you wanted. One I was able to float over, just barely scrapped, the other I got out and worked the canoe through it, someone more experienced could probably navigate around it, but I didn't want to take any chances.