11-25-08 Blue Ribbon Area

[FishinCricket]

I gotta tell you, this river is just amazing! Now that I have floated it a few times I will be more comfortable bringing a camera along in the canoe (my excuse for the lack of Photos) but WHAT A DAY ON THE RIVER!!!

Like, 60 degrees outside, river completely to ourselves, bright blue clear water where you can see into the bottom of 20 foot holes.. Needless to say, the fishing was great!

The very first hole we hit looked like it was 10 feet deep (it was more like 25 ft deep) and you could literally see 25 trout swimming around, clouds of goggleeye swarming on a root wad across the river, smallies slapping the top for bugs... it was the most beautiful thing I have seen in a while (other than the Beautiful woman in the front of the boat, of course).. We were on fish immidiately using a white 1/16th oz. Maribou Jig with a pink head (and a pinched Barb) and we never had to re-tie once. The largest trout we caught was around 17 inches, and I am proud to say that it was my wifes catch!

In one hole I actually watched a smallmouth take my lure on the bottom in a 30 ft deep hole! An awesome fight and hooked two more right behind him! Wife was hooking gogglies all day and the occasional trout (with my guidance usually)

Didn't really see anything resembling the "reds" that you were talking about Brian, but I will admit that I was selective about where I cast my lure....

Really was wishing I had a camera.

Especially needed the camera about a mile into the float when we got a friend in the sky guiding us... There were actually three bald eagles, one that was young enough that he didn't have his white yet. One of the older ones stayed ahead of us downstream and showed me where the fish were. It was really awesome having an eye in the sky! He would perch above the deepest parts (presumably to feed) and would take off downstream when we got too close, leaving the best hole to us! Funny part was when we got to the take out, the eagle was there too (no hole below him, just the Driver) and when he saw us, the Eagle headed back upstream.... Cosmic...

Either way, thanks again to Brian Sloss and the folks at http://www.11pointcanoe.com/ , You know there is no one else I will call (still threatening to get in the front of that drift boat!) In one sense I hope everyone reads this and floods you with traffic, and in another sense I cringe at the thought o the 11Point turning into another Niangua... (fingers crossed)

[jdmidwest]

What part did you float?

[FishinCricket]

What part did you float?

Greer Springs to Turner Mill, I think?

[jdmidwest]

If you put in at the Highway 19 access probably so. It the best float with the best of the scenery.

[FishinCricket]

If you put in at the Highway 19 access probably so. It the best float with the best of the scenery.

Man, tell me about it! Absolutely fantastic! I would say about the best combination of elements in Missouri for the floater/fisher... No, strike that, reverse it...

I can't wait til this summer, I'll be camping and floating, I am gonna hook a 6 pounder, I promise! The picture will be posted!

[Mark]

OK Cricket, now that we have let you in on our little hidden secret, let's not get carried away and advertise too much. We like it just the way it is!!

Glad you enjoyed your experience. My friends and I have been going to the Eleven Point 4 or 5 times a year for about 12 years now. It is indeed the "Hidden Jewel of Ozark Rivers".