Rsbreth?

[faded]

RSB I was searching some old posts and saw a response you put up about floating from Hootentown to H.L. Kerr...Looking at my map that looks like a long float (maybe all paddle and no fish..not my type of trip.) Would you be so kind as to give me some info on that particular float (how long, some input on fishing that area would also be greatly appreaciated). I have not fished below Hooten and would like to try this float this year but can't seem to find much about it online.....Thanks in advance to YOU (or anyone else in the know) .....

[RSBreth]

It's a long float, how long depends on your paddling skill and how high the water level is, it was flowing pretty good when I did that one. I really like that stretch of the James, but I don't have my "Missouri Paddlers Guide" in front of me, so I can't remember how long it is. Pretty long. You can call Hootentown canoe rental and ask them how long that float averages, they shuttle every weekend in warm weather, but they don't do it early enough for me so I have to get someone else to do it for me. I don't do it very often because it's a pain in the ....

The lower part is better fishing most of the time anyway, so I mostly put in at Galena and paddle up towards H.L. Kerr, or put in there and paddle up and portage from there towards Hootentown. I fish up, then float back. Will probably do that very early tomorrow A.M. before the idiots take over the river.

[faded]

thanks for the insight....I plan to float this week but will have to save that trip for another time when my schedule is a little more wide open. Having looked at the paddlers guide it looks around 16 miles (a long day) Like I said I have not ventured much further than Hootentown... will try calling the canoe rental (was not even sure they were still operating after last years flooding).

[RSBreth]

Yeah, it's pretty much a put-in before daylight and drive home in the dark trip. Lot's of areas in there I just pass by and only hit the prime water.

[Flysmallie]

thanks for the insight....I plan to float this week but will have to save that trip for another time when my schedule is a little more wide open. Having looked at the paddlers guide it looks around 16 miles (a long day) Like I said I have not ventured much further than Hootentown... will try calling the canoe rental (was not even sure they were still operating after last years flooding).

If you haven't been below Hootentown you should try the float from Kerr to Galena. It's an easy one day float. Call James River Outfitters if you need a canoe or shuttle, they do a great job. 417-357-6443

[RSBreth]

Flysmallie has it right, the float from Kerr to Galena is a good one. Lot's of numbers, or try bigger lures for a shot at a bigger Smallie.

Launch early to avoid crowds.

[faded]

Thank you, Kerr to Galena sounds much more manageable..Hoping this break in the rain holds through tomorrow (when I plan on fishing).