Floating Near Rolla

[Kayser]

Hey all. I'm currently going to school in Rolla, and was hoping to take a one day float on the Big Piney or Gasconade later this summer. I would be starting in Rolla in the morning, and would have to wind up back there in the evening. I was wondering if anyone could give me any suggestions on what would make a good one day float that time of year. I was maybe thinking of starting from Ross Access on the Big Piney, since it's so close to Rolla. On a side note, I'm strictly C&R on all smallmouth.

Thanks,

Rob

[GloryDaze]

6 crossings to Ross (Rich's Last Resort)- good float

[Kayser]

Few quick questions about it. How long does it take to float, and about how far is it from Rolla? I think I'm just going to assume decent scenery and fishing since it's on the Big Piney...

Rob

[Kayser]

Uh, better question- how do I get permission to use Six Crossings Access if I'm not using an outfitter? Just looked it up, and it appears to be a private access.

Rob

[GloryDaze]

Here is a link to the mile by mile description- http://www.missouricanoe.org/river-maps/piney.html The trip is from mile 50 to appoximately 55. You are probably looking at 3-5 hrs depending on how hard you fish.

It can't be further than 30 minutes from Rolla- look up Rich's Last Resort... I believe it's just off the intersection of HWy K and KK (seriously)

Decent fishing- can't go wrong wih scenery on the Big Piney

[KCRIVERRAT]

Like Glory Daze said... Six Crossings down is only a six mile float. Gives you plenty of time to fish (and play if you want). There's an awesome bluff on the right not too far after you've started. Good one day float from Rolla. Use either Wilderness Ridge or Rich's Last Resort. There's some long pools though.

[Kayser]

I was planning on renting a canoe from school and not using an outfitter. Can I still use the Six Crossings access without going through an outfitter?

Rob

[KCRIVERRAT]

Long as you can shuttle back.

[riverrat]

Six crossings is just where a gravel road dead ends to the river. The float is about 5-6 miles. I haven't floated it in years, but it took me 7-8 hours , fishing hard. The shuttle is only about 21/2 miles. PM me if you want more options. Headed to the Gasconade this morning, if I would have seen this post sooner I would have offered you the front seat of my paddlejon.

[Kayser]

Thanks for the almost offer, but I'm currently at home in IL and won't be back in Rolla until late August. Besides, I just had my fingernail removed and I need to keep the stitches clean and dry. Float trips aren't exactly the best place for that.

And as for the shuttle, I'd have a jeep for hauling the canoes, and one of my friends should have a car that we can shuttle with. I was just curious as to how private Six Crossings was, since it's not owned by the MDC. That and if I would need to talk to a landowner or pay to use it. But it sounds like I don't. Thanks for all of the advice, really appreciate it.

Rob