Greer To Riverton

[ozark trout fisher]

Well, here's the report I promised

Day 1 Greer to gravel bar about a mile past Turner Mill

Started off the day by paddling upstream from the put in upstream to the bridge, and drifting back downstream. I tied on a 1/32 ounce Panther Martin spinner, and put a tiny split shot a foot or so up the line. I caught two nice rainbows right off the bat, one of which was just legal sized, although he was released anyway unharmed. We then started our float downstream. It wasn't a fish at every pool, but the fishing was good, and the rainbows were thick. They liked the spinner, and I never changed my lure all day. Found a nice gravel bar about 4 PM. The slow, deep pools seemed to hold the most trout in this section.

Day 2 gravel bar to Green Briar Float Camp

Woke up early and waded into the run just below our camp. Fished it for about a half hour, and managed one nice rainbow on my spinner. Right after we started floating, I caught one rainbow, and then I brought nothing to the boat for the rest of the day besides minnows. We had planned to stay at White's Creek Float Camp, but we apparently missed it.

Day 3 Greenbriar Float Camp to Riverton

The fishing was a bit slow again today. I started off the trip with an approximately 15" largemouth (quite a shock given this is a coldwater stream). Later on I caught a nice rainbow while floating through a shoal, and then a 10 inch smallmouth bass. That was it, except for a few shiners. Used a 1/16 ounce Rooster tail to catch all three, also with a small split shot a foot above the lure.

All in all, it was a great experience, one I definitely want to repeat soon. The trout fishing wasn't exactly epic for me (although it was pretty good, especially in the Blue Ribbon area), but the wildness of the river, and the excellent scenery more than made up for it. My favorite float stream in the Ozarks so far.

The only downer was a few very inconsiderate jet boats, one of which almost swamped us. Also, Halls Bay rapid was pretty tough, and we got stuck. Had to get out and drag it, which was quite an experience given the deep, fast water, and the fact that the bottom was as slick as ice.

Still a great experience, and I will be back.

[KCRIVERRAT]

Thanks OTF... nice report. I'd be a novice on the Eleven Point. Am planning to fish it with the wife soon.

[ozark trout fisher]

Thanks OTF... nice report. I'd be a novice on the Eleven Point. Am planning to fish it with the wife soon.

You'll like it. There are rivers around where more fish can be caught, but you won't find one more wild. I didn't see a single canoe today.

[ozark trout fisher]

You'll like it. There are rivers around where more fish can be caught, but you won't find one more wild. I didn't see a single canoe today.

Just finished a blog entry on the trip....

http://fishingintheozarks.blogspot.com/