Need Your Advice!

[Middle TN Lee]

Me and my brother take an annual camping trip every January (early Jan) to a new place to do some hiking/fly fishing (yes I know its cold ha). This year my brother is going to be in Memphis so we were both really wanting to head up to Arkansas or Missouri for this trip. We weren't really trying to drive more than 5-6 hours from Memphis. I used to live in the Ozarks (close to Roaring River) but I did not venture out to far so I really have no idea where to look for.

We are looking for a place that we can camp (if possible), hike, and do some wade fishing for nice browns/rainbows. I know I'm asking a lot ha, but I can hope right.

We were thinking about the Little Red River, but I thought I read that they were generating quite a lot and will be doing so for a while to get down to Winter pool. If all the tailwaters are shot, we would love to fish some spring creeks or anything that is possibly wadable/campable. Maybe Spring River? Current River?

Like I said I'm just not familiar enough with these rivers so any information or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you all in advance,

Lee

[Gavin]

The Current is a great bet...but its 5.5 or 6 hours from Memphis...lots of public land to hike and camp on for free and great wade fishing...The Spring River and Eleven Point are closer though..Not much hiking & camping on the Spring, but the 11pt is a gem....Wading isnt great but doable in spots...but the Ozark Trail runs the North Bank of the 11pt between Greer and Hurricane Cr for a couple miles, and lots of public land to camp on. Free public camping at McCormack Lake, and fee camping at Greer CG...Best to do the 11pt by canoe or drift boat though....Brian Sloss at Eleven Point canoe can hook you up in that regard. Read up in the Current R. and Eleven Point forums and let us know what you think. OzarkTrail.com has some good free maps of the 11pt. The North Fork of the White is withing striking distance to...but youll probably want to stay at Sunburst or ROLF and canoe that one.

I'm usually canoe/camping on the Current with a bunch of friends for a couple days just after new year. Sometimes its cold, sometimes we paddle out in shorts, but thats our fickle winter weather.. Holler if you need more info.

[fishinwrench]

Spring river is reasonably close. Although I've never fished it so I don't know much about the hiking/camping in the area. The fishing is reportedly pretty decent though.

[fiveweight]

Spring river is reasonably close. Although I've never fished it so I don't know much about the hiking/camping in the area. The fishing is reportedly pretty decent though.

11pt has great camping, you need to rent a canoe to really experience the fishing though. Brian Sloss can set you up with a great overnight trip where you can camp in designated float camps.

Spring River is only 3 hours from Memphis and has better wading opportunities and several private campgrounds on the river, but it's much more developed. A place called Riverside camp ground is open year round (or at least it used to be).

[Wayne SW/MO]

The Eleven Point has some hiking opportunities and cold weather fishing. There's also the fact its a great river for outdoorsmen, and a great looking river. You can find Brian Sloss on the Eleven Point section for detailed information.

[eric1978]

I'd spend a couple days hiking the Buffalo River Trail...then head up to the NFOW. Or just camp at NFOW and forget the hiking. The Buffalo Trail is a great one, though, if you've never done it.

[Middle TN Lee]

Thanks for all the tips I really appreciate it. I had no idea about eleven point and after reading more...that seems like a really good fit for what well be doing.