Mulberry River This Summer

[KCRIVERRAT]

I've always wanted to float the Mulberry. Thing is, I've got some strength issues as far as getting through some tight turns. Wanted to know if any of you guys or gals on the forum could tell me if there are some nice summer floats that provide some good smallmouth fishing too. Haven't google earthed it yet, but how's the scenery?

KC

[fishinwrench]

If you have strength issues I wouldn't recommend paddling from Lake Ozark to the Mulberry river

[KCRIVERRAT]

If you have strength issues I wouldn't recommend paddling from Lake Ozark to the Mulberry river

Heck Wrench, if I started at LOZ, I'd probably stick with using my boat that has a motor attached. I miss the good old days down there.

My strength issues are the result of spinal chord damage... but I try, and will not quit on river fishing.

[KCRIVERRAT]

Crap! Sorry Wrench... just realized what i did...

[fishinwrench]

[hoglaw]

I've always wanted to float the Mulberry. Thing is, I've got some strength issues as far as getting through some tight turns. Wanted to know if any of you guys or gals on the forum could tell me if there are some nice summer floats that provide some good smallmouth fishing too. Haven't google earthed it yet, but how's the scenery?

KC

It's a pretty river but different. The water always has a lot more of a greenish tint to it than the gin clear waters farther north. There are prettier rivers you could float, but I suppose that's a pretty subjective judgment call. For me, the Mulberry has always been a whitewater destination. If water is low and I want a fishing trip, there are other places farther up on my list. Not to say the Mulberry doesn't have good fish - it does - but as far as a smallmouth float I'm generally willing to drive a little farther to hit other rivers. The ratio of largemouth and spots in the Mulberry (as I recall) is a lot higher than the northern rivers as well.

I would imagine there are some slower floats without so many tight turns as you get closer to the river. I've never floated below Turner Bend, so I can't confirm this. I do seem to recall hearing about some serious rapids or waterfalls downstream from Turner Bend though. I've only gone underwater once on the Mulberry, and it was during a low water fishing trip. If you have issues controling your boat in faster water, I'd reccommend walking your canoe down many of the stretches or picking a different river. The Mulberry can be powerful, even in lower water.

[Bill B.]

I've floated from Turner Bend to just above the interstate highway. That can be a long, hot float in mid-summer, when the water's low. On the other hand, the long, green pools hold some nice largemouths and Kentuckies. You can pretty easily bypass most of the tricky places when the water's low, as long as you keep your eyes open for them. Take out above them and fish those runs before you take your canoes through them.