Jack's Fork Levels?

[eric1978]

Well it looks like the Meramec won't be cooperating for a float next weekend...from what I hear it's just too swollen to attempt and the fishing seems to stink anyway. So I need some help with a last minute Plan B. I know JF spiked up pretty high from the rains last night, but from looking at old posts and flow charts that river seems to drop pretty quick.

Looks like there's some slight chances of showers Mon-Wed, but dry after that. What do you JF experts think the river will be like by next weekend?

We're thinking about doing South Prong to Rymers (16.2 miles) and screwing around a bunch, or if the water is up some but still floatable maybe down to Bay Creek (25.2 miles).

You guys have any opinions? Think there will be many floaters next weekend?

Thanks for your advice.

[fozzie.]

You may want to contact some of the canoe outfitters down there or the ONSR folks directly- they close the river to canoe traffic if the water's too high, and they may be able to tell you at what discharge the river closes. So long as it doesn't rain much between now and then, you'll probably be alright- though it may be tough finding gravel bars to camp on, if you're going that route.

You may also look into floating the 11 point instead- from the graphs it's looking like it may be in better shape. As far as crowds, they shouldn't be an issue.

[eric1978]

My guess is if we don't get any more real rain for the next week, it'll be flowing around the 250-350 cfs range at the Mountain View gage. Anyone have an idea what that would look like?

[GloryDaze]

2.0 ft is ideal for floating, any lower and you will probably do alot of dragging. 4.0 and above, it gets really fast and powerful- I once did it at 4.4 and it was a blast. I think ideal level would be between 2-3 ft on the Mountain View Gauge.

[KCRIVERRAT]

Whoops! Should have reported gage levels here Eric. I'm sure you'll see it on your South Prong topic. Unless it's a very long rain event, that river drops fast.

Good luck and leave a few of them fat girls for me and Glory Daze...

[hank franklin]

150 to 200 cfs on Mtn View gage is probably optimum flow. Provided no more rain this week I would say you'd be in about perfect condition by the weekend.

[eric1978]

Sounds good...thanks gentlemen. I've been watching the gages and it drops really fast up near Mountain View. Looks pretty good for next weekend.

KC- I'll leave all them fat girls in there, but I'll warn you...they're gonna be spinnerbait shy after next weekend, so toss something else.

[KCRIVERRAT]

Sounds good...thanks gentlemen. I've been watching the gages and it drops really fast up near Mountain View. Looks pretty good for next weekend.

KC- I'll leave all them fat girls in there, but I'll warn you...they're gonna be spinnerbait shy after next weekend, so toss something else.

My casting prowess has faded some. I'll let Chief and Buzz admit who the spinnerbait fisherman is, but both of those jugheads can fish their butts off.

I'm a jig guy, sometimes for better... sometimes for worse! Have a good trip Eric!

[Coldspring]

Someone from Mountain View slipped into the river this morning (Easter) A man jumped in and was able to help the person out, but the rescuer got swept away in the current and drowned. It was at Blue Springs. Just a reminder that we all need to be careful.

Authorities are still looking for a man's body that drowned on Bryant Creek on Friday.

[KCRIVERRAT]

That is horrible. The river was on the decline this morning. I wonder if he got injured and was unable to grab something or get his footing.

Nevertheless, a terrible tragedy.

The upper Jacks is a great trip in April and May. Blue Spring is a popular spot for family gatherings.

Be safe everyone and respect the power of moving water, whether it's at flood stage or not.