First Time Float And Fish Trip

[Jack Jones]

One of my goals for this spring/summer is to go on a float and fish trip for a day. I'm not particular to the river I float so I would take recommendations for any of them. For a frame of reference, I do live in Springfield, and would prefer to stay within a 2 1/2 to 3 hr radius. This is something I've never done and I wanted to give it a go. I have spinning gear and fly gear. I haven't decided which to take. I would probably take the spinning gear just because its cheaper to replace when I tip over, LOL

So.....since you are all more learned and wiser than I, can I get some recommendations on outfitters and rivers where one with little experience can solo a canoe with little hassle, and fish from it for an afternoon. I'd prefer to find somewhere that is kind to idiots and amateurs (since I will be in that category right there). I would also prefer an outfitter that transports up river and allows you to float back to their site. Any recommendations on what to fish for and what lures to use would also be helpful.

As a side note, I also own my own kayak, but don't want to mess with it all the first time out. Typically, I've just taken the yak out on to Lake Springfield to paddle around a bit. I did a little fishing from it on Lake Springfield, but not much. If this trip is successful, I'll look for outfitters that will transport me and the yak, and allow me to float back.

[Danoinark]

Hard to beat the Buffalo here in Arkansas. Lots of outfitters and plenty of fish.

Dano

[Danoinark]

Meant to add a good day trip would be from Ozark access to Hasty. Bobber on here could set you up with an outfitter since he is one.

Dano

[duckydoty]

Many great rivers to choose from in this area. The Eleven Point, North Fork of the White, the Current River, Niangua River, Buffalo, the James River and the Elk River are all good ones with outfitters. I'm partial to the North Fork of the White, but the wife likes the Buffalo.

[smallmouthjoe]

Many good rivers are < 3.0 hours away. If you live in Springfield there is of course the James. There is not a section of the river that is too difficult, I feel comfortable floating it in the middle of winter. For an outfitter I'd call these folks,

http://www.jamesriveroutfitters.com/

But if you could find someone to drop you off and pick you up it would save some money. This would also increase the number of rivers you could float that are closer: Finley, Beaver, Sac, Crane, Swan, etc.

Second choice would be the Elk River. The fishing is great, especially on the upper sections. I'm sure Wacky-worm could help you with the outfitting.

Third choice would be Jack's Fork. Again, good fishing and great scenery. I would get into contace with Two Rivers Outfitters for a shuttle.

http://www.2riverscanoe.com/

[Al Agnew]

One major question is, can you go during the week? Warm weather weekends are a zoo on the more popular streams, so if you are limited to going on a weekend, it would be better to pick a stream that isn't as popular. Less popular streams are those with fewer canoe rentals. Possibly your best bet in that case would be the Gasconade. Gasconade Hills has always been a good outfitter, and the stretch of river above their place is good fishing and very friendly to novices. I haven't heard lately whether Gravens is still operating, but they are farther up the Gasconade in an even less populated stretch.

If you can go during the week, however, your choices open up considerably. The James doesn't have many canoe rentals, and might be okay on weekends, but it would definitely be a good choice during the week. So would the Niangua. Nearly all the canoe rentals on the Niangua are around Bennett Spring and below, but I believe they will put you in above the spring where it's a warm water fishery. The trout fishing below the spring is good, but for the novice floater, fishing for bass and the various sunfish species is probably easier. Elk River is certainly another good possibility.