excited about forum

[Brian Sloss]

I just thought I'd thank Phil for starting this forum. I'm looking forward to answering any questions about the Eleven Point, which I believe is a hidden jewel for fly fishing in the Ozarks. I am ready to go.

[new2trout]

I just wanted to say thank you for posting this forum. Information on the Eleven Points river is hard to find. If you have any other helpful links I would appreciate it. Also do you do give guided tours? and is this the Eleven Points in Missouri or Arkansas? I went to Eleven Points in Alton Missouri back in July. I loved it so much I plan to go on as many trips as I can this year. Im from Kansas City. Im also new to trout fishing so any tips would help. You had it right when you said the Eleven Points is the Hidden Jewel of the Ozarks. Thanks again.

Josh

[Brian Sloss]

I do offer guided trips down the Eleven Point River for trout fishermen. You can look up my site at www.11pointcanoe.com and I am located in Alton, Mo. I'm happy to help you with any questions you might have. I get to fish quite often and place regular fishing reports here. Do you have any specific questions?

[Fox Statler]

Brian,

Loved the pictures on the site. I have fished the Eleven Points for thirty years but only from the Arkansas State line down to the Black River. I made a trip up to Riverton this summer just driving around. When I came home I told her we were going to move there when we retire because the river is so beautiful. I was also interested in the Eleven Points Fly Box. Do you have any pictures you could post or email me of the patterns like the crawdad and the others that are unique to the river. I plan to fish up there a lot this summer, I have built a canoe especially for the small river fishing. Where is the lodge and fly shop at? I missed the address.

Fishin' What They See,

Fox Statler

[new2trout]

Yes I do. I'm planning to make my first trip down there in late april. I plan on doing at least 4 or 5 days worth of fishing and also plan to float the river a couple times. First, is this usually a good time of the year to fish? I know it depends on the weather and level of the river, but I plan on taking at least one friend down there and just want them to have as good of a fishing experience as I did. Also I wanted to camp right on the bank rather than a campground. I know there is limited acsess but is there any spots we might be able to drive and suv and hike a short way to the river? I only know of one. And unfortunately I do not know how to fly-fish. I have quite a few spinning rods, but what type would be the best? I appreciate your help and look forward to the trip.

[Brian Sloss]

Fox,

I don't have any pics of the flies where we sell the flies and my camera won't take good enough pictures to make it worth posting them. If you live in St. Louis, Hargrove's sell Don's crawdad's as well and if you do a search for 1-800 phone flies you should be able to to get pics there. Many different Stonefly patterns will work, though I'd use weighted ones as we need to fish deep around here most of the time. The MOAT is real easy. Size 6 hook, 3 tungston beads, peacock dubbing, and brown or black legs (two pair on the back and one for the tail). Our shop is located in Alton, Mo at the intersection of hwys. 19 and 160, you can't miss us. We have a bunch of canoes in the yard. If you need lodging when you come down here, we can help you find that as well.

Brian

New2trout,

You are right access is limited because all of the trout water runs through national forest. There are places you can go with your SUV, such as Greer, Turner Mill, Whitten, Bliss Spring, and Boze Mill Spring. My favorite for fishing is Greer, though there is a camp host, though maybe not until May. Floating to a float camp(most you can't drive to) or any place you like along the river is the best way to get privacy and access to some of the best holes on the river. You can camp anywhere on the river you want, as it is all National forest except one small plot of land on the lower end of the white ribbon area. Given good weather, April is ussually a good time for fishing down here and an ultralight with 6lb test line should work just fine. If you would like to learn how to use the fly rod, let me know and I'd be happy to help you get started. I forgot to mention, that greer does charge like $10/night to camp, but the other places are free. All campgrounds are primitive, and only Greer has even water spickets, though we do have showers you can use at our shop, if you need to clean up during your five day trip.

[Fox Statler]

Brian,

Thanks, I might drive up there tomorrow or next Sunday or Monday. I want to look around a little. I will stop in the shop.

[Brian Sloss]

I might or might not be around depending if I'm called in to my off season job. I hope I see you though. Bring your rod though, the fishing is good now.