James River Floats

[MSUFisherBear]

Hey all,

Good afternoon and an early merry Christmas to everyone!

I am somewhat new to the area. This will be the fourth year in school, but the last year and a half I've really got in to fishing some of the smaller bodies of water in and around Springfield with my canoe. I'd like to plan a float down the James. I know the fishing on the lower end is excellent as my Dad and I have fished it several times from his boat when he has came down. I've caught some nice Spots anywhere between Cape Fair on up to Galena along with some pretty nice Largemouths and Smallmouths (thanks to the great bass management in the area). However, I am looking to take a float on the upper end of the river. My only float trip that I have been able to take so far is from Crighton down to Southwood access on Lake Springfield, but I really like the looks of the area from the tailwater access from Lake Springfield on down. I'd love to float this area, but are there really any good take out points after Tailwater that isn't going to result in a two day float, or am I sort of out of luck on that float?

Also, I've done really well on the river for bass fishing grubs and shad-raps, but I would really love to catch a few goggle-eye too. I'm originally from SE Missouri and have fished the Black and St. Francios a bunch. I tended to do well on grubs and live worms for goggle-eye there, but I can't seem to get them to take the bait here. Also, I tended to fish rootwads and rock outcroppings back home. Am I missing anything?

Thanks for any advice, and as always tight lines!

[Hopper]

Hey

Try Delaware access to hwy M bridge, although hwy M is not a public access there is a place to park immediately accross the bridge(small white bldg)i've never heard of anyone having problems, i,ve caught some great smallmouth on this stretch, but never any goggle eye. If you want both try the upper Flat Creek around Mcdowell to stubblefield access, again at mcdowell this is a low water bridge you can park on the west side(where the locals park)there are some nice goggleye on the upper flat creek. BTW where in SEMO are you from(Girlfriend is from fredericktown) Maybe we can get together and do a float.

Gregg

[Wayne SW/MO]

I don't know that there any prefered floats on the James. Any access to access will be an enjoyable one.

[chub minnow]

Ditto on flat creek. Great goggle fishing- as well as sunfish and smallies. There are a couple of deep holes closer to Stubblefield that we have also caught crappie mixed with gog's.

[RSBreth]

If you want Goggle Eyes the Finley from Linden to the park here in Ozark is your closest bet. A couple of the pools up from the park are just filthy with them.

As far as the James goes - you will do better in terms of numbers of fish and easy access by sticking to the middle or lower parts, like the Smallmouth management area you mentioned.

[Wayne SW/MO]

The fish you catch here will most likely be Ozark bass which are native to the White watershed. They'll look different than the SE G ' eyes in their markings.

[MSUFisherBear]

Hopper,

I'm from Ironton (grew up just outside of Elephant Rocks). I actually went to a small church just outside of Fredericktown (over near Silvermines). Maybe we could get together some time.

Also,

Thanks everyone for the excellent ideas. I love to fish, but a day out floating would always be nice. Heres to waiting till a little later in the spring for some warmer weather and a few good rains!

Happy New Year!