Rivers I Need To Float...

[gotmuddy]

I've been floating Ozark streams for more than 45 years, and at one time or another I've floated most of them, but there are still some I haven't floated yet, and some that it's been so long that I want to go back. Maybe this year will be the year I mark a few off the list. Here are mine...what are the streams in the Ozarks that you would like to float and haven't recently?

South Fork Spring River--have wanted to do that one for many years.

Al, lets try South Fork of the Spring River this summer. I have never really floated thru, just put in near Salem and paddled up and down.

I am beginning to become a expert on that river since it is so close to me. I know 4 public accesses and 3 private ones that put you into a very interesting river. there are numerous holes 12+ft deep, and places where the river seems to disappear.

and finally get down to the Buffalo.

Buffalo River, It’s kind of embarrassing to admit that I have never been on this most essential of Ozark Rivers. No excuse.

shame on ya'll! IMO the lower buffalo(or all of it really) is the best scenery in the ozarks.

[eric1978]

shame on ya'll! IMO the lower buffalo(or all of it really) is the best scenery in the ozarks.

I hiked the Buffalo River Trail, so I've seen it and know how beautiful it is...and it is beautiful. But it's something like a 5 hour drive from the Lou. Makes it tough to get down there when you have to pass dozens of other great streams on the way. But I still wanna get down there badly...soon...and I will.

[gotmuddy]

I hiked the Buffalo River Trail, so I've seen it and know how beautiful it is...and it is beautiful. But it's something like a 5 hour drive from the Lou. Makes it tough to get down there when you have to pass dozens of other great streams on the way. But I still wanna get down there badly...soon...and I will.

thats understandable. I have floated from bakers ford to gilbert, buffalo point to rush, and rush to the white and there is definitely unmatched scenery

[gotmuddy]

The strawberry is another gem, its pretty dam secluded. I like those creeks that start out Ozark streams and turn into cypress sloughs.

the strawberry is one I would like to explore this year, it starts right by my house.

[ozark trout fisher]

The Buffalo is definitely the big one that I haven't floated that I'd like to get on. Since there probably won't be a Colorado or Montana trip this summer, this year might finally be the time for me to do it, as well as hit a bunch of other rivers in that part of Arkansas while I'm at it. I'd also like to try the Osage Fork sometime, as well as some of the more northern Ozark type streams, particularly the Salt and the Cuivre (I know they're not really in the Ozarks, but close enough.) I'm sure I'm forgetting some others I haven't been on that I need to, but that's all for now.

[Wayne SW/MO]

Eric. I used to spend every weekend at Rim Shoals on the White and even lived in a tent there for over a month during the early 80s fly fishing for trout. I've talked with some of the old timers down there about the White before the dams, and even allowing for exaggeration, the smallmouth fishing must have been far better than anything we have left.

I fished the White above the James in the mid 50's, but we had just come from my first trip to Roaring River and after seeing all those fish there the White didn't impress me. :lol: I was in my early teens however and wish now I could go back.

[Gavin]

I want to float the Current from Round down to Powdermill this year, and explore some stuff closer to home. Havent been on the Bourbuese in a long time, and Byrnes Mill down to the Meramec on the Big intrigues me.

.

[DaveMac]

Great thread, Al. I too have been trying to broaden my horizons. Its fun to explore new rivers and see first hand what their differences are compared to ones you're familiar with. Last year I did the Buffalo, Niangua and Gasconade. Each one was unique, though I floated them at different times during the summer. This year the Buffalo is again on my list, but I'd like to hit the Kings and Jacks Fork among others. Don't rule out wading smaller streams when considering exploring new rivers - I plan to check out Richland Creek (big-butt boulders), a trib of the Buffalo.

[hank franklin]

I am jonesing to do the Meramec from Bourbeuse confluence down to Castlewood maybe.

I am also looking to get back on the Missouri, Jeff City to Hermann.

[Al Agnew]

Dang, I forgot about the Strawberry...gotta do it one of these days.

I've floated all the floatable water of Beaver Creek...sweet three day float.

I haven't floated all the floatable water of Crooked Creek, gotta do that, too. Swan Creek, Bull Creek...need to do them.

It's been a long time since I've floated the upper end of the Big Piney...

For several years I've wanted to get two or three like-minded guys together and do a week-long "road trip", floating different river sections every day. Use only one vehicle (one that can carry two canoes and gear). Do piggyback floats each day...put in the first canoe, the guys in the second canoe drive to where the first canoe is going to take out and put in there. The vehicle is then waiting at the first canoe's take-out, those guys load up and drive to the second canoe's take-out and pick them up. Either camp in the area at night or stay in a cheap motel.