Tan Vat To Akers: Advice Appreciated

[SamC489]

I am assuming there is no shortage of gravel bars to camp on, and all the shoreline is ozark national waterway. Is this correct? Are there some not-to-miss spots along our route the we should look out for?

[Gavin]

That can be done...plenty of parking at Akers, and its all public along the river. Camp anywhere you want..A couple suggestions.

-3 guys, dog, gear, dirt bike in one vehicle....consider bringing two vehicles

-If the water is low...put in at Baptist Camp..about a mile downstream of Tan Vat..Better Parking & Pit Toilets at Baptist Camp.

-Dogs can really mess up a trip..consider leaving it home.

-Pack light because you are going to have to haul your boats over the low water bridge at Cedargrove

-There are some pit toilets at Cedargrove.

-Firewood can be scarce around the more popular camp spots...bring a good saw.

-AT&T Phones work pretty well above Cedargrove, spotty below.

-Fishing Regulations-They change at Cedargrove...know what they are above an below.

Have a great trip, and post some pictures when you get back.

[Al Agnew]

Just one thing to add to what Gavin said...you won't catch many, if any, smallmouth until you get below Cedargrove, but from there to Welch Spring not too far above Akers, you'll have a decent chance to get into some smallies along with the trout. If it was me, I'd fish the riffle areas for trout and the deeper pools for smallies once you get below Cedargrove.