Need Advice On Wade Fishing Trip Next Week

[northernranger]

So I want to leave next Monday night and camp until Wednesday on a trout river or lake that I haven't been on yet. I was thinking maybe I would try the Eleven Point, Taney, the North Fork, etc, but I am not sure if wading is practical on any of these waters. I do have a kayak but unfortunately I will not be bringing it. I also would prefer to have a decent amount of water to wade and hiking a distance is not a problem for me. Any advice would be appreciated.

[northernranger]

By the way, I frequent the Current River as well as the Meramec, Little Piney and Niangua. That said I'm looking for somewhere other then these.

[Wayne SW/MO]

I suspect Taney would be out because the wading area is limited. There is some wading in the Niangua.

[northernranger]

Thanks but I have done the Niangua many times over. Is it possible to get a kayak into Taney and fish with all of the other boats making wakes? And if so where should I put in at?

[ColdWaterFshr]

Eleven Point would be my choice.

[northernranger]

Does the eleven point have plenty of wadeable water?

[ColdWaterFshr]

Depends on what you mean by "plenty". From Hwy 19 bridge you got a half-mile up from there to the spring branch of good wadeable water, several sets of riffles/pools between. Downstream from there you got another half mile, but not as good until you get to graveyard holler that Brian Sloss was talking about. That could keep me plenty occupied for a day or two.

OR, if you're more adventurous, hike in at the Ozark Trail trailhead located on the north side road to the Turner Mill access, which will put you roughly down to Hurricane Creek. Lots of great wading water around there, but you'll be working just to get to the river from that trailhead -- probably a couple mile hike in at least. Probably have it to yourself though.

[ColdWaterFshr]

Eleven Point is about triple the flow of the upper Current. There are some longer, deeper pools that will force you into the brush to get around them . . . . which is why it would be better to have a boat. But if you don't mind getting a little wet, you can get around these pools.

And as for camping - were you planning on setting up a camp by your car (car camping), or hiking in to camp. Great camping spot at McCormack lake for car-camping. Or hiking in with a pack -- you got the Ozark Trail as I mentioned.

[northernranger]

Hurricane Creek? Never heard of it. What's it like and what fish can I expect to catch?

[ColdWaterFshr]

Hurricane Cr dumps into Eleven Point and is a very small wet-weather creek. I'm sure theres some fishies in it, but your main objective will be the 11 point.