Spring-Fed Rivers Offer Best Floating In Drought

[Phil Lilley]

My wife and I have canoed and kayaked Missouri waterways since we moved here from the flatlands of Kansas in 2004.

We’ve found each stream and river has a personality of its own — some offer an energetic, wet romp; others a gentle, contemplative ride. Right now they’re all taking it slow and easy, thanks to Mother Nature’s decision to turn off the rain spigot.

http://www.news-leader.com/article/20120809/LIFE06/308090043/missouri-float-trips-current-river-guide

[Wayne SW/MO]

I did hear last night, KY3, that they thought the rain chances might pick up. It will take years to stop the steady decline in the aquifer we've been in, but every little bit helps if only to reduce the fire danger.

[dennis boatman]

Floated from Bennett Access to Barclay today and it was doable, but low...

[Gavin]

Thinking that this year is the year.....to float were the jet boats used to roam.

[jdmidwest]

Even that rule is stretched pretty thin this year. I dragged the yak thru several riffles on the Spring River last weekend, something I have never had to do. And the fishing is poor for the most part.

With the low water, the stocking is only taking place at the boat ramps if they are doing any at all. No float thru stockings are taking place that spreads the fish out along the river.