Advice For A First Timer - 10/16- 10/21

[larryb]

The Buffalo did not work out for us due to the low water levels so we are going to float the Eleven Point for five days. I would really appreciate any general fishing advice that you might have. We are going to be using spinning outfits. I am assuming that by that time, the water will have cooled some eliminating any topwater bite but other than that, I don't really know where to start. So, if you have a minute to help out, it would be great. Larry

[Guest csfishinfool]

Panther Martin #9, and a small Berkley Flicker Shad. Thats all I take and usually do very well. You can also get some small plastic tubes to fish below Turners for the Smallmouth

[Gavin]

Depends on what stretch your floating...If starting at Greer..you have 5 miles of special regulation trout water to contend with. No bait, no plastic lures. 1>18" limit on the trout...and its all under special bass regs..Marabou jigs, inlines, kastmaster spoons, small rapalas and the much hated rebel wee craw should be a good starting point. Anything goes after you pass Turner Mill. After turner...same lures will work...but you can break out the powerbait, live bait, and plastic lures if you choose to. Sounds like a fun trip. Brian Sloss at Eleven Point canoe rental can help you out.

[larryb]

That's a great start for me, appreciate it, will report when we return.

[Mark]

You will absolutely love the Eleven Point River. Fishing is good right now and fish seem to be holed up in deep water. I am an admitted bait chucker - pink, white, yellow powereggs can't miss. Locals use minnows which are plentiful to seine. Black and yellow rooster tails, and dark Gitzits work well for smallies. 5 days sounds great to explore the area. Take a mile by mile map from Missouri Conservation Department and check out the various sites along the way. Take the time to walk back to the springs that feed the river. Greer Springs, Turner Mill, Boze Mill, and the Narrows are all great sightseeing musts.

I don't know if you have your trip details planned out, but the water levels are low, and expect some minimal work. Be prepared to get out of the canoe at tricky spots - the low water will cause you to bottom out in rapids and turn you directions you don't want to go, namely into downed trees. Lots of downed trees the closer you get to Riverton. I would suggest putting in at Greer - 5 miles of special management trout water, then no regs the rest of the way. The closer you get to Riverton, the trout fishing slows down but smallmouth fishing increases. Below Riverton, mostly smallmouth fishing. Drift fish as you float will snag many fish. IF you float downstream past Riverton and Hwy 142, the river flattens out and start to see houses and cabins along the river. But from the headwaters down to HWY 142, you pretty much have the river to yourself and any gravel bar you choose to camp on. And there are lots of fantastic places on the river to camp.

You will be in awe of the solitude and beauty of the Eleven Point. I promise your first time will not be your last.

[Mark]

Oh and by the way, we'll see you there. My group makes our annual Fall Float that weekend. (Although we will not be floating this trip but instead will be shuttling in a camo riverboat with jet prop. Give us a hollar if you see us! We concentrate on the sections around Turner Mill access.

[Brian Sloss]

Ditto what has already been said, but marabou jigs in a variety of colors and color combos are deadly here. 1/16thoz-1/8oz for spinning outfits.

[larryb]

Thanks again to everyone. I am going to take advantage all the helpfulness and ask a few more questions if anyone can continue to help. We are putting in at Greer on Tuesday, noonish and we have until Sunday afternoon, so four full days and two half days on the water. We want to fish and explore and don't have a need to make any particular distance but we don't want to have days that are too short either. Should we go Dalton or Arkansas Road 90 or plan to stay in MO. If we do go into Arkansas, are there still adequate places to stay? Appreciate everything.

Larry

[Mark]

Just a suggestion Larry - IMO you are going to find the best fishing from Greer to Riverton, especially trout. Take your time thru this section - the first 21 miles. We like to only cover about 5-7 miles per day to hit all the fishing spots. You will find if you are covering 10 or more miles per day that you will be passing up lots of good fishing. I am not familiar with the Eleven Point into Arkansas and have only did the sections below Riverton to Arkansas a few times. While we did catch enough smallmouth below Riverton to keep our interest, IMO the best fishing (and the prettiest section) is the Greer to Riverton stretch. The Greer to Turner Mill section is about 5 miles and this is the trophy area with artificial only. The Turner Mill to Whitten access (currently closed for renovations) is about 7 miles. And the Whitten to Riverton section is about 9+ miles. Most people make this a 3 day trip. You will find plenty of good place to camp that will provide both evening fishing and early morning fishing. IF you go downstream past Riverton, you may want to consider using Mike Jones from Hufstedlers Canoe Rental at Riverton for convenience sake since he is located down river farther. He is a great guy, along with Brian Sloss from Eleven Point Rental in Alton. Both will provide you with lots of info.

Just my 2 cents from experience - don't get in a big hurry to make mileage in the Greer to Riverton section if fishing is your primary interest.

[MaxDrown]

In my opinion, the river is more fun before the Arkansas border. I would suggest spending your time in the MO water.