First Float Next Thurs 6/20 & 6/21

[bigredbirdfan]

I was fortunate enough to get two days off of work next week and it looks like we want to fish the eleven point. I haven't been on this river since I was a kid. We will drive up from Springfield on Thurs morning departing around 5 a.m. and so I guess well will be down in the area 7:30-8 a.m. Looking for a nice two day float with lots of spin fishing for smallmouth and some trout. I will take a fly rod as well but for the most part we will be spin fishing. Would like to pick what stretch we fish with some help on here. From what I'm reading less can be more if you like to take in the scenery and we generally stop and fish everything fishy looking like ripples, holes and log jams. Looking at Cain Bluff to Turner South or Greer Spring to Whitten or anything you guys suggest. Would also like some input on potential camp site depending on which stretch we float. Probably going to have 11point Canoe Rentals shuttle our car down to take out. Any input from members is appreciated.

[Brian Sloss]

I would do Cane Bluff to either Turner or Whitten. Cane Bluff to Greer (7.5 miles) is fishing very well for smallmouth. Greer to Turner (5.5 mile blue ribbon) has been a little hit or miss lately and Turner to Whitten (6.5 mile) is getting stocked regularly now that summer is here so you should be able to catch plenty down there if the blue ribbon fish are not biting. You might not catch a ton right now in the blue ribbon area, but the ones you do catch are beautiful fish.

[snap]

......agree with Brian! Two days on the river, one nite camping I presume, ......I would do cane bluff to turner. 13 miles if you will be fishing hard ...like you said......would allow you to not have to get in a hurry.

[jparksy]

My son and I are going to fish the Elevn Point River for the first time, and we'll be in a canoe. Trying to decide whether to do base camp at Eleven Point Canoe Rental area or do an overnight on the river somewhere and fish two days. Will be arriving this Friday afternoon and can put in either Friday afternoon or Saturday morning at the crack o' dawn. Also, we are pretty novice fishermen but will be doing some ultra light weight spinning for small mouth and trout. Any thoughts or suggestions will be greatly appreciated!!!

[Brian Sloss]

I always am an advocate for taking your gear and camping along the way, but I would be happy to have you camp at the canoe rental as well. That said, waking up on your fishing hole with no one else around is a great way to start the day.

[jparksy]

Brian, If we canoe overnight on the river, what trip should we do? And if we decide to stay at the canoe rental what trip should we do? I will call you tomorrow to reserve a canoe, but I'm still trying to decide if overnight on the river or the other.

[Brian Sloss]

If you are camping at the canoe rental and doing a day trip and wanting a chance at both smallmouth and trout, I would choose Whitten to Riverton. If you are going to overnight it and want both species, I would go Cane Bluff to either Turner or Whitten. Just as I described in the previous thread..