Below Two Rivers

[The Kayak Kid]

Planning a 4-5 day canoe camping trip on the Current, with my son. All these years, and I've never been below Two Rivers. Any observations/comments regarding the smallie action, jet boat traffic (hopefully not too bad), and scenery would be greatly appreciated.

[2sheds]

I've made the 5-Day float from Baptist Camp to VanBuren many times (solo, with my son from age 12 to 18, with Boy Scout crews), as well as shorter trips. There's a wonderful diversity to enjoy as the river grows from a creek into a (well) river. My recommendation would be based on:

1. your son's age
2. what types of activities you two plan to enyoy
3. what percent time he wants to be fishing
4. what types of fish you would like to catch

Smallmouth fishing is fine from Two Rivers downstream.

Some nice big bluffs and plenty of wildlife.

Definitely more jetboats downstream, but clustered near the River Access points and also pick up after 3pm when the work-day ends.

I like to pick camping spots that are NOT CLOSE to the access points (quieter).

More history, more springs, and more caves to explore streamside further upstream.

Last potable water before VanBuren is at Two Rivers.

Avoid the weekend if you can - VERY IMPORTANT to me.

One more comment - The Current River is fantastic. But if you son is older and can handle bigger water, you should also check out the Eleven Point River - see this forum & contact Brian Sloss at Eleven Point Canoe Rental in Alton for up-to-the-minute details.

[The Kayak Kid]

I've made the 5-Day float from Baptist Camp to VanBuren many times (solo, with my son from age 12 to 18, with Boy Scout crews), as well as shorter trips. There's a wonderful diversity to enjoy as the river grows from a creek into a (well) river. My recommendation would be based on:

1. your son's age
2. what types of activities you two plan to enyoy
3. what percent time he wants to be fishing
4. what types of fish you would like to catch

Smallmouth fishing is fine from Two Rivers downstream.

Some nice big bluffs and plenty of wildlife.

Definitely more jetboats downstream, but clustered near the River Access points and also pick up after 3pm when the work-day ends.

I like to pick camping spots that are NOT CLOSE to the access points (quieter).

More history, more springs, and more caves to explore streamside further upstream.

Last potable water before VanBuren is at Two Rivers.

Avoid the weekend if you can - VERY IMPORTANT to me.

One more comment - The Current River is fantastic. But if you son is older and can handle bigger water, you should also check out the Eleven Point River - see this forum & contact Brian Sloss at Eleven Point Canoe Rental in Alton for up-to-the-minute details.

Thanks bud. Just looking to explore some new water. Smallie fishing upstream never seems to be too good (at least for me), and I'm interested in the scenery below Two Rivers. He's done the upper Current a few times. We usually take 2-3 day trips, but this would be a nice long trip away from everything. Thinking we could check out Rocky Falls and Peck Ranch at the end of our trip.

Ever done the EPR below Hwy 142? That's been my lowest takeout (usually put in at Cane Bluff). Might be our 2nd option for this extended trip. Then I could show him Greer.

[2sheds]

My notes on Current River, including downstream from Two Rivers:

Current River Mile Guide - 2Sheds 2005 Update.doc

Concerning Eleven Point River:

• My only opportunity is mid-Summer, so I have always put in at Greer Access. Plenty of nice wade fishing from that location.
• Recently have been taking out at The Narrows (H142), but have also floated down to Myrtle Landing (last takeout in MO).
• Percentage of smallmouth increases around Connor Chute and trout harder to find after Boze Mill. Start picking up a few walleye downstream of Riverton (H160), but have never caught many.

[The Kayak Kid]

Great stuff. Really enjoy reading your notes regarding the history of the area/river. I try to include a little history lesson when I take trips with my son. Thanks!