First solo overnighter opinions.

[jtram]

I am in a major fishing rut. Major rut as in have only been 1 time in the last 28 days. Im thinking that a solo overnighter on a new river with a case of beer, a few deer loin steaks, and a fly rod may be just the ticket to break out. A few things, 1.) I have never done a float camp trip, shame on me its about to happen. 2.) Never fished the Niangua, 11 pt, Current, Jacks Fork, North Fork, basically nothing farther east than Flat Creek. 3.) I would like a (legit) chance at an 18". Where would you suggest?  Im thinking 10-12 Miles, shorter can work. Will likely be an afternoon start and a mid to late afternoon finish. 

[Gavin]

Current River blue ribbon trout water our the Gasconade SMBSMA. Crowded but good fish are there if you can figure it out. Might take awhile to get an 18" but they are their. Call Jadwin for the Current nice folks. Andy @ Route 66 is guy I like on the Gasconade & B. Piney.

 

[Al Agnew]

Another possibility is the lower Big Piney, from the fort down.  Use Gavin's suggestion of Route 66 Canoes or Glen at Lay Z Day Campground and Canoes.  Definitely 18 inchers there, but not easy.  If you can go during the week, Two Rivers on the Current can put you in at Williams Landing and float down to their place at the mouth of the Jacks Fork.  18 inchers are a little less likely there, but the scenery can't be beat and the fishing can be good.  Weekends are out though...too many doofuses in jetboats and every other kind of watercraft.  

I haven't been on the Niangua in quite a while.  Canoe rentals don't cover the best smallmouth water, but the upper river above Bennett might be a possibility.

Another possibility is farther up the Gasconade, using Gasconade Hills for canoes/shuttles.  Personally I slightly prefer floating from their place down to Hwy. 133, rather than going above their place.

[fishinwrench]

I'm thinking a 12 pack should be plenty.  If you slam a whole case we'll have to form a search party.

[Jeff Maberry]

If I remember correctly the ozark national scenic Riverwalk has a rule stating that you can only have 6 beers per person for each day in your boat now

[jtram]

Some good suggestions everybody, thank you. I f work allows its happening next week. If work doesn't allow, 2nd week in September it is. Still unsure where but have a few mor avenues to check out. 

[jtram]

If I remember correctly the ozark national scenic Riverwalk has a rule stating that you can only have 6 beers per person for each day in your boat now

Good thing I'm Tripolar...

[awhuber]

If I remember correctly the ozark national scenic Riverwalk has a rule stating that you can only have 6 beers per person for each day in your boat now

No such rule in the ONSR. Pretty much same rules as any other area in MO.     There is a limit due to space and weight. Probably 10- 20 cases...

[Mark]

Consider the Eleven Point River for a trip off the beaten path. The Blue Ribbon area from Greer Springs to Turner Mill is a 5 mile float. The White Ribbon area begins at Turner Mill and continues downstream for 14 miles to Riverton, with a midway access at Whitten. Fantastic fishing especially this year. Equally fantastic scenery and not nearly as crowded as some of the more popular rivers. Traffic really slows down after schools start.