Trout Trip Recommendations

[DainW]

So i've been fly fishing for a couple years now, and I've started to develop a routine on my local waters. In the warmer months, let's say May-October, I like to target smallmouth and I try to save my trout fishing for the colder months (with some exceptions). Reason being that I'm not a big fan of combat fishing and the trout waters here in Oklahoma that do fish year round, are usually slammed in the summer, and I prefer the quiet solitude of a smallmouth stream. Anyway being from Oklahoma, with all the recent rains that we've had, my winter time trout fishing plans have had to be altered. With both of my two favorite rivers completely blown out from all the recent flood and TBD as to when they'll be fishable again, I've had to look elsewhere for my trout fishing fix. I've found that the Ozarks region has some fantastic spots and a lot more to offer than just the famous white river tailwater fisheries. I had a great trip to roaring river state park last week and plan on going back before the end of C&R season (turns out it's about the same distance drive time to there for me as it is to my preferred OK river). 

Anyway, with all that being said, I usually like to plan a big trip around the middle of March and I've been doing a lot of thinking about this year's trip. I'd like to plan a 4 day trip where I can hit several different rivers in the Southern MO/Northern AR region.One of the rivers I definitely want to hit on this trip is the NFOW since I've never been there. Also thinking about hitting the current river blue ribbon section. Fished that last may and loved it, so I'm definitely gonna have to fish it again soon, although I can be persuaded out of that spot for this trip. Anyways does anyone have any suggestions on rivers that I really need to visit, especially that would be fishing well that time of the year? Not really asking for any hot spots or anything, just names of rivers. Half the fun is doing the research myself and then trying to figure out a new river when I get there. The only parameters are:

1. I'd prefer not to fish a trout park during catch and keep season. Just don't want to do the combat fishing thing, although I'm open to fishing below any of the parks. 

2. Not really interested in fishing any of the big white river tailwaters, for the same reason as above, plus I've been there before and my guess is we'd still be seeing heavy generation during that time period, which means I'd have to hire a guide. 

Side note, I am considering hiring a guide for the NFOW so any recommendations on guides here would be great. Let me know what you guys think. 

Thanks,

Dain

[Al Agnew]

How many days?  You have a number of choices.  If you are planning to fish the North Fork, then I'd start there, renting a canoe to get you from good spot to good spot.  Then do the same thing on the Eleven Point.  Then head a little north and wade the Current.  Then if you still have time, go a little farther north and wade the Little Piney and/or Mill Creek for more variety.

[Russell Doughty]

My son is a drift boat guide on the NFOW. You can find him at the troutdoorsman on Google.

[Gavin]

4 days fishing 2 travel? Would drive to the Current first. Fish that. Eleven Point next, contact Brian Sloss at Eleven Point Canoe. The Eleven Point trout water is abought 1.5hrs South on 19 from the Current. NFOW is an hour or so west of the Eleven Point. Would stay at Sunburst Ranch and ask Justin or Amy to set you up with a guide on the NFOW. Would float all if your budget allows.Maybe hit Crane,on the way back to Oky.

[Eric82]

i would say give the current a try but also i would make the short trip from the current area to the little piney. fun stream with great chances to catch wild trout.

[mic]

5 minutes ago, Eric82 said:

i would say give the current a try but also i would make the short trip from the current area to the little piney. fun stream with great chances to catch wild trout.

I would agree with Eric82... You also have Mill Creek in that "general area". 

In reference to trout parks, you can find peace and your own water if you get away from the easy to access areas (with the exception of Meramec Springs) and not go in the early morning.  Fishing is a little harder, but not as hard a wild trout water. 

[DainW]

Thanks for the replies and advice everyone. Exactly what I was looking for. Looks like I'm definitely gonna have to do some research on the Little Piney. As far as the eleven point goes, that river has kind of been on the radar for a while as well, but I just kind of figured that I would need to hire a guide for that one as well. Isn't it bigger water that fishes better from a driftboat? Or can you get by just renting a canoe and floating from hole to hole? I'm sure that question is probably highly contingent on the flows at the time. 

[Ham]

6 minutes ago, DainW said:

 As far as the eleven point goes, that river has kind of been on the radar for a while as well, but I just kind of figured that I would need to hire a guide for that one as well. Isn't it bigger water that fishes better from a driftboat? Or can you get by just renting a canoe and floating from hole to hole? 

I'm sure that Brian Sloss would guide you to an incredible trip. I think he's really dialed in on the 11 Pt. I know that it is doable in a rented canoe navigating from pool to pool as well. At the bare minimum, rent a boat from Brian and get the skinny on what's going on.

[DainW]

Ok so in an ideal world, I'd be able to hire a guide for a day on the NFOW and a day on the 11 point. Let's say that I have limited funds though and would only be able to hire a guide on one of those and will have to rent a canoe on the other. Which of those two rivers do you guys think it's more important to hire a guide on, and which one could I probably get away with just renting a canoe? 

Also, just checked out the forum for the LP and saw some cool pics. What a beautiful spot. I know I might get some flack for this, but what town do you guys typically access that river in?

[mic]

During the season (Apr - Oct), you access LP (the blue ribbon section) from the campground south of Rolla.  In the off season, you can hike the BIG hill from the gate to the campground, or better yet, from a pull off on the Hwy bridge just below campground entrance.  

Reference your trip... one man's opinion, I would stay on one river both days.  The first day with the guide and get the lay of the land.  The second day retracing your steps.