General Description

[Mark]

Planning to check out the NFOW in Missouri this year. I've been reading a lot in the past week and have a general idea of what to expect. But maybe someone more familiar can clarify a few things for me.....Ideally I would like to fish and float camp along the way, first for smallies on the upper, and then for trout on second half of trip. Not sure on my take out yet....

At normal summer water levels, it was suggested that Indian Creek is about as far upriver as you want to put in. This section is described thru the M Twain National Forest, and I am all about great scenery on float trips. I don't mind a little draggin or pullin the canoe thru a little bit, but not wanting a big hassle either. l have the section below Twin Bridges pictured as opening up, more flat farmland, less forest, and not as scenic. Would that be accurate?

Also the private land ownership has me concerned. Can I expect to get ran off of gravel bars on the upper? I realize the trout water area may have some strict landowners too, especially around the ROLF, Sunburst, and other resorts and campgrounds. I like to take my time, get out of the canoe and wade fish, and basically use the canoe as a taxi to haul gear. It really puts a damper on the experience to always be fearful of catching an earful from a landowner, or even just have to look over your shoulder all day every time you pull over. Are certain private areas well marked? I don't have an issue with island camping as long as zero chance of rain. And I like to check out things like the springs (MCD mile by mile map clearly states some are strictly private) or maybe pull over for some fishing or relaxing at a pretty spot.

Actually surprised I haven't visited before, but definitely plan on checking out a float trip on it this coming summer. Would appreciate more comments on description of the float and private gravel bars is mormally hit for some wade fishing. Thanks in advance

 

 

[chub minnow]

I think you are on the right track.  We did a big trip starting at Topaz, ending at Sunburst in med / low conditions and that was some skinny water above Hebron access. Plus the smallmouth fishing didn't really turn on until after Indian Creek anyway.  I'd definitely recommend starting no higher than Indian Creek.  While there is private land below Twin Bridges, it still very much has a wilderness feel and is very scenic for several mile below Twin Bridges.  On the last trip it seemed like there were ample campsites for the 10 miles below Twin Bridges until North Fork and Rainbow Springs come in to the river.  This is the same area where the trout fishing really turns on as well.  I've float camped the river several times and never had a problem, but don't ever build a huge fire or get overly obnoxious either.  We usually don't stop and set up camp until right before dark.  People tend to get more upset if you post up on their private property mid-afternoon and start blasting tunes and mixing margaritas. I don't recall many island campsites, but then again I usually just write those off due to flooding concerns and lack of firewood.  I've had a couple of bad experiences with not camping high enough and I don't intend to repeat it!   If you like wilderness, take a look at upper Bryant sometime as well.

[Mark]

One of my main concerns is getting hassled for pulling over to wade fish, especially in trout water. All the resorts advertise "private water", as I'm sure private land owners will insist they "own" their stretch of waterfront property. Is the "high water mark" law meaningless to them? I wouldn't argue and just move on, but is there anything to worry about if I pull over to wade?

And curious about Bryant Creek. I thought I read that by summer, water levels prevent floating from very far upstream? And not much access? Is smallie fishing better than upper NFOW? Creek wading really appeals to me. And again, the private property issue?

Getting chased off once or twice would put a damper on trip - hate being hassled when I know I am not doing anything wrong.

[sean c]

Mark you will likely not be harassed by land owners and you certainly won't be harassaed by the "resorts" they are well aware of the stream access laws and the importance of them to their canoe rental business. I have never had an unpleasant experience with a property owner on the river and have only heard of a few and those usually involved new home owners on the river who didn't understand Missouri stream access rights and drunks. Also it's the trout water where the private property is I'm guessing 2/3rds of what your talking about floating isn't.  

 

[Mark]

Good to know. Just as curious about upper smallmouth as trout water. Also curious about Bryant. Early June, how far upstream can I expect to go with loaded canoe? Private land issues? Actually, plan on a couple days chasing smallies away from the trout water crowd, and hit the trout water at end of the trip. Like 3 nights on smallmouth water (either NF or Bryant), and get fresh ice first chance after that. Which do you recommend - Bryant or Upper NFOW? Sounds like both are pretty.

[Gavin]

You could do the Bryant in June. Have not floated it higher up than Bell Bridge(95 I think) but has always produced a ton of small bass. Ocassional trout, escapees from Rockbridge mostly.

[Ham]

10 hours ago, Mark said:

. Like 3 nights on smallmouth water (either NF or Bryant), and get fresh ice first chance after that. Which do you recommend - Bryant or Upper NFOW? Sounds like both are pretty.

Current River

[sean c]

I'm with Ham when I think of overnight  smallie trip neither river come to mind but that's not saying it's not worth doing or that you can't and it's actually something I  want to do just haven't gotten around to it. I would need to go in the spring I need pretty good flow to get my boat down the upper and I wouldn't want to deal with floaters. Everyday of the summer from Hammond down you will deal with floaters, on the Bryant the accesses can fill up with locals on the weekends.

[Mark]

I have done the Current in sections. looking for something new, and have never been on the NFOW. So many places to see and float in Missouri, and I like the adventure of something new.

[Plastic_worm]

Never had a problem on the NFOW.  Lots of posted land but ample places to camp.  I have stopped and spoken to many landowners along the river and it's always been good conversation.  If your only interest is solitude and fishing you should have no issues.  It's obnoxious floaters that no one has patience for.  Keep in mind there is zero chance I would float that river from June to Sept...the recreational floaters get thick.