First timer to Current River

[2sheds]

Gavin is a trustworthy resource.

i tend to fish the lightest tackle that will not snag without breaking loose too often.   I think that is the idea.  For me, maybe 4#, but that is the strategy ideal - be strong enough to pull loose off the bottom and not leave too much tackle behind.

In higher sun, get deep !  That is where they will be.

 

 

[joeD]

Thirty six miles is a long way. Even more so for a group. Hopefully you have a shuttle arranged and camping shtuff all sorted out. Long, epic floats generally lead to more paddling, and less fishing, unless you have days upon days at your leisurely disposal. Keep your your fishing tackle simple and general for more casting and less fussing.

[Mark]

And keep an eye on river levels, it's high right now with a couple good storms just moved thru.

[chub minnow]

Ditto that!  Just got off the river a few days ago and she was pumping.  Fishing was poor to non-existent.  We floated Baptist to Pulltite and almost never paddled except to steer.  If it keeps raining like this every 3-4 days you may need to reschedule your trip.  This was the first time I have ever been skunked on a 3 day float, but the water was just way too fast and stained to get anything in front of them.   If you are going mainly for the fishing and the gauge at Akers is over 1000 CFS I would seriously consider moving your trip.  The river was closed below Pulltite when we got off.  Flow was about 1100-1200 cfs at that time at Akers gauge.

[Mark]

chub, I have a trip planned from Pulltite to Two Rivers on May 20-22. I realize that's a few weeks away and a lot can change, but big rains in the forecast this weekend. I'm not familiar enough with the river to be able to judge the fishing by the river levels. Can you give me some guidance on cfs levels for ideal fishing? may be OK fishing? and I'll assume 1,000 cfs is about your cutoff point to even consider fishing it? Looks like it could be a repeat of last year when rivers were too high until dang near end of June.

[Gavin]

The park service will shut it down if they deem that the river level is too high. Think their guideline is 4' on the Akers guage, water over the bridge at Cedargrove is another one...It rises and falls quickly on the upper end.

 

[Greasy B]

Fishing water that's a little high is no big deal, fishing a river that is bank full is a drag and too risky. 1000 cfs on upper Current is about double what I would fish. 

One secret to fishing in these conditions is finding a lake that receives little or no runoff. It might sound improbable but they do exists. 

[joeD]

Taildragger doesn't care. He has 8 or 10 guys to worry about.

[Mark]

On ‎4‎/‎28‎/‎2017 at 8:41 AM, Mark said:

chub, I have a trip planned from Pulltite to Two Rivers on May 20-22. I realize that's a few weeks away and a lot can change, but big rains in the forecast this weekend. I'm not familiar enough with the river to be able to judge the fishing by the river levels. Can you give me some guidance on cfs levels for ideal fishing? may be OK fishing? and I'll assume 1,000 cfs is about your cutoff point to even consider fishing it? Looks like it could be a repeat of last year when rivers were too high until dang near end of June.

Looking  for specifics cfs numbers for ideal? 400 cfs? high but fishable? 800cfs?

[Taildragger]

I've been busy (and caught 25 largemouth Thursday) and just got back to check this site.  Found page 2 and thank you all for the comments.  We've gotten 5 inches of rain in the last two weeks (three in the last 3 days)in NE Kansas, so all the comments are helpful.  I'm the fishing nut of the group and will be disappointed if fishing is not good, but will go just for the enjoyment of the trip anyway.  I will keep the tackle light and minimal.  I've never checked gauge levels before.   Wow, today above Akers is over 21 feet and 42000 CFM.  Check out the pictures on their Facebook page, amazing.  https://www.facebook.com/Ozarkriverways/

So, checking the forecast for that area, possible rain next Wednesday, then none through at least May 12th, with high temps mostly 70 to 86.  What are the chances it will be down for at least a fun kayak/canoe trip May 12-14? Again, thanks for all the advice.  (I'm the old goat fisherman,70, in the group of mostly 40-50 year-olds)