POST FLOOD: Soonest floatable/fishable streams

[Mark]

Had a May 20-22 trip planned with nephew on middle Current. Looking for an alternative trip on smaller stream or upper river with the hopes that they may recede in 2 weeks and be floatable and fishable for smallmouth. Coming from Ste. Genevieve and looking for something within 2-3 hrs and 15-25 mile float. So many smaller streams I have heard about, but never floated, may have ideal water in 2 weeks as they will recede sooner. A few that come to mind are upper Castor, Mineral Fork, Forks of the Black. Hate to cancel trip since only 2nd trip together with nephew and I don't get to see him often. Advice appreciated.

[Greasy B]

Barring more heavy rain a couple of weeks from now would be a great time for a headwaters float. I would be careful taking  inexperienced floaters. Strainers, log jams and blind corners can be dangerous. 

[fishinwrench]

Niangua is back down to floatable levels.  Outfitters are floating and clearing trees today. 

[bkbying89]

I would think the middle Current should be fine in a couple of weeks time. It is generally large enough to float without a lot of trouble. Just keep your eyes open for trouble.

[Al Agnew]

Assuming no more heavy rain, the upper halves of most streams should be down enough. However, there may be lots of obstructions. Problem with the streams you mentioned is a lack of liveries and shuttles. And some places a lack of access. 

[Jerry Rapp]

7 hours ago, fishinwrench said:

Niangua is back down to floatable levels.  Outfitters are floating and clearing trees today. 

isn't clearing trees changing the natural watershed?  All of this talk of changes to the world should include this type of activity also.  100 years ago no one cleared trees from rivers for floaters, which allowed the rivers to make their own natural channels.   

[Gavin]

Think you should stick to the Current, that will probably be logged by then. Others you mentioned, no outritter so no logging. Will be some stacks of logs out there after this one, does not mean it is not worth the effort, but...figure self shuttle if you want to do those. Maybe a driver to move the drop vehicle away from sketchy access points.

 

[fishinwrench]

4 hours ago, Jerry Rapp said:

isn't clearing trees changing the natural watershed?  All of this talk of changes to the world should include this type of activity also.  100 years ago no one cleared trees from rivers for floaters, which allowed the rivers to make their own natural channels.   

Agreed.  But if you send a bus load of drunks down a stretch of river that is loaded with strainers then you might as well not even bother picking them up later.

[Gavin]

Those with the busses full of of drunks care more for their boats than they do the occupants. Guessing the new Mizzoura boat boat ride.

 

[creek wader]

Are any of the streams, anywhere south of I-70 worth floating/fishing? I've seen the flow charts and I know that a falling streamflow isn't the best. Just wondering if anybody has been out anywhere.