With all this flooding, where should I float???

[kevthebassman]

With all the crazy flooding I have been putting off booking my float until I have a better idea of which outfits are up and running and which river is in the best shape. 

We did the 11 point last year, booked through Brian Sloss who is always an excellent host. I was thinking about the Jack's Fork or Current this year, but I don't know what kind of shape the river will be in by the weekend of June 10th. 

I could be talked into floating the upper 11 point above Greer if the smallmouth bite was hot. Looking to do a two day float with an overnight camp on the river if possible, and trout or smallmouth to chase are a must. Like to avoid the party crowds as much as possible but I know that I don't own the river. 

[slothman]

Floated the Niangua today. It was in great shape. Good flow, but not too much. Fishing was pretty good too. We beat the crowds too. 

[Daryk Campbell Sr]

Trifecta 

[ozark trout fisher]

18 hours ago, kevthebassman said:

With all the crazy flooding I have been putting off booking my float until I have a better idea of which outfits are up and running and which river is in the best shape. 

We did the 11 point last year, booked through Brian Sloss who is always an excellent host. I was thinking about the Jack's Fork or Current this year, but I don't know what kind of shape the river will be in by the weekend of June 10th. 

I could be talked into floating the upper 11 point above Greer if the smallmouth bite was hot. Looking to do a two day float with an overnight camp on the river if possible, and trout or smallmouth to chase are a must. Like to avoid the party crowds as much as possible but I know that I don't own the river. 

Barring a significant amount of rain, the flows on rivers like the Jacks/Current should be okay by the 10th. They are coming down, but it's slow. 

Boilerplate "watch out for junk in the river after a flood" warning. But really, that's going to be important. 

[Gavin]

Thinking the headwaters of most are good to go. All the stuff is up in the trees or downstream.

[kevthebassman]

How big of a party crowd does the James River draw? I can deal with some floaters but the huge party crowds are zero fun to me. 

[snagged in outlet 3]

They were pretty big a couple years ago when I wanted to float it.  I passed.

[vonreed]

1 hour ago, kevthebassman said:

How big of a party crowd does the James River draw? I can deal with some floaters but the huge party crowds are zero fun to me. 

It all depends on which section of the river you float.  There are sections which you may only see a few people, if any.  Then there are a couple sections which would be unacceptable to the average fisherman wanting peace.  My favorite section would be from the end of V Hwy downstream to the next access.  Then there are many other upstream sections which may work for you.  The bridge access at 160 Hwy between Nixa and Springfield down to Delaware Town would be a good 2 day float, and avoid seeing very many people also.

[KCRIVERRAT]

If you're camping on the river I think Blue Spring on the upper JF to Alley would be perfect. Bring your soft plastics IMO.

[Gavin]

Not sure that Blue Spring CG is open, would check. Is a nice spot, never stayed, but looks good.