Somewhere between Hwy 7 and 17

[BrianK]

Looking at exploring a new stretch of river this wknd and was wondering if anyone is familiar with this area....

Plan to just do a one day canoe float/ FISH (all C&R smallies) on one of these stretches. Trying to talk my wife into taking a book and going with me (maybe i should put that under the Prayer Requests thread)

1- Hwy 7 to Rochester Rd (4 mi)

2- Rochester Rd to Schlicht Springs access.

Paddlers guide says 9.5 mi but Chuck Tryons book says 13.9 miles!!!

That's quite a difference. Anyone know the actual distance?

3 Schlicht Spgs to Hwy 17

Also a variation here. Paddlers guide-10.2 mi and Chuck says 6.2 miles.

4 - late entry to the possibilities: hwy 133- hwy 7 ( 8 mi)

First, are these still real accesses? Hate to get there and not be able to get to the water.

anyone know the real distances?

Any recommendations for or against any of the above stretches of water?

(ie- based on canoe/ boat traffic, fishy looking water, etc)

Know any good outfitters who can provide a shuttle in that area? would like to not go broke driving 2 vehicles.

Any help appreciated.

thanks,

Brian

[fishinwrench]

I would lean toward relying more on the Paddlers guide than I would CT's book.

I get the impression that he hasn't floated much....and prefers to fish within walking distance of the accesses.

You may have some "jet boat company" below Rochester rd.

And will definately have some below Schlicht if during the weekend.

I haven't floated any of those stretches entirely, but have put in (and paddled UP several miles) from some of the accesses you mentioned.

[Wayne SW/MO]

I agree with Wrench, given the age and the fact its been revised, I would lean toward the Paddlers Guide.

You might consider the float from Gasconade Hills to Hazel Green, the Hills might shuttle you on that.

[riverrat]

The distances on these floats are right in the paddlers guide. I have floated them many times. The only acesses that are wrong in the guide are the low water bridge on rochester rd - a new bridge was built several years ago and you can't acess the river from the new bridge , but there is a gravel road that runs alongside the river there you can acess from. I wouldn't recommend floating from schlicht springs to Hwy 17-the river loses some of its volume there and there is a lot of shallow slow-moving eddies.

[BrianK]

thanks fellas-

I've done the Gasc Hills to Hazelgreen stretch once and wanted to check out some lower river.

I may see if they shuttle in that area.

CT's book also mentions a resort near the Rochester bridge. may call them too.

Maybe i'll just keep it short and try the 4 mi from 7 to Rochester.

Looks like an easy shuttle too. My concern is that if too easy and convenient then that's the most crowded section of river! How's the water thru there? Does it get hammered?

thanks again, i'll let you know what i find.

B

[Wayne SW/MO]

How's the water thru there?

riverat can probably confirm or deny, but with the water levels I would imagine that stretch is popular with power boaters now.

[BrianK]

Are there any HP regs or restricted locations for jets like down on the Current / 11Pt?

or is it anything goes?

[riverrat]

There are no restrictions. I don't know if the campground is still open it was called Ozark Springs Campground. I've never seen much boat traffic, but maybe I've just been lucky. There is some decent smallie water starting about a mile below Hwy 7.

[BrianK]

Called yesterday. No more canoe outfitter or shuttle service at Ozark Springs. (probably not a bad thing though)

Need to check with Gasc Hills

[riverrat]

Brian I would gladly work out a shuttle-float with you on the sections you mentioned some time. I just got a kayak I'd like to try out on that section. I'm working weekends thru June. P.M. me if interested.