Upper River

[Rapalafella]

Thanks guys. I will post a trip report for our group next week.

[Rapalafella]

Wow, the 11 pt. is one of the most beautiful rivers I have been on. The color of the water is amazing and the dolomite vertical bluffs were everywhere. We took a lesiurely float from state hwy 19 bridge down to the hwy 160 bridge last week.

We did not have much luck fishing besides a few small goggle-eyes the first afternoon but had a nice float. We camped in hammocks and also a tent across from stinking pond the first night and it was a very nice campsite. It was cleared with enough trees for the hammocks and had a fire ring. There were six of us between the ages of 16 and 50 something. We had a great afternoon/evening just relaxing, swimming and playing with one of the kayaks. We brought tarps along to hang above the hammocks and they were very useful as we recieved some dew/rain in the early morning hours. Fortunately, we were told to stop along the way to gather firewood to take to the campsite, as there was none there.

After breakfast the next morning we set off down the river. We stopped at a bend that had a huge vertical dolomite bluff that had a trail up to a lookout point. My nephews hiked up there and from below it looked like they were standing on top of the trees as you could not see the bluff from that angle.

We were still not having much luck fishing until we ran into some guys by the the lookout point who were catching fish using live minnows with a small weight. They gave us some and we seined for some more and starting catching fish. One nephew caught two nice rainbows. We did catch a pickeral right along side a dolimite bluff on a yamamoto brown/grey plastic crawdad.

All along the float we saw minks, herons, some hound dogs, a nasty looking water snake and one bald eagle. One nephew, who lives in southern Mo. swears he saw a puma/mtn. lion briefly drinking out of the river, and then scampering off. We reported it to the Conservation guys when we landed at Riverton. They said there had been a few sightings in the past but said it was very rare. They really want a picture to report a sighting which is difficult to do when the puma is only there for about five seconds.

We stopped at the white cave inlet and hiked up to the cave. It is about a .8 mile hike to the cave from the inlet. The last .2 was hard on my 50 year old + heart, but it was fun. Just be aware there are protected Indiana bats, so no loud noises and shining lights on them, although we did not see any. The sign at the front of the cave said they are there from Sept. to Spring.

We were going to stop at one of the campsites for our second night, but everything was full as it was July 4th weekend. Snap is right about fisherman's hook/halls bay rapids. That tree was swamping a lot of canoes. Some of us were in canoes with camping gear so we walked our canoes around that bend away from the tree. One nephew in a canoe and another in a kayak went thru with little or somewhat of a problem. lol

We knew this was a holiday week and that motors up to 25 hp are allowed, but we think that the motor hp maximum should be reduced or banned completely. This is the Only wild national scenic river in Mo. and is just too beautiful. We saw fish guides with motors who were very cool and slowed down as they went by, but there were some others who would just blast down the center of the river at full speed (usually with a couple of fat chicks and a case of beer) while the canoes pulled to the side and got slapped against the shore.

We paddled on down to Riverton talking with people along the way. We had a great time and plan on bringing the wifes/girlfriends(both) next time.

Thanks for the tips.

[steve l]

Nice report. Whole-heartedly agree that the horse limit should be at least reduced. A total blight on the river. Have never seen a post on the forums explaining why ruining everyone else's experience is the right thing to do.

Any takers?

I doubt it.

A little more detail on the Halls Bay - Fishermans Hook thing? Are you talking about the passage to the left of the island, or has the Bay rapids changed?

My brothers & I & kids hit the river on Sunday for 5 nights. The front looks like it will be out of the way, so here's hoping to good weather & (most importantly) fishing.

[Rapalafella]

Hi Steve 1.

The passage to the left of the island. My first trip down there, but I had some maps and I think that is where we were. Have fun with your relatives on your trip and catch a bunch...

[jdmidwest]

Has anyone heard about an increase on the horsepower in the 11pt? I had heard it had went to 40 like the Current above Jacks Fork. Would not make much difference either way, most were running modified engines there anyway. With everything going on this summer, I have not been able to get there yet.

[Brian Sloss]

There has been no increase in horse power limits on the Eleven Point and the forest service would probably only consider a decrease, not an increase. The only stretch you can use up to a 40 horse is the short stretch from 142 down to Arkansas. Once in Arkansas the limit goes back down to 25.

[snap]

Good trip Rap...you are right on about the beauty of this river. To clarify, Halls Bay and the tree that catches canoes are two different spots. The route to the left of Halls Bay is still there, and in my opinion, more treacherous than the dropoff and white water an Halls Bay! Unless, you walk around it!!!That is the safe route with gear. The "Fisherman's Hook" is before you get to horseshoe bend/McDowell Access...again, looks harmless...check earlier description...I am for lowering the horse power of jet props on the 11 point...25 horse is not needed on that river....and ...from my observations the last 11 years...some of these boat operators are crazy to run as fast as they do.