Navigating the Eleven Point

[Packman]

Has anyone canoed on the Eleven point? I wanted to take a fishing trip and was wondering what to expect. I am fairly unexperienced in canoeing/rafting, went fishing on the Snake River in Jackson hole Wyoming. We used a raft that cosisted of a metal frame for the driver/guide to sit and oar. I still have this raft and would like to use. Is the river large enough for this? Its a pretty big raft. If anyone has been there and can describe a little I would sure Appreciate.

E

[Gavin]

I've floated the 11pt a bit. Its a pretty good sized river and fairly easy to paddle. A raft should be fine below Greer Spring, but your gonna do some paddling in some of the long slow holes. The only tricky spots that I'd warn you about are the following (facing down stream).

Between Greer & Turner:

First Island below Greer: Its pretty twisty on the right and there is a lot of wood in the water. The left channel is a lot easier.

Mary Decker Shoal: It looks like a line of big rocks sticking out of the water. Run it down the right channel

Between Turner & Whitten:

Big Sycamore Tree leaning in from the left bank near the half way mark. Set it up right or the current will push you into it.

Its an absolutely beautiful river. Big bluffs, giant stands of river cane, etc. Well worth the trip. Cheers.

[Forsythian]

Gavin covered it very well... the only thing I might add is that if you are planning on camping on the river (from your boat), note that the 11 point does not feature near as many gravel bars as do most other Ozark streams. There are several marked forest-service camps along the way, but they are not "riverside". I guess what I'm getting at is if you want to spend the night on a gravel bar, pick one fairly early.

[rookie]

I would suggest talking with the guys at 11 Point Canoe Rental, on the internet as well, i think one of the owners writes for the forum under the Eleven Point River section, both are very knowledgeable about obstructions on the river and would probably help in shuttling vehicles, also have maps showing camping locations.

More importantly they fish and have flies or lures that work and know where they work etc. it is a great river, i am planning multiple trips this summer, camping at Greer and floating Greer to Turner. Has always been a fun time and a enjoyable river.

[Packman]

Thanks for all the info guys...When it warms up I am there!

[Brian Sloss]

As for your raft, I use a 16 ft. drift boat all the time on that river and know of some one else who takes a raft like you described as well. You will be fine. Gavin did a good job of describing any tricky areas. I own the outfitter mentioned previously (thanks for the nice words by the way)and would be happy to help with any info you may need.

Brian Sloss