Big Piney Float Boiling Spring to Mason's Bridge

[GotaFish]

My friend and I are looking to go on our first float of the Big Piney.  We are looking at about a six mile float from Boiling Spring to Mason's Bridge.

I have a 20.6 Shawnee River Jon, that does great on the Niangua and other rivers.  The boat will be packed very light for this day trip and will easily float through 4 inches of water, but I have two important questions.

First are the boat ramps at Boiling Spring and Mason's bridge accessible to launch my Shawnee with my Ram 1500?

Second, will there be enough water to float my Shawnee without having to portage it (this is not doable for two guys).  Do not have problems dragging it through riffles, but cannot carry it.

Any advice or guidance would be appreciated.

 

[Gavin]

It's been awhile, but I do not recall a boat  ramp at Boiling Springs on the B. Piney, but there is a concrete ramp at Mason Bridge. It is currently running about 200cfs, on the B. Piney and a bit more on the FLW guage. Boiling Springs is 20-30 miles above those guages, so make your own call. I would not want to run a jet or a prop boat up that high, or anything I could not drag for a distance, or haul over a sweeper.. It  very narrow and woody in spots up that high. I do not think outfitters serve that stretch anymore. There used to be a CG/Canoe rental right below the Boiling Springs access. They went out of business and sold, not sure what the new owners are doing with it. You would have a better time on the Gasconade from Hwy 28 on down. Current below Two rivers, or on the IIpt below Greer, Horespower restrictions apply on the Current and 11pt. Good luck!

 

[GotaFish]

Thank you for sharing your information.  I think I am just going to shuttle my to friends.  They are going to float in a two man pelican and should be able to haul it over any obstacles.

[GotaFish]

Gavin,

Do you know if there are suitable boat ramps on the Gasconade at the Hwy 133 Bridge and the Hwy 7 [Mitschele MDC Access]?

We might try doing this float instead of the Big Piney.

Thanks,
Jim Arnold

 

[Gavin]

That is still pretty high up and I dont think there is an access at 133. I dont think I'd want to take my jon above Ruby's Landing this time of year, maybe in the spring with some more flow.