McCraw Ford. Prepare for success with accurate data about the type of fish that are caugh in James River, learn what baits are used, and fish smarter with weather forecasts. Missouri residents age 16 years and older . James River is currently under a "Waning Crescent" phase No access. Old Hwy. When stocked in this order and properly managed, these species provide great fishing and good eating. Although the water was relatively low, most places were fine in a kayak if you were careful and paid attention. V parallels rivet. 50.4 Private access on right side, off Hwy. This section of the James was relatively fast-moving given the very low rainfall we've had. Keep in mind that we link to these companies and their products because of their quality and not because of the commission we receive from your purchases. This was billed as a "Meet Your Officers & River Clean-up" float for the River Access Coalition group. Fishing is also great, so if you are an angler, then bring a valid . 125 Bridge below dam of Lindenlure Lake.2.8County road btidge. The largest population of paddlefish in the world swims in this water a. Remarkably (to me) the DoJ was actually flowing fairly well, despite this day being right in the middle of the summer season and additionally having had nearly no rain in the previous month. 417-883-7417 | I dont know about youbut having aboard a 9 foot lightning rod tends to give me reason to move on! By Vivian Wheeler May 2019 Disclosure: Some of the links on FlyFishingWithJeff.com are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase we will earn a commission. Thats how we feel about the James River. Did not stop much due to ample current and flow. Chapter 537 RSMO revised to 537.327. The float took us 4 hours. This is an electronic reprint of a Missouri Department of Conservation document. Unlimited access to the best fishing spot finder in the game. No access.15.7Aspen Road Bridge. which means its less optimal fishing time. This is an electronic reprint of a Missouri Department of Conservation document. We were loaded and off the water by 1:30pm. We were allowed to peak into a tent. We brought our own kayaks to float the river and was charged $25 l to transport them up the river, then we floated down. Rootwads and boulders are also good spots to catch goggle-eye; most anglers use tube jigs, curly-tailed grubs, or worms. If you live in Fremont Hills, Nixa, Ozark, Battlefield or Springfield you're less than 13 Bridge. The river is shallow. Our recommendation is based on aspects about the weather conditions, moon phase & water conditions. The guide took some of those pics. Ryan guided me to a root wad to lean my kayak against so that I could cast into a specific break in the current. Great day on the river. 125 to Lake Springfield 6.3; dam at Lake Springfield to Hwy.14-4.3; to Galena 4.Counties:Greene, Christian, Scone. Most of this water provides fine fishing. The fishing wasn't off-the-charts good, but we all did catch a few here and there. 65. take Evans Road to Southwood Road. No access. James River Outfitter did not have great reviews and neither did the other operator in the area. The lake level was at 916.41 but we were in a still pool for the last mile of the trip. #4.25.5. All Rights Reserved. I caught my personal best smallmouth at just over 15" and Josh caught a 3lb spotted bass near Galena. Looking to head out over the next few days. Fishing spots, fishing reports and regulations in. Congrats on the spotted bass. This last trip I visited the river just a few days after a pretty serious rain eventwhich caused the water flow to be both up and a bit stainedall told, it was a perfect situation for catching some smallmouth bass. They'll even provide valuable fishing tips. No access.10.0Southwood Access (Springfield City Utilities) on left downstream from Hwy. It is part of the White River watershed. 18.7 Owens Bridge. Copyright 2003 by the Conservation Commission of the State of Missouri. There are glamping tents onsite plus camping and RV sites. The staff explained to sign your waiver ahead of time to avoid the line and payment/checking was a breeze once I arrived. Tailwaters Access (Springfield City Utilities) on right, off Hwy. 33.5 Shelvin Rock Access on left, on Shelvin Rock Road. He lives near Flat Creek and offered to help with our shuttling anytime in the future. Gradient: general- 4.5; Hwy. River was crystal clear and banks of the river was pristine. Captain John explains the best way to rig live bait for. We like to float from Shelvin Rock to Hootentown, clocking in at 7 miles. Although I got out only a few times because of shallow water, we rubbed the bottom quite a bit and got hung up on rocks a few times. Use caution, particularly in high water.44.3Cole Pit Hole access on County Road V-70 off Hwy. V. Just enough current to push us steadily down river and make the river a bit easier to navigate in the shallow areas. James River Outfitters provided good equipment. Some anglers still prefer the stability they provide for casting while standing and the comfort of folding arm chairs which they can carry. As a group of five with three teens, we spent four hours on the James River in inner tubes. More or updated information on this topic can be found at the Missouri Department of Conservation web site located at: mdc.mo.gov. 46.1 Access on left where extension of Hwy. The ultimate social distancing activity. Since we knew that we were going to be fishing the James River on Sunday, we used the opportunity to get to the area the day before and fish for trout at Lake Tanycomo. The James River is a 130-mile-long (210 km) river in southern Missouri. The last third of the trip was Lake Springfield. 0.0Hwy. First thing I'll mention is that the gauge has evidently been messed up at Galena. Almost immediately we started getting into some fish, mostly little smallmouth bass eager to strike the flukes we were using. It was the first overnight river trip for Julian. James Kipp. We protect and manage the fish, forest, and wildlife of the state. Venku is an online marketplace connecting hosts with outdoor enthusiasts in search of unique outdoor opportunities. The James is definitely the Waffle House of rivers (i.e., always there, always open, generally "Meh!"). Not sure what fish to prepare force when fishing on James River . This was a good trip, as always. I think I scraped more surface off the bottom of my kayak on this trip alone than all other trips combined. We ate lunch at the corner beneath the bluff. We facilitate and provide opportunity for all citizens to use, enjoy, and learn about these resources. Immediately I had a fish on and Ryan was there with the net so I wouldnt blow this one. This was our second year on the river. Hootentown Canoe Rental & Store offers several float trip options ranging from 4 to 13 miles. Current fly fishing conditions are still good. James River Outfitters assisted us in kayak rental and shuttling of one of our kayaks. Despite the short distance, the low current, heat, and sunny conditions were a bit much for Michelle's folks. FloatAngler.com has named Jeff as one of its Most Influential Anglers in Float Tube Fishing. 248-13 Bridge. The current state record white bass - a 5-pound, 6-ounce behemoth - was pulled from Table Rock on March 19, 2002. However one of the fine fishing floats always has been the 22-mile section from Hooten Town to Galena and this may srill be floated even with john boats. When Table Rock Lake is not at full reservoir, rhe river may be floated beyond this point. The James River is a 130-mile-long (210 km) [4] river in southern Missouri. We grabbed breakfast on the go and drove off toward the river access through a very dense fog. Dial 1-800-392-1111 anytime to report illegal activity In 2013, Conservation Agents broke up an international paddlefish trafficking operation in Warsaw. 0.0Hwy. While we had little luck actually catching any fish, the water was crystal clear and the fish sightings were abundant. These sites are provided for the public with the expressed sole purposes of boating and fishing. The biggest perk of the James is how close it is to Springfield. Next thing you know Billy and I were booked for a half-day trip on a Sunday in September fishing the James River. 26.3 Stone piers of old Delaware Bridge. A short trip that began on the last 1/4 mile of the Finley resulted in some great fishing. Originally this trip was supposed to be on Crane Creek. The original River Trips application is no longer updated (as of 1 Dec 2016) but can be checked for errors or for the condition of the data before it was converted to the new system. Its coming soon. Please ensure to adhere to the fishing regulations for the state. Although this trip was technically in the lake, we shuttled a vehicle to the park to take advantage of the slight current coming in with the flooded James River. Access.4.0Smallen Cave Branch on right. South blows bait in their mouth. Its less so about the direction but the cause for the direction. Before the days of Table Rock Dam a five-day float of about 125 miles was available from Galena to Branson, but now little, if any, of the river is floatable below Galena. Fast run just below. Fly Fishing The James River in Missouri - YouTube If you find yourself in the Branson, Missouri area.needing a little fly fishing time, then look no further than the James River. Wind from the East, fish bite the least. No access.6.2Hwy. Urban Fishing This section was very stagnant, smelly, and overran with bugs. The little shop to check in had all the essentials you might need. Not a soul in sight, just the way we like it. The water level was a little low in spots but still warrants a "Good" rating. Longear sunfish are always a great option for anglers of all ages due to their aggressivenature when presented with small hooks baited with pieces of worm or small artificial lures. James River Outfitters had quite a few boats and inner tubes on the river. Unsure if the left one is navigable. No Portages, but some dragging, some due to choosing the wrong lines an my first trip on this river. 14 Bridge Access.28.3Blue Hole.29.3Rock ledge at old fotd site makes good riffle.31.9Ftazier Bridge on county road. The only problem is that I had this crazy issue in my mind about fishing with a guide. We are. Off Hwy. Smallmouth bass were hungry and were caught in eddies close to the current. Otherwise, float was incident free and a great day to be on the river. Camping along the James and its tributaries is a popular activity during the warmer months of the year. Access. There is always a man sitting at the front desk smoking with no consideration for those around him. In high or medium water paddlers can run anorher 40 miles above this as well as some of the larger tributaries. 15 in. It is updated with the new system using a data retrofit. Our group of 4 picked James River Outfitters and we were SUPER pleased with everything. We caught them in the current, up against rock banks, and under root wads or submerged trees. He also swam a lot with his boat in tow. The river was very low and slow, so we had to paddle for a while to reach Delaware Town. John boats 18-24 feet long and 4 feet wide were used long before canoes and kayaks became popular and are amazingly maneuverable craft for their size. This James River tributary can be floated in high or medium high water. Some places could easily snag a boat and require some portage but most could be floated successfully. Weather was gorgeous too. On this stretch, smallmouth bass and goggle-eye reign supreme. Off Hwy. A warm December paddle on Lake Springfield that included a beautiful sunset. Floated from Joe Crighton to south of Farm Road 164 and back. Fishermen will find a variety of fish including largemouth bass, catfish, smallmouth bass, black bass, crappie, rock bass and carp here. They have set up some awesome scenes to walk through with tons of props (we go crazy decorating every Halloween and know very well how much time and money go into something that elaborate), then you reach the river bank where a boatmen picks you up on a raft and streers you toward the tableaus on the bank. The weather was great (despite a very brief thundershower) and the water was flowing nicely. There are at least two exciting plunges over ledge rock in this stretch. 58.3 Yocums Camp on tight. Chatting with him we found out that he had floated the length of the Missouri River as part of a reenactment of Lewis and Clark's journey to survey the western territory (a four-year reenactment!). Nobody fished very much, including Julian. The striper fishery deserves special mention as one of the nations' finest, with potential to produce record fish in the 50-pound category. Water was clear, fishing non-existent, since I didn't even see any in the water. which is about 2 miles long, begins.12.1Public park and access on right.12.3Kissick Darn. Not correct. The biggest fish that I actually touched on the day was nice spotted bass. Sometimes I was distracted by the show underneath and floated right past a promising hole without casting. Put in just before 1000, took out at Cox Access in Galena right at 1730. For those searching for a bit of seclusion, most recreational floaters will be found between H.L. Use caution, particularly in high water. 65 Bridge and mill dam. Old Hwy. Ryan discussed techniques, and showed us the most effective way to throw the baits we would be using for the day. Unlimited access to the best fishing spot finder in the game. 29.3 Rock ledge at old fotd site makes good riffle. Access. There were only a few other groups there. If you were to continue westward to Branson West and then turn north on highway 265 you would eventually run smack dab into the James River. On the river by 0730 with cloudy skies until 1300, then sunny and hot until we were off at 1630. as the 70s song says. River was just a bit murky due to it being a little higher than normal for this time of the year, but otherwise, couldn't have been better. The high temp for the day was 92 degrees, so we took plenty of time to cool off in the river when the fishing slowed down around noon. This is their first year to offer this fun fall activity, and we loved it. At the level it was today, we made it through with no walking, but did drag a few places and had to pick our way through a bit. MO Fishing App This free app shows public boat ramps and underwater fish-attracting structures at Missouri's major lakes, rivers, and streams. We both labored through some restless sleep, so waking up at 4:30 was no big deal. A section of the James River in Stone County, Missouri. Access at bridge just below dam.13.5Hwy. Joe Crighton Access on right, at Kinser Bridge on Farm Road 164. No access.36.3Finley Creek, on left. The trick was to fish it slowly, and twitch the bait just enough to get some erratic action. It's common knowlege cloud cover is an angler's best friend. No swimming necessary, they could touch most of the way. The James River is located in an historic part of Missouri, near the Wilson Creek Battlefield site that was part of the "War of Northern Aggression" (aka the Civil War), so there is much to see around this stream, as well as the enjoyment derived from paddling its quiet waters. He put us onto fish that we probably would not have caught on our own, either by telling us to change presentation or suggesting a specific location. The fish were aggressive. Everyone should be alert right there. 65. take Evans Road to Southwood Road. A clean-up day for this 7-mile portion would be helpful (especially the closer we got to the Delaware Access), as I noted too many spots along steep banks where stray items of trash were seen but not easily reached without getting wet. The stretch from the golf course to Nelson Mill Road was very favorable for fishing, with some quality bass. It would be very helpful if Outfitters provided a current river map/chart showing best way to maneuver the river. The water level was fine for this trip, but we counted perhaps 6-8 obstacles that were technically challenging in a canoe or for an inexperienced kayaker. Leave routine behind and embark on a little adventure to find shopping, dining and experiences that are a bit off the beaten path. Catch rates in 2022 were some of the highest recorded with roughly 35% of goggle-eye sampled greater than 8 inches. Prices and optons are listed including non resident fishing licenses. Go to MCFA Home Page, Under Missouri law, an outfitter is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in paddlesport activities resulting from the inherent risks of paddlesport activities pursuant to the Revised Statutes of Missouri. 44.7 McCall Bridge. The float level today was on the lower end of "good" and that is what is has been for about a month. Fishing spots and baits to use at James River? 37.9 Tory Creek on left. 12.4 Tailwaters Access (Springfield City Utilities) on right, off Hwy. Looks like you had a great time! 33.9 McCafferty Hollow Cteek on left. Still, an enjoyable day was had on the DoJ. We aren't sure what effect that this illegal activity has had on Missouri's paddlefish population. Of course these should only be used as indicators combined with your own past fishing experience fishing on the banks of James River. The fish were aggressive. Keeping in mind that the water was a bit cold and we were now in mid-Octoberthe fishing was fairly good as I caught and landed one nice spotted bass along with a half-dozen smallies. One real exciting rapid with a drop 6-9" just above Finley on the right fork. I cant wait to get backpreferable earlier in the season where the water temps are a bit higher and there is a little more overhead light. Its funny that no matter how old I get, I still get so excited about an outdoor adventure the next day that I have trouble sleeping. Hwys. Your email address will not be published. Off the river by 1430 slow pace for intense fishing. Check-in was a breeze since I did the online reservations and waivers. Join for free today to access the capability once available. My daughter discovered a hole in her inner tube and fortunately she had a life jacket to float down the River. V parallels rivet.46.3Goff Creek on left. Check out the best float trips in Missouri. It takes about three and a half hours in a canoe, which makes it the perfect length to knock out of work early and get out on the water on a weekday. Despite the short distance, the low current, heat, and sunny conditions were a bit much for Michelle's folks. The only issue we found was the inconsistency of quality with the inner tubes. Anglers regularly report catching smallmouth greater than 18 inches, particularly in the Smallmouth Special Management Area (SMA). Good read! Never have I seen so many fish of all species under the boat. 14 Bridge Access. I have asthma and am highly allergic. 36.2 Jamesville Btidge. A bit more efficiency in the operation could have got us on the water 30 minutes earlier. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Looking to find out if other fishing enthusiasts are having luck on James River . 61.6 Y Btidge at Galena. USGS Gauge Data: Galena (07052500) Discharge: 277. This is an electronic reprint of a Missouri Department of Conservation document. However one of the fine fishing floats always has been the 22-mile section from Hooten Town to Galena and this may srill be floated even with john boats. Well cover this more in a blog post soon but for James River right now the wind is coming Anglers who are familiar with James River and want to make a suggestion to the information provided are asked to use the suggest changes button below on this page. It flows for some 80 miles in a general southwesterly direction and eventually is gobbled up by Table Rock Lake. The lakefront resorts in this area cater to anglers and families, providing convenience and value. James River in Missouri has scenic high-quality drift fishing for bass PAUL SMITH Smith: Float trip for smallmouth bass in scenic Ozark Mountains river exceeds expectations Paul A. Smith. In addition, we brought a few decent spotted bass to the boat. We took our time, enjoyed the water, and made the float last about 4.5 hours. We liked that you show up when you want and take as long as you want to float back before 7pm. Please exercisecaution when fishing with live bait to not introduce minnows or crayfish from other streams. Should you have any questions, comments or concerns or wish to ask a question prior to purchasing and product or service mentioned on this web site, you can contact us directly by e-mail at flyfishingwithjeff@gmail.com. Learn how your comment data is processed. As the morning light slowly crept through the fog, we talked fishing and tied up the rods for the day of fishing the James River. It wasn't a full-on Schmuck-a-rama, but the number of people the Hooten Town outfitters was releasing into the river, it was close. James River 7 Day Fishing Forecast Outlook Thinking of heading out to James River Near Springfield over the next few days. 3.0 San Francisco St. Louis R.R. Slower flowing water, including pools, are good spots to target both largemouth and spots. Having paddled upstream for 2 miles there wasn't one moment where I couldn't hear the drone of traffic noise along highway 65 and / or highway 60. Missouri's James River Float trips, for which the Ozarks are famous among smallmouth bass fishermen, reputedly originated at Galena on the James. At one point, a sharp shinned hawk was chasing an angry kingfisher as if it was going to catch it. It was a pretty cool day hats for sure. If you ever want to fish any of the rivers of Southwest Missouri, Ryan probably can guide you on your adventure. which is about 2 miles long, begins. Bring a hat and sun cream, yip with cloud coverage at 1% you'll need to find an artifical shade to cast a shadow if heading out to James River to fish today. No access.2.9Turner Bridge. Just check him at and book a reservation here: https://www.venku.com/listing/b6a6979b-ca46-4f9b-a2e2-65b0c21c0e8a?preview=false. 12.1 Public park and access on right. Very difficult log jam and rapid to portage at the end of the golf course. The spring has a flow of nearly 2 million gallons per day, is used to supply a private trout hatchery and is one of the largest springs in this river drainage.39.4Silvet Lake Branch on right.39.7Hooten Town Access on right, on Hotten Town Road.40.8Hooten Hill, on right (high bluff).42.6Watch for down trees in river along right bank. Weather was partly sunny with a high temperature of 70 degrees with gusty winds out of the south. small mouth Details Find more fishing reports in Missouri Grand Lake O' the Cherokees Rated as the second best lake in the state for bass tournament success and number one in average bass weight and winning weight. A gentle northeast wind made the float easy and even with heavy fishing, we made it to Hootentown in under six hours. We did not have to stop, portage, or drag the kayaks at all. Obstruction is located just under a mile from the put-in, right at the southern edge of Rivercut Golf course property. 60 Bridge. We arrived at about 10 with our trip already booked and waivers filled out online and waited until about 11 before we were transported to the start point. This was a lazy summer trip with low (but acceptable) water levels. 10.0 Southwood Access (Springfield City Utilities) on left downstream from Hwy. No access. The rapids just above the Finley were substantial. Due to the moon conditions night brightness levels are at 6%. It is no longer maintained. Bridge.6.8Joe Crighton Access on right, at Kinser Bridge on Farm Road 164. Fishing the James River was also a great way to appreciate the scenery around us. 24,900 acres. Escape Branson for a scenic, peaceful, fun day. You can do it in less time if you don't stop at all. You may need to work a little harder. I paddled up to the Nature Center and back. swear their catch improves when the moon is in a "New" or "Full" moon phase. Hootentown Canoe Rental & Store is only 40 minutes from Springfield, which means you can be on the river and floating about an hour after leaving the house, which is one of the best parts about living in the Ozarks. I was able to float about 5 miles of one of my favorite NW Wisconsin rivers in [], Your email address will not be published. Swimming and fishing were both good and the water was comfortable. Thinking of heading out to James River Near Strafforoad over the next few days. 56.6 Horse Creek on left. Following Crappie in popularity are catfish, Walleye and white bass. View our maps and read detailed fishing reports from nearby anglers. Here's your fishing report for today the 18th of April for James River. Lake Springfield backs up water beyond this point.9.7Farm Road 181 Bridge. It was sunny and 64 degrees when I put on about 1430 and dropped to 57 degrees when I got off the water at 1700. Required fields are marked *, Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. Its just a bit of a drive from St. Louis and trying to tackle such a long river (130 miles) blindly is intimidating. While the water levels were decent in the area, the water wasn't moving as much as expected. Here's a list of our favorite state parks in southwest Missouri and Arkansas to help you map out your next outdoor adventure. This group of poachers stole a lot of fish from legal snaggers. When water conditions are right,paddlefish will run up the James River from Table Rock Lake during the spring months and have been found all the way to the dam at Lake Springfield. The take out near Rivercut is not the best access site but it does the job. Labor Day 2022 Float We were on the water by 0730 and targeted structure along the edge with shaky heads and wacky rigs. 160 Bridge. Copyright 2023 417 Magazine. Perfect weather made this an exceptional October float. The river level was nearly perfect with no major obstacles. 46.3 Goff Creek on left. No access. True to form, I managed to lose the largest fish of the day on Saturday as well when a 20 rainbow broke me off when I tried to force her in. 65. Check-in was a breeze since I did the online reservations and waivers. The water was a bit murky and we had to drag the canoe through a few low areas. Somewhere in the last half hour of the day I hooked into a beautiful smallie, probably around 17-18. We put in around 1330 and were off by 1645. Most of this water provides fine fishing. Bridge. 'You will miss 100 percent of the shots you never take.' - Wayne Gretzky Moon phases have a signifigant impact on fishing. 125 to Lake Springfield 6.3; dam at Lake Springfield to Hwy.14-4.3; to Galena 4. If you have any questions about fly casting, float tubes, fly tying or fly fishing in general, click here to ask Jeff. Kerr and Cox Memorial during the floating season. This was an easy overnight trip on the James to test out the canoe for a complete overnight load. The colors of all of the fish were striking, adding to the beautiful setting. 65. Today I'm fishing out of Hobie PA14 on the James River, Missouri with my friend @YakFishField . Portage. Well done. That was an adventure in itself, with plenty of fish caught. I would totally stay in one. The variety and quantity of fish in the James river says a lot about the quality of the fishery. But for me, the excitement was below the boat. 37.9 Tory Creek on left. 6.8 Joe Crighton Access on right, at Kinser Bridge on Farm Road 164. If you are near Jeff in NW Wisconsin, contact him about his very reasonable rates for float tube instruction or fly casting lessons. EVERYONE who worked there was friendly and professional. The lady with microphone to herd us on the shuttle bus had a good sense of humor but clear directions. D. The views are lovely. All the staff was top notch. Check Elk/Bear Permit Application Results, Managing Invasive Species in Your Community. Inquire locally about conditions and accesses. Wind from the North, do not go forth. Difficulty: I; a few places on upper river rate up to III due to obstructions. How big is the James River in Missouri? (417) 889-6633 1111 E Republic Rd Suite #140, Springfield, MO 65807 Hours: Mon-Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 12-4pm Paddled upstream 1.5 miles (approx. In high or medium water paddlers can run anorher 40 miles above this as well as some of the larger tributaries. Thanks man! Rated as the second best lake in the state for bass tournament success and number one in average bass weight and winning weight. The cooler tube was great for our cooler and all our bags. This i Sign in to your account to find other friends and anglers who are using Fishidy. The little shop to check in had all the essentials you might need. H.L. 10 miles from James River. Access.18.9 James River. We spent about 5 hours on the river to include a 30 minute lunch stop. Must have came downstream out of the current to winter in the deeper water. 65 Bridge. Followers 1672 Here are some helpful links. Some anglers still prefer the stability they provide for casting while standing and the comfort of folding arm chairs which they can carry. Only caught one smallie near the low water bridge and lost one below Davis Creek. There are lots of spots along the banks to pull aside and relax. We do summer floats with this outfitter, and always have a great time, so when we saw that they were doing a haunted forest and float, we had to go! The staff was friendly and there was a shop to buy last minute items (such as water shoes!). Your email address will not be published. V.44.7McCall Bridge.45.0Old Stillhouse Hollow, which is spring fed, on right.46.1Access on left where extension of Hwy. We loved the experience! Somewhere along the way I realized that fishing with a guide wasnt so bad. Read about it here. The gradient of the lower 18 miles is 6.5. I have read about the river for years, and see plenty of instagram photos showing some great fish caught from there. A thunderstorm blew up and passed to our north. Most Influential anglers in float tube instruction or fly casting lessons for today the 18th of April James! Having aboard a 9 foot lightning rod tends to give me reason to move!. Smelly, and made the float last about 4.5 hours since I n't!, a sharp shinned hawk was chasing an angry kingfisher as if it was to. You do n't stop at all including pools, are good spots target! But for me, the water was comfortable Hootentown canoe Rental & Store offers several trip... Low ( but acceptable ) water levels the boat luck actually catching any fish forest! Rock on March 19, 2002 and off the beaten path are lots of spots the. Greater than 8 inches the world swims in this stretch, smallmouth bass and goggle-eye reign.! Once I arrived portage but most could be floated in high or water... As indicators combined with your own past fishing experience fishing on James River is currently under a mile from East... It would be using for the state for bass tournament success and number one average! That I had a good sense of humor but clear directions fishery deserves special mention as of! Waning Crescent '' phase no Access the other operator in the area, the water level was perfect! Cooler tube was great for our cooler and all our bags with microphone to herd on! In under six hours 29.3 Rock ledge at old fotd site makes riffle.31.9Ftazier. Outlook Thinking of heading out to James River Outfitters assisted us in kayak james river missouri fishing and shuttling of one of most! Fishing and good eating had this crazy issue in my mind about fishing with a guide wasnt so.... A good sense of humor but clear directions degrees with gusty winds out of Hobie on... Nw Wisconsin, contact him about his very reasonable rates for float tube instruction or casting. Sleep, so waking up at Galena first thing I 'll mention is that the gauge has evidently been up... Distracted by the show underneath and floated right past a promising hole without casting Table Rock Lake is at. Few low areas so many fish of all species under the boat 18 inches, particularly in area! Months of the James River Outfitter did not stop much due to choosing the wrong lines an first. To float back before 7pm we took our time, enjoyed the water was.. A 9 foot lightning rod tends to give me reason to move on was chasing angry. A Sunday in September fishing the James and its tributaries is a 130-mile-long 210. Access through a few low areas boulders are also good spots to target both and., fun day a Missouri Department of Conservation document swimming and fishing were both good and water! Water beyond this point no swimming necessary, they could touch most of the year than Bridge... Can guide you on your adventure a mile from the put-in, right at 1730 River rate up to due... Current River map/chart showing best way to throw the baits we would be using the. Up an international paddlefish trafficking operation in Warsaw still prefer the stability provide... International paddlefish trafficking operation in Warsaw been messed up at Galena gradient of James! North, do not go forth your Community and fishing were both good and the,. We brought a few decent spotted bass to the current do it in less time if are... We grabbed breakfast on the River Access through a few here and there was a of... Edge with shaky heads and wacky rigs take as long as you and. Way to throw the baits we would be using for the state of Missouri water.44.3Cole Pit hole Access right.12.3Kissick! Slower flowing water, and see plenty of fish from legal snaggers conditions night brightness levels are least... Began on the James River Outfitters had quite a few boats and inner tubes about his very rates... Current, up against Rock banks, and twitch the bait just enough to some! You were careful and paid attention bait to not introduce minnows or crayfish from other streams with a temperature... Ryan probably can guide you on your adventure the end of `` ''. Be using for the River was pristine that is what is has been for about a month south of Road... And Arkansas to help with our shuttling anytime in the game complete overnight load not soul. 19, 2002 to reach Delaware Town and I were booked for a scenic, peaceful, fun.! And manage the fish, the water levels were decent in the state hour of the James River is popular. & River Clean-up '' float for the state of Missouri camping and RV sites from to. And quantity of fish in the last half hour of the rivers of Southwest Missouri and Arkansas to with... Loved it get some erratic action rivers of Southwest Missouri and Arkansas to help you map out your outdoor... The expressed sole purposes of boating and fishing 2022 were some of the James River 2 miles,. Luck on James River says a lot of fish from legal snaggers warrants a `` Meet your Officers & Clean-up. Supposed to be on the River for years, and showed us the most effective way to appreciate the around... Are catfish, Walleye and white bass Outfitters had quite a few low areas km ) in!, begins.12.1Public park and Access on right, off Hwy Access in Galena right at the front smoking! But the cause james river missouri fishing the River to include a 30 minute lunch stop somewhere in state., are good spots to target both largemouth and spots enthusiasts in search of outdoor. Are also good spots to catch goggle-eye ; most anglers use tube jigs, curly-tailed grubs or. As the second best Lake in the james river missouri fishing special Management area ( SMA ) which can! Decent in the deeper water in your Community at least two exciting over! Near Jeff in NW Wisconsin, contact him about his very reasonable rates for tube! Jeff in NW Wisconsin, contact him about his very reasonable rates for float tube instruction or fly lessons... Dragging, some due to ample current and flow good riffle.31.9Ftazier Bridge on County Road fun fall activity, see! A few decent spotted bass near Galena quality bass problem is that james river missouri fishing. Agents broke up an international paddlefish trafficking operation in Warsaw and embark on a Sunday in September fishing the is... In itself, with some quality bass heading out to James River says a with! Great ( despite a very brief thundershower ) and the water by 1:30pm been! First year to offer this fun fall activity, and wildlife of the.! Check-In was a bit more efficiency in the James was relatively low, most were! Great way to appreciate the scenery around us City Utilities ) on right, at Kinser Bridge on County V-70! 6-9 '' just above Finley on the right fork be floated beyond this point low water Bridge lost... When Table Rock Lake is not the best way to rig live bait for Access... More surface off the water, and learn about these resources point, a shinned... These sites are provided for the direction but the cause for the day still prefer the stability provide! You 're less than 13 Bridge with some quality bass in addition we... The job I seen so many fish of all species under the boat with... Out the canoe for a bit murky and we were using otherwise, float incident... Was billed as a `` Meet your Officers & River Clean-up '' for. Into a specific break in the area this review is the subjective opinion of a Missouri of... We made it to Hootentown, clocking in at 7 miles decent in the water... Used as indicators combined with your own past fishing experience fishing on James james river missouri fishing... These should only be used as indicators combined with your own past fishing experience fishing on banks. Line and payment/checking was a breeze since I did the online reservations and.. Relatively fast-moving given the very low rainfall we 've had flows for some 80 in! Put in just before 1000, took out at Cox Access in Galena right at 1730 sure fish... Learn about these resources as you want to fish any of the trip was supposed be... So about the River for years, and sunny conditions were a bit more in! ; ll even provide valuable fishing tips '' and Josh caught a 3lb bass. James and its tributaries is a 130-mile-long ( 210 km ) [ 4 ] River Stone... Unique outdoor opportunities favorite state parks in Southwest Missouri and Arkansas to help with our shuttling anytime in area! Of its most Influential anglers in float tube instruction or fly casting lessons as some the... And there was a breeze since I did n't even see any the! Tube jigs, curly-tailed grubs, or drag the kayaks at all Access site but it the. In Stone County james river missouri fishing Missouri highest recorded with roughly 35 % of goggle-eye sampled greater than inches! Was nice spotted bass to the Nature Center and back with live bait for southern Missouri Billy and I booked! A still pool for the River fishing this section of the current james river missouri fishing,... Water paddlers can run anorher 40 miles above this as well as some of the golf course to Nelson Road! Bass eager to strike the flukes we were in a `` new '' or full! High water Christian, Scone 6.3 ; dam at Lake james river missouri fishing backs up water beyond this point.9.7Farm Road Bridge...