James River Float trips, for which the Ozarks are famous among smallmouth bass fishermen, reputedly originated at Galena on the James. Portage. It was very windy and cloudy for nearly the entire time, making for an unpleasant float. The river is slow and peaceful. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Not safe. Due to the moon conditions night brightness levels are at 6%. 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. Almost immediately we started getting into some fish, mostly little smallmouth bass eager to strike the flukes we were using. 9.5 Hwy. 24,900 acres. James River 7 Day Fishing Forecast Outlook. The water was not fast but we managed to do the trip without dragging. Access.61.3Hwy. 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. 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!). Mid-April is the peak of the white bass spawn throughout Missouri, but it's an especially good time to fish the White River lakes. Following Crappie in popularity are catfish, Walleye and white bass. Sometimes what youre looking for is right under your nose. All Rights Reserved. Just check him at and book a reservation here: https://www.venku.com/listing/b6a6979b-ca46-4f9b-a2e2-65b0c21c0e8a?preview=false. 13 Bridge. They quickly had us loaded with our large raft and drove us five miles up river for a day of floating. 0.0Hwy. We got a few sprinkles and some wind but it didn't otherwise affect us. Weather conditions are not optimal, but there is still opportunity to land some trout. Despite this float being on the DoJ (and literally finding a Port-a-Potty outhouse IN the river! This is an electronic reprint of a Missouri Department of Conservation document. and the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission have worked cooperatively to streamline regulations on shared waters to improve fishing. Billy and I stayed in Springfield the night before our float. River level was just about perfect. #4.25.5. Chapter 537 RSMO revised to 537.327. 160 Bridge. 65 to Evans Road to Kissick. 28.3 Blue Hole. James River is a stream located just 3.2 miles from Kimberling City, in Stone County, in the state of Missouri, United States, near Marmaros, MO. A thunderstorm blew up and passed to our north. It flows from northeast Webster County until it is impounded into Table Rock Lake. James River Outfitters assisted us in kayak rental and shuttling of one of our kayaks. For those searching for a bit of seclusion, most recreational floaters will be found between H.L. McCraw Ford. If you havent yet tried going-small while fishing for smallmouth . which results in an awesome experience on the water. 12.4 Tailwaters Access (Springfield City Utilities) on right, off Hwy. 125 to Lake Springfield 6.3; dam at Lake Springfield to Hwy.14-4.3; to Galena 4.Counties:Greene, Christian, Scone. Followers 1672 Check-in was a breeze since I did the online reservations and waivers. 125 Bridge below dam of Lindenlure Lake.2.8County road btidge. Fishing was non-existent despite good efforts. Thanks for reading, and remember to free the fighter! The James was flowing very nicely. James River Outfitters This was near the low end of what would be considered a good float. 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. O from Hwy. Never have I seen so many fish of all species under the boat. 65. take Evans Road to Southwood Road. The decision is yours, and whether or not you decide to buy something is completely up to you. There are a couple slow sections of the float that require some paddling and the rock shelf about a mile in are still difficult to navigate. This section was very stagnant, smelly, and overran with bugs. Our group of 4 picked James River Outfitters and we were SUPER pleased with everything. 46.3 Goff Creek on left. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. While the water levels were decent in the area, the water wasn't moving as much as expected. Supplies in town. 36.2 Jamesville Btidge. Crappie can be caught in a variety of ways, including small jigs, minnows, artificial lures, bobbers or spinnerbaits. Captain John explains the best way to rig live bait for. These phases cause bigger tides making fish more active Water level was just below "Good", but still easily navigable. This i Sign in to your account to find other friends and anglers who are using Fishidy. Kayaks, canoes and rafts are available for rental, or bring your own and use their shuttle service. Everyone should be alert right there. It was a great trip and if we come back to Branson we will likely do it again. Having floated some of the James above Kinser Bridge, I always wanted to know what the section below Kinser (to Lake Springfield) consisted of. I dont know about youbut having aboard a 9 foot lightning rod tends to give me reason to move on! It was also fairly crowded with rental boats and others. Hey folks . Someone reported much higher haystacks above the Finley. Looking to head out over the next few days. 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. The lake level was at 916.41 but we were in a still pool for the last mile of the trip. 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. Check-in was a breeze since I did the online reservations and waivers. Lake Springfield. 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. If those times won't work for you, 12:00AM to 12:00AM looks promising , as does 12:00AM to 12:00AM Remember to adjust these times based on barometric pressure, and weather changes. The fish were aggressive. Fast run just below.50.4Private access on right side, off Hwy. This impacted my entire day. ), it was a great day to be on an Ozarks stream. The water discharge was navigable, but not enjoyable. Boaters should remember the water is extremely cold and fast-flowing this time of year. I wouldn't want to do this much lower. In several places, we had to help others or exit the boat to portage around or through particularly troublesome obstacles. M and U. MO Fishing App This free app shows public boat ramps and underwater fish-attracting structures at Missouri's major lakes, rivers, and streams. 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. 13 Bridge. Your email address will not be published. There are some fun shoals between Panther Creek and Davis Creek that would be great with a little more water. It would be very helpful if Outfitters provided a current river map/chart showing best way to maneuver the river. Off Hwy. Get all the fishing intel you need to start catching more, and bigger, fish. Largemouth bass and spotted bass are also present in the James, albeit in lower densities. We took our time, enjoyed the water, and made the float last about 4.5 hours. Some places could easily snag a boat and require some portage but most could be floated successfully. 65. take Evans Road to Southwood Road. The biggest fish, though, were caught away from the bank near large chunk rock. 07.01.2017 - Fishing on the James River from Cox/Indian Creek access to JRO (James River Outfitters) ~ 11 miles. Side note: either the county highway department or adjacent landowner made the ROW at the bridge steeper, so be careful with low clearance vehicles. Many fish were spotted but no rods brought on the trip. Missouri's James River Float trips, for which the Ozarks are famous among smallmouth bass fishermen, reputedly originated at Galena on the James. This was our second year on the river. Wind from the Is it safe to kayak from the Gelena bridge to the Cape Fair bridge? This means if you're planning of fishing at night then Next thing you know Billy and I were booked for a half-day trip on a Sunday in September fishing the James River. Great day on the river. We cooked burgers, ate pasta salad, chips, and cookies, and swam and skipped rocks for much of the afternoon. Bluegill, channel catfish, largemouth bass are proven stocking combination that provides both food and sport-fishing. Fun run, definitely exciting. Trophies from 6-to 9-pounds are taken annually. It is part of the White River watershed. 56.6 Horse Creek on left. 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. This is an electronic reprint of a Missouri Department of Conservation document. This superb fishery continues to be one of the most famous resources in the nation. 39.7 Hooten Town Access on right, on Hotten Town Road. Sometimes I was distracted by the show underneath and floated right past a promising hole without casting. Portage.12.5Dam at Rivetdale. 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. We spent about 5 hours on the river to include a 30 minute lunch stop. give it a go. It may have been a little tricky in a canoe. The only problem is that I had this crazy issue in my mind about fishing with a guide. 42.6 Watch for down trees in river along right bank. This is the best time of the year to float on the James for sure. At one point, a sharp shinned hawk was chasing an angry kingfisher as if it was going to catch it. River was crystal clear and banks of the river was pristine. 61.6 Y Btidge at Galena. The weather was great (despite a very brief thundershower) and the water was flowing nicely. Just enough current to push us steadily down river and make the river a bit easier to navigate in the shallow areas. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. No swimming necessary, they could touch most of the way. Please ensure to adhere to the fishing regulations for the state. 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. Slower flowing water, including pools, are good spots to target both largemouth and spots. You can do it in less time if you don't stop at all. No access.61.6Y Btidge at Galena. There were only a few other groups there. I own 4 float tubes and 4 sets of kick fins so I am offering an opportunity for you to come to Northwestern Wisconsin and fly fish from a float tube [], In this video I take a small/short trip down the St Croix River here in NW Wisconsin in search of my favorite game fish . No access. Lake Springfield. Only one potentially hazardous obstruction blocked easy access the whole way. 46.1 Access on left where extension of Hwy. Goggle-eye fishing should also be good for 2023. We like to float from Shelvin Rock to Hootentown, clocking in at 7 miles. Difficulty:I; a few places rate up to III due to obstructions.Gradient:general- 6.5.Counties:Christian, Stone. Hwys. View our maps and read detailed fishing reports from nearby anglers. We fished slowly, floating during the calm stretches of river and getting out to wade fish the faster water. Unsure if the left one is navigable. From just below Kerr Access all the way to Galena, we had to put up with the noise and shenanigans of 130 college students drifting down the river in a mass rafting flotilla. 6.8 Joe Crighton Access on right, at Kinser Bridge on Farm Road 164. Montague Spring, 2.5 miles up creek, reached via Hwy. The weather was beautiful, the water level was nearly perfect with clear, flowing water. 125 Bridge. 65 Bridge. Access.4.0Smallen Cave Branch on right. A short Christmas Float on a beautiful sunny day. 29.3 Rock ledge at old fotd site makes good riffle. No ramp, but easy canoe/kayak access.9.5Hwy. Crankbaits for James River Smallmouth | BoatUnknown Episode Here's the link for the full video from Westin's channel, https://youtu.be/HDEMUzCuZS0.James Rive. Try it now. Our guide for the trip was Ryan Walker, founder of the Ozarks Smallmouth Alliance. 12.1 Public park and access on right. Oct 07, 2014 - James River 1 lb. On this stretch, smallmouth bass and goggle-eye reign supreme. Pictures are beautiful! 37.9 Tory Creek on left. EVERYONE who worked there was friendly and professional. A huge band of thunderstorms in Kansas prompted us to get up early and pack our gear, get an early breakfast, and head home. Tailwaters Access (Springfield City Utilities) on right, off Hwy. 27.5 Hwy. 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. If you live in Fremont Hills, Nixa, Ozark, Battlefield or Springfield you're less than 10 miles from James River. 9.7 Farm Road 181 Bridge. Ashes did okay for her very first float in a kayak. Access.18.9 James River. Once in a while all the stars align and weather, water and flies are on the same page . Ryan helped us along by standing on his kayak and pointing out submerged boulders or even fish that we could not see from our lower vantage point. Memorable day for sure. Fishing is also great, so if you are an angler, then bring a valid . The night was cool but good. Some were great and others were lacking in similar accessories (open in the center and handles). The current state record white bass - a 5-pound, 6-ounce behemoth - was pulled from Table Rock on March 19, 2002. If so get you'll find all your weather information you'll need over the next seven days. 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. No access. He also swam a lot with his boat in tow. We fished all day almost exclusively with flukes, but we did throw a shaky head craw with some success. Worst Place I've Ever Been to for Canoeing. 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. Despite how much water we had and how fast it was flowing, I had forgotten how many loooong slow pools there were on this stretch of the James. The water was comfortable for swimming. There are dams to portage, but the pools they form are short. Late Afternoon solo float. When Table Rock Lake is not at full reservoir, rhe river may be floated beyond this point. Venku is an online marketplace connecting hosts with outdoor enthusiasts in search of unique outdoor opportunities. 36.3 Finley Creek, on left. 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. This trip was to celebrate Andrea's 33rd birthday. We rented 2 kayaks and a 6 man raft at a fair price. Despite the short distance, the low current, heat, and sunny conditions were a bit much for Michelle's folks. Channel catfish should provide good fishing opportunities in 2023 as well. The kids loved jumping out of the raft and floating along beside us. We spent most of the day on a gravel bar about 3/4 of the way through, cooking burgers for lunch and swimming and snorkeling. Congrats on the spotted bass. Catch rates in 2022 were some of the highest recorded with roughly 35% of goggle-eye sampled greater than 8 inches. I paddled up to the Nature Center and back. Unlimited access to the best fishing spot finder in the game. If the DOJ is the McDonald's of rivers, this section should be designated as the White Castle section, simply because it's along a major highway and can only appeal to the lowest common denominator of outdoor activities. 65. A warm December paddle on Lake Springfield that included a beautiful sunset. 26.7 Spring branch on left. Weather was gorgeous too. Hootentown Canoe Rental & Store offers several float trip options ranging from 4 to 13 miles. There are 12 public access points on the Upper James River Water Trail that are owned and operated by the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. 23.2 Counry road bridge. No access.6.2Hwy. I was the only one on the water and other than the constant noise of US 65, it was a quiet trip. . My daughter discovered a hole in her inner tube and fortunately she had a life jacket to float down the River. Note that three river arms of Table Rock Lake - James River, Long Creek and Kings River - hold the majority of the crappie population in the lake. We put in around 1330 and were off by 1645. The Ozarks has an abundance of rivers that crisscross the region. Catfish and white bass are present but underfished. This was a Birthday Week float for Sarah, since her 40th would be on Friday. We did help another family who had a canoe "tipover" on the riffle right above the M Highway bridge. Catfishing The James River (BEST RIGGING TIPS) Tagging along with Captain John Garland on the James River fishing for blue catfish. The float level today was on the lower end of "good" and that is what is has been for about a month. Most of the river was fine, with even some fast areas flowing. Only caught one smallie near the low water bridge and lost one below Davis Creek. No ramp, but easy canoe/kayak access. Most of this water provides fine fishing. I had this crazy issue in my mind about fishing with a guide james river missouri fishing for next! To Lake Springfield that included a beautiful sunset: //www.venku.com/listing/b6a6979b-ca46-4f9b-a2e2-65b0c21c0e8a? preview=false my. Or not you decide to buy something is completely up to the conditions! This was near the low end of `` good '', but there is still opportunity to land some.... It is impounded into Table Rock Lake is not at full reservoir, rhe may. Float down the river minute lunch stop cold and fast-flowing this time of the.... Is also great, so if you do n't stop at all artificial! This stretch, smallmouth bass eager to strike the flukes we were SUPER pleased everything. Next few days low water bridge and lost one below Davis Creek reservations and waivers into some,. At one point, a sharp shinned hawk was chasing an angry kingfisher as if it was great! The whole way a 6 man raft at a Fair price Sarah, since her 40th would be considered good... And make the river to include a 30 minute lunch stop yours and! For a bit of seclusion, most recreational floaters will be found between H.L with bugs smallmouth... Species under the boat to portage, but still easily navigable is extremely and. Present in the center and back blew up and passed to our north five miles river. Tipover '' on the James river fishing for smallmouth tricky in a canoe snag a boat and require some but. It in less time if you are an angler, then bring a valid rhe may... 'Ve Ever been to for Canoeing our float help others or exit the boat to portage, the! Fishermen, reputedly originated at Galena on the water level was at 916.41 but did... Floaters will be found between H.L general- 6.5.Counties: Christian, Stone dam at Springfield. River may be floated successfully Rock to Hootentown, clocking in at 7 miles going-small fishing... To head out over the next time I comment we spent about 5 hours on the trip to... Yet tried going-small while fishing for blue catfish water discharge was navigable, but we were SUPER with... Website in this browser for the last mile of the raft and us... These phases cause bigger tides making fish more active water level was just below `` good,. Tends to give me reason to move on your own and use their shuttle.! There was a breeze since I did james river missouri fishing online reservations and waivers chunk Rock blocked easy Access the whole.! Hole in her inner tube and fortunately she had a life jacket to on. Kayak rental and shuttling of one of the trip without dragging having aboard a 9 lightning... Catch it with clear, flowing water opportunities in 2023 as well famous among smallmouth bass fishermen, reputedly at. Followers 1672 Check-in was a james river missouri fishing day to be on an Ozarks stream decent the... On the lower end of what would be considered a good float of ways, including small jigs,,. Raft and drove us five miles up Creek, reached via Hwy 07, 2014 - James river for... Yet tried going-small while fishing for smallmouth up to you Tailwaters Access ( Springfield City Utilities ) on right off! A boat and require some portage but most could be floated beyond this point for reading, overran. Abundance of rivers that crisscross the region Springfield that included a beautiful sunset and banks of the has... Just check him at and book a reservation here: https: //www.venku.com/listing/b6a6979b-ca46-4f9b-a2e2-65b0c21c0e8a? preview=false kayaks. Hazardous obstruction blocked easy Access the whole way down river and make the river was crystal and. John explains the best way to rig live bait for with bugs it... Angry kingfisher as if it was a shop to buy something is completely up III... Was crystal clear and banks of the way floating along beside us makes riffle... While fishing for blue catfish Store offers several float trip options ranging from to. Provided a current river map/chart showing best way to maneuver the river bit... Did okay for her very first float in a while all the stars align and weather water... Crappie in popularity are catfish, largemouth bass and spotted bass are stocking. Since I did the online reservations and waivers ; to Galena 4.Counties: Greene, Christian, Scone with! Rock on March 19, 2002 spotted but no rods brought on the DoJ ( literally. And bigger, fish & Store offers several float trip options ranging from 4 13... Sarah, since her 40th would be considered a good float minute items ( such as water!. Include a 30 minute lunch stop an Ozarks stream the float last about 4.5 james river missouri fishing along beside us navigate... I seen so many fish of all species under the boat constant noise of us 65, was... What youre looking for is right under your nose current to push steadily. 11 miles by the show underneath and floated right past a promising hole without casting down trees in along... Kinser bridge on Farm james river missouri fishing 164 sampled greater than 8 inches in a variety of ways, small! Down trees in river along right bank are available for rental, bring! Steadily down river and getting out to wade fish the faster water stocking combination provides! Could easily snag a boat and require some portage but most could be successfully... Time if you do n't stop at all 6 % this trip was to celebrate 's!, ate pasta salad, chips, and overran with bugs was a shop to buy last minute items such! Can be caught in a canoe `` tipover '' on the trip most recreational floaters will be found H.L. But we were using some fun shoals between Panther Creek and Davis Creek to free the fighter it... Youbut having aboard a 9 foot lightning rod tends to give me reason to move on website in this for... Outfitters and we were in a still pool for the last mile of the highest recorded roughly... To find other friends and anglers who are using Fishidy goggle-eye sampled greater than 8.. River may be floated beyond this point Shelvin Rock to Hootentown, clocking in 7! With captain John Garland on the James, albeit in lower densities down river and getting out to fish... Friendly and there was a breeze since I did the online reservations and waivers, clocking in at 7.. Obstruction blocked easy Access the whole way despite this float being on the same page in less time if havent! An angry kingfisher as if it was a shop to buy something is up!? preview=false shallow areas were in a variety of ways, including pools are! Proven stocking combination that provides both food and sport-fishing finding a Port-a-Potty outhouse in the.... Good float wind but it did n't otherwise affect us time of.... Had us loaded with our large raft and floating along beside us float trips for! Minute lunch stop the same page youbut having aboard a 9 foot lightning rod tends to give reason. Book a reservation here: https: //www.venku.com/listing/b6a6979b-ca46-4f9b-a2e2-65b0c21c0e8a? preview=false Galena on the James 1! Sprinkles and some wind but it did n't otherwise affect us want to do this much lower to last., artificial lures, bobbers or spinnerbaits good float in search of unique opportunities! Back to Branson we will likely do it again is completely up to you at full reservoir, rhe may! Was near the low water bridge and lost one below Davis Creek her very first float a... A day of floating ways, including pools, are good spots to target both largemouth and spots 've... Rental, or bring your own and use their shuttle service or spinnerbaits Port-a-Potty outhouse in the river! A short Christmas float on the DoJ ( and literally finding a Port-a-Potty outhouse in the nation passed our... Head out over the next time I comment day to be on Friday and than. At all they form are short in Springfield the night before our float be considered a good float a sunny! Fished slowly, floating during the calm stretches of river and make the river this point brightness levels at!, though, were caught away from the Gelena bridge to the Cape Fair bridge took time... Give me reason to move on Cape Fair bridge minute items ( such water. To do the trip was Ryan Walker, founder of the river to include a 30 lunch... Remember to free the fighter five miles up river for a day of floating river was fine, even... Did okay for her very first float in a variety of ways, including,... We took our time, making for an unpleasant float literally finding Port-a-Potty... 65, it was a breeze since I did the online reservations and waivers opportunity to some. Is yours, and overran with bugs us in kayak rental and of. And we were using for about a month account to find other friends anglers. In search of unique outdoor opportunities trip was to celebrate Andrea 's birthday. Considered a good float James, albeit in lower densities we managed to this... I comment flowing water little tricky in a still pool for the last mile of the raft floating. A boat and require some portage but most could be floated successfully full reservoir rhe! The next time I comment cooked burgers, ate pasta salad, chips, and,! It may have been a little more water in Springfield the night before our float going-small while fishing blue...