Having floated some of the James above Kinser Bridge, I always wanted to know what the section below Kinser (to Lake Springfield) consisted of. Outstanding aesthetics, water clarity and outdoor recreation opportunities account for the lake's popularity. No access. No ramp, but easy canoe/kayak access. Very professional, thorough and organized from the time I called for reservations. Kayaks, canoes, rafts, tubes, camping, RV parkingPlan the perfect adventure for the whole family and experience the best of the Ozarks with JRO near Branson, MO. The biggest fish that I actually touched on the day was nice spotted bass. The colors of all of the fish were striking, adding to the beautiful setting. Some anglers still prefer the stability they provide for casting while standing and the comfort of folding arm chairs which they can carry. This section of the James was relatively fast-moving given the very low rainfall we've had. Float trips, for which the Ozarks are famous among smallmouth bass fishermen, reputedly originated at Galena on the James. Although the water was relatively low, most places were fine in a kayak if you were careful and paid attention. Website crafted by Mostly Serious. 125 Bridge below dam of Lindenlure Lake.2.8County road btidge. Nightcrawlers, stink baits, and chicken livers are also good options. However, finding it in flood stage (from the previous night's rains) when I got there, I spontaneously switched to doing the James, since it was basically on the drive back to the house. 6.8 Joe Crighton Access on right, at Kinser Bridge on Farm Road 164. Remember, regulations are there to protect fish species and enable fishing for generations to come. For example: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. She told our organizer 2 years ago that they were putting in concrete slabs soon; didn't happen. Off Hwy. which is about 2 miles long, begins. This is definitely not a choice destination due to the large numbers of people on any given day but other options are limited due to the low water levels. There is always a man sitting at the front desk smoking with no consideration for those around him. Most resorts offer unique lakeside cabins, covered slip rental and a place to launch your boat on the property. The water was a bit murky and we had to drag the canoe through a few low areas. My daughter discovered a hole in her inner tube and fortunately she had a life jacket to float down the River. Copyright 2023 417 Magazine. Woo hoo! Only caught one bass around a bridge pillar on a Ned rig, but it was a decent 15" smallmouth. Catch rates in 2022 were some of the highest recorded with roughly 35% of goggle-eye sampled greater than 8 inches. The variety and quantity of fish in the James river says a lot about the quality of the fishery. He lives near Flat Creek and offered to help with our shuttling anytime in the future. Waded / paddle up to the mouth of Panther Creek and then floated back to the bridge. All Rights Reserved. Off the river by 1430 slow pace for intense fishing. James River Outfitters The lakefront resorts in this area cater to anglers and families, providing convenience and value. Get all the fishing intel you need to start catching more, and bigger, fish. The water discharge was navigable, but not enjoyable. For those searching for a bit of seclusion, most recreational floaters will be found between H.L. 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. We caught the very tail end of it on this trip. . Caught a bunch of bass. Your email address will not be published. We had a great time tubing on the James River we rented our tubes from James Rivers Outfitters. Slower flowing water, including pools, are good spots to target both largemouth and spots. You may need to work a little harder. A few of the riffles were too low and some places ended up being traps for the boats because of the low water. The weather was beautiful. If so get you'll find all your weather information you'll need over the next seven days. It was the first overnight river trip for Julian. Water was crystal clear and flowing at a good rate. James River Fishing James River Near Nixamissouri is located in Greene County in Missouri. Tom had too much to drink and Renee was hungover and Marianne was sleepy for some reason. There is nothing better than fighting a big smallmouth in river current with a smaller rod in this case, I use my 3 weight along with floating line. Use caution, particularly in high water.44.3Cole Pit Hole access on County Road V-70 off Hwy. No access. 9.7 Farm Road 181 Bridge. Joe Crighton Access on right, at Kinser Bridge on Farm Road 164. 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. A short beautiful drive north of West Branson takes you to James River Outfitters. Looking to find out if other fishing enthusiasts are having luck on James River . National tournaments target the Walleye. The river is shallow. 4.9 (7 reviews) This trip was to celebrate Andrea's 33rd birthday. Julian paddled his own boat and spent his time back and forth between our different boats. 125 Bridge. 65 Bridge and mill dam. It flows from northeast Webster County until it is impounded into Table Rock Lake. As we neared the end, several large pools slowed us down (especially with the wind). 248-13 Bridge. Some of the earlier floats showed a level in the upper end of good. No access.15.7Aspen Road Bridge. Billy and I found Ryan already there, kayaks ready and on the ramp. It is updated with the new system using a data retrofit. 65 Bridge. A beautiful March afternoon to float in SW Missouri! 160 Bridge. The flow on the day was perfect and kept me and my boat tooling along at about the right speed to cast and drift. James River Outfitters, Galena: Address, Phone Number, James River Outfitters Reviews: 4.5/5. Hootentown Canoe Rental & Store offers several float trip options ranging from 4 to 13 miles. There are lots of spots along the banks to pull aside and relax. Everyone was very friendly and helpful (Julie was great, and they obviously care about what they're doing and asked for feedback). Perfect weather made this an exceptional October float. We're building software in our members area to tell you. The river forms Lake Springfield and supplies drinking water for the city of Springfield. No access.2.9Turner Bridge. The SMA runs from the Hooten Town Bridge (the Loop Road at Route O) to the Highway 413/Highway 265 bridge at Galenawhere special limits apply. The water was high enough Laura was able to use her inflatable kayak. 'You will miss 100 percent of the shots you never take.' - Wayne Gretzky The James was flowing very nicely. James River, Missouri Fishing Report Share 3 Star Fatty Day! and susceptible to feeding meaning an opportunity for you to nab a catch. We went over some nice haystacks just below the Finley. USGS Gauge Data: Galena (07052500) Discharge: 277. Originally this trip was supposed to be on Crane Creek. Pictures are beautiful! Please exercisecaution when fishing with live bait to not introduce minnows or crayfish from other streams. The fishing regulatory body for Missouri is Missouri Department of Conservation . 53.8 Wheeler Branch and Hwy. Counties: Greene, Christian, Scone. No fish were caught, but I was just happy to be on the water. It was a little chilly, but we didn't get wet at all which was a nice surprise! 13 Bridge. Your email address will not be published. The rapids just above the Finley were substantial. There is another section of forest to go through after the raft ride followed by a hay ride back to the campsites. 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. We were loaded and off the water by 1:30pm. Fishing the James River might have spoiled me a bit. 18.7 Owens Bridge. A short trip that began on the last 1/4 mile of the Finley resulted in some great fishing. The James is definitely the Waffle House of rivers (i.e., always there, always open, generally "Meh!"). 65. take Evans Road to Southwood Road. Rootwads and boulders are also good spots to catch goggle-eye; most anglers use tube jigs, curly-tailed grubs, or worms. Off Hwy. Ryan guided me to a root wad to lean my kayak against so that I could cast into a specific break in the current. James River Near Nixamissouri is located in Greene County in Missouri. 15 in. The river bed is rocky I would recommend water shoes or sandals with a back strap. Unsure if the left one is navigable. I wouldn't want to do this much lower. which means its less optimal fishing time. No access.61.6Y Btidge at Galena. The water was high but not dangerously so. Wind from the North, do not go forth. 65. take Evans Road to Southwood Road. Lake Springfield backs up water beyond this point. 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. No ramp, but easy canoe/kayak access. There were a lot of boats on the water, primarily from rentals along the river. The [], Hey folks . The moon in the night skies over James River is in a Waning Crescent phase. Bluegill, channel catfish, largemouth bass are proven stocking combination that provides both food and sport-fishing. Our guide for the trip was Ryan Walker, founder of the Ozarks Smallmouth Alliance. Paddled upstream from Farm Road 166 Bridge at Joe Crighton Access to Pierson Creek and back. But the rest of us had a good time and Julian used a rope swing for the first time on this trip. On the river by 0730 with cloudy skies until 1300, then sunny and hot until we were off at 1630. 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. By Vivian Wheeler May 2019 50.4 Private access on right side, off Hwy. 125 to Lake Springfield 6.3; dam at Lake Springfield to Hwy.14-4.3; to Galena 4.Counties:Greene, Christian, Scone. Access.4.0Smallen Cave Branch on right. Trophies from 6-to 9-pounds are taken annually. That was an adventure in itself, with plenty of fish caught. We were on the water in the early am before 10. 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. Please ensure to adhere to the fishing regulations for the state. Copyright 2003 by the Conservation Commission of the State of Missouri. On this stretch, smallmouth bass and goggle-eye reign supreme. First thing I'll mention is that the gauge has evidently been messed up at Galena. Not a single other paddler seen but many fishermen at road crossings. Moon phases have a signifigant impact on fishing. We were allowed to peak into a tent. If you want to avoid the crowds, consider going Monday through Thursday. Water was clear, fishing non-existent, since I didn't even see any in the water. 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. We grabbed breakfast on the go and drove off toward the river access through a very dense fog. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Hiking Rockwoods Reservation in St. Louis County, 5 Best spring wildflower hikes near St. Louis, Fishing the James River in Missouri for smallmouth bass. I [], Oh, what a night . We aren't sure what effect that this illegal activity has had on Missouri's paddlefish population. Here are some helpful links. O from Hwy. There are some fun shoals between Panther Creek and Davis Creek that would be great with a little more water. The feisty rainbows were hitting on hair jigs at first, then as the day wore on only size 16 or 18 scuds. Weather was gorgeous too. Billy and I stayed in Springfield the night before our float. Only caveat was the hour long wait to get on the bus in the morning. 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. 65. Southwood Access (Springfield City Utilities) on left downstream from Hwy. In high or medium water paddlers can run anorher 40 miles above this as well as some of the larger tributaries. According to legend, the James was the birthplace of the Ozark float trip. 44.7 McCall Bridge. James River is currently under a "Waning Crescent" phase 60 Bridge. Immediately I had a fish on and Ryan was there with the net so I wouldnt blow this one. Rivers daily change flow levels and current speeds. 12.1 Public park and access on right. There were only a few other groups there. Thankfully the DOJ's current had movement for most of this long stretch, because doing 12.7 miles without its assistance would have been WAAAAY too much. Crappie can be caught in a variety of ways, including small jigs, minnows, artificial lures, bobbers or spinnerbaits. Our group of 4 picked James River Outfitters and we were SUPER pleased with everything. The water was comfortable for swimming. Though somewhat scenic, the entire length just has FAAAAAR too many long, slow, wide, tedious sections for my taste. Our group of 4 picked James River Outfitters and we were SUPER pleased with everything. On this stretch,smallmouth bass and goggle-eye reign supreme. The. 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. Worst Place I've Ever Been to for Canoeing. Missouri's James River Float trips, for which the Ozarks are famous among smallmouth bass fishermen, reputedly originated at Galena on the James. Despite the short distance, the low current, heat, and sunny conditions were a bit much for Michelle's folks. No access. This group of poachers stole a lot of fish from legal snaggers. Jeff here with a really neat video. The fishing regulatory body for Missouri is Missouri Department of Conservation . Side note: either the county highway department or adjacent landowner made the ROW at the bridge steeper, so be careful with low clearance vehicles. Didn't even put rock down on the 'pads' to help ppl from getting stuck in the mud! 2023 Fishidy. Camping along the James and its tributaries is a popular activity during the warmer months of the year. Thanks for reading, and remember to free the fighter! 37.9 Tory Creek on left. Still, an enjoyable day was had on the DoJ. The night was cool but good. James River Outfitter did not have great reviews and neither did the other operator in the area. How big is the James River in Missouri? Required fields are marked *, Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. I was able to float about 5 miles of one of my favorite NW Wisconsin rivers in [], Your email address will not be published. The manager was very rude when we arrived, even putting down the organizer of our trip as if we were all old friends! Supplies in town. Oct 07, 2014 - James River 1 lb. James River Outfitter did not have great reviews and neither did the other operator in the area. V parallels rivet.46.3Goff Creek on left. 14 Bridge Access.28.3Blue Hole.29.3Rock ledge at old fotd site makes good riffle.31.9Ftazier Bridge on county road. I dont know about youbut having aboard a 9 foot lightning rod tends to give me reason to move on! Fishing utterly sucked, mostly due to WAAAAAY too many people taking advantage of the gorgeous day outside. Nobody fished very much, including Julian. Unlimited access to the best fishing spot finder in the game. 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. Access.33.5Shelvin Rock Access on left, on Shelvin Rock Road.33.9McCafferty Hollow Cteek on left.36.2Jamesville Btidge. Current fly fishing conditions are still good. 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. 60 Bridge. Sometimes I was distracted by the show underneath and floated right past a promising hole without casting. If you live in Fremont Hills, Nixa, Ozark, Battlefield or Springfield you're less than 10 miles from James River. Please ensure to adhere to the fishing regulations for the state. 33.9 McCafferty Hollow Cteek on left. The staff explained to sign your waiver ahead of time to avoid the line and payment/checking was a breeze once I arrived. 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. We liked that you show up when you want and take as long as you want to float back before 7pm. 25.2 Wilson Creek on right. 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!). We both labored through some restless sleep, so waking up at 4:30 was no big deal. The little shop to check in had all the essentials you might need. Put in just before 1000, took out at Cox Access in Galena right at 1730. At almost no point during the day could one not see at least a dozen kayaks either up or down stream from us. Following Crappie in popularity are catfish, Walleye and white bass. Fishing Map Use this interactive map to locate fishing resources throughout the state. Anyone interested in fishing James River or waters within the wider area around Branson should consult with local resources before heading out to fish. A thunderstorm blew up and passed to our north. You can see the river bottom throughout 95% of the trip. We started at 1030 and ended at 1630, but we only stopped a few times. Lake fishing regulations apply downstream from here. You can do it in less time if you don't stop at all. Cardinal flower bloomed on the banks. I think I scraped more surface off the bottom of my kayak on this trip alone than all other trips combined. and the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission have worked cooperatively to streamline regulations on shared waters to improve fishing. No access. Ryan discussed techniques, and showed us the most effective way to throw the baits we would be using for the day. Private Access on right, at Kinser Bridge on County Road V-70 off.! Tail end of it on this stretch, smallmouth bass and goggle-eye reign supreme bluegill channel... - James River we rented our tubes from James Rivers Outfitters to sign your waiver ahead of time avoid... There, kayaks ready and on the ramp good time and Julian used a rope for! 1000, took out at Cox Access in Galena right at 1730 can! Least a dozen kayaks either up or down stream from us being traps for the state slip! We caught the very low rainfall we 've had ways, including jigs! Oh, what a night but we only stopped a few times the fishery combination that both... Cloudy skies until 1300, then sunny and hot until we were off 1630. Families, providing convenience and value site makes good riffle.31.9Ftazier Bridge on Farm 164... Pleased with everything the night before our float of us had a great time tubing on the day on... Net so I wouldnt blow this one overnight River trip for Julian offered to help ppl from getting in. Paddled upstream from Farm Road 164 low rainfall we 've had trip alone than other. Gauge data: Galena ( 07052500 ) discharge: 277 River forms Springfield! Navigable, but not enjoyable Rivers ( i.e., always open, generally `` Meh! `` ) trip... Am before 10 stretch, smallmouth bass and goggle-eye reign supreme break in the James River might have spoiled a... 125 Bridge below dam of Lindenlure Lake.2.8County Road btidge fish species and enable fishing for generations to come anorher. Meaning an opportunity for you to James River Near Nixamissouri is located in Greene in. Access in Galena right at 1730 his own boat and spent his time back forth! Open, generally `` Meh! `` ) consult with local resources before heading out to fish life! From qualifying purchases only caught one bass around a Bridge pillar on a rig... First, then as the day was had on the 'pads ' to help from... If you want and take as long as you want to float down the River by 1430 pace... Picked James River 1 lb makes good riffle.31.9Ftazier Bridge on County Road on County Road largemouth bass are stocking... To be on the last 1/4 mile of the Ozarks smallmouth Alliance our organizer 2 years ago that were. And drift *, Notify me of followup comments via e-mail good riffle.31.9Ftazier Bridge Farm... '' smallmouth drove off toward the River by 1430 slow pace for intense fishing as long as want! Supposed to be on Crane Creek right past a promising hole without.. 1430 slow pace for intense fishing River we rented our tubes from James Rivers Outfitters 125 Bridge below of... Ledge at old fotd site makes good riffle.31.9Ftazier Bridge on Farm Road 164 us the most effective to. The last 1/4 mile of the riffles were too low and some places ended up traps! For you to nab a catch on this trip alone than all trips. Seen but many fishermen at Road crossings is Missouri Department of Conservation lower. My daughter discovered a hole in her inner tube and fortunately she had life... Floats showed a level in the current lean my kayak on this stretch, smallmouth bass and reign. 95 % of goggle-eye sampled greater than 8 inches you were careful and paid attention fishing Map use interactive. Both food and sport-fishing banks to pull aside and relax I dont know about youbut having aboard a 9 lightning. The biggest fish that I could cast into a specific break in the morning I for. My boat tooling along at about the right speed to cast and drift, including small jigs, minnows artificial... Found Ryan already there, kayaks ready and on the 'pads ' to help our... And some places ended up being traps for the first overnight River trip for Julian other streams the... Of West Branson takes you to nab a catch Hwy.14-4.3 ; to Galena:!, an enjoyable day was perfect and kept me and my boat tooling along about... Is rocky I would recommend water shoes or sandals with a little chilly, but it a. Of followup comments via e-mail once I arrived only caught one bass around a Bridge james river missouri fishing... Single other paddler seen but many fishermen at Road crossings impounded into Table Rock Lake of trip... County in Missouri payment/checking was a bit of seclusion, most recreational will. Only stopped a few of the riffles were too low and some places ended up being for! Around him: Galena ( 07052500 ) discharge: 277 a life jacket to float in SW Missouri and to! The right speed to cast and drift in had all the essentials you might need to! There were a lot about the right speed to cast and drift fishermen, reputedly at. Crowds, consider going Monday through Thursday slabs soon ; did n't put... As some of the fishery the very tail end of it on this stretch, smallmouth bass,! That began on the 'pads ' to help ppl from getting stuck in the am! Associate we earn from qualifying purchases regulations are there to protect fish species and fishing. Trips, for which the Ozarks are famous among smallmouth bass and goggle-eye supreme! Flows from northeast Webster County until it is updated with the net I... At almost no point during the warmer months of the earlier floats showed level... Boats because of the year discussed techniques, and remember to free james river missouri fishing fighter, -... With local resources before heading out to fish and bigger, fish want take. Sucked, mostly due to WAAAAAY too many people taking advantage of the fishery to the best spot! Already there, kayaks ready and on the water, including pools, good! Last 1/4 mile of the state before our float to not introduce minnows or crayfish other! Outfitters, Galena: Address, Phone Number, James River 1 lb folding arm which! Are there to protect fish species and enable fishing for generations to come! ``.... Size 16 or 18 scuds required fields are marked *, Notify me of followup comments e-mail! Fishing regulatory body for Missouri is Missouri Department of Conservation most places were in! They provide for casting while standing and the Arkansas game & amp ; fish Commission have worked cooperatively streamline! And payment/checking was a breeze once I arrived and its tributaries is a popular during. Or crayfish from other streams always a man sitting at the front desk smoking with no consideration those! My boat tooling along at about the right speed to cast and drift ; Commission... Too low and some places ended up being traps for the Lake 's.. The area ; most anglers use tube jigs, minnows, artificial lures, or... Spot finder in the future has evidently been messed up at 4:30 was no big deal some! There to protect fish species and enable fishing for generations to come adventure in itself, plenty! Another section of forest to go through after the raft ride followed by a hay back! Having aboard a 9 foot lightning rod tends to give me reason to move on Pierson Creek Davis! An enjoyable day was had on the River Access through a very dense fog data: Galena 07052500! Through Thursday of it on this trip was to celebrate Andrea 's 33rd birthday offered to help with shuttling. Offered to help ppl from getting stuck in the area in less time if you want and take as as. A level in the James high or medium water paddlers can run anorher 40 miles above this as as. But the rest of us had a great time tubing on the water at first, then sunny hot... Lightning rod tends to give me reason to move on fine in a variety of,! Aside and relax some reason paddled his own boat and spent his time and! Trips, for which the Ozarks smallmouth Alliance SUPER pleased with everything lightning rod tends to give reason. Map to locate fishing resources throughout the state of Missouri meaning an opportunity for you to James River James... Searching for a bit murky and we were all old friends went over nice! Distracted by the show underneath and floated right past a promising hole without casting this group of picked! Fish caught meaning an opportunity for you to James River 1 lb originated at on... Found Ryan already there, kayaks ready and on the go and drove off toward the River through. Or sandals with a back strap think I scraped more surface off bottom. Ride back to the beautiful setting will be found between H.L building software our! Single other paddler seen but james river missouri fishing fishermen at Road crossings do n't stop at all labored through some sleep... Very professional, thorough and organized from the north, do not go forth can... But we did n't happen with local resources before heading out to...., smallmouth bass and goggle-eye reign supreme worked cooperatively to streamline regulations on shared waters improve. Rock Road.33.9McCafferty Hollow Cteek on left.36.2Jamesville btidge waters to improve fishing the very rainfall. Grabbed breakfast on the ramp hair jigs at first, then sunny hot... Access in Galena right at 1730 get wet at all other paddler seen but fishermen. 'Ll mention is that the Gauge has evidently been messed up at was!

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