James River Outfitters had quite a few boats and inner tubes on the river. Fishing utterly sucked, mostly due to WAAAAAY too many people taking advantage of the gorgeous day outside. The water was not fast but we managed to do the trip without dragging. Kerr, and Cox Memorial. What a great Monday. 0.0 Hwy. We both labored through some restless sleep, so waking up at 4:30 was no big deal. The Ozarks has an abundance of rivers that crisscross the region. No ramp, but easy canoe/kayak access. Interestingly, we met a guy (Steve Wicken, 417-231-1263) who needed a ride back to Kerr to retrieve his vehicle. Montague Spring, 2.5 miles up creek, reached via Hwy. The river bed is rocky I would recommend water shoes or sandals with a back strap. 65 Bridge. The commercialized Civil War Cave has one of the largest enttances in the state.4.7Bridge at Riverside Inn. We caught them in the current, up against rock banks, and under root wads or submerged trees. 125 Bridge. Well done. Weather conditions are not optimal, but there is still opportunity to land some trout. How big is the James River in Missouri? Off Hwy. 4.9 (7 reviews) This superb fishery continues to be one of the most famous resources in the nation. There are dams to portage, but the pools they form are short. James River Outfitter did not have great reviews and neither did the other operator in the area. Float trips, for which the Ozarks are famous among smallmouth bass fishermen, reputedly originated at Galena on the James. If you need a fishing licence you can purchase one directly from James River Fishing License 24/7. For those searching for a bit of seclusion, most recreational floaters will be found between H.L. Copyright 2003 by the Conservation Commission of the State of Missouri. This section was very stagnant, smelly, and overran with bugs. For safety's sake, make sure all boat occupants wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved lifejacket. The. We rented 2 kayaks and a 6 man raft at a fair price. Height: 3.13 Source: Edmond. Somewhere in the last half hour of the day I hooked into a beautiful smallie, probably around 17-18. We're building software in our members area to tell you. 60 Bridge. Supplies in town. Access. Fishing the James River might have spoiled me a bit. V. It flows from northeast Webster County until it is impounded into Table Rock Lake. Old Hwy. 9.7 Farm Road 181 Bridge. The [], Hey folks . 37.9 Tory Creek on left. It is not the best stretch of river to float by any means, but it'll do in a pinch this time of year. A gentle northeast wind made the float easy and even with heavy fishing, we made it to Hootentown in under six hours. Thinking of heading out to James River Near Nixamissouri over the next few days. 9.5 Hwy. Kerr Access on Horse Cteek Road. A short trip that began on the last 1/4 mile of the Finley resulted in some great fishing. Here are some helpful links. 3.0 San Francisco St. Louis R.R. The James River is situated right in the midst of the Ozarks and quite frankly is some of the most lovely water and scenery that I have experienced while fly fishing across America. 23.2 Counry road bridge. Fishing James River, MO on 4/14/2023 will be best from 12 . Our group of 4 picked James River Outfitters and we were SUPER pleased with everything. River was a bit crowded, especially for a weekday. AA near O to church.52.8Crane Creek on right.53.8Wheeler Branch and Hwy. If you have any questions about fly casting, float tubes, fly tying or fly fishing in general, click here to ask Jeff. There were a lot of boats on the water, primarily from rentals along the river. Lake Springfield backs up water beyond this point. Suckers of all types, all 3 black bass species, channel catfish, carp, crappie, sculpin, shad and minnows of all types were present. We brought our own kayaks to float the river and was charged $25 l to transport them up the river, then we floated down. #4.25.5. Several others were on the river due to the hot weather. Our group of 4 picked James River Outfitters and we were SUPER pleased with everything. Our hometown river is often overlooked as a floatable river, but thanks to the efforts by the James River Basin Partnership, the James River is once again a viable option for a leisurely paddle downstream. A few people were on the river but it wasn't too bad. The little shop to check in had all the essentials you might need. Thanks man! Channel catfish should provide good fishing opportunities in 2023 as well. 15 in. Theres an old saying on wind direction which has many variations but here's the most popular which I'm sure you've heard: Wind from the West, fish bite the best. 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. Water level was just below "Good", but still easily navigable. We stopped to swim in a few different places. 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. 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. Old Hwy. Venku is an online marketplace connecting hosts with outdoor enthusiasts in search of unique outdoor opportunities. We ate lunch at the corner beneath the bluff. 61.7 Access on right. Bridge.6.8Joe Crighton Access on right, at Kinser Bridge on Farm Road 164. In addition, we brought a few decent spotted bass to the boat. D Bridge. The lakefront resorts in this area cater to anglers and families, providing convenience and value. 65 Bridge and mill dam. Widely recognized as an outstanding fishing resource. more, Fishing Charters & Tours Nature & Wildlife Tours, ELVIS: Story of a King - Admission Ticket, Illusionist Rick Thomas - Mansion of Dreams, Great Woodsman Zipline Canopy Tour Branson. James River Fishing James River Near Nixamissouri is located in Greene County in Missouri. As we neared the end, several large pools slowed us down (especially with the wind). 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. In addition, Im really not very good at taking instruction or having people tell me what to do. 40.8 Hooten Hill, on right (high bluff). It was a little chilly, but we didn't get wet at all which was a nice surprise! We protect and manage the fish, forest, and wildlife of the state. Lake Springfield. Catfish and white bass are present but underfished. I caught 7-8 smallmouth bass in one 50 yard stretch with current. James River Outfitters, Galena: Address, Phone Number, James River Outfitters Reviews: 4.5/5. The stretch from the golf course to Nelson Mill Road was very favorable for fishing, with some quality bass. Some anglers still prefer the stability they provide for casting while standing and the comfort of folding arm chairs which they can carry. Fishing the James River was also a great way to appreciate the scenery around us. 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. H.L. Not thinking through the full potential for a HUGE schmuck-a-rama to happen on the DoJ this Saturday, we arrived at Shelvin Rock to find the river access PACKED with fellow paddlers, cars, and trailers. River level was just about perfect. 28,220 Crappie, large and Smallmouth Bass, Walleye and Bluegill top the fishing popularity list here. Fair access. D.3.0San Francisco St. Louis R.R. I wouldn't want to do this much lower. This was a lazy summer trip with low (but acceptable) water levels. The take out near Rivercut is not the best access site but it does the job. Still areas of the river were pretty slow. Remember, regulations are there to protect fish species and enable fishing for generations to come. The weather was beautiful. Use caution, particularly in high water.44.3Cole Pit Hole access on County Road V-70 off Hwy. Someone reported much higher haystacks above the Finley. I [], Oh, what a night . No access. On this stretch, smallmouth bass and goggle-eye reign supreme. This was near the low end of what would be considered a good float. Despite the short distance, the low current, heat, and sunny conditions were a bit much for Michelle's folks. Looking to find out if other fishing enthusiasts are having luck on James River . The water discharge was navigable, but not enjoyable. Try it now. The ultimate guide to camping and sleeping under the stars in southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas. Another couple taking out at Kerr said their canoe dragged along in several places. Floated from Joe Crighton to south of Farm Road 164 and back. Nightcrawlers, stink baits, and chicken livers are also good options. Click here for the latest 7 day fishing weather forecast for James River. This was billed as a "Meet Your Officers & River Clean-up" float for the River Access Coalition group. Wind from the East, fish bite the least. This was an easy overnight trip on the James to test out the canoe for a complete overnight load. We got on the river around 1000 hours and paddled pretty consistently to secure a gravel bar with shade about 2/3 of the way to our destination. The fish were everywhere. Get all the fishing intel you need to start catching more, and bigger, fish. The rapids just above the Finley were substantial. The water is as low as I have ever seen it and for sure it requires some stealth in both approaching and casting to these fish. from a southerly direction which means fishing is average. Access under bridge.2.7 Hwy. The current did the rest, adding quite a bit of movement to the fluke. 10.0 Southwood Access (Springfield City Utilities) on left downstream from Hwy. More or updated information on this topic can be found at the Missouri Department of Conservation web site located at: Driftsun Teton 120 Hard Shell Recreational Tandem Kayak, 2 or 3 Person Sit On Top Kayak Package with 2 EVA Padded Seats, Driftsun Voyager Inflatable Kayak - 2 Person Tandem Kayak, Includes Aluminum Paddles, Padded Seats, Double Action Pump, Malone Auto Racks FS 3 Kayak Storage Rack System, RAD Sportz Tall Stand Freestanding Heavy Duty Kayak Rack Two Kayak Storage Holds 6 Kayaks, Types of Fish Found in Missouri Part Two, Kayaking 101: Safety in Transporting and Trailering, 9 Hiking/Climbing Tips and Tricks Every Professional Guide Needs You to Know, Have a Blast On Your Next Float Trip With The Best Fishing Tubes. Despite this float being on the DoJ (and literally finding a Port-a-Potty outhouse IN the river! Join for free today to access the capability once available. Largemouth Bass with a 7.5" YUM Ribbontail worm 1 Details Find more fishing reports in Missouri Table Rock Lake Nearly 85% of the bass are largemouth. Somewhere along the way I realized that fishing with a guide wasnt so bad. Joe Crighton Access on right, at Kinser Bridge on Farm Road 164. 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. Catch rates in 2022 were some of the highest recorded with roughly 35% of goggle-eye sampled greater than 8 inches. Make sure you're reppared for the correct fish by having the best lures and bait for the fish that are likely in James River . Despite the short distance, the low current, heat, and sunny conditions were a bit much for Michelle's folks. 36.2 Jamesville Btidge. Escape Branson for a scenic, peaceful, fun day. Prices and optons are listed including non resident fishing licenses. 26.7 Spring branch on left. Today I'm fishing out of Hobie PA14 on the James River, Missouri with my friend @YakFishField . 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. A thunderstorm blew up and passed to our north. It's common knowlege cloud cover is an angler's best friend. AA on right. Losing the fish of the day stung a bit, but could not detract from our day fishing the James River. 65. take Evans Road to Southwood Road. This is an electronic reprint of a Missouri Department of Conservation document. The lady with microphone to herd us on the shuttle bus had a good sense of humor but clear directions. I would totally stay in one. The mighty James was up and flowing really well today. Still, an enjoyable day was had on the DoJ. Murielle suggested I look into some of Venkus Missouri hosts, and soon I came to a listing for a guided smallmouth bass fishing trip in the Ozarks. First, to see the experiences Venku has to offer: For information about the Ozark Smallmouth Alliance and some great fishing tips, check this out: https://ozarkssmallmouthalliance.blogspot.com, https://mdc.mo.gov/property/watersheds/james-river. 44.3 Cole Pit Hole access on County Road V-70 off Hwy. Late Afternoon solo float. 15.8 Hwy. This was a good trip, as always. We aren't sure what effect that this illegal activity has had on Missouri's paddlefish population. 58.3 Yocums Camp on tight. While the water was low and we had a few places where we dragged, we did not have to exit our boats. We like to float from Shelvin Rock to Hootentown, clocking in at 7 miles. In several places, we had to help others or exit the boat to portage around or through particularly troublesome obstacles. This section of the James was relatively fast-moving given the very low rainfall we've had. Memorable day for sure. No fish were caught, but I was just happy to be on the water. Today, five public accesses are present on the main portion of the James River, running from north to south: Delaware Town, Shelvin Rock, Hooten Town, H.L. Required fields are marked *. We take a number of different data points to make our fishing recommendation. Captain John explains the best way to rig live bait for. Read about it here. This trip was to celebrate Andrea's 33rd birthday. The staff explained to sign your waiver ahead of time to avoid the line and payment/checking was a breeze once I arrived. On the river by 0730 with cloudy skies until 1300, then sunny and hot until we were off at 1630. 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. Not safe.23.2Counry road bridge. 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. Followers 1672 13 Bridge. I caught 7-8 smallmouth bass in one 50 yard stretch with current. We facilitate and provide opportunity for all citizens to use, enjoy, and learn about these resources. Lake Springfield backs up water beyond this point. M and U. 12.3 Kissick Darn. It was a pretty cool day hats for sure. The river is slow and peaceful. Off Hwy. While we had little luck actually catching any fish, the water was crystal clear and the fish sightings were abundant. 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