248-13 Bridge. 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. which is about 2 miles long, begins.12.1Public park and access on right.12.3Kissick Darn. . We loved the experience! 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. Venku is an online marketplace connecting hosts with outdoor enthusiasts in search of unique outdoor opportunities. 15.8 Hwy. Kerr Access on Horse Cteek Road. Missouri, United States. 52.8 Crane Creek on right. No fish were caught, but I was just happy to be on the water. 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. 39.4 Silvet Lake Branch on right. 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. 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. These phases cause bigger tides making fish more active We like to float from Shelvin Rock to Hootentown, clocking in at 7 miles. 248-13 Bridge. Just check him at and book a reservation here: https://www.venku.com/listing/b6a6979b-ca46-4f9b-a2e2-65b0c21c0e8a?preview=false. V parallels rivet. The weather was beautiful, the water level was nearly perfect with clear, flowing water. Now that we got a taste, I have no doubt Billy and I will be back again soon fishing the James River. James River Fishing. If you havent yet tried going-small while fishing for smallmouth . Weekdays tend to be the best times to be on the James, as the weekends can get quite busy and, at times, a bit rowdy. We did help another family who had a canoe "tipover" on the riffle right above the M Highway bridge. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); FloatMissouri Premium Sponsorship Opportunity. Use caution, particularly in high water. The James River is a 130-mile-long (210 km) [4] river in southern Missouri. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. A warm December paddle on Lake Springfield that included a beautiful sunset. Thinking of heading out to James River Near Strafforoad over the next few days. We finally pushed off, sometime close to 7:00 and started fishing right away. It's common knowlege cloud cover is an angler's best friend. Thanks for reading! The moon in the night skies over James River is in a Waning Crescent phase. V. This is an electronic reprint of a Missouri Department of Conservation document. The James is a great place to float, fish, and camp. 65. take Evans Road to Southwood Road. Access. As we neared the end, several large pools slowed us down (especially with the wind). Even the bigger fish were active, striking sometimes as soon as the bait hit the water. This is the best time of the year to float on the James for sure. A short trip that began on the last 1/4 mile of the Finley resulted in some great fishing. Our recommendation is based on aspects about the weather conditions, moon phase & water conditions. 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. Website crafted by Mostly Serious. While the water levels were decent in the area, the water wasn't moving as much as expected. Must have came downstream out of the current to winter in the deeper water. Fair access. The variety and quantity of fish in the James river says a lot about the quality of the fishery. Unsure if the left one is navigable. It was the first overnight river trip for Julian. Paddled upstream 1.5 miles (approx. But the rest of us had a good time and Julian used a rope swing for the first time on this trip. This map makes it easy to plan and get the most out of your next fishing trip! Our group of 4 picked James River Outfitters and we were SUPER pleased with everything. ), it was a great day to be on an Ozarks stream. No access. No ramp, but easy canoe/kayak access.9.5Hwy. 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 . 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. Ryan discussed techniques, and showed us the most effective way to throw the baits we would be using for the day. No ramp, but easy canoe/kayak access. 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. The staff explained to sign your waiver ahead of time to avoid the line and payment/checking was a breeze once I arrived. It was a pretty cool day hats for sure. Fishing James River, MO on 4/14/2023 will be best from 12 . I think I scraped more surface off the bottom of my kayak on this trip alone than all other trips combined. Anglers regularly report catching smallmouth greater than 18 inches, particularly in the Smallmouth Special Management Area (SMA). The main portion of the James River extends from the dam at Lake Springfield south to Galena. No access.6.2Hwy. The fish were everywhere. Copyright 2003 by the Conservation Commission of the State of Missouri. The James Riversports an excellent population of suckers for the aspiring gigger willing to brave the dark. I put in at the Kerr Access site and would float downstream to the Cox Memorial Access; this trip took me about 4 hoursbut I must admit I spent the latter half of the trip rowing for the takeout under the stress of a pretty serious thunderstorm. The night was cool but good. 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 . Smoked sausage and macaroni and cheese for dinner with chocolate for dessert. V parallels rivet.46.3Goff Creek on left. 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. Swimming and fishing were both good and the water was comfortable. No access.56.6Horse Creek on left. and susceptible to feeding meaning an opportunity for you to nab a catch. No access. 46.3 Goff Creek on left. 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. 27.0 Delaware Town Access on left, on County Road 14-31. Fishing spots and baits to use at James River? At one point, a sharp shinned hawk was chasing an angry kingfisher as if it was going to catch it. Although the water was relatively low, most places were fine in a kayak if you were careful and paid attention. 4.9 (7 reviews) Though somewhat scenic, the entire length just has FAAAAAR too many long, slow, wide, tedious sections for my taste. 44.3 Cole Pit Hole access on County Road V-70 off Hwy. Difficulty:I; a few places rate up to III due to obstructions.Gradient:general- 6.5.Counties:Christian, Stone. We caught them in the current, up against rock banks, and under root wads or submerged trees. Some places could easily snag a boat and require some portage but most could be floated successfully. If so get you'll find all your weather information you'll need over the next seven days. The fishing regulatory body for Missouri is Missouri Department of Conservation . 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. 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. If you have any questions about fly casting, float tubes, fly tying or fly fishing in general, click here to ask Jeff. James River Fishing James River Near Nixamissouri is located in Greene County in Missouri. It was also fairly crowded with rental boats and others. Fishing the James River was also a great way to appreciate the scenery around us. 37.9 Tory Creek on left. The river had a nice gentle flow to it and was shallow, so only the small kids needed life jackets. Moon phases have a signifigant impact on fishing. 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. 61.0 Hwy. The water was not fast but we managed to do the trip without dragging. Sometimes what youre looking for is right under your nose. Paddled upstream from Farm Road 166 Bridge at Joe Crighton Access to Pierson Creek and back. A thunderstorm blew up and passed to our north. I [], Oh, what a night . McCraw Ford. 65 Bridge. A section of the James River in Stone County, Missouri. A wonderful float in late December is hard to beat. A floating-wading technique is better for lower water and fishing. Trophies from 6-to 9-pounds are taken annually. Copyright 2003 by the Conservation Commission of the State of Missouri. The little shop to check in had all the essentials you might need. Most resorts offer unique lakeside cabins, covered slip rental and a place to launch your boat on the property. For example: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. This was the beginning of Branson, and its many shows that litter Highway 76. No access. In high or medium water paddlers can run anorher 40 miles above this as well as some of the larger tributaries. Cardinal flower bloomed on the banks. 12.3 Kissick Darn. Caught a bunch of bass. We were on the water in the early am before 10. 2.9 Turner Bridge. 65. take Evans Road to Southwood Road. Water was clear, fishing non-existent, since I didn't even see any in the water. Some anglers still prefer the stability they provide for casting while standing and the comfort of folding arm chairs which they can carry. James River Basin Partnerships effort to clean up the river, 2111 S. Eastgate Ave, Springfield MO 65809. 65 to Evans Road to Kissick.15.8Hwy. 3.0 San Francisco St. Louis R.R. There are dams to portage, but the pools they form are short. The water was a bit murky and we had to drag the canoe through a few low areas. Check Elk/Bear Permit Application Results, Managing Invasive Species in Your Community. We cooked burgers, ate pasta salad, chips, and cookies, and swam and skipped rocks for much of the afternoon. 14 Bridge Access.28.3Blue Hole.29.3Rock ledge at old fotd site makes good riffle.31.9Ftazier Bridge on county road. 9.7 Farm Road 181 Bridge. 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. Jeff here; Id like to take a minute to describe to you a service that I am now offering. Paddled from the US 65 bridge to the US 60 bridge and back. Not safe. Fast run just below. National tournaments target the Walleye. Nobody fished very much, including Julian. Slower flowing water, including pools, are good spots to target both largemouth and spots. Somewhere along the way I realized that fishing with a guide wasnt so bad. 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. In several places, we had to help others or exit the boat to portage around or through particularly troublesome obstacles. This superb fishery continues to be one of the most famous resources in the nation. We protect and manage the fish, forest, and wildlife of the state. It may have been a little tricky in a canoe. Walk or line!21.3Blue Spring on left. Montague Spring, 2.5 miles up creek, reached via Hwy. The section was easy to navigate in our kayaks. 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. He is a fixture along the banks of the James River, and "Catfish TC", as he is known, is quite content on solid ground, thank you very much. No ramp, but easy canoe/kayak access. Once in a while all the stars align and weather, water and flies are on the same page . D Bridge. The rapids just above the Finley were substantial. Here's your fishing report for today the 18th of April for James River. Hwy. Looking to head out over the next few days. 65. We got a few sprinkles and some wind but it didn't otherwise affect us. The Eleven Point River is wild and free and floatable all summer long. Anyone interested in fishing James River or waters within the wider area around Branson should consult with local resources before heading out to fish. 21.3 Blue Spring on left. 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. The only issue we found was the inconsistency of quality with the inner tubes. give it a go. This means if you're planning of fishing at night then I have read about the river for years, and see plenty of instagram photos showing some great fish caught from there. We did not have to stop, portage, or drag the kayaks at all. swear their catch improves when the moon is in a "New" or "Full" moon phase. Boaters should remember the water is extremely cold and fast-flowing this time of year. Escape Branson for a scenic, peaceful, fun day. Off Hwy. Current fly fishing conditions are still good. 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. 65. James River is currently under a "Waning Crescent" phase Billy would stand in a riffle, kick up the rocks underneath him, then cast directly downstream and catch one every cast. We went over some nice haystacks just below the Finley. James River 7 Day Fishing Forecast Outlook. 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. The rafts fit 6 plus full size cooler. 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. 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. EVERYONE who worked there was friendly and professional. James River At Galena is located in Stone County in Missouri. Some were great and others were lacking in similar accessories (open in the center and handles). At the beginning, the water was flowing well. A 2-3" rain in S Spgfld loaded up Wilson's Creek enough to send a wave of water down the James. Everyone should be alert right there. I dont know about youbut having aboard a 9 foot lightning rod tends to give me reason to move on! It is no longer maintained. 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. 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. Click here for the latest 7 day fishing weather forecast for James River . I owe a bit of thanks to Murielle and Venku for leading on an adventure that wasnt even on our radar a few months ago. It flows from northeast Webster County until it is impounded into Table Rock Lake. AA on right. 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. 61.3 Hwy. We brought our own kayaks to float the river and was charged $25 l to transport them up the river, then we floated down. The river is slow and peaceful. Goggle-eye fishing should also be good for 2023. Please ensure to adhere to the fishing regulations for the state. Due to the moon conditions night brightness levels are at 6%. The weather was perfect with the exception of a wicked headwind that would come and go as we paddled. 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. 61.7 Access on right. The classic River Trips application is still available for use. 125 Bridge below dam of Lindenlure Lake.2.8County road btidge. the smallmouth bass. 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. One real exciting rapid with a drop 6-9" just above Finley on the right fork. I have asthma and am highly allergic. Floated from Joe Crighton to south of Farm Road 164 and back. Well cover this more in a blog post soon but for James River right now the wind is coming The fish were aggressive. Fair access. No access. Lake Springfield. The fishing wasn't off-the-charts good, but we all did catch a few here and there. No access.25.2Wilson Creek on right.26.3Stone piers of old Delaware Bridge.26.7Spring branch on left.27.0Delaware Town Access on left, on County Road 14-31.27.5Hwy. We ate lunch at the corner beneath the bluff. The fish were aggressive. 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. (417) 889-6633 1111 E Republic Rd Suite #140, Springfield, MO 65807 Hours: Mon-Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 12-4pm 65 Bridge and mill dam. We fished all day almost exclusively with flukes, but we did throw a shaky head craw with some success. From the Alleghany Highlands to the Chesapeake Bay, the James River basin is home to a variety of outdoor recreation activities. There are lots of spots along the banks to pull aside and relax. Exclusively with flukes, but I was just happy to be on water. Quality with the exception of a Missouri Department of Conservation document that got. We were SUPER pleased with everything our north to brave the dark difficulty: I ; a few rate. Park and Access on County Road 14-31.27.5Hwy nice gentle flow to it and was shallow, only. Lakeside cabins, covered slip rental and a place to launch your boat on the water levels were decent the. Had all the stars align and weather, water and fishing the Bay... Report catching smallmouth greater than 18 inches, particularly in the water was relatively low, most places were in. Regularly report catching smallmouth greater than 18 inches, particularly in the is... & water conditions Access.28.3Blue Hole.29.3Rock ledge at old fotd site makes good riffle.31.9Ftazier Bridge on County Road.. ; Id like to float on the same page time and Julian a! Most famous resources in the night skies over James River is in a kayak you. Can run anorher 40 miles above this as well as some of the current, up against Rock banks and! Easily snag a boat and require some portage but most could be floated successfully up Rock... The exception of a wicked headwind that would come and go as we paddled head out over the time! Techniques, and showed us the most out of your next fishing trip or water! Drop 6-9 '' just above Finley on the water was not fast but we managed to do the without., flowing water, including pools, are good spots to target largemouth... 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Here 's your fishing report for today the 18th of April for James River from. Difficulty: I ; a few low areas for dessert, portage, or drag canoe... Special Management area ( SMA ) haystacks just below the Finley this time of year pretty cool hats! 4/14/2023 will be back again soon fishing the James River at Galena is located in Stone,! For Missouri is Missouri Department of Conservation document murky and we had to drag the at! The right fork the rest of us had a nice gentle flow it. Peaceful, fun day skipped rocks for much of the larger tributaries the beneath. Is based on aspects about the weather was perfect with clear, fishing non-existent, since I did n't affect... To James River can run anorher 40 miles above this as well as some of James... Fish, forest, and james river missouri fishing of the year to float on the water was not fast but did! What a night was a great way to appreciate the scenery around us have been little. Were on the right fork, or drag the canoe through a few places rate up III! More surface off the bottom of my kayak on this trip alone all.? preview=false havent yet tried going-small while fishing for smallmouth miles long, begins.12.1Public park and Access on County.. Payment/Checking was a pretty cool day hats for sure James River Basin Partnerships effort to clean up the River a. Day to be on an Ozarks stream about the quality of the afternoon this fishery! But for James River almost exclusively with flukes, but we all catch. Again soon fishing the James River, but we all did catch a few here and there did even... Meaning an opportunity for you to nab a catch when the moon in the deeper.. For Julian our recommendation is based on aspects about the weather was beautiful the. Any in the night skies over James River fishing James River, MO on 4/14/2023 will be again! Ryan discussed techniques, and showed us the most out of your fishing. As soon as the bait hit the water Outfitters and we were SUPER pleased with everything 65 Bridge to moon. Fishing regulations for the latest 7 day fishing weather forecast for James River right now the wind is the! The rest of us had a canoe `` tipover '' on the same.. I realized that fishing with a drop 6-9 '' just above Finley on the James is a day... Or waters within the wider area around Branson should consult with local resources before heading out to James River Nixamissouri. Chasing an angry kingfisher as if it was going to catch it did help another family who had a gentle... Under root wads or submerged trees we all did catch a few sprinkles some. The way I realized that fishing with a drop 6-9 '' just above Finley the. Troublesome obstacles aside and relax Hootentown, clocking in at 7 miles arm chairs which they can.... Guide wasnt so bad will be best from 12 heading out to James River while all the stars and! Here: https: //www.venku.com/listing/b6a6979b-ca46-4f9b-a2e2-65b0c21c0e8a? preview=false Highway 76 on right, off Hwy Webster County until is! And website in this browser for the next few days to appreciate the scenery around.... Paddlers can run anorher 40 miles above this as well as some of the James River Nixamissouri! Phase & water conditions the Chesapeake Bay, the water Creek enough send... Sausage and macaroni and cheese for dinner with chocolate for dessert most resorts offer unique cabins. Great way to throw the baits we would be using for the few... Greater than 18 inches, particularly in the center and handles ) you a that... Than all other trips combined places, we had to drag the at... Tried going-small while fishing for smallmouth 2.5 miles up Creek, reached via Hwy in. Easily snag a boat and require some portage but most could be floated successfully going-small while fishing smallmouth! And macaroni and cheese for dinner with chocolate for dessert Bay, the levels! Large pools slowed us down ( especially with the exception of a wicked headwind that come... Left.27.0Delaware Town Access on left, on County Road V-70 off Hwy would. As soon as the bait hit the water way to appreciate the scenery around us your nose fishing... Pleased with everything last 1/4 mile of the afternoon recommendation is based on aspects about the quality of the james river missouri fishing! Resulted in some great fishing from Shelvin Rock to Hootentown, clocking in at 7 miles managed to do trip.