Submit a New Trip| State | Missouri | Latest | Good (313 cfs) | |
| River | James River | Rating | Observed | Estimated |
| Updated | 2025-11-02 1:15 (57 minutes ago) | Flood - The river is flooding. Obstacles can be treacherous or deadly. The river should be avoided at this stage for casual trips and definitely for the inexperienced. Trips should be attempted only with protective gear and equipment.Flood | 3000 | 3780 |
| Discharge | 313 cfs (median: 229 cfs) | High - The river is high and potentially dangerous, especially for the young and / or inexperienced. Normal stream obstacles are sometimes difficult to navigate. Extended distances can be attempted, but canoe travel may not be advisable.High | (none) | 912 |
| Height | 4.66 feet | Good - Conditions are ideal for a canoe or kayak. Boats typically will drag on fewer than one-quarter of riffles, if at all, and portages are unnecessary or rare. Normal float lengths can be attempted without a problem.Good | 180 | 575 |
| Trend | Falling (falling over 24 hours) | Low - River is low but can still be floated. Some riffles are okay but most come with significant dragging and might need a portage. Float lengths should be reduced to accommodate low flow, dragging, and portages.Low | (none) | 355 |
| USGS | USGS Site ( Duck Duck Go Maps) | Poor - River is too low to float comfortably. Most or all riffles will drag or must be portaged and some obstacles (such as slick shelf rock) cause undue problems. Avoid the river at this stage for casual paddling trips.Poor | (none) | 97 |
| Date | Start | End | Distance | Condition | Discharge | Height | Fishing | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 2015-07-25 | Hootentown | Kerr | Total trip distance: 16.9 miles16.9 | High | 2330 | 6.29 | None | None Edmond, BrianEth, Joe  Although the river didn't seem high at all, we didn't encounter a still pool the entire day. We started at 1030 and ended at 1630, but we only stopped a few times. USGS Gauge Data:Galena (07052500)Discharge: 2330 Height: 6.29  Source: Edmond |
| 2019-12-25 | Kerr | Cox | Total trip distance: 4.8 miles4.8 | Good | 937 | 4.37 | None | None Bartlett, Ashes Bartlett, Isaak Bartlett, Joe Bartlett, Renee A short Christmas Float on a beautiful sunny day. The weather was perfect with the exception of a wicked headwind that would come and go as we paddled. Ashes did okay for her very first float in a kayak. USGS Gauge Data:Galena (07052500)Discharge: 937 Height: 4.37 Source: Bartlett |
| 2017-06-10 | Crane Creek | Cox | Total trip distance: 10.4 miles8.4 | Good | 920 | 5.66 | Poor | None Van Someren, Tom Williams, Sarah Wilson, Ryan Wilson, Shiree Put in just before 1000, took out at Cox Access in Galena right at 1730. The James was flowing very nicely. Fishing utterly sucked, mostly due to WAAAAAY too many people taking advantage of the gorgeous day outside. 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. USGS Gauge Data:Galena (07052500)Discharge: 920 Height: 5.66 Source: Van Someren |
| 2021-07-25 | Shelvin Rock | Hootentown | Total trip distance: 6.2 miles6.2 | Good | 467 | 4.26 | Poor | None Brown, Lucy Hesington, Craig Milligan, Jane Mohr, Lelly Romano, David Romano, Hannah Van Someren, Tom Wantland, Larry This was billed as a "Meet Your Officers & River Clean-up" float for the River Access Coalition group. The weather was great (despite a very brief thundershower) and the water was flowing nicely. So naturally so were the number of other outdoor enthusiasts on the river. It wasn't a full-on Schmuck-a-rama, but the number of people the Hooten Town outfitters was releasing into the river, it was close. Still, an enjoyable day was had on the DoJ. USGS Gauge Data:Galena (07052500)Discharge: 467 Height: 4.26 Source: Van Someren |
| 2019-09-06 | Kerr | Cox | Total trip distance: 4.8 miles4.8 | Good | 417 | 4.21 | Fair | SMB Bartlett, Isaak Bartlett, Joe Bartlett, Renee Jones, Marianne Van Someren, Andrea Van Someren, Tom Despite this float being on the DoJ (and literally finding a Port-a-Potty outhouse IN the river!), it was a great day to be on an Ozarks stream. The water was clear and gently moving along. The fishing wasn't off-the-charts good, but we all did catch a few here and there. There was one tree down about 1.5 miles up from Cox requiring us to do an easy portage around it. USGS Gauge Data:Galena (07052500)Discharge: 417 Height: 4.21 Source: Van Someren |
| 2020-07-24 | Kerr | Cox | Total trip distance: 4.8 miles4.8 | Good | 394 | 4.67 | Fair | LSF SMB Feistner, JFeistner, S Rush, S Schroeppel, B Schroeppel, K River level was just about perfect. James River Outfitters assisted us in kayak rental and shuttling of one of our kayaks. River was a bit crowded, especially for a weekday. If you want to avoid the crowds, consider going Monday through Thursday. We took our time, enjoyed the water, and made the float last about 4.5 hours. Great day on the river. USGS Gauge Data:Galena (07052500)Discharge: 394 Height: 4.67 Source: Feistner |
| 2019-07-27 | Shelvin Rock | Hootentown | Total trip distance: 6.2 miles6.2 | Good | 370 | 4.20 | Poor | BLG RB SMB Bartlett, IsaakBartlett, Joe Bartlett, Renee Chalumba, Claude Dean, Dizzy Garrison, Roxanne Jones, Marianne Van Someren, Andrea Van Someren, Tom 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. At almost no point during the day could one not see at least a dozen kayaks either up or down stream from us. Regardless, it was a wonderful day to be outside on the river (even the DoJ) and everyone had a great time. USGS Gauge Data:Galena (07052500)Discharge: 370 Height: 4.20 Source: Van Someren |
| 2016-02-28 | Kerr | Cox | Total trip distance: 4.8 miles4.8 | Good | 369 | 4.48 | Poor | None Amburn, Andrea Amburn, Matt Edmond, Brian Edmond, Julian Ficarra, Serena Turk, Scott Van Someren, Tom It was very windy and cloudy for nearly the entire time, making for an unpleasant float. Nobody fished very much, including Julian. USGS Gauge Data:Galena (07052500)Discharge: 369 Height: 4.48 Source: Edmond |
| 2020-07-25 | Kerr | Cox | Total trip distance: 4.8 miles4.8 | Good | 361 | 4.57 | Fair | LSF SMB Feistner, JFeistner, S Rush, S Schroeppel, B Schroeppel, K River level was just about perfect. James River Outfitters assisted us in kayak rental and shuttling of one of our kayaks. River was a bit crowded, especially for a weekday. If you want to avoid the crowds, consider going Monday through Thursday. We took our time, enjoyed the water, and made the float last about 4.5 hours. Great day on the river. USGS Gauge Data:Galena (07052500)Discharge: 361 Height: 4.57 Source: Feistner |
| 2018-06-10 | Kerr | Cox | Total trip distance: 4.8 miles4.8 | Good | 346 | 4.23 | Good | SMB Aliaga, Rut Brame, Erika Brame, Joon Edmond, Alex Edmond, Brian Edmond, Julian Gerhardt, Kyle Gerhardt, Megan Larsen, Chris Larsen, Lisa Van Someren, Andrea Van Someren, Tom Wilson, Ryan This section of the James was relatively fast-moving given the very low rainfall we've had. It was also fairly crowded with rental boats and others. Swimming and fishing were both good and the water was comfortable. Chris and I cut up a tree obstruction on one particularly tricky run. USGS Gauge Data:Galena (07052500)Discharge: 346 Height: 4.23 Source: Edmond |
| 2025-07-30 | Kerr | Cox | Total trip distance: 4.8 miles4.8 | Good | 343 | 4.65 | None | Blaisdell, Beth Copeland, Bryan Edmond, Brian Van Someren, Andrea Van Someren, Tom This is the standard "go-to" section of the James that is floatable year-round. Bryan and Andrea had the day off and wanted to spend the day floating. Beth and I joined them and Tom for the day. There were several groups out but it was not crowded at all. We spent a very leisurely day paddling this short and slow run. The water level was good with no portage necessary unless you weren't paying attention to the channel. Lunch was a potluck of lots of snacks. We stopped to swim at least four times. The water temperature was perfect for a refreshing but not cold swim and we spent a lot of time just sitting in the water. The temperature was very hot and mostly sunny but we did hear some thunder in the late afternoon and it clouded up a few times. We hit some rainy roads on the way back home. USGS Gauge Data:Galena (07052500)Discharge: 343 Height: 4.65 Source: Edmond |
| 2017-03-20 | Kerr | Galena | Total trip distance: 5.0 miles5.0 | Low | 319 | 4.03 | Good | RSF SMB Amburn, AndreaLarsen, Chris Larsen, Lisa No notes for this trip USGS Gauge Data:Galena (07052500)Discharge: 319 Height: 4.03 Source: Amburn |
| 2020-08-09 | Kerr | Cox | Total trip distance: 4.8 miles4.8 | Good | 306 | 4.41 | Poor | None Eakins, Danielle Edmond, Alex Edmond, Brian Edmond, Julian Eth, Joe Van Someren, Andrea Van Someren, Tom This was a lazy summer trip with low (but acceptable) water levels. The water was clear and flowing slowly with only a few faster riffles. 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. Julian paddled his own boat and spent his time back and forth between our different boats. He also swam a lot with his boat in tow. USGS Gauge Data:Galena (07052500)Discharge: 306 Height: 4.41 Source: Edmond |
| 2022-08-14 | Kerr | Cox | Total trip distance: 4.8 miles4.8 | Good | 286 | 4.29 | Poor | None Blaisdell, Beth Copeland, Bryan Copeland, Rhonda Edmond, Brian Edmond, Joseph Edmond, Julian Van Someren, Andrea Van Someren, Tom 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. We cooked burgers, ate pasta salad, chips, and cookies, and swam and skipped rocks for much of the afternoon. Around 1400 hours, we pushed off to finish the journey but stopped a few times to swim and relax. The water level was a little low in spots but still warrants a "Good" rating. Several others were on the river due to the hot weather. 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. USGS Gauge Data:Galena (07052500)Discharge: 286 Height: 4.29 Source: Edmond |
| 2014-07-20 | Kerr | Cox | Total trip distance: 4.8 miles4.8 | Good | 277 | 3.13 | Poor | None Bowe, Ann Bowe, Michelle Bowe, Mike Edmond, Brian Edmond, Julian James River Outfitters had quite a few boats and inner tubes on the river. Despite the short distance, the low current, heat, and sunny conditions were a bit much for Michelle's folks. USGS Gauge Data:Galena (07052500)Discharge: 277 Height: 3.13 Source: Edmond |
| 2020-08-14 | Kerr | Cox | Total trip distance: 4.8 miles4.8 | Good | 274 | 4.32 | Great | KSB LMB RB SMB Barton, AdamBrumfield, Josh The river was perfect for fishing and floating with only a few places were we had to hop out and drag our kayaks. I caught my personal best smallmouth at just over 15" and Josh caught a 3lb spotted bass near Galena. 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. USGS Gauge Data:Galena (07052500)Discharge: 274 Height: 4.32 Source: Barton |
| 2024-08-16 | Kerr | Cox | Total trip distance: 4.8 miles4.8 | Low | 272 | 4.13 | None | None Abney, Dawn Carpenter, David Van Someren, Andrea Van Someren, Tom This was a hastily thrown together float for Andrea's out-of-town cousins. With no significant rain happening in the previous weeks, our only option was the lower DoJ. We got on the river late (1330 hours) and I was surprised that we didn't see all that many other kayakers taking advantage of the hot summer day. We took out at 1730 hours. USGS Gauge Data:Galena (07052500)Discharge: 272 Height: 4.13 Source: Van Someren |
| 2022-08-28 | Kerr | Cox | Total trip distance: 4.8 miles4.8 | Good | 259 | 4.22 | None | None Bower, James Edmond, Alex Edmond, Brian Edmond, Joseph Edmond, Julian Vaughn, Parker Watson, Jared This was a good trip, as always. It was Parker's first time on a float trip and in a kayak. We ate lunch at the corner beneath the bluff. A thunderstorm blew up and passed to our north. We got a few sprinkles and some wind but it didn't otherwise affect us. We stopped to swim in a few different places. USGS Gauge Data:Galena (07052500)Discharge: 259 Height: 4.22 Source: Edmond |
| 2018-08-12 | Kerr | Cox | Total trip distance: 4.8 miles4.8 | Good | 244 | 4.28 | None | RB Edmond, Brian Edmond, Julian Van Someren, Andrea Van Someren, Tom A 2-3" rain in S Spgfld loaded up Wilson's Creek enough to send a wave of water down the James. We caught the very tail end of it on this trip. The water was not fast but we managed to do the trip without dragging. The water was comfortable for swimming. There were a lot of boats on the water, primarily from rentals along the river. USGS Gauge Data:Galena (07052500)Discharge: 244 Height: 4.28 Source: Edmond |
| 1998-07-05 | Kerr | Galena | Total trip distance: 5.0 miles5.0 | Good | 232 | None | None Edmond, Alex Edmond, Brian Edmond, Kellie Edmond, Joseph No notes for this trip USGS Gauge Data:Galena (07052500)Discharge: 232 Height: Source: Edmond |
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| 2020-08-23 | Kerr | Cox | Total trip distance: 4.8 miles4.8 | Good | 231 | 4.19 | None | None Feistner, J Feistner, S Feistner, S First thing I'll mention is that the gauge has evidently been messed up at Galena. The float level today was on the lower end of "good" and that is what is has been for about a month. Some of the earlier floats showed a level in the upper end of good. Not correct. 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. Still areas of the river were pretty slow. As always, good float. USGS Gauge Data:Galena (07052500)Discharge: 231 Height: 4.19 Source: Feistner |
| 2018-01-14 | Kerr | Y Bridge | Total trip distance: 5.2 miles5.2 | Good | 219 | 4.50 | None | None Larsen, Chris Schlager, Mark Travers, Lisa Tuter, Kristen Heavy snow during early afternoon. USGS Gauge Data:Galena (07052500)Discharge: 219 Height: 4.50 Source: Larsen |
| 1998-07-19 | Shelvin Rock | Hootentown | Total trip distance: 6.2 miles6.2 | Good | 194 | None | None Edmond, Alex Edmond, Brian Edmond, Kellie Edmond, Joseph No notes for this trip USGS Gauge Data:Galena (07052500)Discharge: 194 Height: Source: Edmond |
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| 2016-12-26 | Kerr | Cox | Total trip distance: 4.8 miles4.8 | Good | 184 | 3.63 | Poor | None Acharya, Sreekanth Amburn, Andrea Edmond, Brian Van Someren, Tom Although the water was relatively low, most places were fine in a kayak if you were careful and paid attention. At the beginning, the water was flowing well. As we neared the end, several large pools slowed us down (especially with the wind). Another couple taking out at Kerr said their canoe dragged along in several places. USGS Gauge Data:Galena (07052500)Discharge: 184 Height: 3.63 Source: Edmond |
| 2017-10-08 | Cox | Galena Landing | Total trip distance: 3.9 miles3.9 | Good | 178 | 4.17 | Fair | GSF SMB Dudenhoeffer, ReaganDudenhoeffer, Todd Edmond, Brian Van Someren, Andrea Van Someren, Tom The lake level was at 916.41 but we were in a still pool for the last mile of the trip. For future trips, the level should be lower if one expects to get a current for the entire trip. USGS Gauge Data:Galena (07052500)Discharge: 178 Height: 4.17 Source: Edmond |
| 2020-10-10 | Kerr | Cox | Total trip distance: 4.8 miles4.8 | Good | 148 | 4.02 | Poor | RB SMB Bartlett, ReneeJones, Marianne Van Someren, Tom Perfect weather made this an exceptional October float. While the water was low and we had a few places where we dragged, we did not have to exit our boats. While we had little luck actually catching any fish, the water was crystal clear and the fish sightings were abundant. USGS Gauge Data:Galena (07052500)Discharge: 148 Height: 4.02 Source: Bartlett |
| 2025-09-19 | Kerr | Cox | Total trip distance: 4.8 miles4.8 | Good | 145 | 4.15 | Poor | None Blaisdell, Beth Carpenter, Allie Edmond, Brian Van Someren, Andrea Van Someren, Tom This was a float organized specifically for Allie, Andrea's cousin, visiting from Virginia. Very few people were out today. We saw three other groups the entire time we were out and pretty much had the entire length of the river to ourselves. The water here was about as low and slow as we've ever experienced on this stretch but we had the whole day and spent a lot of time just lounging. Lunch was fresh fruit, cucumbers, rivercado, deer sausage, cheddar cheese, chips, and crackers. The day was partly sunny and the temperature was high enough that we sought shade at times. The clouds were perfectly puffy and white and we even got a few sprinkles towards the end of the day. Fossiliferous was the word of the day. We got on the river at about 1100 hours and finished about 1730 hours. USGS Gauge Data:Galena (07052500)Discharge: 145 Height: 4.15 Source: Edmond |
A total of 27 rows are displayed.
| Miles | 149.4 |
| Trips | 27 |
| People | 63 |
| Dates | 27 |
| Years | 12 |
| Months | 9 |
| Rows | 27 |
| Sources | 7 |
BLG - Bluegill CCF - Channel Catfish CP - Chain Pickerel FWD - Freshwater Drum GSF - Green Sunfish KSB - Kentucky Spotted Bass LMB - Largemouth Bass LSF - Longear Sunfish RB - Rock Bass / Goggle Eye RSF - Redear Sunfish RT - Rainbow Trout SMB - Smallmouth Bass WB - White Bass WF - Whitefish WL - WalleyeThe classic River Trips application is still available for use. It is updated with the new system using a data retrofit. It is no longer maintained. The original River Trips application is no longer updated (as of 1 Dec 2016) but can be checked for errors or for the condition of the data before it was converted to the new system.
| Observation | Height | Discharge | Maximum Discharge | Minimum Discharge | Mean Discharge | P05 | P10 | P20 | P25 | P50 (Median) | P75 | P80 | P90 | P95 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-11-02 01:15 | 4.66 | 313 | 23200 (1973) | 57 (1954) | 906 | 87 | 106 | 141 | 150 | 229 | 716 | 784 | 1730 | 3930 |
| 2025-11-02 00:15 | 4.67 | 317 | 23200 (1973) | 57 (1954) | 906 | 87 | 106 | 141 | 150 | 229 | 716 | 784 | 1730 | 3930 |
| 2025-11-01 23:15 | 4.67 | 317 | 23200 (1973) | 57 (1954) | 906 | 87 | 106 | 141 | 150 | 229 | 716 | 784 | 1730 | 3930 |
| 2025-11-01 22:15 | 4.68 | 322 | 14700 (1942) | 57 (1954) | 740 | 87 | 103 | 139 | 147 | 225 | 480 | 864 | 1310 | 2450 |
| 2025-11-01 21:15 | 4.68 | 322 | 14700 (1942) | 57 (1954) | 740 | 87 | 103 | 139 | 147 | 225 | 480 | 864 | 1310 | 2450 |
| 2025-11-01 20:15 | 4.69 | 327 | 14700 (1942) | 57 (1954) | 740 | 87 | 103 | 139 | 147 | 225 | 480 | 864 | 1310 | 2450 |
| 2025-11-01 19:15 | 4.69 | 327 | 14700 (1942) | 57 (1954) | 740 | 87 | 103 | 139 | 147 | 225 | 480 | 864 | 1310 | 2450 |
| 2025-11-01 18:15 | 4.69 | 327 | 14700 (1942) | 57 (1954) | 740 | 87 | 103 | 139 | 147 | 225 | 480 | 864 | 1310 | 2450 |
| 2025-11-01 17:15 | 4.69 | 327 | 14700 (1942) | 57 (1954) | 740 | 87 | 103 | 139 | 147 | 225 | 480 | 864 | 1310 | 2450 |
| 2025-11-01 16:15 | 4.70 | 331 | 14700 (1942) | 57 (1954) | 740 | 87 | 103 | 139 | 147 | 225 | 480 | 864 | 1310 | 2450 |
| 2025-11-01 15:15 | 4.70 | 331 | 14700 (1942) | 57 (1954) | 740 | 87 | 103 | 139 | 147 | 225 | 480 | 864 | 1310 | 2450 |
| 2025-11-01 14:15 | 4.70 | 331 | 14700 (1942) | 57 (1954) | 740 | 87 | 103 | 139 | 147 | 225 | 480 | 864 | 1310 | 2450 |
| 2025-11-01 13:15 | 4.71 | 336 | 14700 (1942) | 57 (1954) | 740 | 87 | 103 | 139 | 147 | 225 | 480 | 864 | 1310 | 2450 |
| 2025-11-01 12:15 | 4.71 | 336 | 14700 (1942) | 57 (1954) | 740 | 87 | 103 | 139 | 147 | 225 | 480 | 864 | 1310 | 2450 |
| 2025-11-01 11:15 | 4.71 | 336 | 14700 (1942) | 57 (1954) | 740 | 87 | 103 | 139 | 147 | 225 | 480 | 864 | 1310 | 2450 |
| 2025-11-01 10:15 | 4.71 | 336 | 14700 (1942) | 57 (1954) | 740 | 87 | 103 | 139 | 147 | 225 | 480 | 864 | 1310 | 2450 |
| 2025-11-01 09:15 | 4.72 | 341 | 14700 (1942) | 57 (1954) | 740 | 87 | 103 | 139 | 147 | 225 | 480 | 864 | 1310 | 2450 |
| 2025-11-01 08:15 | 4.72 | 341 | 14700 (1942) | 57 (1954) | 740 | 87 | 103 | 139 | 147 | 225 | 480 | 864 | 1310 | 2450 |
| 2025-11-01 07:15 | 4.72 | 341 | 14700 (1942) | 57 (1954) | 740 | 87 | 103 | 139 | 147 | 225 | 480 | 864 | 1310 | 2450 |
| 2025-11-01 06:15 | 4.73 | 346 | 14700 (1942) | 57 (1954) | 740 | 87 | 103 | 139 | 147 | 225 | 480 | 864 | 1310 | 2450 |
| 2025-11-01 05:15 | 4.73 | 346 | 14700 (1942) | 57 (1954) | 740 | 87 | 103 | 139 | 147 | 225 | 480 | 864 | 1310 | 2450 |
| 2025-11-01 04:15 | 4.73 | 346 | 14700 (1942) | 57 (1954) | 740 | 87 | 103 | 139 | 147 | 225 | 480 | 864 | 1310 | 2450 |
| 2025-11-01 03:15 | 4.73 | 346 | 14700 (1942) | 57 (1954) | 740 | 87 | 103 | 139 | 147 | 225 | 480 | 864 | 1310 | 2450 |
| 2025-11-01 02:15 | 4.74 | 351 | 14700 (1942) | 57 (1954) | 740 | 87 | 103 | 139 | 147 | 225 | 480 | 864 | 1310 | 2450 |
| 2025-11-01 01:15 | 4.74 | 351 | 14700 (1942) | 57 (1954) | 740 | 87 | 103 | 139 | 147 | 225 | 480 | 864 | 1310 | 2450 |
| 2025-11-01 00:15 | 4.75 | 356 | 14700 (1942) | 57 (1954) | 740 | 87 | 103 | 139 | 147 | 225 | 480 | 864 | 1310 | 2450 |
| 2025-10-31 23:15 | 4.75 | 356 | 14700 (1942) | 57 (1954) | 740 | 87 | 103 | 139 | 147 | 225 | 480 | 864 | 1310 | 2450 |
A total of 27 rows are displayed for years 1922 through 2024.