Jacks Fork River (Missouri)

StateMissouri
RiverJacks Fork River
NotesThe upper Jacks Fork River is normally accessible only in the spring or fall (or rarely after a summer or winter storm with ample rainfall). The Buck Hollow gauge typically needs a minimum of 1.8 foot for a day trip and 2.4 foot for a camping trip. (Note from Ted Haviland.)
LinksExternal site icon Duck Duck Go Search
External site icon National Park Service
External site icon Missouri Canoe and Floater's Association
External site icon A Paddler's Guide to Missouri
External site icon A Float Trip Blog from the Midwest
External site icon Ozark Adventures
Download icon KML
Gauges
Mountain View (07065200) Currently unknown (12 cfs) and steady
Alley Spring (07065495) Currently poor (48 cfs) and falling
Eminence (07066000) Currently poor (180 cfs) and steady
View all gauges

Trips for Jacks Fork River (Missouri)

DateStartEndDistanceConditionGaugeDischargeHeightFishingDetails
Click for details2020-06-04 Lost Hollow (B) Allen Branch (B) Total trip distance: 32.5 miles12.3 Good Alley Spring (07065495) 447 3.44 Poor RB
SMBRB, SMB Bartlett, Stephanie
Edmond, Brian
Van Someren, TomBartlett, Stephanie; Edmond, Brian; Van Someren, Tom This day started out with an early morning thunderstorm that finished raining around 0900 hours. We got a late and wet start but managed to push off the gravel bar by 1100 hours. The water flow was very good through this stretch at this level although there were still a few places where we dragged. We ran into Ron White's group at Chalk Bluff today and got further confirmation of a positive identification. We commented on their massive amount of gear and Ron stated that the circus had come to town. He didn't have a drink and cigar but he was headed to a cooler to get one. This day started out with an early morning thunderstorm that finished raining around 0900 hours. We got a late and wet start but managed to push off the gravel bar by 1100 hours. The water flow was very good through this stretch at this level although there were still a few places where we dragged. We ran into Ron White's group at Chalk Bluff today and got further confirmation of a positive identification. We commented on their massive amount of gear and Ron stated that the circus had come to town. He didn't have a drink and cigar but he was headed to a cooler to get one. USGS Gauge Data:
Alley Spring (07065495)
Discharge: 447
Height: 3.44<b>USGS Gauge Data:</b></br />Alley Spring (07065495)<br />Discharge: 447<br />Height: 3.44 Source: EdmondSource: Edmond
Click for details2020-06-05 Allen Branch (B) Alley Spring Total trip distance: 32.5 miles4.7 Good Alley Spring (07065495) 421 3.38 Poor RB
SMBRB, SMB Bartlett, Stephanie
Edmond, Brian
Van Someren, TomBartlett, Stephanie; Edmond, Brian; Van Someren, Tom We had more rain this morning but it wasn't the deluge we'd had before. We didn't get an early start since we only had a few miles to go. This day was marked by two significant snake sightings. The first was a erythristic common watersnake, which was neat enough. When I posted this on Facebook later, someone else posted the same colored snake from a different observer. It turns out it was the exact same snake, verified because it was basking on the exact same log. Less than a mile away, Stephanie and I were looking at some flowering shrubs halfway up a bluff. We paddled over to get a better look, not paying attention to the rocks below. Without realizing it, I had paddled Stephanie to within a foot of a basking cottonmouth. Had it been inclined, it could have tagged her hand, which was resting on the side of the canoe. Luckily, it was merely annoyed at our presence. The water flow was fine through this section but the river widened and flattened quite a bit as well. We agreed that the section below Bay Creek just wasn't as scenic and desirable as the upper sections of the river.We had more rain this morning but it wasn't the deluge we'd had before. We didn't get an early start since we only had a few miles to go. This day was marked by two significant snake sightings. The first was a erythristic common watersnake, which was neat enough. When I posted this on Facebook later, someone else posted the same colored snake from a different observer. It turns out it was the exact same snake, verified because it was basking on the exact same log. Less than a mile away, Stephanie and I were looking at some flowering shrubs halfway up a bluff. We paddled over to get a better look, not paying attention to the rocks below. Without realizing it, I had paddled Stephanie to within a foot of a basking cottonmouth. Had it been inclined, it could have tagged her hand, which was resting on the side of the canoe. Luckily, it was merely annoyed at our presence. The water flow was fine through this section but the river widened and flattened quite a bit as well. We agreed that the section below Bay Creek just wasn't as scenic and desirable as the upper sections of the river. USGS Gauge Data:
Alley Spring (07065495)
Discharge: 421
Height: 3.38<b>USGS Gauge Data:</b></br />Alley Spring (07065495)<br />Discharge: 421<br />Height: 3.38 Source: EdmondSource: Edmond
Click for details2004-06-19 Bay Creek Eminence Total trip distance: 12.1 miles12.1 Good Alley Spring (07065495) 154 2.46 None NoneNone Ballard, Christina
Ballard, Kevin
Ballard, Paige
Ballard, Webb
Blackford, Alicia
Blackford, Eric
Brocaille, Justin
Edmond, Alex
Edmond, Brent
Edmond, Brian
Edmond, Joseph
Ince, Brianne
Ince, Seth
Lehenbauer, Brenna
Sutter, Colby
Wilson, JessicaBallard, Christina; Ballard, Kevin; Ballard, Paige; Ballard, Webb; Blackford, Alicia; Blackford, Eric; Brocaille, Justin; Edmond, Alex; Edmond, Brent; Edmond, Brian; Edmond, Joseph; Ince, Brianne; Ince, Seth; Lehenbauer, Brenna; Sutter, Colby; Wilson, Jessica No notes for this trip<i>No notes for this trip</i> USGS Gauge Data:
Alley Spring (07065495)
Discharge: 154
Height: 2.46<b>USGS Gauge Data:</b></br />Alley Spring (07065495)<br />Discharge: 154<br />Height: 2.46 Source: EdmondSource: Edmond
Click for details2024-04-22 Alley Spring (A) Shawnee Creek (B) Total trip distance: 162.8 miles25.8 Good Alley Spring (07065495) 124 1.63 None NoneNone Turner, SkipTurner, Skip ONSR boundary-to-boundary day 8. River camped below Shawnee Creek. All drops above Alley Spring required poling and/or lining. Water level significantly improved at Alley Spring. Still some scraping, but only had to pole and/or line a couple of drops.ONSR boundary-to-boundary day 8. River camped below Shawnee Creek. All drops above Alley Spring required poling and/or lining. Water level significantly improved at Alley Spring. Still some scraping, but only had to pole and/or line a couple of drops. USGS Gauge Data:
Alley Spring (07065495)
Discharge: 124
Height: 1.63<b>USGS Gauge Data:</b></br />Alley Spring (07065495)<br />Discharge: 124<br />Height: 1.63 Source: TurnerSource: Turner
Click for details2022-07-06 Alley Spring Emminence Total trip distance: 7.0 miles7.0 Good Alley Spring (07065495) 107 2.45 None NoneNone Turner, Skip
Turner, PollyTurner, Skip; Turner, Polly Windy's suggested water levels too low above Alley SpringWindy's suggested water levels too low above Alley Spring USGS Gauge Data:
Alley Spring (07065495)
Discharge: 107
Height: 2.45<b>USGS Gauge Data:</b></br />Alley Spring (07065495)<br />Discharge: 107<br />Height: 2.45 Source: TurnerSource: Turner
Click for details2023-10-06 Bay Creek Alley Spring Total trip distance: 27.9 miles5.8 Low Alley Spring (07065495) 61 1.52 Poor NoneNone Fillmore, Brian
Miller, RussFillmore, Brian; Miller, Russ Water was low. Pretty much every riffle stopped the boats but we were able to pole our way through them. No portages!Water was low. Pretty much every riffle stopped the boats but we were able to pole our way through them. No portages! USGS Gauge Data:
Alley Spring (07065495)
Discharge: 61
Height: 1.52<b>USGS Gauge Data:</b></br />Alley Spring (07065495)<br />Discharge: 61<br />Height: 1.52 Source: FillmoreSource: Fillmore
Click for details1997-09-07 Alley Spring Eminence Total trip distance: 6.3 miles6.3 Good Alley Spring (07065495) 57 None NoneNone Edmond, Brian
Edmond, Kellie
Edmond, JosephEdmond, Brian; Edmond, Kellie; Edmond, Joseph No notes for this trip<i>No notes for this trip</i> USGS Gauge Data:
Alley Spring (07065495)
Discharge: 57
Height: <b>USGS Gauge Data:</b></br />Alley Spring (07065495)<br />Discharge: 57<br />Height: Source: EdmondSource: Edmond
Click for details2016-10-22 Eminence Shawnee Creek Total trip distance: 8.0 miles4.6 Good Eminence (07066000) 241 2.23 Fair SMBSMB Fillmore, Allie
Fillmore, Brian
Fillmore, Jenny
Fillmore, Keith
Fillmore, RebeccaFillmore, Allie; Fillmore, Brian; Fillmore, Jenny; Fillmore, Keith; Fillmore, Rebecca No notes for this trip<i>No notes for this trip</i> USGS Gauge Data:
Eminence (07066000)
Discharge: 241
Height: 2.23<b>USGS Gauge Data:</b></br />Eminence (07066000)<br />Discharge: 241<br />Height: 2.23 Source: FillmoreSource: Fillmore
Click for details2024-04-23 Shawnee Creek (B) Two Rivers Total trip distance: 162.8 miles2.0 Good Eminence (07066000) 236 1.98 None NoneNone Turner, SkipTurner, Skip ONSR boundary-to-boundary day 9. Finished Jacks Fork and back on the Current.ONSR boundary-to-boundary day 9. Finished Jacks Fork and back on the Current. USGS Gauge Data:
Eminence (07066000)
Discharge: 236
Height: 1.98<b>USGS Gauge Data:</b></br />Eminence (07066000)<br />Discharge: 236<br />Height: 1.98 Source: TurnerSource: Turner
Click for details2016-10-23 Shawnee Creek Two Rivers Total trip distance: 8.0 miles3.4 Good Eminence (07066000) 234 2.22 Fair SMBSMB Fillmore, Allie
Fillmore, Brian
Fillmore, Jenny
Fillmore, Keith
Fillmore, RebeccaFillmore, Allie; Fillmore, Brian; Fillmore, Jenny; Fillmore, Keith; Fillmore, Rebecca No notes for this trip<i>No notes for this trip</i> USGS Gauge Data:
Eminence (07066000)
Discharge: 234
Height: 2.22<b>USGS Gauge Data:</b></br />Eminence (07066000)<br />Discharge: 234<br />Height: 2.22 Source: FillmoreSource: Fillmore
Click for details2023-10-07 Alley Spring Eminence Total trip distance: 27.9 miles5.8 Good Eminence (07066000) 183 1.88 Poor NoneNone Fillmore, Brian
Fillmore, Rebecca
Fillmore, Tristan
Fillmore, Vivien
Javorsek, Rachel
Miller, RussFillmore, Brian; Fillmore, Rebecca; Fillmore, Tristan; Fillmore, Vivien; Javorsek, Rachel; Miller, Russ We had a great float. Fishing was tough. It was Tristan's first float and Vivien's first time with her own kayak.We had a great float. Fishing was tough. It was Tristan's first float and Vivien's first time with her own kayak. USGS Gauge Data:
Eminence (07066000)
Discharge: 183
Height: 1.88<b>USGS Gauge Data:</b></br />Eminence (07066000)<br />Discharge: 183<br />Height: 1.88 Source: FillmoreSource: Fillmore
Click for details2023-10-08 Eminence Shawnee Creek Total trip distance: 27.9 miles4.6 Good Eminence (07066000) 177 1.86 Fair SMBSMB Fillmore, Brian
Miller, RussFillmore, Brian; Miller, Russ No notes for this trip<i>No notes for this trip</i> USGS Gauge Data:
Eminence (07066000)
Discharge: 177
Height: 1.86<b>USGS Gauge Data:</b></br />Eminence (07066000)<br />Discharge: 177<br />Height: 1.86 Source: FillmoreSource: Fillmore
Click for details2023-10-09 Shawnee Creek Two Rivers Total trip distance: 27.9 miles2.7 Good Eminence (07066000) 174 1.85 Poor NoneNone Fillmore, Brian
Miller, RussFillmore, Brian; Miller, Russ No notes for this trip<i>No notes for this trip</i> USGS Gauge Data:
Eminence (07066000)
Discharge: 174
Height: 1.85<b>USGS Gauge Data:</b></br />Eminence (07066000)<br />Discharge: 174<br />Height: 1.85 Source: FillmoreSource: Fillmore
Click for details2020-05-31 Buck Hollow Rymers Total trip distance: 9.4 miles9.4 Good Mountain View (07065200) 253 2.20 Great RB
SMBRB, SMB Barton, Brooke
Pendergraft, Jonathan
Pendergraft, LaurelBarton, Brooke; Pendergraft, Jonathan; Pendergraft, Laurel Beautiful day on the river with the family. Caught a ton of rock bass along the boulders and smallmouth in the edges of the current.Beautiful day on the river with the family. Caught a ton of rock bass along the boulders and smallmouth in the edges of the current. USGS Gauge Data:
Mountain View (07065200)
Discharge: 253
Height: 2.20<b>USGS Gauge Data:</b></br />Mountain View (07065200)<br />Discharge: 253<br />Height: 2.20 Source: BartonSource: Barton
Click for details2020-06-02 Prongs VFW Campground (A) Total trip distance: 32.5 miles4.3 Good Mountain View (07065200) 183 1.89 Fair GSF
SMBGSF, SMB Bartlett, Stephanie
Edmond, Brian
Van Someren, TomBartlett, Stephanie; Edmond, Brian; Van Someren, Tom The water level on this stretch was just barely good enough for a "Good" rating. I wouldn't want to float it any lower. This section of the river wasn't particularly scenic (compared to further downstream). Our time on the river this day was basically a gorgeous evening float. There were several good camping sites before we settled on the gravel bar we finally chose. We also met a fellow wilderness paddler, Earl Lipscomb, who hailed from Carthage but was a Glendale alum just a few years older than Tom. They compared notes and acquaintances. Earl tries to float the Jacks Fork at least once per year and has very detailed notes about camp sites and fishing holes for this river and others. The water level on this stretch was just barely good enough for a USGS Gauge Data:
Mountain View (07065200)
Discharge: 183
Height: 1.89<b>USGS Gauge Data:</b></br />Mountain View (07065200)<br />Discharge: 183<br />Height: 1.89 Source: EdmondSource: Edmond
Click for details2020-06-03 VFW Campground (A) Lost Hollow (B) Total trip distance: 32.5 miles11.2 Good Mountain View (07065200) 163 1.79 Poor RB
SMBRB, SMB Bartlett, Stephanie
Edmond, Brian
Van Someren, TomBartlett, Stephanie; Edmond, Brian; Van Someren, Tom The water level was somewhat better. On this stretch and the others, I jumped out several times to save our loaded canoe from certain danger. This is my favorite section of the river. The scenery is fantastic and the river is still small enough to feel like you're enclosed. A few miles before we hit Jam Up Cave, a thunderstorm blew up and rained hard. Tom got a great video of the beginning of this storm. We sought shelter and dried off somewhat in the cave itself. While there, we saw a large group camping on the gravel bar across from the cave. They had several tents and lots of gear. We're calling this the Ron White Expedition. Although there is evidence that Ron White was, in fact, performing this week and not floating and fishing on the Jacks Fork River, we think there was probably a double standing in for him during the shows so the real Ron White could get away. Tom asked if he knew Jeff Foxworthy and he said he did. Who are you going to believe? A published show schedule or a man's self-professed friendship with a famous comedian? The water level was somewhat better. On this stretch and the others, I jumped out several times to save our loaded canoe from certain danger. This is my favorite section of the river. The scenery is fantastic and the river is still small enough to feel like you're enclosed. A few miles before we hit Jam Up Cave, a thunderstorm blew up and rained hard. Tom got a great video of the beginning of this storm. We sought shelter and dried off somewhat in the cave itself. While there, we saw a large group camping on the gravel bar across from the cave. They had several tents and lots of gear. We're calling this the Ron White Expedition. Although there is evidence that Ron White was, in fact, performing this week and not floating and fishing on the Jacks Fork River, we think there was probably a double standing in for him during the shows so the real Ron White could get away. Tom asked if he knew Jeff Foxworthy and he said he did. Who are you going to believe? A published show schedule or a man's self-professed friendship with a famous comedian? USGS Gauge Data:
Mountain View (07065200)
Discharge: 163
Height: 1.79<b>USGS Gauge Data:</b></br />Mountain View (07065200)<br />Discharge: 163<br />Height: 1.79 Source: EdmondSource: Edmond
Click for details2020-06-05 Ebb and Flow Bay Creek Total trip distance: 11.0 miles11.0 Good Mountain View (07065200) 161 1.78 Excellent BLG
RB
SMBBLG, RB, SMB Bray, Eli
Bray, MattBray, Eli; Bray, Matt No notes for this trip<i>No notes for this trip</i> USGS Gauge Data:
Mountain View (07065200)
Discharge: 161
Height: 1.78<b>USGS Gauge Data:</b></br />Mountain View (07065200)<br />Discharge: 161<br />Height: 1.78 Source: BraySource: Bray
Click for details2020-06-20 Buck Hollow Alley Spring Total trip distance: 14.8 miles14.8 Low Mountain View (07065200) 105 1.29 Good RB
SMBRB, SMB Barton, Adam
Barton, Brooke
Barton, Scott
Barton, Melinda
Pendergraft, Jonathan
Pendergraft, LaurelBarton, Adam; Barton, Brooke; Barton, Scott; Barton, Melinda; Pendergraft, Jonathan; Pendergraft, Laurel The water was a little low for ideal floating. The forecast called for a 40% chance of thunderstorms and sure enough it opened up on us just past Bay Creek. The fishing was okay before the rain hit, but then disappeared after the storms blew in. Overall a mediocre flow due to the weather, but memories galore due to paddling in the monsoon.The water was a little low for ideal floating. The forecast called for a 40% chance of thunderstorms and sure enough it opened up on us just past Bay Creek. The fishing was okay before the rain hit, but then disappeared after the storms blew in. Overall a mediocre flow due to the weather, but memories galore due to paddling in the monsoon. USGS Gauge Data:
Mountain View (07065200)
Discharge: 105
Height: 1.29<b>USGS Gauge Data:</b></br />Mountain View (07065200)<br />Discharge: 105<br />Height: 1.29 Source: BartonSource: Barton
Click for details2008-06-14 Blue Spring Rymer Total trip distance: 6.6 miles6.6 Good Mountain View (07065200) 105 2.06 None NoneNone Bowe, Michelle
Edmond, Alex
Edmond, Brian
Edmond, JosephBowe, Michelle; Edmond, Alex; Edmond, Brian; Edmond, Joseph No notes for this trip<i>No notes for this trip</i> USGS Gauge Data:
Mountain View (07065200)
Discharge: 105
Height: 2.06<b>USGS Gauge Data:</b></br />Mountain View (07065200)<br />Discharge: 105<br />Height: 2.06 Source: EdmondSource: Edmond
Click for details2007-07-04 Blue Spring Rymer Total trip distance: 6.6 miles6.6 Good Mountain View (07065200) 102 1.73 None NoneNone Bowe, Michelle
Edmond, BrianBowe, Michelle; Edmond, Brian No notes for this trip<i>No notes for this trip</i> USGS Gauge Data:
Mountain View (07065200)
Discharge: 102
Height: 1.73<b>USGS Gauge Data:</b></br />Mountain View (07065200)<br />Discharge: 102<br />Height: 1.73 Source: EdmondSource: Edmond
Click for details2024-04-19 South Prong Buck Hollow (A) Total trip distance: 162.8 miles4.5 Poor Mountain View (07065200) 89 0.92 None NoneNone Turner, SkipTurner, Skip ONSR boundary-to-boundary day 5. River camped 0.5 miles inside NPS boundary. All drops required poling and/or lining. No portaging.ONSR boundary-to-boundary day 5. River camped 0.5 miles inside NPS boundary. All drops required poling and/or lining. No portaging. USGS Gauge Data:
Mountain View (07065200)
Discharge: 89
Height: 0.92<b>USGS Gauge Data:</b></br />Mountain View (07065200)<br />Discharge: 89<br />Height: 0.92 Source: TurnerSource: Turner
Click for details2024-04-20 Buck Hollow (A) Rymers (A) Total trip distance: 162.8 miles11.0 Poor Mountain View (07065200) 80 0.85 None NoneNone Turner, SkipTurner, Skip ONSR boundary-to-boundary day 6. River camped above Rymers. All drops required poling and/or lining. No portaging.ONSR boundary-to-boundary day 6. River camped above Rymers. All drops required poling and/or lining. No portaging. USGS Gauge Data:
Mountain View (07065200)
Discharge: 80
Height: 0.85<b>USGS Gauge Data:</b></br />Mountain View (07065200)<br />Discharge: 80<br />Height: 0.85 Source: TurnerSource: Turner
Click for details2013-06-22 Buck Hollow Rymer Total trip distance: 9.4 miles9.4 Good Mountain View (07065200) 78 1.78 None NoneNone Bowe, Michelle
Edmond, Brian
Edmond, Julian
Eth, Joe
Turk, Scott
Van Someren, Cynthia
Van Someren, TomBowe, Michelle; Edmond, Brian; Edmond, Julian; Eth, Joe; Turk, Scott; Van Someren, Cynthia; Van Someren, Tom Camped on Rymer gravel bar the night before. First part of trip was uneventful. Right after Blue Spring, a thunderstorm with lots of lightning and thunder dumped nearly two inches of rain on us. Although this level was considered good, we all agreed that a 3-6" higher water level would have been ideal. Camped on Rymer gravel bar the night before. First part of trip was uneventful. Right after Blue Spring, a thunderstorm with lots of lightning and thunder dumped nearly two inches of rain on us. Although this level was considered good, we all agreed that a 3-6 USGS Gauge Data:
Mountain View (07065200)
Discharge: 78
Height: 1.78<b>USGS Gauge Data:</b></br />Mountain View (07065200)<br />Discharge: 78<br />Height: 1.78 Source: EdmondSource: Edmond
Click for details2024-04-21 Rymers (A) Alley Spring (A) Total trip distance: 162.8 miles14.0 Poor Mountain View (07065200) 75 0.81 None NoneNone Turner, SkipTurner, Skip ONSR boundary-to-boundary day 7. River camped above Alley Spring. All drops required poling and/or lining. No portaging.ONSR boundary-to-boundary day 7. River camped above Alley Spring. All drops required poling and/or lining. No portaging. USGS Gauge Data:
Mountain View (07065200)
Discharge: 75
Height: 0.81<b>USGS Gauge Data:</b></br />Mountain View (07065200)<br />Discharge: 75<br />Height: 0.81 Source: TurnerSource: Turner
Click for details2023-10-05 Rymer Bay Creek Total trip distance: 27.9 miles9.0 Low Mountain View (07065200) 33 0.76 Good SMBSMB Fillmore, Brian
Miller, RussFillmore, Brian; Miller, Russ Water was low. Pretty much every riffle stopped the boats but we were able to pole our way through them. No portages!Water was low. Pretty much every riffle stopped the boats but we were able to pole our way through them. No portages! USGS Gauge Data:
Mountain View (07065200)
Discharge: 33
Height: 0.76<b>USGS Gauge Data:</b></br />Mountain View (07065200)<br />Discharge: 33<br />Height: 0.76 Source: FillmoreSource: Fillmore
Click for details2012-05-26 Blue Spring Rymer Total trip distance: 6.6 miles6.6 Low Mountain View (07065200) 27 1.28 Great SMB
RB
LSF
BLG
GSFSMB, RB, LSF, BLG, GSF Fillmore, Brent
Fillmore, Brian
Fillmore, Rebecca
Fillmore, Tina
Wann, Denny
Wann, MomFillmore, Brent; Fillmore, Brian; Fillmore, Rebecca; Fillmore, Tina; Wann, Denny; Wann, Mom No notes for this trip<i>No notes for this trip</i> USGS Gauge Data:
Mountain View (07065200)
Discharge: 27
Height: 1.28<b>USGS Gauge Data:</b></br />Mountain View (07065200)<br />Discharge: 27<br />Height: 1.28 Source: FillmoreSource: Fillmore

A total of 26 rows are displayed.

Trip Summary for Jacks Fork River (Missouri)

Miles215.5
Trips14
People47
Dates25
Years11
Months6
Rows26
Sources5

Condition Descriptions

Fishing Conditions

Fish Species

Notes

Classic Trip List

The 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.