Submit a New Trip| State | Missouri | ||||||||
| River | James River | ||||||||
| Notes | (none) | ||||||||
| Links | Duck Duck Go Search Missouri Canoe and Floater's Association A Paddler's Guide to Missouri Ozark Adventures KML | ||||||||
| Gauges |
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| Date | Start | End | Distance | Condition | Gauge | Discharge | Height | Fishing | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 2023-02-19 | Rivercut | Delaware | Total trip distance: 7.5 miles7.5 | Good | Boaz (07052250) | 1050 | 4.09 | None | None Bergfelt, MattCopeland, Bryan Copeland, Layla Medearis, Rusty Medearis, Zach Squires, Amanda Van Someren, Andrea Van Someren, Tom Wingert, Carly Winters, Josh  The mighty James was up and flowing really well today. Only one potentially hazardous obstruction blocked easy access the whole way. Obstruction is located just under a mile from the put-in, right at the southern edge of Rivercut Golf course property. 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. 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. USGS Gauge Data:Boaz (07052250)Discharge: 1050 Height: 4.09  Source: Van Someren |
| 2025-05-23 | Shelvin Rock | Hootentown | Total trip distance: 6.2 miles6.2 | Good | Boaz (07052250) | 828 | 3.85 | Fair | RB SMB OsbornesThompsons Great level to float. Was around 850 cfs at put in. Made for a wonderful day on the water. USGS Gauge Data:Boaz (07052250)Discharge: 828 Height: 3.85 Source: Thompson |
| 2015-03-21 | Shelvin Rock | Hootentown | Total trip distance: 6.2 miles6.2 | Good | Boaz (07052250) | 735 | 3.74 | Poor | None Casey, Libra Edmond, Brian Edmond, Julian Eth, Joe Green, Dana Green, Eric Ligon, Adalia Ligon, Day Ligon, Elseya McKnight, Don McKnight, Jen Van Someren, Tom The river level was nearly perfect with no major obstacles. The rapids just above the Finley were substantial. USGS Gauge Data:Boaz (07052250)Discharge: 735 Height: 3.74 Source: Edmond |
| 2013-08-17 | Finley River | Hootentown | Total trip distance: 9.8 miles3.4 | Good | Boaz (07052250) | 589 | 3.54 | None | None Bowe, Michelle Edmond, Alex Edmond, Brian Edmond, Joseph Edmond, Julian Ligon, Adalia Ligon, Day Ligon, Elicia Ligon, Elseya Van Someren, Cynthia Van Someren, Tom The water was high but not dangerously so. We went over some nice haystacks just below the Finley. Someone reported much higher haystacks above the Finley. USGS Gauge Data:Boaz (07052250)Discharge: 589 Height: 3.54 Source: Edmond |
| 2015-06-14 | Delaware | Shelvin Rock | Total trip distance: 6.5 miles6.5 | Good | Boaz (07052250) | 439 | 3.17 | None | None Edmond, Brian Edmond, Julian Grote, Brandy Grote, Camryn Grote, Chase Grote, Hannah Lichtenberg, Brady Storts, Amy Jo Storts, Kaleb Storts, Kylie Jo The day started with a thundershower that didn't last too long. There are at least two exciting plunges over ledge rock in this stretch. USGS Gauge Data:Boaz (07052250)Discharge: 439 Height: 3.17 Source: Edmond |
| 2021-07-19 | Shelvin Rock | Hootentown | Total trip distance: 6.2 miles6.2 | Good | Boaz (07052250) | 387 | 3.26 | None | None Feistner Osborn What a great Monday. River was just a bit murky due to it being a little higher than normal for this time of the year, but otherwise, couldn't have been better. Just enough current to push us steadily down river and make the river a bit easier to navigate in the shallow areas. Weather was gorgeous too. We did help another family who had a canoe "tipover" on the riffle right above the M Highway bridge. Everyone should be alert right there. Otherwise, float was incident free and a great day to be on the river. USGS Gauge Data:Boaz (07052250)Discharge: 387 Height: 3.26 Source: Feistner |
| 2019-08-24 | Shelvin Rock | Finley River (B) | Total trip distance: 6.2 miles3.1 | Good | Boaz (07052250) | 309 | 3.03 | None | None Edmond, Brian Edmond, Julian This was an easy overnight trip on the James to test out the canoe for a complete overnight load. Smoked sausage and macaroni and cheese for dinner with chocolate for dessert. It was the first overnight river trip for Julian. USGS Gauge Data:Boaz (07052250)Discharge: 309 Height: 3.03 Source: Edmond |
| 2014-06-22 | Hootentown | McCall Bridge Road | Total trip distance: 6.4 miles6.4 | Good | Boaz (07052250) | 283 | 2.88 | Fair | GSF Amburn, Andrea Edmond, Brian Hunt, Rob Van Someren, Cynthia Van Someren, Tom No notes for this trip USGS Gauge Data:Boaz (07052250)Discharge: 283 Height: 2.88 Source: Edmond |
| 2016-06-26 | Delaware | Shelvin Rock | Total trip distance: 6.5 miles6.5 | Good | Boaz (07052250) | 275 | 2.90 | None | None Amburn, Andrea Edmond, Brian Edmond, Julian Williamson, Amelia Williamson, Charlie Williamson, Lucy Williamson, Myki Most of the river was fine, with even some fast areas flowing. The water was a bit murky and we had to drag the canoe through a few low areas. This is about minimum water level recommended for this section. USGS Gauge Data:Boaz (07052250)Discharge: 275 Height: 2.90 Source: Edmond |
| 2023-06-03 | Shelvin Rock | Hootentown | Total trip distance: 6.2 miles6.2 | Good | Boaz (07052250) | 273 | 2.98 | Fair | GSF SMB Blaisdell, BethEdmond, Brian Edmond, Julian Jones, Marianne Larsen, Chris Larsen, Lisa Shelley, Amy Van Someren, Tom This was a birthday trip for Brian but the river was as crowded as we've ever seen it, a real "Schmuck-A-Rama" as it were. Still, the water level was good, the water was pretty clear, and we had a good time. We pulled up to a gravel bar just below the confluence with the Finely to cook burgers, share lunch, swim, and talk. Although it wasn't ideal circumstances for us, it was great to get out again. We hadn't seen Chris and Lisa for three years! It was Amy's first trip with us. USGS Gauge Data:Boaz (07052250)Discharge: 273 Height: 2.98 Source: Edmond |
| 2021-03-07 | Shelvin Rock | Hootentown | Total trip distance: 6.2 miles6.2 | Good | Boaz (07052250) | 267 | 2.98 | Poor | None Barton, Adam Barton, Brooke Pendergraft, Jonathan Pendergraft, Laurel A beautiful March afternoon to float in SW Missouri! We put in around 1330 and were off by 1645. Did not stop much due to ample current and flow. Fishing was non-existent despite good efforts. It is not the best stretch of river to float by any means, but it'll do in a pinch this time of year. Ready for spring! USGS Gauge Data:Boaz (07052250)Discharge: 267 Height: 2.98 Source: Barton |
| 2019-08-25 | Finley River (B) | Hootentown | Total trip distance: 6.2 miles3.1 | Good | Boaz (07052250) | 258 | 2.91 | None | None Edmond, Brian Edmond, Julian The night was cool but good. A huge band of thunderstorms in Kansas prompted us to get up early and pack our gear, get an early breakfast, and head home. We made it off the river by 900 hours, home by 1000 hours. USGS Gauge Data:Boaz (07052250)Discharge: 258 Height: 2.91 Source: Edmond |
| 2018-06-01 | Delaware | Hootentown | Total trip distance: 12.7 miles12.7 | Good | Boaz (07052250) | 226 | 2.87 | Good | CCF GSF LMB LSF SMB Van Someren, Tom Originally this trip was supposed to be on Crane Creek. 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. 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. Shelvin Rock to Hootie is much more interesting (IMHO) than Delaware to Shelvin. Though somewhat scenic, the entire length just has FAAAAAR too many long, slow, wide, tedious sections for my taste. The James is definitely the Waffle House of rivers (i.e., always there, always open, generally "Meh!"). USGS Gauge Data:Boaz (07052250)Discharge: 226 Height: 2.87 Source: Van Someren |
| 2021-12-27 | Shelvin Rock | Hootentown | Total trip distance: 6.2 miles6.2 | Good | Boaz (07052250) | 220 | 2.90 | Poor | LMB Barton, Adam Barton, Brooke A wonderful float in late December is hard to beat. Saw bald eagles, deer, and a family of beavers swimming in the current. A gentle northeast wind made the float easy and even with heavy fishing, we made it to Hootentown in under six hours. Not a soul in sight, just the way we like it. This is the best time of the year to float on the James for sure. USGS Gauge Data:Boaz (07052250)Discharge: 220 Height: 2.90 Source: Barton |
| 2024-07-28 | Shelvin Rock | Hootentown | Total trip distance: 6.2 miles6.2 | Good | Boaz (07052250) | 215 | 2.87 | None | None Blaisdell, Beth Edmond, Brian Edmond, Julian Jones, Kristen Shelley, Amy Van Someren, Tom This was an impromptu trip planned to take advantage of the warm weather. We had originally talked about going to the Jacks Fork, which was unseasonably suitable for a trip, but the girls wanted to go and didn't want to go that far. The river wasn't too busy at first but became a zoo later in the afternoon. Water levels were very good with bumps in only a few spots and portages only necessary when a riffle was misread. We stopped for a long lunch at the confluence of the Finely River. Lunch was sushi, rivercado, cheese curds, deer sausage, chips, peanuts, mangos, with cheesecake for dessert. We got on the river around 1130 and pulled out around 1700. USGS Gauge Data:Boaz (07052250)Discharge: 215 Height: 2.87 Source: Edmond |
| 2022-09-05 | Rivercut | Nelson Mill Road | Total trip distance: 3.6 miles3.6 | Good | Boaz (07052250) | 213 | 2.91 | Great | BLG GSF KSB LMB LSF RB SMB Barton, AdamBarton, Brooke Greenstreet, Michael Labor Day 2022 Float... We were on the water by 0730 and targeted structure along the edge with shaky heads and wacky rigs. We caught five smallies over 16" between the three of us, with numerous rock bass and small spotted bass in between. 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. Fishing shut off once the fog and clouds rolled out and clear skies prevailed. Off the river by 1430... slow pace for intense fishing. USGS Gauge Data:Boaz (07052250)Discharge: 213 Height: 2.91 Source: Barton |
| 2016-04-24 | Delaware | Shelvin Rock | Total trip distance: 6.5 miles6.5 | Good | Boaz (07052250) | 203 | 2.77 | Poor | None Amburn, Andrea Amburn, Matt Casey, Libra Coroleuski, Abby Coroleuski, Ethan Coroleuski, Lauren Coroleuski, Linda Edmond, Brian Edmond, Julian Eth, Joe Liu, Aimeng McKay, Lane Turk Scott Van Someren, Cynthia Van Someren, Tom Vaught, Carol Williams, Sarah Wilson, Ryan 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. I wouldn't want to do this much lower. USGS Gauge Data:Boaz (07052250)Discharge: 203 Height: 2.77 Source: Edmond |
| 2017-02-05 | Shelvin Rock | Shelvin Rock | Total trip distance: 3.0 miles3.0 | Good | Boaz (07052250) | 175 | 2.69 | Poor | None Van Someren, Tom Paddled upstream 1.5 miles (approx. 1/2 mi past the Big Bend Road bridge) then returned back to Shelvin. Water was clear, fishing non-existent, since I didn't even see any in the water. USGS Gauge Data:Boaz (07052250) Discharge: 175 Height: 2.69 Source: Van Someren |
| 2020-07-10 | Finley River | Hootentown | Total trip distance: 3.5 miles3.2 | Good | Boaz (07052250) | 160 | 2.71 | Great | KSB RB SMB Barton, AdamBrumfield, Josh A short trip that began on the last 1/4 mile of the Finley resulted in some great fishing. Smallmouth bass were hungry and were caught in eddies close to the current. USGS Gauge Data:Boaz (07052250)Discharge: 160 Height: 2.71 Source: Barton |
| 2022-06-25 | Shelvin Rock | Hootentown | Total trip distance: 6.2 miles6.2 | Good | Boaz (07052250) | 157 | 2.71 | None | None Barton, Adam Barton, Brooke 2022 JRBP River Rescue Cleanup Float USGS Gauge Data:Boaz (07052250)Discharge: 157 Height: 2.71 Source: Barton |
| 2021-08-03 | Shelvin Rock | Hootentown | Total trip distance: 6.2 miles6.2 | Good | Boaz (07052250) | 140 | 2.66 | None | None Bartlett, Renee Copeland, Bryan Edmond, Brian Edmond, Julian Jones, Marianne Van Someren, Andrea Van Someren, Tom This trip was to celebrate Andrea's 33rd birthday. The weather was beautiful, the water level was nearly perfect with clear, flowing water. A few people were on the river but it wasn't too bad. Tom had too much to drink and Renee was hungover and Marianne was sleepy for some reason. But the rest of us had a good time and Julian used a rope swing for the first time on this trip. USGS Gauge Data:Boaz (07052250)Discharge: 140 Height: 2.66 Source: Edmond |
| 2022-08-01 | Shelvin Rock | Hootentown | Total trip distance: 6.2 miles6.2 | Good | Boaz (07052250) | 135 | 2.66 | None | None Sauer, Michael No Portages, but some dragging, some due to choosing the wrong lines an my first trip on this river. One real exciting rapid with a drop 6-9" just above Finley on the right fork. Unsure if the left one is navigable. Fun run, definitely exciting. USGS Gauge Data:Boaz (07052250) Discharge: 135 Height: 2.66 Source: Sauer |
| 2018-10-26 | Shelvin Rock | Hootentown | Total trip distance: 6.2 miles6.2 | Good | Boaz (07052250) | 129 | 2.61 | Poor | None Bartlett, Renee Bullard, Loring Flynn, Beth Jones, Marianne Van Someren, Tom Fishing was non-existent. Water level was just below "Good", but still easily navigable. The fall colors were in their first stage of full display, so it was a nice cool-ish October day float. USGS Gauge Data:Boaz (07052250)Discharge: 129 Height: 2.61 Source: Van Someren |
| 2020-07-14 | Kerr | Cox | Total trip distance: 5.5 miles5.5 | Good | Boaz (07052250) | 129 | 2.60 | None | None Van Someren, Tom Williams, Hannah Williams, Sarah This was a Birthday Week float for Sarah, since her 40th would be on Friday. 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. We got in at 10:20 and took out right around 14:00 with a very leisure lunch/swim break less than a mile from the take-out.
Interestingly, we met a guy (Steve Wicken, 417-231-1263) who needed a ride back to Kerr to retrieve his vehicle. 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!). He lives near Flat Creek and offered to help with our shuttling anytime in the future. Woo hoo! USGS Gauge Data:Boaz (07052250)Discharge: 129 Height: 2.60 Source: Van Someren |
| 2022-08-20 | Rivercut | Delaware | Total trip distance: 7.5 miles7.5 | Low | Boaz (07052250) | 123 | 2.62 | Great | BLG GSF KSB LMB LSF RB SMB Barton, AdamGreenstreet, Michael On the river by 0730 with cloudy skies until 1300, then sunny and hot until we were off at 1630. Very difficult log jam and rapid to portage at the end of the golf course. The stretch from the golf course to Nelson Mill Road was very favorable for fishing, with some quality bass. The river was very low and slow, so we had to paddle for a while to reach Delaware Town. USGS Gauge Data:Boaz (07052250)Discharge: 123 Height: 2.62 Source: Barton |
| 2007-09-02 | Delaware | Shelvin Rock | Total trip distance: 6.5 miles6.5 | Low | Boaz (07052250) | 118 | None | None Bowe, Michelle Edmond, Brian Mathis, Alicia Pille, Neil Saunders, Gigi No notes for this trip USGS Gauge Data:Boaz (07052250)Discharge: 118 Height: Source: Edmond |
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| 2016-10-09 | Rivercut | Delaware | Total trip distance: 7.5 miles7.5 | Low | Boaz (07052250) | 85 | 2.46 | Fair | CCF LSF SMB Van Someren, Tom The water discharge was navigable, but not enjoyable. I think I scraped more surface off the bottom of my kayak on this trip alone than all other trips combined. USGS Gauge Data:Boaz (07052250)Discharge: 85 Height: 2.46 Source: Van Someren |
| 2016-10-02 | Hootentown | McCall Bridge Road | Total trip distance: 6.4 miles6.4 | Good | Boaz (07052250) | 83 | 2.38 | Good | LSF RB SMB Dudenhoeffer, ToddEdmond, Brian Edmond, Julian Van Someren, Tom Williams, Sarah This was near the low end of what would be considered a good float. A few of the riffles were too low and some places ended up being traps for the boats because of the low water. USGS Gauge Data:Boaz (07052250)Discharge: 83 Height: 2.38 Source: Edmond |
| 2012-06-23 | Shelvin Rock | Hootentown | Total trip distance: 6.2 miles6.2 | Low | Boaz (07052250) | 73 | 2.20 | Fair | SMB RB BC LSF Cooper, MattFillmore, Brian Fillmore, Rebecca White, Aaron No notes for this trip USGS Gauge Data:Boaz (07052250)Discharge: 73 Height: 2.20 Source: Fillmore |
| 2003-08-24 | Shelvin Rock | Hootentown | Total trip distance: 6.2 miles6.2 | Good | Boaz (07052250) | 65 | None | None Edmond, Brian Ince, Brianne Ince, Seth Smith, Andy No notes for this trip USGS Gauge Data:Boaz (07052250)Discharge: 65 Height: Source: Edmond |
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| 2015-07-25 | Hootentown | Kerr | Total trip distance: 16.9 miles16.9 | High | Galena (07052500) | 2330 | 6.29 | None | None Edmond, Brian Eth, 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 | Galena (07052500) | 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 | Galena (07052500) | 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 | Galena (07052500) | 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 | Galena (07052500) | 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: 5.5 miles5.5 | Good | Galena (07052500) | 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 | Galena (07052500) | 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 | Galena (07052500) | 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: 5.5 miles5.5 | Good | Galena (07052500) | 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 | Galena (07052500) | 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 |
| 2017-03-20 | Kerr | Galena | Total trip distance: 5.0 miles5.0 | Low | Galena (07052500) | 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: 5.5 miles5.5 | Good | Galena (07052500) | 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: 5.5 miles5.5 | Good | Galena (07052500) | 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 | Galena (07052500) | 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 | Galena (07052500) | 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 | Galena (07052500) | 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: 5.5 miles5.5 | Good | Galena (07052500) | 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 | Galena (07052500) | 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 | Galena (07052500) | 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: 5.5 miles5.5 | Good | Galena (07052500) | 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 | Galena (07052500) | 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 | Galena (07052500) | 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 | Galena (07052500) | 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 | Galena (07052500) | 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 | Galena (07052500) | 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 |
| 2015-07-12 | Southwood | Lake Springfield Park | Total trip distance: 2.1 miles2.1 | Good | Springfield (07050700) | 1390 | 7.83 | None | None Edmond, Brian Edmond, Julian Williamson, Amelia Williamson, Charlie Williamson, Lucy Williamson, Myki 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. USGS Gauge Data:Springfield (07050700)Discharge: 1390 Height: 7.83 Source: Edmond |
| 2019-06-19 | Hwy 65 Access | Southwood | Total trip distance: 4.5 miles4.5 | Good | Springfield (07050700) | 448 | 5.94 | Poor | None Van Someren, Tom Having floated some of the James above Kinser Bridge, I always wanted to know what the section below Kinser (to Lake Springfield) consisted of. I can now say the 3 miles of stream contained in this section are not worth doing. Having paddled upstream for 2 miles there wasn't one moment where I couldn't hear the drone of traffic noise along highway 65 and / or highway 60. 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. USGS Gauge Data:Springfield (07050700) Discharge: 448 Height: 5.94 Source: Van Someren |
| 2020-01-27 | Southwood | Southwood | Total trip distance: 1.0 miles1.0 | Good | Springfield (07050700) | 388 | 5.86 | None | None Bartlett, Renee With my normal Monday activities sidelined, it was a perfect weather day to get on the water. I paddled up to the Nature Center and back. I was the only one on the water and other than the constant noise of US 65, it was a quiet trip. USGS Gauge Data:Springfield (07050700) Discharge: 388 Height: 5.86 Source: Bartlett |
| 2022-03-04 | Rt YY | Rt YY | Total trip distance: 3.5 miles3.5 | Good | Springfield (07050700) | 240 | 4.98 | Poor | SMB Barton, Adam Waded / paddle up to the mouth of Panther Creek and then floated back to the bridge. The river has a few more logs down in the middle and under the bridge after the last flood event. Water was crystal clear and flowing at a good rate. Fishing was rough though. Only caught one smallie near the low water bridge and lost one below Davis Creek. There are some fun shoals between Panther Creek and Davis Creek that would be great with a little more water. Weather was partly sunny with a high temperature of 70 degrees with gusty winds out of the south. On my way back towards the bridge, smoke from USFS prescribed burns in the Mark Twain National Forest filled the river valley as the sun set. The upper James is where it's at for sure. Side note: either the county highway department or adjacent landowner made the ROW at the bridge steeper, so be careful with low clearance vehicles. USGS Gauge Data:Springfield (07050700) Discharge: 240 Height: 4.98 Source: Barton |
| 2015-08-16 | Tailwaters | Rivercut | Total trip distance: 7.1 miles7.1 | Good | Springfield (07050700) | 224 | 5.07 | None | None Amburn, Andrea Amburn, Matt Coroleuski, Linda Edmond, Brian Van Someren, Cynthia Van Someren, Tom Williamson, Myki The water level was fine for this trip, but we counted perhaps 6-8 obstacles that were technically challenging in a canoe or for an inexperienced kayaker. In several places, we had to help others or exit the boat to portage around or through particularly troublesome obstacles. USGS Gauge Data:Springfield (07050700)Discharge: 224 Height: 5.07 Source: Edmond |
| 2020-07-05 | Kerr | Cox | Total trip distance: 4.8 miles4.8 | Good | Springfield (07050700) | 223 | 5.22 | None | RB SMB Bartlett, JoeBartlett, Renee Dawson, Don Dawson, Laura Waldman, Rachel Holiday weekend float. We were on the water in the early am before 10. The river was remarkably quiet. The water was high enough Laura was able to use her inflatable kayak. The weather was beautiful. We were loaded and off the water by 1:30pm. USGS Gauge Data:Springfield (07050700)Discharge: 223 Height: 5.22 Source: Bartlett |
| 2019-06-16 | Tailwaters | Rivercut | Total trip distance: 7.1 miles7.1 | Good | Springfield (07050700) | 115 | 4.63 | None | None Osborne, Cindy Osborne, Jay Osborne, Juniper The section was easy to navigate in our kayaks. It may have been a little tricky in a canoe. We did not have to stop, portage, or drag the kayaks at all. A couple spots were a little bit tricky but not bad. The take out near Rivercut is not the best access site but it does the job. Many fish were spotted but no rods brought on the trip. It is not the cleanest section of the James. Not a single other paddler seen but many fishermen at road crossings. Scenery was okay. USGS Gauge Data:Springfield (07050700)Discharge: 115 Height: 4.63 Source: Osborne |
| 2020-06-25 | Crighton | Crighton | Total trip distance: 2.2 miles2.2 | Good | Springfield (07050700) | 94 | 4.58 | None | None Bartlett, Renee Early evening solo float. Paddled upstream from Farm Road 166 Bridge at Joe Crighton Access to Pierson Creek and back. USGS Gauge Data:Springfield (07050700) Discharge: 94 Height: 4.58 Source: Bartlett |
| 2021-12-30 | Southwood | Southwood | Total trip distance: 2.0 miles2.0 | Good | Springfield (07050700) | 87 | 4.36 | Poor | SMB Barton, Adam Paddled from the US 65 bridge to the US 60 bridge and back. It was sunny and 64 degrees when I put on about 1430 and dropped to 57 degrees when I got off the water at 1700. Only caught one bass around a bridge pillar on a Ned rig, but it was a decent 15" smallmouth. Must have came downstream out of the current to winter in the deeper water. Lake Springfield can be difficult for sure. USGS Gauge Data:Springfield (07050700) Discharge: 87 Height: 4.36 Source: Barton |
| 2020-12-10 | Southwood | Southwood | Total trip distance: 2.0 miles2.0 | Good | Springfield (07050700) | 71 | 4.33 | Poor | None Barton, Adam A warm December paddle on Lake Springfield that included a beautiful sunset. No fish were caught, but I was just happy to be on the water. USGS Gauge Data:Springfield (07050700) Discharge: 71 Height: 4.33 Source: Barton |
| 2020-12-10 | Southwood | Southwood | Total trip distance: 2.0 miles2.0 | Good | Springfield (07050700) | 71 | 4.33 | Poor | None Barton, Adam A warm December paddle on Lake Springfield that included a beautiful sunset. No fish were caught, but I was just happy to be on the water. USGS Gauge Data:Springfield (07050700) Discharge: 71 Height: 4.33 Source: Barton |
| 2023-05-28 | US 160 | US 160 | Total trip distance: 4.3 miles4.3 | Good | Springfield (07050700) | 67 | 4.20 | Good | GSF KSB LMB LSF RB SMB Barton, Adam Paddled upriver and back past where Farmer Branch runs in. Tough day on the water with most fish caught in the slack near cover and current. This stretch of the DOJ is not a favorite by any measure, but a day on the water still beats most things. Surprised by how dingy the water was based on the river level. USGS Gauge Data:Springfield (07050700)Discharge: 67 Height: 4.20 Source: Barton |
| 2020-08-30 | Crighton | Crighton | Total trip distance: 1.1 miles1.1 | Good | Springfield (07050700) | 35 | 4.06 | None | None Bartlett, Renee Late Afternoon solo float. While the water levels were decent in the area, the water wasn't moving as much as expected. This section was very stagnant, smelly, and overran with bugs. Floated from Joe Crighton to south of Farm Road 164 and back. USGS Gauge Data:Springfield (07050700) Discharge: 35 Height: 4.06 Source: Bartlett |
| 2012-09-02 | Crighton | Southwood | Total trip distance: 3.2 miles3.2 | Low | Springfield (07050700) | 25 | 3.70 | None | None Bowe, Michelle Edmond, Alex Edmond, Brian Edmond, Julian Some places could easily snag a boat and require some portage but most could be floated successfully. The last third of the trip was Lake Springfield. USGS Gauge Data:Springfield (07050700)Discharge: 25 Height: 3.70 Source: Edmond |
A total of 69 rows are displayed.
| Miles | 370.4 |
| Trips | 68 |
| People | 130 |
| Dates | 68 |
| Years | 17 |
| Months | 11 |
| Rows | 69 |
| Sources | 11 |
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.