 | 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 |
 | 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 |
 | 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 |
 | 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 |
 | 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 |
 | 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 |
 | 2016-10-09 |
Rivercut |
Delaware Town |
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, Todd Edmond, 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, Matt Fillmore, 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 |
 | 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 |
 | 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 |
 | 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 |
 | 2019-07-27 |
Shelvin Rock |
Hootentown |
Total trip distance: 6.2 miles6.2 |
Good |
Galena (07052500) |
370 |
4.20 |
Poor |
BLG RB SMB Bartlett, Isaak Bartlett, 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 |
 | 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, Andrea Larsen, Chris Larsen, Lisa No notes for this trip USGS Gauge Data:Galena (07052500) Discharge: 319 Height: 4.03 Source: Amburn |
 | 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 |
 | 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 |
 | 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 |
 | 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, Reagan Dudenhoeffer, 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 |
 | 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 |
 | 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 |
 | 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 |
 | 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 |