Submit a New Trip| Date | State | River | Start | End | Distance | Condition | Fishing | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 2024-05-09 | AR | Buffalo River | Ponca | Kyles | Total trip distance: 10.6 miles10.6 | Good | None | None Edmond, BrianVan Someren, Tom  Although the water was a bit cloudy, the level and riffles were perfect with several of them rising into perfect haystacks. This was not technically challenging at all but it could be intimidating for someone who wasn't ready for it. Ponca was really chaotic and busy but we didn't encounter a lot of people on the trip, most of those being the same groups we kept leapfrogging. We found two waterfall creeks besides Hemmed In Hollow (in photos). This was a very long day. I returned home via Arkansas backroad highways leading up to Shell Knob via MO 39. USGS Gauge Data:Ponca (07055660)Discharge: 633 Height: 4.01  Source: Edmond |
| 2023-08-19 | MO | Flat Creek | Rt EE | Flat Creek Road | Total trip distance: 5.5 miles5.5 | Good | None | None Blaisdell, Beth Edmond, Brian Van Someren, Tom Williams, Sarah This was a last-minute trip to catch the last of the water from the storms earlier in the week. The water level was perfect, with almost no dragging and just one portage through a downed tree. The water clarity was as good as we've seen and the current was swift in many places. Lunch was mango and avocado salsa, BLTs with Pike County homegrown tomatoes, and pasta salad. Chips and cookies were around for later snacks, too. Although many vehicles were parked at the put-in and takeout but not many were actually on the river that we saw. We started at 1120 hours and stopped at 1740 hours with several stops, at least two close to an hour or more. USGS Gauge Data:Jenkins (07052820)Discharge: 201 Height: 4.42 Source: Edmond |
| 2023-07-16 | MO | Finley River | Reed Road | Reed Road | Total trip distance: 2.0 miles2.0 | Poor | Poor | SMB Van Someren, Andrea Van Someren, Tom Spent a perfect afternoon one mile upstream from Reed Road on my favorite private gravel bar / swimming / fishing hole (that is slowly filling in with gravel and will probably be gone by next year). Brought and tested out a new portable beach umbrella for easy shade. It works great! USGS Gauge Data:Riverdale (07052345)Discharge: 79 Height: 1.07 Source: Van Someren |
| 2023-06-03 | MO | James River | Shelvin Rock | Hootentown | Total trip distance: 6.2 miles6.2 | Good | 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 |
| 2023-02-19 | MO | James River | Rivercut | Delaware | Total trip distance: 7.5 miles7.5 | Good | None | None Bergfelt, Matt Copeland, 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 |
| 2023-02-15 | MO | Finley River | Johns Ford Road | Reed Road | Total trip distance: 6.5 miles6.5 | Good | None | None Bergfelt, Matt Medearis, Rusty Medearis, Zach Van Someren, Tom A warm near 70o February day on the upper Finley. The water level was flowing WAY better than the stated 402 CFS was showing at the Riverdale gauge. It was curious if the water we were experiencing just hadn't fully reached the gauge yet since, from previous floats, it felt more like a 500-600 CFS current flowing. No major obstructions were noted anywhere along this stretch of the stream. USGS Gauge Data:Riverdale (07052345)Discharge: 411 Height: 2.29 Source: Van Someren |
| 2022-08-20 | MO | Current River | Mill Hollow (A) | Round Spring | Total trip distance: 25.6 miles5.3 | Good | Poor | None Blackwell, Jason Edmond, Brian Van Someren, Tom This was our last day on the river. After leaving our perfect camp site, we took our time getting to the takeout spot. Nobody wanted to leave. Shortly after passing by the state park, we discovered a cave (Merritt Rock Cave) that was spectacularly scenic and wound its way a long distance into the mountain. Bring extra flashlights! We observed and photographed a Long-tailed Salamander (Eurycea longicauda) and a Cave Salamander (Eurycea lucifuga). Tom followed the passage all the way to the end where there was a deep pool and a closed (to humans) passageway further back. We arrived at Round Spring around 1400 hours. USGS Gauge Data:Akers (07064533)Discharge: 288 Height: 0.82 Source: Edmond |
| 2022-08-19 | MO | Current River | Cave Spring | Mill Hollow (A) | Total trip distance: 25.6 miles7.8 | Good | Poor | SMB Blackwell, Jason Edmond, Brian Van Someren, Tom After visiting Cave Spring again, we pushed downriver. Although we had dry ice to keep coolers cold, we were running low and stopped at Pulltite for more beer and ice (and ice cream bars!). We also stopped at several of the interesting springs near Pulltite Spring, including the main spring and cabin. The sandbar we found near Mill Hollow was perfect although small. Dinner was Brunswick stew, foil-steamed Brussels sprouts and mushrooms, and jalapeno cornbread. Breakfast the next morning was sausage / egg / cheese sandwiches on English muffins. Tom caught the one and only fish on this entire trip on this stretch. USGS Gauge Data:Akers (07064533)Discharge: 292 Height: 0.83 Source: Edmond |
| 2022-08-18 | MO | Current River | Lewis Hollow (A) | Cave Spring | Total trip distance: 25.6 miles3.5 | Good | Poor | None Blackwell, Jason Edmond, Brian Van Someren, Tom We stopped around 1200 hours at the gravel bar across from Cave Spring to setup camp and spend the day. We had an interesting experience all afternoon and watched several groups pass us by and visit the cave. I was surprised at the number of people who passed by on a week day. As our shade disappeared, Tom built an epic tarp shelter. In our clumsy attempts to construct the shelter, a passerby declared it the ugliest flag he had ever seen. In the evening, we took a trip over to the cave and spring for photographs. Another group hiked down the mountain to camp at the spring with their gear in tow. They were pretty rowdy at first but calmed down significantly before we went to bed. The shower was hot tonight. Dinner was Tom's sweet and sour chicken and rice, foil-steamed broccoli, sugar snap peas, and mushrooms, and jalapeno cornbread. Breakfast the next morning was avocado toast and zucchini bread. USGS Gauge Data:Akers (07064533)Discharge: 307 Height: 0.86 Source: Edmond |
| 2022-08-17 | MO | Current River | Cedargrove | Lewis Hollow (A) | Total trip distance: 25.6 miles9.0 | Good | Poor | None Blackwell, Jason Edmond, Brian Van Someren, Tom After shuttling, we started downriver around 1430 hours. Before Welch Spring, we hit a few shallow riffles but the water level was pretty good ("lower side of a 'Good' rating"). We stopped at Medlock Spring and found Lonnie sleeping in his boat. He slept right through several of us landing to check out the spring and cave and eventually gave us some free canned alcoholic drinks. We saw one family along the way who were visiting relatives in Salem on an annual trip. Dinner tonight was grilled burgers (without the moldy buns), macaroni and cheese, and grilled corn on the cob. We also had some mango and avocado salsa. Tom slept in a tent, Jason and Brian on sleeping pads under the stars. Overall, the water level was good, the weather was perfect, and the first part of this trip was a success. This was Jason's first time in a kayak and the first time in the ONSR. USGS Gauge Data:Akers (07064533)Discharge: 331 Height: 0.91 Source: Edmond |
| 2022-08-14 | MO | James River | Kerr | Cox | Total trip distance: 5.5 miles5.5 | Good | 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 |
| 2022-08-07 | MO | Finley River | Reed Road | Reed Road | Total trip distance: 2.0 miles2.0 | Poor | None | None Blaisdell, Beth Copeland, Bryan Edmond, Brian Edmond, Joseph Taylor, Chris Underwood, Katie Van Someren, Andrea Van Someren, Tom Andrea wanted to get on the river for the afternoon and this was our best option to avoid the crowds. Maybe 1/3 to a 1/4 of this stretch had to be hiked upstream with our kayaks in tow. It wasn't too bad but more than some expected. Once we got to the gravel bar, the day was excellent. Unfortunately, the swimming hole at this bend is starting to fill in with gravel. It's like to be full in a year or two or maybe after the next big flood. We had rivercado, guacamole, deer sausage, cheese, crackers, grapes, various chips, Cynthia's homemade cookies, beer, and whiskey shots. USGS Gauge Data:Riverdale (07052345)Discharge: 59 Height: 1.06 Source: Edmond |
| 2022-06-11 | MO | Flat Creek | Rt EE | Flat Creek Road | Total trip distance: 5.5 miles5.5 | Good | Poor | None Blaisdell, Beth Edmond, Brian Edmond, Julian Jones, Marianne Pilipili, Olivier Van Someren, Tom Although we were concerned the water level was too low for a comfortable float, it was actually pretty close to perfect. A few struggled with shallow riffles but those could mostly be avoided. The water was moving just fine and we could have easily finished the trip in 3 hours or less except for the frequent and lengthy stops we made. This was Beth's first trip kayaking with us and Olivier's first river trip ever. USGS Gauge Data:Jenkins (07052820)Discharge: 284 Height: 4.64 Source: Edmond |
| 2022-06-09 | MO | Finley River | Johns Ford Road | Reed Road | Total trip distance: 6.5 miles6.5 | Good | Fair | BLG GSF SMB Coffman, RickVan Someren, Tom Perfect gorgeous day to float. I was expecting the water level to be marginal, but it actually was good (though on the low side of good). Still, we only scrapped across a few low water gravel spots where I was expecting there would be a lot more occurrences. This was Rick's very first time to float this section of the Finley. He caught several very nice sized smallies using his fly fishing rig. USGS Gauge Data:Riverdale (07052345)Discharge: 172 Height: 1.59 Source: Van Someren |
| 2022-05-12 | MO | Finley River | Johns Ford Road | Reed Road | Total trip distance: 6.5 miles6.5 | Good | Poor | None Copeland, Bryan Jones, Marianne Schmidt, John Van Someren, Andrea Van Someren, Tom An utterly beautiful day to float. Sunny 90° air temperature all day with the water flowing nicely the whole way. No obstructions blocked our way throughout. USGS Gauge Data:Riverdale (07052345)Discharge: 683 Height: 2.82 Source: Van Someren |
| 2022-05-10 | MO | Finley River | Lindenlure | Riverside | Total trip distance: 4.5 miles4.5 | Good | Poor | None Romano, David Schmidt, John Schmidt, Matt Van Someren, Tom The water level was excellent. This is the highest CFS I've done on the Finley and we had absolutely no problem navigating the strong and steady current the entire distance. We probably should raise our "High" water level rating to 1200cfs, as I think another 200cfs would still be safe to enjoy. There's one set of downed trees 1 mile down from Linden that mostly obstructs the path of the river. Removing a few of the limbs with a chainsaw would be easy, letting the next major flood further clear the path. USGS Gauge Data:Riverdale (07052345)Discharge: 1010 Height: 3.39 Source: Van Someren |
| 2022-03-20 | MO | Finley River | Johns Ford Road | Reed Road | Total trip distance: 6.5 miles6.5 | Good | Fair | SMB Van Someren, Tom The water was up from a recent rain, the weather was perfect for mid-March (sunny and 74), so I had Cynthia drop me off after leaving my car at the take-out (since all my float friends were laming out on me). The river was flowing great with no obstructions. Only a couple spots required some technical skill to work my way through them. Caught three nice sized smallies as I gently floated along with the Sun warm on my skin. Perfect conditions. USGS Gauge Data:Riverdale (07052345) Discharge: 559 Height: 2.56 Source: Van Someren |
| 2022-03-17 | MO | Finley River | Lindenlure | Ozark | Total trip distance: 6.2 miles6.2 | Good | None | None Chalumba, Claude Edmond, Brian Eth, Joe Jones, Marianne Jordan, Kelsie Van Someren, Andrea Van Someren, Tom This was nearly perfect weather for a March float trip. The wind was modest and from the south but it didn't cause too many problems. The water level was not ideal and could have used a little more flow but this section was well within the "Good" range. USGS Gauge Data:Riverdale (07052345)Discharge: 207 Height: 1.64 Source: Edmond |
| 2021-10-26 | MO | Finley River | Lindenlure | Riverside | Total trip distance: 4.5 miles4.5 | Good | Poor | None Coffman, Rick Hesington, Craig Van Someren, Tom First time in nearly five years to float this section of the Finley. Weirdly, the trip started off with my boat seemingly taking on an inch and a half of water in the first tenth of a mile. Thinking I had worn through the hull Rick walked back to his truck to retrieve some duct tape. Dumping out the water and inspecting the boat for cracks, I couldn't find any. Returning back to the float Rick was now missing his paddle. WTF! Mystified by all this, we did find it just downstream. What an idiotic start!
There are two areas where trees are crossing the river and obstruct the floatable path. The portage around them, (or through them) isn't particularly treacherous, but any babies tagging along might find them aggravating, if not difficult.
I'd say the river at this level is at the low end of "Good"; still easily navigable, but one will get stuck on a low-water gravel area if they're not paying attention. USGS Gauge Data:Riverdale (07052345)Discharge: 177 Height: 1.51 Source: Van Someren |
| 2021-10-10 | MO | Niangua River | Bennett Spring | Barclay | Total trip distance: 6.3 miles6.3 | Good | Poor | None Arnold, Al Blaisdell, Beth Edmond, Brian Edmond, Julian Van Someren, Andrea Van Someren, Tom This stretch was surprisingly busy for so late in the season. But, the temperatures were really warm and the day was fantastic. There was a strong south wind blowing mostly at our backs but it was a problem a few times. This was Beth's first paddling trip with us. It will be the first of many, I'm sure! USGS Gauge Data:Windyville (06923250)Discharge: 56 Height: 0.93 Source: Edmond |
| 2021-08-03 | MO | James River | Shelvin Rock | Hootentown | Total trip distance: 6.2 miles6.2 | Good | 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 |
| 2021-07-25 | MO | James River | Shelvin Rock | Hootentown | Total trip distance: 6.2 miles6.2 | Good | 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 |
| 2021-07-03 | MO | Finley River | Johns Ford Road | Reed Road | Total trip distance: 6.5 miles6.5 | Good | Poor | None Brown, Lucy Edmond, Alex Edmond, Brian Edmond, Joseph Edmond, Julian Ligon, Adalia Ligon, Day Ligon, Elseya Romano, David Romano, Hannah Brown Van Someren, Tom This was a beautiful trip on the Finley with the water levels nearly perfect. We got a late start due to previous obligations (about 1430 hours) and got off the river around 1930 hours. We had two canoes and kayaks. This was Adalia's first solo trip in a kayak. Elseya was in my kayak for most of the trip. Hannah turned out to be very good and independent in a kayak. Julian, of course, was an old pro. Due to the holiday weekend, we did see a few other people on the river but it wasn't bad. Day bought Keystone Light for Darrell McHaffie at the put-in and Tom delivered some gift cards to Ed Underwood at the takeout spot. USGS Gauge Data:Riverdale (07052345)Discharge: 373 Height: 2.10 Source: Edmond |
| 2021-06-13 | MO | Finley River | Johns Ford Road | Reed Road | Total trip distance: 6.5 miles6.5 | Good | Poor | None Dudenhoeffer, Todd Edmond, Brian Edmond, Joseph Edmond, Julian Van Someren, Tom The river was moving swiftly but not dangerously so. There were a few tricky spots, one of which turned Joseph over in a pretty bad spot. We lost some gear and some pride but he was okay. Julian did a great job paddling through all of the obstacles and he and I were the only ones who didn't flip this day. Renee and Marianne were invited but declined for some unknown reason (probably because they thought the water would be higher than it was). USGS Gauge Data:Riverdale (07052345)Discharge: 600 Height: 2.60 Source: Edmond |
| 2021-06-05 | MO | Flat Creek | Stubblefield | Rt EE | Total trip distance: 14.0 miles14.0 | High | None | None Eakins, Danielle Eth, Joe Haun, Korey Van Someren, Tom Wilson, Ryan The water was flowing along quickly, but not dangerously so. Care had to be taken, though, around one downed tree across the river. And two other partially submerged logs managed to tip a member of our crew twice (I think). I'd consider this water level near the top of our personal "High" level mark. USGS Gauge Data:Jenkins (07052820)Discharge: 819 Height: 5.90 Source: Van Someren |
| 2021-05-30 | MO | Woods Fork | Busiek | Bull Creek | Total trip distance: 5.5 miles3.0 | Good | None | None Edmond, Brian Milligan, Jane Van Someren, Tom The water flow was just barely high enough for Woods Fork today. There were several places where we had to get out and pull boats through a riffle or even portage around obstacles. At one point, Tom and I both got our chainsaws stuck in a green sycamore and had to work to pull them out. This was a challenging and technical stretch of the river but it wasn't particularly dangerous or problematic. No USGS gauge for this river and date Source: Edmond |
| 2021-05-30 | MO | Bull Creek | Woods Fork | Dry Hollow Road | Total trip distance: 5.5 miles2.5 | Good | None | None Edmond, Brian Milligan, Jane Van Someren, Tom This was a great day to paddle Bull Creek. The water was crystal clear (as usual) but was high enough to move with only a few places where we dragged. USGS Gauge Data:Walnut Shade (07053810)Discharge: 683 Height: 3.92 Source: Edmond |
| 2021-05-01 | MO | Camp Creek | Busiek (Shooting Range) | Woods Fork | Total trip distance: 6.2 miles0.7 | Low | None | None Williams, Sarah Van Someren, Tom This day-trip consisted of floating three streams consecutively: Camp Creek, Woods Fork, and Bull Creek. Camp Creek truly is a small creek, but it can be successfully navigated after a strong rain. Our experience this day was less than optimal as we were about a day late in catching it with high enough water. While it did have enough water flowing through it we scraped in many spots and had to pull our kayaks over one spot with a small waterfall. The rest of the float (Woods Fork and Bull Creek) had excellent water with only two spots where we had to portage our kayaks around obstructions (one right before the confluence of Woods Fork into Bull Creek). No USGS gauge for this river and date Source: Van Someren |
| 2021-05-01 | MO | Woods Fork | Camp Creek | Bull Creek | Total trip distance: 6.2 miles3.0 | Good | None | None Williams, Sarah Van Someren, Tom This day-trip consisted of floating three streams consecutively: Camp Creek, Woods Fork, and Bull Creek. Camp Creek truly is a small creek, but it can be successfully navigated after a strong rain. Our experience this day was less than optimal as we were about a day late in catching it with high enough water. While it did have enough water flowing through it we scraped in many spots and had to pull our kayaks over one spot with a small waterfall. The rest of the float (Woods Fork and Bull Creek) had excellent water with only two spots where we had to portage our kayaks around obstructions (one right before the confluence of Woods Fork into Bull Creek.. No USGS gauge for this river and date Source: Van Someren |
| 2021-05-01 | MO | Bull Creek | Woods Fork | Dry Hollow Road | Total trip distance: 6.2 miles2.5 | Good | None | None Williams, Sarah Van Someren, Tom This day-trip consisted of floating three streams consecutively: Camp Creek, Woods Fork, and Bull Creek. Camp Creek truly is a small creek, but it can be successfully navigated after a strong rain. Our experience this day was less than optimal as we were about a day late in catching it with high enough water. While it did have enough water flowing through it we scraped in many spots and had to pull our kayaks over one spot with a small waterfall. The rest of the float (Woods Fork and Bull Creek) had excellent water with only two spots where we had to portage our kayaks around obstructions (one right before the confluence of Woods Fork into Bull Creek. USGS Gauge Data:Walnut Shade (07053810)Discharge: 719 Height: 4.00 Source: Van Someren |
| 2021-04-27 | MO | Finley River | Johns Ford Road | Reed Road | Total trip distance: 6.5 miles6.5 | Good | Poor | None Copeland, Bryan Copeland, Layla Van Someren, Andrea Van Someren, Tom The water level was just about perfect except for a couple short spots where the bottoms of our boats scraped over wide gravel bar areas out in the middle of the stream. There are two new trees that have fallen across the river. One (about 200 yards past the snarly mess that I cleared away last summer, which was just below where Patterson Spring enters) blocks the stream making a quick portage around it the smart choice. The 2nd downed tree is about a mile further downstream. Both trees could be cleared in about 45 minutes and 15 minutes respectively, with a couple chainsaws and helpers. The first downed tree managed to dump me, as I stupidly wasn't able to thread the needle through it properly due to the swift current and overconfidence. Even more stupidly, I lost my cell phone from capsizing. Searching for it we were unsuccessful in locating it. However, hiking back to the spot the following morning with a facemask and snorkel I managed to find it. (YESSSSS! 💪) Thankfully I did, because 4 hours later the river rose nearly 1400 CFS into flood stage. 😨 USGS Gauge Data:Riverdale (07052345)Discharge: 396 Height: 2.12 Source: Van Someren |
| 2020-10-10 | MO | James River | Kerr | Cox | Total trip distance: 4.8 miles4.8 | Good | 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 |
| 2020-09-27 | MO | Crane Creek | Langley Ford Road | Langley Ford Road | Total trip distance: 3.5 miles3.5 | Low | Fair | CCF RB RT SMB Van Someren, Tom Paddled upstream 1.75 miles to fish and examine how many river obstructions needed work to clear a navigable path along this section. Photos included in this report show where they are along with each obstruction. For the water level being as low as it was, it wasn't as terrible (LOL) as I thought it might be paddling around.
Returning back to the car I got caught in a steadily increasing thunderstorm. Adding insult to injury the seat adjustment mechanism on my kayak also broke. Rrrrrrr!!! No USGS gauge for this river and date Source: Van Someren |
| 2020-09-26 | MO | Crane Creek | Otto Road | Otto Road | Total trip distance: 1.0 miles1.0 | Low | Fair | BLG RB SMB Van Someren, Tom Just wanted to get on a river and take advantage of a perfect 80 degree day fishing the long slow pool upstream of Otto Road. Ran into Ryan Wilson along with his mom and dad floating down from Swinging Bridge Road. No USGS gauge for this river and date Source: Van Someren |
| 2020-09-20 | MO | Finley River | Reed Road | Reed Road | Total trip distance: 5.8 miles5.8 | Poor | Fair | BLG RB SMB Van Someren, Tom Paddled / waded / hiked upstream to the confluence of Pedelo Creek to, once and for all, clear a navigable path through the multiple tree obstructions that have been there for the last several years. Also did a little fishing on the return back to the car. USGS Gauge Data:Riverdale (07052345)Discharge: 28 Height: 0.65 Source: Van Someren |
| 2020-09-13 | MO | Finley River | Finley River Park | Finley River Park | Total trip distance: 2.8 miles2.8 | Low | Poor | None Van Someren, Tom Just paddled upstream from the Finley River Park boat ramp to Riverside bridge and back. Fished mostly the upper half mile and didn't even get a single bite, despite seeing plenty of good sized fish in the water. USGS Gauge Data:Riverdale (07052345) Discharge: 33 Height: 0.70 Source: Van Someren |
| 2020-09-08 | MO | Finley River | Rt KK | Rt KK | Total trip distance: 7.8 miles7.8 | Poor | None | None Van Someren, Tom Took advantage of the low water conditions and cloudy day to paddle/wade/hike 3.9 miles upstream (just past Greasy Creek), scoping out the amount of debris and river obstructions along this section of the river. While there were several trees and blockages to deal with, I noted that nearly all of them could be cleared out fairly easily with a chainsaw, enough so to provide a clear navigable path when 100-200 CFS more flowing water would be present.
There are several long deep-ish good fishing holes along this section, especially between Arapaho Road and Hwy KK. Between Olga Road and Arapaho Road I spoke with a landowner who was "politely unreceptive" to my query/suggestion of using a chainsaw to make a navigable path in the stream (WTF?). Above Olga Road on toward Hwy Z the river seemed less hospitable with more difficult obstructions. But even in this extremely low level water condition the river was "mostly navigable", though not enjoyably so. So it's got to be MUCH better with even as little as 100 CFS more water flowing. USGS Gauge Data:Riverdale (07052345) Discharge: 36 Height: 0.72 Source: Van Someren |
| 2020-08-23 | MO | Eleven Point River | Big Bottom Hollow (B) | Whitten | Total trip distance: 13.7 miles3.7 | Good | Poor | RT Chesnutt, Ethan Edmond, Alex Edmond, Brian Edmond, Joseph Edmond, Julian Van Someren, Tom After breaking camp, we slowly started downstream around 1000 hours. We were pestered by motor boats today (as we were yesterday). Tom and I saw a family of at least three otters about halfway through this stretch. After a few stops to swim and play, we pulled out around 1500 hours. USGS Gauge Data:Bardley (07071500)Discharge: 812 Height: 3.48 Source: Edmond |
| 2020-08-22 | MO | Eleven Point River | Long Hollow | Big Bottom Hollow (B) | Total trip distance: 13.7 miles10.0 | Good | Poor | GSF Chesnutt, Ethan Edmond, Alex Edmond, Brian Edmond, Joseph Edmond, Julian Van Someren, Tom We started downstream around 1130 hours. The stretch from Long Hollow to Greer Spring was slow but not low. We were able to get through each riffle without getting out although there was some dragging. Past Greer Spring, the water was swifter with less dragging. We originally planned to start at MO 19 but decided we wanted to see the confluence of the spring and the river. Because of that, our late start, and the long shuttle, we had more river miles to cover on the first day than we had planned. We were also in competition with other groups for the sparse camp sites. We finally found one around 1800 hours that was small but suited us fairly well. USGS Gauge Data:Bardley (07071500)Discharge: 825 Height: 3.50 Source: Edmond |
| 2020-08-13 | MO | Finley River | Reed Road | Reed Road | Total trip distance: 2.0 miles2.0 | Low | Good | RB Van Someren, Tom Just paddled (and dragged) the kayak upstream 1 mile to a favorite fishing / swimming hole. Despite the low water level and CFS, this mile of stream is mostly easily paddle-able in this less-than-optimal condition. Caught several 5-6 in rock bass / goggle eye and observed MANY good sized small mouth. USGS Gauge Data:Riverdale (07052345) Discharge: 46 Height: 0.80 Source: Van Someren |
| 2020-08-09 | MO | James River | Kerr | Cox | Total trip distance: 5.5 miles5.5 | Good | 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 |
| 2020-07-14 | MO | James River | Kerr | Cox | Total trip distance: 5.5 miles5.5 | Good | 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 |
| 2020-06-23 | MO | Finley River | Patterson Road | Patterson Road | Total trip distance: 0.0 miles0.0 | Low | None | None Van Someren, Tom This wasn't a float trip, but an afternoon spent trying to clear out a large tree obstructing the river just below where Patterson Spring enters. I'm just placing the report here to denote the date it was done along with the river's water level at the time. Video documentation is also included in the external links. USGS Gauge Data:Riverdale (07052345) Discharge: 168 Height: 1.45 Source: Van Someren |
| 2020-06-14 | MO | Flat Creek | Rt EE | Flat Creek Road | Total trip distance: 5.5 miles5.5 | Good | Poor | None Barrow, Kim Bergfeld, Matt Monroe, Jason Van Someren, Bre Van Someren, Luke Van Someren, Tom The weather was perfect and the water level was excellent. Remarkably for such gorgeous conditions, we only saw a total of 5 other folks enjoying this stretch of the river. This was the first float trip I managed to get Luke to be included in. Other than Bre's first float last week, everyone else attending were near newbies to kayaking or river navigation. So it was interesting and a bit unsettling to say the least. LOL USGS Gauge Data:Jenkins (07052820)Discharge: 284 Height: 4.36 Source: Van Someren |
| 2020-06-05 | MO | Jacks Fork River | Allen Branch (B) | Alley Spring | Total trip distance: 32.5 miles4.7 | Good | Poor | RB SMB Bartlett, StephanieEdmond, 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. USGS Gauge Data:Alley Spring (07065495)Discharge: 421 Height: 3.38 Source: Edmond |
| 2020-06-04 | MO | Jacks Fork River | Lost Hollow (B) | Allen Branch (B) | Total trip distance: 32.5 miles12.3 | Good | Poor | RB SMB Bartlett, StephanieEdmond, 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. USGS Gauge Data:Alley Spring (07065495)Discharge: 447 Height: 3.44 Source: Edmond |
| 2020-06-03 | MO | Jacks Fork River | VFW Campground (A) | Lost Hollow (B) | Total trip distance: 32.5 miles11.2 | Good | Poor | RB SMB Bartlett, StephanieEdmond, 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?
USGS Gauge Data:Mountain View (07065200)Discharge: 163 Height: 1.79 Source: Edmond |
| 2020-06-02 | MO | Jacks Fork River | Prongs | VFW Campground (A) | Total trip distance: 32.5 miles4.3 | Good | Fair | GSF SMB Bartlett, StephanieEdmond, 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. USGS Gauge Data:Mountain View (07065200)Discharge: 183 Height: 1.89 Source: Edmond |
| 2020-05-31 | MO | Finley River | Johns Ford Road | Reed Road | Total trip distance: 6.5 miles6.5 | Good | Fair | SMB Edmond, Brian Van Someren, Andrea Van Someren, Bre Van Someren, Tom The water level was perfect for this float. There were a few tricky places and one portage around a log jam but nothing was particularly dangerous or difficult, even for beginners. At this level, the water is fast and clear. USGS Gauge Data:Riverdale (07052345)Discharge: 745 Height: 2.80 Source: Edmond |
| 2020-05-24 | MO | Woods Fork | Woods Fork Road North | Bull Creek | Total trip distance: 8.7 miles6.2 | Low | None | None Edmond, Brian Edmond, Julian Van Someren, Andrea Van Someren, Tom The upper stretches (above Woods Fork Road South) had several bedrock drops. This river at least until Busiek was pretty low with significant dragging in some riffles and some tricky spots that were difficult to navigate with low water. We cleaned up a few snags and strainers. Once we got past Busiek, the water level was a bit better and the navigation was less technical. No USGS gauge for this river and date Source: Edmond |
| 2020-05-24 | MO | Bull Creek | Woods Fork | Dry Hollow Road | Total trip distance: 8.7 miles2.5 | Good | None | None Edmond, Brian Edmond, Julian Van Someren, Andrea Van Someren, Tom The confluence of Woods Fork and Bull Creek was a tumultuous "whirlpool" (Julian's word). A thunderstorm blew up over the last mile of Woods Fork and it was still raining as we paddled this last stretch of Bull Creek. USGS Gauge Data:Walnut Shade (07053810)Discharge: 844 Height: 4.50 Source: Edmond |
| 2020-05-21 | MO | Finley River | US 160 | US 160 | Total trip distance: 1.5 miles1.5 | High | Good | RB SMB Van Someren, Tom Paddled upstream 3/4 of a mile against a pretty strong current to the long deep pool that's basically the same distance below Riverdale dam. Fished for two hours, finally catching eight smallmouth and goggle eye of various sizes around dusk. Each time I've fished this large pool there have been large gar routinely jumping out of the water and splashing about. Sometimes it gets annoying it's so frequent.
Note: Getting kayaks and equipment in and out of this spot isn't very fun at all. The roar of traffic continually blowing by is very nerve-wracking and quite unsettling. USGS Gauge Data:Riverdale (07052345)Discharge: 894 Height: 3.06 Source: Van Someren |
| 2020-05-02 | MO | Finley River | Johns Ford Road | Reed Road | Total trip distance: 6.5 miles6.5 | Good | Poor | RB SMB Bartlett, ReneeJones, Marianne Van Someren, Andrea Van Someren, Tom An absolutely perfect day, with excellent water flow and stream clarity the whole way. Got in at 11:40 and took out at 18:30, stopping for two lazy lunches on shady gravel bars. The nasty snarl just below Jackson Spring needs more work done on it, due to a large tree completely crossing the river obstructing the navigable path. The Pedelo Creek snarl area has another minor tree obstruction that a chainsaw would make quick work of. Note: Ed Underwood, the property owner at the Reed Road take-out spot, has gated his entrance to the river. He hasn't begun locking the gate yet, only utilizing a loose chain looped into a slot on the movable gate. Speaking with another person who also parked on the property, he said Ed put the gate up since the Linden property owners had closed that access to the public. He said Ed would continue allowing access to the river so long as it didn't get crazy or out of hand. I think it's only a matter of time, though, before idiots will ruin Reed Road as a usable access to the Finley. USGS Gauge Data:Riverdale (07052345)Discharge: 573 Height: 2.46 Source: Van Someren |
| 2020-05-01 | MO | Bull Creek | Woods Fork | Dry Hollow Road | Total trip distance: 5.5 miles2.5 | Good | None | None Van Someren, Andrea Van Someren, Tom Once we reached the confluence with Bull Creek, the complexion of the stream changed from smallish creek to a fuller river. No snarls or obstructions were encountered though either. The water level was GREAT too, with very little paddling even needed to keep moving. We shouldn't hesitate to get on this section of the upper Bull when the discharge is reading 1000 CFS at the Walnut Shade gauge. USGS Gauge Data:Walnut Shade (07053810)Discharge: 582 Height: 3.89 Source: Van Someren |
| 2020-05-01 | MO | Woods Fork | Busiek | Bull Creek | Total trip distance: 5.5 miles3.0 | Good | None | None Van Someren, Andrea Van Someren, Tom This was our maiden attempt at floating Woods Fork. Anytime the Bull Creek gauge is between 500-1000 CFS, then Woods Fork should be able to be floated. The stream is a major contributor to Bull Creek, but typically it doesn't have enough water flowing to make it sufficiently navigable in a kayak. Recent heavy rains, though, made it look float-able, so we checked it out. Even with the non-typical extra water flow we scraped across LOTS of low water areas, but never enough to have to get out and pull the kayak over. Gravel bars ABOUND along this 3-mile section, as there seems to be great spots to stop for lunch around nearly every turn and bend. There are 2-3 areas with snarls that require a minor portage around them. Two snarls would benefit from a small chainsaw being brought along. The third obstruction has a couple big trees spanning the width of the river with their trunks nearly all submerged making effective use of a chainsaw on them almost impossible. There are also two spots where barbed wire is strung across the stream, but easily floated either under it or over it. One spot marks the eastern boundary of Busiek. The other is 9/10ths of a mile downstream from the Busiek boundary. No USGS gauge for this river and date Source: Van Someren |
| 2020-04-21 | MO | Beaver Creek | Bradleyville | Sam Day Road | Total trip distance: 4.5 miles4.5 | Good | None | None Bartlett, Renee Jones, Marianne Van Someren, Andrea Van Someren, Tom This is the float that will forever be known as the "Fuck the Beaver" float. It begins with a huge sinkhole full of mud near the put in requiring a portage of 50 yards or so to the water. (Note: walking thru the sinkhole may result in the loss of your shoes.) Just downriver from the put in, a downed tree makes a tricky obstacle. We ended up with two boats tipped over. Otherwise, this was a quick, pretty stretch of river with only one or two other minor obstacles, the last of which claimed my hat, sunglasses and lawn chair. Fishing is unknown since my new birthday pole was broken in 3 pieces on this float. This section was fairly busy with multiple groups of floaters. However, we did find a nice shaded gravel bar for a wonderful lunch. In addition, there were lots of long, low water level stretches that did not require portage at this level but that might make this section less than ideal at a lower level. USGS Gauge Data:Bradleyville (07054080)Discharge: 511 Height: 3.81 Source: Bartlett |
| 2020-04-08 | MO | Flat Creek | Rt EE | Flat Creek Road | Total trip distance: 5.5 miles5.5 | Good | Poor | SMB Edmond, Brian Eth, Joe Gaunt, Jay Haun, Korey Jones, Marianne Van Someren, Andrea Van Someren, Tom The water was high and flowing well but still mostly clear. There were no serious obstacles on this stretch. Several other groups were seen on the river this day, some of whom were in their own floating parties. We started around 1300 hours and were off the river by 1730 despite a few fairly lengthy breaks. USGS Gauge Data:Jenkins (07052820)Discharge: 650 Height: 5.21 Source: Edmond |
| 2020-03-28 | MO | Little Sac River | Rt O | FR 115 | Total trip distance: 11.7 miles11.7 | High | Poor | None Bartlett, Renee Chesnutt, Ethan Edmond, Alex Edmond, Brian Edmond, Julian Van Someren, Tom The water was high and murky. There were no dangerous obstacles on this stretch but some places were appropriately tricky for any wild river. The wind was troublesome. At times, the south or southwest wind was blowing directly into our faces despite our northward trajectory. This resulted in lost time and an unusual amount of corrective paddling which wore us out for such a long trip, despite the fast current. USGS Gauge Data:Morrisville (06918740)Discharge: 799 Height: 4.40 Source: Edmond |
| 2020-02-29 | MO | Finley River | Johns Ford Road | Reed Road | Total trip distance: 6.5 miles6.5 | Good | None | None Bartlett, Renee Haun, Korey Van Someren, Andrea Van Someren, Tom This was a GREAT float! The perfect water level with crystal clear visibility and fantastic weather for the last day of February. Korey smoked ribs the evening before and they were awesome! I spent the day before clearing a couple of minor snarls to give us an unobstructed trip the entire way. USGS Gauge Data:Riverdale (07052345)Discharge: 472 Height: 2.22 Source: Van Someren |
| 2020-02-24 | MO | Finley River | Johns Ford Road | Reed Road | Total trip distance: 6.5 miles6.5 | Good | None | None Haun, Korey Van Someren, Tom Korey and I got a late start on this trip (1400 hours), but still easily finished just after 1700 hours. The water level was okay with plenty of current, but we still found areas where our boats scraped over some shallow gravel bar-ish spots. The river has managed to self-clear nearly all previous non-navigable obstructions through this section. Only one snarl (just below Patterson Spring) presents some challenge getting through, yet can be avoided with an easy portage around it. Didn't see one fish in the stream the entire trip. USGS Gauge Data:Riverdale (07052345)Discharge: 366 Height: 1.99 Source: Van Someren |
| 2020-01-05 | MO | Finley River | Johns Ford Road | Reed Road | Total trip distance: 6.5 miles6.5 | Good | None | None Van Someren, Tom On a whim, I decided to make use of the 55 degree January day and the good water level to find out how many obstructions had possibly formed along this section. Getting started late (at 14:45) I only had 2 hours of daylight to complete this 6.5 mile, but managed to finish before dark.
The first obstruction (37.034948 -93.046506) is .25 miles above Patterson Spring inlet. Two trees cross the river and could be removed with some difficulty.
The second obstruction (37.041540 -93.048854) is just below Patterson Spring and is more of a navigable snarl. The last obstruction is just above Pedelo Creek. Two more trees cross the river here and could be more easily removed than the first blockage upstream. USGS Gauge Data:Riverdale (07052345) Discharge: 274 Height: 1.75 Source: Van Someren |
| 2019-11-10 | MO | Pomme de Terre River | Sunset Park | MO 32 | Total trip distance: 5.7 miles5.7 | Good | Poor | None Bartlett, Renee Bartlett, Stephanie Edmond, Brian Edmond, Julian Haun, Korey Lessmann, Kristi Van Someren, Tom The water level for this stretch of the river was nearly perfect. Like the Little Sac River, there are several bedrock runs that would be impossible to traverse with lower water levels and dangerous to walk (due to slick, algae-covered rocks). The water was clear and the scenery was good as well. This stretch is an easy one for beginners and canoes. USGS Gauge Data:Polk (06921070)Discharge: 347 Height: 3.13 Source: Edmond |
| 2019-10-27 | MO | Flat Creek | Rt EE | Flat Creek Road | Total trip distance: 5.5 miles5.5 | Good | Poor | None Acharya, Sree Arnold, Al Bartlett, Renee Edmond, Brian Haun, Korey Jones, Marianne Van Someren, Tom The day started out chilly and foggy but quickly warmed into the 60s and perhaps low 70s. The wind was mostly low and the water was crystal clear and at a nearly perfect level. USGS Gauge Data:Jenkins (07052820)Discharge: 292 Height: 4.26 Source: Edmond |
| 2019-09-06 | MO | James River | Kerr | Cox | Total trip distance: 4.8 miles4.8 | Good | 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 |
| 2019-08-30 | MO | Current River | Cave Spring | Pulltite | Total trip distance: 17.2 miles4.3 | Good | Poor | None Bartlett, Renee Bartlett, Stephanie Edmond, Brian Van Someren, Tom We broke camp around 1230 hours after touring Cave Spring and getting photos. Overall, the loaded canoe was tricky to maneuver on the upper sections of the river where obstacles could be a little more challenging than further down. We stopped at Rockhouse Cave for photos. We arrived at Pulltite around 1700 hours after taking our time paddling downstream and stopping for a long lunch. Despite travelling on a week day, we were with other people much of the time. USGS Gauge Data:Akers (07064533)Discharge: 455 Height: 1.39 Source: Edmond |
| 2019-08-29 | MO | Current River | Big Creek | Cave Spring | Total trip distance: 17.2 miles12.0 | Good | Poor | SMB Bartlett, Renee Bartlett, Stephanie Edmond, Brian Van Someren, Tom We broke camp around 1130 hours and took our time paddling downstream. We stopped at Welch Spring and Medlock Cave along the way for photos. We lost track of Tom and Renee just downstream from Akers and paddled through the early evening to find them setup at Cave Spring. This night, we setup our tents to ward off the dew. The night and next morning were somewhat overcast and cool. Dinner tonight was burgers, corn on the cob, potato salad, beans, avocado / mango salsa, among other things. USGS Gauge Data:Akers (07064533)Discharge: 514 Height: 1.49 Source: Edmond |
| 2019-08-28 | MO | Current River | Cedargrove | Big Creek | Total trip distance: 17.2 miles0.9 | Good | None | None Bartlett, Renee Bartlett, Stephanie Edmond, Brian Van Someren, Tom We arrived at Cedargrove a little before 1600 hours and unloaded our boats and equipment. Renee stayed with the boats while we shuttled to Pulltite. Tom and Renee pushed off around 1730 hours to find a camp site. Stephanie and I pushed off around 1830 hours. Dinner was a sausage, pepper, and rice casserole from Renee along with mango / avocado salsa and chocolate for dessert. The night was crystal clear and we saw a bright shooting star while sitting around the campfire. We slept outside and the dew was heavy, making everything very wet. Fortunately, the sun was bright and warm first thing in the morning, drying everything quickly. The gear in the boat was heavy but sufficient for an overnight trip. We did have some challenges sleeping together with two separate sleeping pads. We'll try a single air mattress next time. USGS Gauge Data:Akers (07064533)Discharge: 595 Height: 1.62 Source: Edmond |
| 2019-07-27 | MO | James River | Shelvin Rock | Hootentown | Total trip distance: 6.2 miles6.2 | Good | 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 |
| 2019-07-20 | MO | Crane Creek | Otto Road | Otto Road | Total trip distance: 1.0 miles1.0 | Low | Fair | BLG GSF SMB Van Someren, AndreaVan Someren, Tom Andrea and I took advantage of a hot 90 degree day to spontaneously fish the long slow pool upstream of Otto Road, plus cool off swimming in the clear stream. Interestingly, when we were loading our kayaks back on the car, Ryan Wilson, Korey Haun, and Cody Denson paddled down the stream to finish their day on the river, having put in at Swinging Bridge Road. No USGS gauge for this river and date Source: Van Someren |
| 2019-07-06 | MO | Flat Creek | Stubblefield | MO 39 | Total trip distance: 7.6 miles7.6 | Good | Good | GSF LSF SMB Bartlett, JoeBartlett, Renee Coppinger-Travers, Kathy Dudenhoeffer, Diana Dudenhoeffer, Todd Edmond, Brian Edmond, Julian Eth, Joe Travers, Gina Larsen, Chris Larsen, Lisa Van Someren, Andrea Van Someren, Tom Williams, Sarah This was a technical section of Flat Creek, much more so than we expected. Several downed trees and some tricky log and brush traps were present, some of which took down some boats. The water level was very good with just a few places being too shallow to float successfully (and most of those were because of the aforementioned obstacles forcing us to choose less than optimal pathways for the water level). This was Kathy's first river trip (although she'd been in a kayak before) and Julian's third solo kayak trip. Both performed admirably despite the technical difficulties. USGS Gauge Data:Jenkins (07052820)Discharge: 355 Height: 4.44 Source: Edmond |
| 2019-07-02 | MO | Turnback Creek | Dilday Mill Access | Dilday Mill Access | Total trip distance: 4.5 miles4.5 | Good | Poor | None Van Someren, Tom On a whim, I decided to explore a section of Turnback Creek to determine it's suitability and attractiveness for future floating and fishing. I paddled 2.25 miles upstream from Dilday Mill Access. Unfortunately, the stream was rather murky. I thought that might just be because the water usually is cloudier nearer a dammed up area. But even 2 miles upstream from the Dilday Mill dam there never was more than 1.5 foot visibility into the water. While the stream was relatively clear of obstructions it's banks had tons of old river detritus that has accumulated over the years. Very little wildlife was observed. Only one turtle was spotted and I only saw one fish make an appearance below the water. Speaking with some of the locals, they also confirmed the creek wasn't really noted for good fishing. Based on this section alone though, it could be a fun river to do for technical navigation purposes. Because the stream seemed to twist and turn around each bend. And the section above Fiddler's Ford Access appears to have this characteristic on Google maps. USGS Gauge Data:Greenfield (06918460) Discharge: 0 Height: 13.69 Source: Van Someren |
| 2019-06-30 | MO | Finley River | Reed Road | Lindenlure | Total trip distance: 3.0 miles3.0 | Good | Good | BLG GSF LSF RB SMB Van Someren, AndreaVan Someren, Tom This little 3-mile section of the Finley has several great fishing holes, as well as some good swimming holes. The water was moving nicely and only one area could benefit from a chainsaw clearing an easier navigable path through it. One down side is having to portage kayaks over the dam at Linden (as all the property above the dam is private homes). It's not difficult to do so with two people, but the climb down the damn can be quite slippery and precarious. I certainly wouldn't want to attempt doing so with a very strong current flowing over the dam. USGS Gauge Data:Riverdale (07052345)Discharge: 343 Height: 1.90 Source: Van Someren |
| 2019-06-28 | MO | Current River | Slick Shoal Hollow (B) | Round Spring | Total trip distance: 18.2 miles4.2 | Good | None | None Bartlett, Renee Edmond, Brian Van Someren, Tom We broke camp late and spent a great deal of time lounging on gravel bars, including a delightful tea time setup at the mouth of Sinking Creek. Here, water in the creek was warmer than the river water which was an interesting flip about the usual nature of things. This was a fantastic multi-day trip on the Current and the first overnight river trip Tom and I attempted (although we've done several where we car camp and then paddle the next day). USGS Gauge Data:Akers (07064533)Discharge: 557 Height: 1.60 Source: Edmond |
| 2019-06-27 | MO | Current River | Gladden Creek | Slick Shoal Hollow (B) | Total trip distance: 18.2 miles13.7 | Good | Poor | SMB Bartlett, Renee Edmond, Brian Van Someren, Tom This was a perfect day to be on the river. We didn't see anyone else until nearly noon. We made great progress during the day as the current was moving steadily. Fishing was nearly non-existent. We did visit the main features including Cave Spring, Rockhouse Cave, Pulltite, and the smaller springs nearby. USGS Gauge Data:Akers (07064533)Discharge: 614 Height: 1.69 Source: Edmond |
| 2019-06-26 | MO | Current River | Akers | Gladden Creek | Total trip distance: 18.2 miles0.3 | Good | None | None Bartlett, Renee Edmond, Brian Van Someren, Tom We arrived at Akers with the intention of camping there and shuttling and floating the next day. We met up with someone at the canoe rental who agreed to shuttle that night so we could get started. It was nearly dark when we pushed off so we stopped at the first available gravel bar to camp. Raccoons raided one of our dry bags for food that night, ripping a hole in the side and eating all of our English muffins and some other miscellaneous things. USGS Gauge Data:Akers (07064533)Discharge: 708 Height: 1.83 Source: Edmond |
| 2019-06-22 | MO | Flat Creek | Rt EE | Flat Creek Road | Total trip distance: 5.5 miles5.5 | Good | Good | RB SMB Edmond, BrianEdmond, Julian Van Someren, Tom The water level for this stretch was perfect. The water was nearly crystal clear but it flowed continuously from the time we put in. In fact, we had trouble finding a gravel bar where we could swim comfortably. Julian paddled his own kayak for this entire stretch. A couple of areas were a little sketchy for him since he was new but there were no problems. USGS Gauge Data:Jenkins (07052820)Discharge: 449 Height: 4.68 Source: Edmond |
| 2019-06-21 | MO | Finley River | Johns Ford Road | Reed Road | Total trip distance: 6.5 miles6.5 | Good | Good | BLG GSF RB SMB Bartlett, ReneeVan Someren, Tom The water level was perfect for this trip. The weather was too, right up to the point when a small rain shower developed and caused us to stay under tree cover / shelter for a while. Wet from the rain the temperature drop made it seem much cooler than it should have been for June. Still, a great impromptu Solstice Day float. USGS Gauge Data:Riverdale (07052345)Discharge: 415 Height: 2.22 Source: Van Someren |
| 2019-06-19 | MO | James River | Hwy 65 Access | Southwood | Total trip distance: 4.5 miles4.5 | Good | 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 |
| 2019-06-13 | MO | Crane Creek | Otto Road | Otto Road | Total trip distance: 1.5 miles1.5 | Good | Good | BLG GSF SMB Van Someren, Tom Took advantage of a beautiful, clear, 75 degree day to fish the long slowish pool upstream of Otto Road. No USGS gauge for this river and date Source: Van Someren |
| 2019-05-27 | MO | Gasconade River | Buzzard Bluff | Wilbur Allen | Total trip distance: 7.2 miles7.2 | Good | Great | GSF RB SMB Bartlett, JoeBartlett, Renee Edmond, Brian Larsen, Lisa Travers, Gina Van Someren, Andrea Van Someren, Tom Although this was on the upper Gasconade, the river was already very large here. The first half of the trip consisted of some very large, slow pools punctuated with some good runs. The latter part of this trip was faster. After our lunch stop, we did find the perfect shady spot for a "rivercado" snack. USGS Gauge Data:Hazelgreen (06928000)Discharge: 2840 Height: 5.44 Source: Edmond |
| 2019-05-25 | MO | Beaver Creek | Jackson Mill | CR 437 | Total trip distance: 9.2 miles9.2 | Good | Great | GSF RB SMB Bartlett, JoeBartlett, Renee Edmond, Brian Edmond, Julian Grindstaff, Brian Grindstaff, Nathaniel Hayes, Katie Larsen, Lisa Travers, Gina Tuter, Kristin Van Someren, Tom The water level on this trip was nearly perfect. There is no access at MO 76 despite the guidebook information. We put in at Jackson Hollow instead. The takeout is now gated and the landowner there is not friendly to paddlers (as we were told by some locals). USGS Gauge Data:Bradleyville (07054080)Discharge: 629 Height: 4.43 Source: Edmond |
| 2019-05-17 | MO | Finley River | Johns Ford Road | Reed Road | Total trip distance: 6.5 miles6.5 | Good | Great | GSF RB SMB Bartlett, ReneeEdmond, Brian Van Someren, Tom This was an ideal water level for this stretch of river. Several blocked passageways and some obstacles were encountered. We cleared some of these with a chainsaw and manpower but there is much work to be done. USGS Gauge Data:Riverdale (07052345)Discharge: 465 Height: 2.32 Source: Edmond |
| 2019-04-21 | MO | Beaver Creek | Brownbranch | Bradleyville | Total trip distance: 7.9 miles7.9 | Good | Fair | BLG GSF SMB Bartlett, JoeBartlett, Renee Dudenhoffer, Todd Van Someren, Tom The water level was absolutely STELLAR, moving along great the entire length. No obstructions in the river, either. While the number of fish we caught placed us in the "fair" region we all judged the fishing as "poor". Note too: Beaver Creek Canoe Rental is charging floaters a $10 per boat "Access fee" to put in there. USGS Gauge Data:Bradleyville (07054080)Discharge: 496 Height: 3.96 Source: Van Someren |
| 2019-04-16 | MO | Finley River | Reed Road | Reed Road | Total trip distance: 5.8 miles5.8 | Good | None | None Van Someren, Tom On a whim (and because it was such a mild April day with good flowing water) I paddled 2.9 miles upstream to Pedelo Creek to clear away some river obstructions. USGS Gauge Data:Riverdale (07052345) Discharge: 377 Height: 2.14 Source: Van Someren |
| 2019-04-09 | MO | Finley River | Johns Ford Road | Reed Road | Total trip distance: 6.5 miles6.5 | Good | Fair | SMB Bartlett, Renee Van Someren, Tom This was a near-perfect-conditions day to be on the river, especially for early April. The water level was still flowing really great from semi-recent rains, and the air was very clam and warm from a cloudless sunny day. Too bad the fishing was rather poor (Renee managed to catch a small carp). The large spread-out tree snarl that occurs where Pedelo Creek joins the Finley has changed again where it can be made MUCH more easily navigable with a day's worth work with a couple chain saws. USGS Gauge Data:Riverdale (07052345)Discharge: 373 Height: 2.13 Source: Van Someren |
| 2019-03-22 | AR | Buffalo River | Ponca | Kyles | Total trip distance: 10.6 miles10.6 | Good | None | None Arnold, Al Bartlett, Renee Bullard, Loring Jones, Marianne Siegfried, Beth Turk, Scott Van Someren, Tom Williams, Sarah The weather today was excellent for a day on the Buffalo. The water level could have been higher to make this a perfect trip, but there was still enough flow to give it a 'Good' rating. Lots of half hidden rocks for the less experienced kayaker (as well as experienced floater) to get stuck on. Late in the day we had to help do a minor rescue of a father-daughter who capsized their canoe .3 of a mile upstream from Kyle's (they were two cold soaked and shivering floaters). We got in the water at 10:40 and arrived at Kyle's at just after 18:00, which included a hike in to Hemmed-In Hollow. USGS Gauge Data:Ponca (07055660)Discharge: 144 Height: 3.14 Source: Van Someren |
| 2019-02-13 | MO | Little Sac River | Rt O | FR 115 | Total trip distance: 11.7 miles11.7 | Good | Poor | None Bartlett, Renee Edmond, Brian Van Someren, Andrea Van Someren, Tom This water level was nearly perfect for paddling. Even the few still pools along this stretch were moving. There are several places in this stretch that were difficult to navigate. A spring trip with a chainsaw would help clear many of these up. USGS Gauge Data:Morrisville (06918740)Discharge: 526 Height: 3.76 Source: Edmond |
| 2019-01-05 | MO | Niangua River | Moon Valley | Bennett Spring | Total trip distance: 7.9 miles7.9 | Good | Poor | None Bartlett, Renee Casey, Libra Edmond, Brian Edmond, Julian Jones, Marianne Van Someren, Tom This stretch of the river is very scenic. Libby got caught up behind one log jam and tipped into the water. Other than that, this is a pretty easy stretch. USGS Gauge Data:Windyville (06923250)Discharge: 0 Height: 2.60 Source: Edmond |
| 2018-12-16 | MO | Bull Creek | Goodnight Hollow | Walnut Shade | Total trip distance: 7.2 miles7.2 | Good | None | None Bartlett, Renee Van Someren, Tom Despite the water level being 130 cfs higher than we've ever floated Bull Creek before, there *STILL* were several spots where the kayaks dragged over gravel bar-ish areas. Previously I felt a little cautious about doing this stream the closer the cfs climbed toward 600 (our current "High" limit setting). But now I'm thinking 550-600 would be a great flow rate to look for in a day trip. Whenever were able to try it at that flow rate we'll no doubt need to raise the "High" limit spec. Didn't see but a single fish in the stream the entire way. USGS Gauge Data:Walnut Shade (07053810)Discharge: 361 Height: 3.92 Source: Van Someren |
| 2018-10-26 | MO | James River | Shelvin Rock | Hootentown | Total trip distance: 6.2 miles6.2 | Good | 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 |
| 2018-09-03 | MO | Finley River | Johns Ford Road | Reed Road | Total trip distance: 6.5 miles6.5 | Poor | Great | BLG GSF LMB LSF RB SMB Hooper, JoeVan Someren, Tom The weather was perfect, the fishing was great, but the water level was pretty lousy (despite the recent rains that occurred earlier a few days before). The CFS had unfortunately dropped below a "Good" rating. Several 12-14" large mouth bass were caught throughout the day, though. The river obstructions located at N37.045881 W93.065229 have become worse and need significant cleanup to make this area easily navigable again. Portaging around it in lower water levels has become a real hassle. The second tree snarl (coordinates N37.042722 W93.072017) now has a wide easy pathway through it. USGS Gauge Data:Riverdale (07052345)Discharge: 174 Height: 1.41 Source: Van Someren |
| 2018-09-01 | MO | Bull Creek | Goodnight Hollow | Walnut Shade | Total trip distance: 7.2 miles7.2 | Good | Great | GSF LSF SMB Edmond, BrianFillmer, Lawrence Larsen, Chris Larsen, Lisa Travers, Gina Van Someren, Tom The water level for this trip was not ideal. It was too low for a comfortable trip but it was good enough to do again in a pinch. The water was crystal clear despite a major rain event on Thursday. Friday's water level would have been perfect for a good trip. USGS Gauge Data:Walnut Shade (07053810)Discharge: 305 Height: 3.67 Source: Edmond |
| 2018-08-17 | MO | Finley River | Reed Road | Reed Road | Total trip distance: 3.0 miles3.0 | Poor | Great | GSF LSF RB SMB Van Someren, Tom Tried to take advantage of the perfect weather and recent rains, but the water level was still much too low. Had to drag the kayak over pretty much every gravel bar to get upstream about 1 1/2 miles and fish the long slow pool located there. Great fishing was had, though, just sitting in the shade pulling in one after another 6-7 inch goggle eye and SMB. Got in the water at 15:00 and took out 18:40. USGS Gauge Data:Riverdale (07052345)Discharge: 102 Height: 1.12 Source: Van Someren |
| 2018-08-12 | MO | James River | Kerr | Cox | Total trip distance: 4.8 miles4.8 | Good | 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 |
| 2018-06-29 | MO | Finley River | Braden Road | Braden Road | Total trip distance: 2.6 miles2.6 | Good | Fair | LSF RB SMB Van Someren, Tom Put in late in the afternoon around 15:30 and took out right before dark, 20:30. Found a spot to park the car well off the road that wasn't marked Private Property / No Trespassing and paddled upstream 1.28 miles. This section of the river isn't as favorable to paddle upstream as it has WAAAAY too many extended gravely bars the kayak has to be pulled through (so it's more like a hike with your boat). The fish weren't biting at all until right before dusk when I caught three very nice size smallies and a goggle eye. USGS Gauge Data:Riverdale (07052345)Discharge: 55 Height: 0.86 Source: Van Someren |
| 2018-06-10 | MO | James River | Kerr | Cox | Total trip distance: 4.8 miles4.8 | Good | 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 |
| 2018-06-03 | MO | Crane Creek | Doc Eaton Road (CC-30A) | Otto Road | Total trip distance: 7.8 miles7.8 | Good | Fair | LSF RT SMB Acharya, SreeJackson, Amy Larsen, Chris Larsen, Lisa Martin, Galen Provance, Doug Turk, Scott Van Someren, Andrea Van Someren, Tom Wilson, Ryan This little creek is the perfect stream (IMHO). Small, compact, cozy, canopied with trees leaning in over much of the water, with tons of twists and turns around many bends in the river (especially so in the section above Swinging Bridge). We caught the water level at a point just before it may have been too low, but it still turned out to be an excellent outing with perfect weather. Fishing was actually poor for everyone accept Galen, who managed to catch an elusive McCloud Trout (approx. 4-5 lbs). The airspace at Oto Road bridge looked to be about 15-16". No USGS gauge for this river and date Source: Van Someren |
| 2018-06-01 | MO | James River | Delaware | Hootentown | Total trip distance: 12.7 miles12.7 | Good | 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 |
| 2018-05-30 | MO | Finley River | Reed Road | Reed Road | Total trip distance: 4.2 miles4.2 | Good | Excellent | BLG LMB RB SMB Van Someren, Tom A *gorgeous* day to be on a river, so I spent the entire day paddling up stream, swimming, fishing, eating, and soaking in the solitude of having this stretch of clear stream all to myself. Fished several holes and long calm sections extensively from shady areas and utterly KILLED it with the number of fish caught. At the spot where I stopped paddling up stream I spent probably 90 minutes catching something on nearly EVERY cast (it was unbelievable for a while!). Most were 6-7" goggle eye and small sun fish, but several were nice sized large and small mouth bass. Just a perfect day. USGS Gauge Data:Riverdale (07052345)Discharge: 218 Height: 1.58 Source: Van Someren |
| 2018-05-29 | MO | Finley River | Braden Road | Braden Road | Total trip distance: 2.6 miles2.6 | Good | Fair | LSF RB SMB Van Someren, Tom Put in late in the afternoon around 15:30 and took out right before dark, 20:30. Found a spot to park the car well off the road that wasn't marked Private Property / No Trespassing and paddled upstream 1.28 miles. This section of the river isn't as favorable to paddle upstream as it has WAAAAY too many extended gravelly bars the kayak has to be pulled through (so it's more like a hike with your boat). The fish weren't biting at all until right before dusk when I caught three very nice size smallies and a goggle eye. USGS Gauge Data:Riverdale (07052345)Discharge: 260 Height: 1.71 Source: Van Someren |
| 2018-05-27 | MO | Swan Creek | Rt AA | Hulls Ford Road | Total trip distance: 7.4 miles7.4 | Good | Excellent | BLG LMB LSF RB SMB Acharya, HollyAcharya, Sree Bowe, Michelle Bowen, Denis Casey, Libra Edmond, Brian Edmond, Julian Larsen, Chris Larsen, Lisa Martin, Galen Travers, Gina Van Someren, Andrea Van Someren, Tom The water level today was ideal for canoes and kayaks. Unfortunately, there is no gauge on Swan Creek, but Tom checked the level yesterday and found the recent rain had brought it up to flood stage. This stretch of the river was nearly continuously flowing so this stretch went pretty quickly. We stopped several times along the way to swim and take care of debris. Brian hit 1000 lifetime miles on this trip. Julian hit 300 and Michelle hit 250. Galen caught most of the fish (50+) while Tom and Chris each caught several. No USGS gauge for this river and date Source: Edmond |
| 2018-05-24 | MO | Finley River | Johns Ford Road | Johns Ford Road | Total trip distance: 2.5 miles2.5 | Good | Poor | RB Van Someren, Tom Put in again at 16:30, paddled upstream to Braden Road (with only half a kayak paddle, since I stupidly took the two male halves) and lazily fished the deeper slow pools while drifting down stream. There are a couple spots in this stretch that would benefit from a small chain saw being brought along on the next trip. The water level was good for this sort of up-stream trip: not overly swift, but high enough to make the downstream trip easy without dragging. USGS Gauge Data:Riverdale (07052345) Discharge: 194 Height: 1.58 Source: Van Someren |
| 2018-05-21 | MO | Finley River | Seneca Road | Seneca Road | Total trip distance: 2.4 miles2.4 | Good | Poor | LSF RB Van Someren, Tom Put in (16:30) and took out (20:00) at Seneca Road. Paddled upstream for 1.17 miles (fishing the slower pools) until the strong current took its toll on my arms and just I just didn't want to exert myself anymore. Beautiful late afternoon day to get on the river. USGS Gauge Data:Riverdale (07052345)Discharge: 394 Height: 2.09 Source: Van Someren |
| 2018-05-18 | MO | Finley River | Johns Ford Road | Reed Road | Total trip distance: 6.5 miles6.5 | Good | Fair | BLG LMB RB SMB Van Someren, Tom The current was flowing really great, however the visibility into the water was murky from silt still not having settled (due to the recent rains). Despite having just paddled this section of the river the Saturday before, I decided to go again (on a whim and moment's notice) since the weather was perfect for it. The fishing turned out pretty good too. USGS Gauge Data:Riverdale (07052345)Discharge: 532 Height: 2.37 Source: Van Someren |
| 2018-05-12 | MO | Finley River | Johns Ford Road | Reed Road | Total trip distance: 6.5 miles6.5 | Low | Great | GSF RB SMB Acharya, SreeArnold, Al Casey, Libra Edmond, Brian Edmond, Julian Fillmer, Lawrence Hong, Kenny Larsen, Chris Van Someren, Tom This was a fantastic float and a good day to be out. Several of the riffles had significant amounts of dragging, a few required a short portage or pulling the boat through the water. At least one set of snags caused a significant portage across two gravel bars. We spent some amount of time clearing debris and cutting limbs to make future floats better. USGS Gauge Data:Riverdale (07052345)Discharge: 237 Height: 1.71 Source: Edmond |
| 2018-05-10 | MO | Finley River | Reed Road | Reed Road | Total trip distance: 2.0 miles2.0 | Good | Poor | BLG RB Van Someren, Tom Paddled one mile upstream from Reed Road and fished the couple deeper holes where the water wasn't flowing too quickly. The current was actually fairly aggressive to paddle upstream, especially so over the shallower gravely areas. I had to get out and pull the kayak upstream through the swifter water. USGS Gauge Data:Riverdale (07052345)Discharge: 322 Height: 1.93 Source: Van Someren |
| 2018-04-29 | MO | Bull Creek | Goodnight Hollow | Walnut Shade | Total trip distance: 7.2 miles7.2 | Good | Poor | None Edmond, Brian Larsen, Chris Van Someren, Andrea Van Someren, Tom Williams, Sarah We encountered a few portage obstacles from flooding damage last year. Some places were tricky because the water was low enough for exposed bedrock and some other obstacles. We decided this water level was probably the minimum for a comfortable "Good" float for this river. USGS Gauge Data:Walnut Shade (07053810)Discharge: 306 Height: 3.84 Source: Edmond |
| 2017-12-02 | MO | Niangua River | Bennett Spring | Barclay | Total trip distance: 6.3 miles6.3 | Low | Poor | RT Edmond, Brian Edmond, Julian Fillmer, Lawrence Larsen, Chris Larsen, Lisa Ligon, Day Sardina, Krissy Shelly, Marc Travers, Gina Van Someren, Andrea Van Someren, Tom The water level was pretty low but most areas were navigable. At least a few spots required a short portage or the boats dragged some or a lot (especially the canoes). This was a fishing crew and there was very little caught (just two trout) during the entire day. This stretch is not long but with the short days and the low, slow water, we had to keep moving to make it off the water before dark. USGS Gauge Data:Windyville (06923250)Discharge: 36 Height: 0.88 Source: Edmond |
| 2017-10-08 | MO | James River | Cox | Galena Landing | Total trip distance: 3.9 miles3.9 | Good | 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 |
| 2017-10-01 | MO | Finley River | Reed Road | Reed Road | Total trip distance: 1.0 miles1.0 | Poor | Poor | BLG RB Van Someren, Tom Just paddled upstream a half mile, ate some lunch, and fished the slow pools. Mostly to just enjoy the sunny 82 degree October 1st Sunday afternoon. USGS Gauge Data:Riverdale (07052345)Discharge: 30 Height: 0.68 Source: Van Someren |
| 2017-08-12 | MO | Eleven Point River | Long Hollow | Turner's Mill | Total trip distance: 8.1 miles8.1 | Good | Great | BLG RB RT SMB Edmond, BrianTune, Jeff Tune, Stacey Van Someren, Tom This was an excellent and casual float. The section above Greer Spring was a little low and we dragged or bumped through most of the riffles (a few had enough to carry us without bumping the bottom). After the spring, the river was swifter and high enough to carry us easily through the remainder of the trip. Nobody else was on the river above MO 19, and only a few people were encountered after that point. We started around 0930 hours and finished at 1640 hours. USGS Gauge Data:Bardley (07071500)Discharge: 781 Height: 3.76 Source: Edmond |
| 2017-07-02 | MO | Finley River | Reed Road | Reed Road | Total trip distance: 2.0 miles2.0 | Low | Poor | None Edmond, Brian Edmond, Julian Van Someren, Tom We paddled 1/2 mile up to a downed double-trunk sycamore to cut it out. Both of us had to paddle back to the put in one time to retrieve something to assist in the effort, resulting in 2 miles total. Much of the work was done and the obstacle is definitely better than it was. But, we couldn't move the bottom log completely out of the way. The pool between the put in and the obstacle was pretty slow. One small riffle between was easily paddled but was very low. USGS Gauge Data:Riverdale (07052345)Discharge: 81 Height: 1.05 Source: Edmond |
| 2017-06-24 | MO | Flat Creek | Rt EE | Flat Creek Road | Total trip distance: 5.5 miles5.5 | Good | Fair | BLG RB SMB Acharya, HollyAcharya, Sreekanth Arnold, Al Arnold, Sharmane Davis, Reva Eth, Joe Cline, Bradley Cline, Jacob Cline, Jamie Van Someren, Tom Weather was perfect, water level was excellent. Only a couple of downed trees were blocking the river where newbies felt the need to portage around them. Got on the river at 10:45 and exited around 16:30. USGS Gauge Data:Jenkins (07052820)Discharge: 269 Height: 4.63 Source: Van Someren |
| 2017-06-10 | MO | Crane Creek | Blue Hole (CR AA-50) | James River | Total trip distance: 10.4 miles2.0 | Good | 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. Water level was good on Crane Creek with no obstructions blocking the last two miles of it before joining the James. The James, too, was flowing very nicely. Fishing utterly sucked, mostly due to WAAAAAY too many people also taking advantage of the gorgeous day outside. No USGS gauge for this river and date Source: Van Someren |
| 2017-06-10 | MO | James River | Crane Creek | Cox | Total trip distance: 10.4 miles8.4 | Good | 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 |
| 2017-06-04 | MO | Finley River | Reed Road | Reed Road | Total trip distance: 2.0 miles2.0 | Low | Fair | LSF RB Van Someren, CynthiaVan Someren, Tom We just paddled 1 mile upstream from Reed Road and had a nice afternoon picnic in the shade of a private gravel bar, then returned back the car. The water level was low, but still mostly kayakable, except over the partially exposed gravely areas. USGS Gauge Data:Riverdale (07052345)Discharge: 246 Height: 1.71 Source: Van Someren |
| 2017-06-02 | MO | Finley River | Johns Ford Road | Reed Road | Total trip distance: 6.5 miles6.5 | Good | Fair | BLG RB SMB Van Someren, Tom Originally this trip began with the purpose of me clearing away some downed trees. But stupidly leaving the chainsaws at home it simply became a fishing trip.
The water level was PERFECT for a lazy day of casting the entire way. And the weather was GLORIOUS, too, with clear blue skies and an 83 degree temperature and no wind.
There are still large tree obstructions that need clearing along this 6-mile stretch. Two new large trees have fallen together at these coordinates ( USGS Gauge Data:Riverdale (07052345)Discharge: 305 Height: 1.88 Source: Van Someren |
| 2017-05-29 | MO | Little Sac River | Rt O | FR 115 | Total trip distance: 11.7 miles11.7 | Good | Poor | None Amburn, Andrea Arnold, Al Fillmer, Lawrence Larsen, Chris Larsen, Lisa Van Someren, Cynthia Van Someren, Tom We got in at exactly 1100 hours and reached the take-out point at 1730. The water level was at a near perfect CFS rate, as one would have to try to get stuck on shallow gravel areas. An extra 100 CFS would make the river condition ideal, with lots of spots having fun riffles with small standing rolling waves. There are several trees that need a chainsaw taken to them to make this section completely trouble free for the average newbie kayaker. USGS Gauge Data:Morrisville (06918740)Discharge: 458 Height: 3.63 Source: Van Someren |
| 2017-05-20 | MO | Little Sac River | Rt O | FR 115 | Total trip distance: 11.7 miles11.7 | High | None | None Edmond, Brian Van Someren, Tom The river was high and murky, almost muddy. Most obstacles could be avoided but one totally swamped me out. I lost my glasses, hat, and GoPro. Several places had substantial haystacks but none of these were problematic. This stretch would benefit from some cleanup when the water is lower. USGS Gauge Data:Morrisville (06918740)Discharge: 1530 Height: 6.68 Source: Edmond |
| 2017-05-13 | MO | Flat Creek | Jenkins | Rt EE | Total trip distance: 11.8 miles11.8 | Good | Fair | BLG LMB Dudenhoeffer, DeanDudenhoeffer, Todd Martin, Galen Turk, Scott Van Someren, Tom Williams, Hannah Williams, Sarah Williams, Tom With the recent heavy rains SW MO had been receiving the water level was excellent. However, as expected, the flooding that resulted from all the rain created new river snarls that presented challenges to the inexperienced kayaker/canoeist. Right off the bat a poor decision to NOT take the left channel over the right managed to dump Sarah, hubby, HB and TVS trying to assist them (RRRRRR!). I lost my fishing rod, tackle, reading glasses and jerky. Fingers won't be pointed, but I knew this was the wrong choice to take. We got on the river just before 11:00 AM and reached the take-out point around 4:30 PM. USGS Gauge Data:Jenkins (07052820)Discharge: 580 Height: 5.50 Source: Van Someren |
| 2017-04-19 | MO | Finley River | Larose Road | Reed Road | Total trip distance: 9.9 miles9.9 | Good | Fair | RB SMB Edmond, BrianVan Someren, Tom We took this day to clean up some log jams. The first two, within a mile of our starting point, took up the majority of our clean up time. These weren't completely cleared but hopefully enough that a flood will clear things out. We also cleared several other smaller blockages along the way. USGS Gauge Data:Riverdale (07052345)Discharge: 659 Height: 2.68 Source: Edmond |
| 2017-04-12 | MO | Finley River | Larose Road | Johns Ford Road | Total trip distance: 3.4 miles3.4 | Low | Good | LMB SMB Edmond, BrianVan Someren, Tom This was a very enjoyable and worthwhile trip. However, the water level was almost too low for a trouble-free float. Nearly every riffle had some dragging and most places came with some real work to keep moving forward. We had to get out a few places.Like most wild rivers, there were some downed trees that had to be portaged. A chainsaw would have been helpful for this trip and for cleaning up the river. Ironically, one downed tree and the Braden Road (2.2 miles downstream from put-in) low-water bridge could be floated under, which wouldn't have been possible with significantly more water.There were several springs and seepy bluffs along this stretch of river. USGS Gauge Data:Riverdale (07052345)Discharge: 204 Height: 1.62 Source: Edmond |
| 2017-04-08 | MO | Finley River | Johns Ford Road | Reed Road | Total trip distance: 6.5 miles6.5 | Good | Fair | SMB Hooper, Joe Van Someren, Tom The water level was excellent! Despite breaking my $135 carbon paddle IN HALF, this float was great (near 80 degree weather, with some very good fishing). Had to spend too much time babying my crudely repaired paddle, but even with that I managed to catch four nice small mouth bass.There are two tree snarl obstructions in this segment of the river. The first one located at these coordinates, 37.045881, -93.065229. It's fairly easily portaged around and with a chain saw could probably get a small pathway cleared through it. The second tree snarl (coordinates 37.042722, -93.072017) is MUCH larger and more difficult to portage around. It would take some significant time and effort to fully clear the river of this major obstruction. Photos of both snarls can be seen on Flickr. USGS Gauge Data:Riverdale (07052345)Discharge: 442 Height: 2.21 Source: Van Someren |
| 2017-04-01 | MO | Beaver Creek | Brownbranch | Bradleyville | Total trip distance: 7.9 miles7.9 | Good | Good | LSF SMB Arnold, AlEdmond, Brian Edmond, Julian Larsen, Chris Larsen, Lisa Turk, Scott Van Someren, Tom The water was still high but coming down. It was relatively clear but still murky. At about 2/3 and 3/4, there were at least three tree obstacles that would have blocked us at a lower water level. Fortunately, there is an outfitter at Brownbranch that does some work clearing the river. USGS Gauge Data:Bradleyville (07054080)Discharge: 532 Height: 4.01 Source: Edmond |
| 2017-02-19 | AR | Buffalo River | Ponca | Kyles | Total trip distance: 10.6 miles10.6 | Good | None | None Acharya, Sreekanth Amburn, Andrea Amburn, Matt Arnold, Al Van Someren, Cynthia Van Someren, Tom Williams, Sarah Water level was okay, not great, but still worthy of a marginally 'Good' rating. Our boats ran into may many hidden rocks, and the less experienced kayaker got stuck on low gravel bars a few times. But the current was still moving along sufficiently. We got in the water at 11:40 and arrived at Kyle's at 5:30. A flat tire on the kayak trailer, along with a couple spills by Cynthia and Andrea in the canoe, prevented us from being able to hike in to Hemmed-In Hollow. USGS Gauge Data:Ponca (07055660)Discharge: 148 Height: 2.58 Source: Van Someren |
| 2017-02-11 | MO | Current River | Welch | Akers | Total trip distance: 11.9 miles2.4 | Good | Poor | SMB Edmond, Brian Van Someren, Tom We put in at the landing, a small road down to the river pretty far south of the spring and hospital ruins. This section was nice and flowing quickly. We could have easily done this stretch in an hour. There were a few places where we dragged on the bottom a bit. USGS Gauge Data:Akers (07064533)Discharge: 213 Height: 0.98 Source: Edmond |
| 2017-02-11 | MO | Current River | Akers | Pulltite | Total trip distance: 11.9 miles9.5 | Good | Fair | RT Edmond, Brian Grindstaff, Brian Larsen, Chris Larsen, Lisa Van Someren, Tom Most of this stretch flowed pretty well. We hit the bottom on several riffles and some runs were trickier than they would have been in a little higher water. USGS Gauge Data:Akers (07064533)Discharge: 213 Height: 0.98 Source: Edmond |
| 2017-02-05 | MO | James River | Shelvin Rock | Shelvin Rock | Total trip distance: 3.0 miles3.0 | Good | 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 |
| 2017-01-21 | MO | Finley River | Lindenlure | Ozark | Total trip distance: 6.2 miles6.2 | Good | Poor | None Acharya, Holly Acharya, Sreekanth Arnold, Al Bernskoetter, Alli Casey, Libra Cricket Edmond, Brian Edmond, Julian Eth, Joe Ficarra, Serena Larsen, Chris Larsen, Lisa Van Someren, Tom The water level was about right for this stretch. More water would have reduced dragging on some riffles, but it would also have made the obstacles and portage areas much more dangerous. This is a technical stretch that required a half-dozen portages or more, two of which were pretty substantial. There are also several places that are tricky, especially for a canoe. USGS Gauge Data:Riverdale (07052345)Discharge: 162 Height: 1.39 Source: Edmond |
| 2016-12-26 | MO | James River | Kerr | Cox | Total trip distance: 4.8 miles4.8 | Good | 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 |
| 2016-11-27 | AR | Buffalo River | Spring Creek Bluff | Dillard's Ferry | Total trip distance: 9.4 miles5.0 | Low | Poor | LMB Brown, Steve Coroleuski, Linda Torissi, Chris Van Someren, Tom No notes for this trip USGS Gauge Data:Harriet (07056700)Discharge: 336 Height: 3.42 Source: Van Someren |
| 2016-11-26 | AR | Buffalo River | Maumee North | Spring Creek | Total trip distance: 9.4 miles4.4 | Low | Poor | LMB Brown, Steve Coroleuski, Linda Torissi, Chris Van Someren, Tom No notes for this trip USGS Gauge Data:Harriet (07056700)Discharge: 405 Height: 3.54 Source: Van Someren |
| 2016-10-23 | MO | Osage Fork | Hull Ford | Gasconade River | Total trip distance: 5.3 miles4.5 | Good | Poor | None Amburn, Andrea Amburn, Matt Edmond, Brian Edmond, Julian Van Someren, Tom The river was fairly high and murky due to the massive rainfall event over this area last week (Wed night into Thu). I expected the water would have receded back to normal and perhaps even be too low to float due to the small watershed. No USGS gauge for this river and date Source: Edmond |
| 2016-10-23 | MO | Gasconade River | Osage Fork | Hazelgreen | Total trip distance: 5.3 miles0.8 | High | Poor | None Amburn, Andrea Amburn, Matt Edmond, Brian Edmond, Julian Van Someren, Tom The river was flowing and the water was murky. There were no obstacles in this short distance and canoe travel was fine. The level was high due to the massive rainfall event over the area last week (Wed night and Thu). I believe a long float just on the Gasconade could have been attempted at this level. USGS Gauge Data:Hazelgreen (06928000)Discharge: 1090 Height: 3.16 Source: Edmond |
| 2016-10-16 | MO | Big Sugar Creek | Cyclone (B) | Deep Ford | Total trip distance: 14.6 miles5.0 | Good | Fair | LMB LSF RB SMB Van Someren, Tom The water level rating should actually be right between low and good. There was still enough water to navigate, but I had to push through several low water gravel bar-ish areas. Got bit by a spider on my right side under my arm. USGS Gauge Data:Powell (07188653)Discharge: 66 Height: 4.99 Source: Van Someren |
| 2016-10-15 | MO | Big Sugar Creek | Powell | Cyclone (B) | Total trip distance: 14.6 miles9.6 | Good | Fair | LMB LSF RB SMB Van Someren, Tom The water level rating should actually be right between low and good. There was still enough water to navigate, but I had to push through several low water gravel bar-ish areas. Got bit by a spider on my right side under my arm. USGS Gauge Data:Powell (07188653)Discharge: 81 Height: 5.10 Source: Van Someren |
| 2016-10-09 | MO | James River | Rivercut | Delaware | Total trip distance: 7.5 miles7.5 | Low | 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 | MO | James River | Hootentown | McCall Bridge Road | Total trip distance: 6.4 miles6.4 | Good | 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 |
| 2016-09-24 | MO | Shoal Creek | Cherry Corner | Cherry Corner | Total trip distance: 4.0 miles4.0 | Good | Fair | BLG LMB RB Van Someren, Tom Water was murky, reminiscent of the DOJ. But the gradient through this section made paddling upstream seem more difficult than other typical Ozark streams. Paddled up to the railroad trestle and floated back. USGS Gauge Data:Joplin (07187000)Discharge: 154 Height: 2.00 Source: Van Someren |
| 2016-09-18 | MO | Finley River | Reed Road | Reed Road | Total trip distance: 4.2 miles4.2 | Low | Fair | BLG RB SMB Van Someren, Tom Put in and took out at Reed Road. Paddled upstream for 2+ miles until a YUUUUUUGE tree snarl was encountered (coordinates of the blockage: 37.042665, -93.072104). USGS Gauge Data:Riverdale (07052345)Discharge: 144 Height: 1.24 Source: Van Someren |
| 2016-09-05 | MO | Big Piney River | Six Crossings (B) | Ross Bridge | Total trip distance: 28.4 miles3.2 | Good | None | None Van Someren, Tom This section had way too many long, slow, lake-ish pools with virtually no current. USGS Gauge Data:Big Piney (06930000) Discharge: 187 Height: 2.81 Source: Van Someren |
| 2016-09-04 | MO | Big Piney River | Hazelton Spring (A) | Six Crossings (B) | Total trip distance: 28.4 miles14.9 | Good | Fair | RB SMB Van Someren, Tom Camped out Sunday on a small sand bar at mile 51 (37.643281, -92.060840). USGS Gauge Data:Big Piney (06930000)Discharge: 192 Height: 2.83 Source: Van Someren |
| 2016-09-03 | MO | Big Piney River | Boiling Springs | Mason Bridge | Total trip distance: 28.4 miles6.0 | Good | Poor | RB Edmond, Brian Edmond, Julian Ligon, Adalia Ligon, Day Ligon, Elseya Van Someren, Tom Williamson, Amelia Williamson, Charlie The water level was good through most areas. There were a few tricky sections, including one where we pulled the canoes through manually. There were several very long, still pools in this section (and further downstream as well). USGS Gauge Data:Big Piney (06930000)Discharge: 197 Height: 2.85 Source: Edmond |
| 2016-09-03 | MO | Big Piney River | Mason Bridge | Hazelton Spring (A) | Total trip distance: 28.4 miles4.3 | Good | None | None Van Someren, Tom Camped out Saturday night just above Hazelton Spring (mile 36.1). USGS Gauge Data:Big Piney (06930000) Discharge: 197 Height: 2.85 Source: Van Someren |
| 2016-08-27 | MO | Northfork River | Hale | Twin Bridges | Total trip distance: 9.3 miles9.3 | Good | Good | LSF SMB Dudenhoeffer, ToddEdmond, Brian Larsen, Chris Larsen, Lisa Moler, Leta Travers, Gina Van Someren, Cynthia Van Someren, Tom This was a good float but the water was almost too low to be considered good. Another 4" to 6" of water would have been much better if not ideal. There were several long, still pools on this stretch. Very few other floaters were encountered. USGS Gauge Data:Tecumseh (07057500)Discharge: 538 Height: 2.76 Source: Edmond |
| 2016-08-13 | MO | Finley River | Lindenlure | Ozark | Total trip distance: 6.2 miles6.2 | Good | Great | GSF LSF SMB Coroleuski, LindaEdmond, Brian Edmond, Julian Van Someren, Tom Williams, Sarah The water level was very good, but this trip included at least two non-trivial portages and several very tricky spots, even for a kayak, due to downed trees and overhanging branches. USGS Gauge Data:Riverdale (07052345)Discharge: 241 Height: 1.58 Source: Edmond |
| 2016-08-07 | MO | Finley River | Riverside | Finley River Park | Total trip distance: 1.4 miles1.4 | Good | Fair | LSF SMB Van Someren, Tom Just paddled upstream from the Finley River park to Riverside bridge and back to fish a little, so twice the distance. USGS Gauge Data:Riverdale (07052345)Discharge: 198 Height: 1.56 Source: Van Someren |
| 2016-07-16 | MO | Beaver Creek | Brownbranch | Bradleyville | Total trip distance: 7.9 miles7.9 | Good | Excellent | LSF GSF LMB SMB RB Amburn, AndreaAmburn, Matt Dudenhoeffer, Todd Edmond, Brian Eth, Joe Van Someren, Tom This was an excellent float trip. The water was nearly perfect (a little bit higher would have been nice but it was fantastic just like this). Joe caught more than 50 fish. I caught nearly 30 or more. Even when we didn't catch anything, we could feel fish hitting the lure. USGS Gauge Data:Bradleyville (07054080)Discharge: 276 Height: 3.15 Source: Edmond |
| 2016-07-01 | OK | Blue River | US 377 | Coatsworth Road | Total trip distance: 5.7 miles5.7 | Good | Excellent | SMB LMB KSB GSF Edmond, BrianFillmore, Rebecca Fillmore, Brian Hallmark, Larissa Ligon, Day Ligon, Guerdon Sardina, Krissy Thompson, Denise Van Someren, Tom This stretch had several challenging rapids. The flow was pretty good but several times, we got stuck on the bedrock and had to scoot through or pull the boats out. Fishing was obviously great, but more water would have made this a more exciting kayaking adventure. USGS Gauge Data:Connerville (07332390)Discharge: 178 Height: 6.04 Source: Edmond |
| 2016-05-28 | MO | Flat Creek | Jenkins | Rt EE | Total trip distance: 11.8 miles11.8 | Good | Poor | None Amburn, Andrea Casey, Libra Van Someren, Cynthia Van Someren, Tom Whisenant, Brenda Whisenant, Don The current was slow and the trip took the entire day (8+ hours). Had to portage around downed trees once and scraped and dragged through gravel in several places. USGS Gauge Data:Jenkins (07052820)Discharge: 135 Height: 4.80 Source: Van Someren |
| 2016-04-24 | MO | James River | Delaware | Shelvin Rock | Total trip distance: 6.5 miles6.5 | Good | 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 |
| 2016-03-15 | AR | Buffalo River | Ponca | Kyles | Total trip distance: 10.6 miles10.6 | Good | None | None Amburn, Andrea Arnold, Al Edmond, Brian Eth, Joe Van Someren, Tom The water level was nearly perfect for this trip. There were a few places where kayaks dragged the gravel or some rocks but the current was swift nearly the entire time and most riffles were easily navigated. USGS Gauge Data:Ponca (07055660)Discharge: 449 Height: 3.31 Source: Edmond |
| 2016-02-28 | MO | James River | Kerr | Cox | Total trip distance: 4.8 miles4.8 | Good | 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 |
| 2016-02-19 | MO | Niangua River | Bennett Spring | Barclay | Total trip distance: 6.3 miles6.3 | Good | Poor | RB Arnold, Al Edmond, Brian Edmond, Julian Van Someren, Tom The winds were high this day, making paddling difficult in places. Although the spring keeps this river floatable, the water level was noticeably low in several places. USGS Gauge Data:Windyville (06923250)Discharge: 97 Height: 1.86 Source: Edmond |
| 2015-12-05 | MO | Bull Creek | Goodnight Hollow | Walnut Shade | Total trip distance: 7.2 miles7.2 | Good | None | None Arnold, Al Eth, Joe Flat Brian Turk, Scott Van Someren, Tom Williams, Sarah Tom: I'd rate Saturday's float just below "Good". The water level condition wasn't "ideal", as we still hit bottom many times going through riffles, but didn't have to get out and pull over gravel bars (unless you REALLY effed up and chose your path poorly). Al: I'd say it was "Good". There were maybe four or five riffles I got stuck on, but I probably could have avoided at least a couple of them! USGS Gauge Data:Walnut Shade (07053810)Discharge: 248 Height: 4.17 Source: Van Someren |
| 2015-11-25 | MO | Flat Creek | Rt EE | Flat Creek Road | Total trip distance: 5.5 miles5.5 | Good | None | None Eth, Joe Turk, Scott Van Someren, Tom No notes for this trip USGS Gauge Data:Jenkins (07052820)Discharge: 213 Height: 4.21 Source: Van Someren |
| 2015-08-29 | MO | Crane Creek | Swinging Bridge | Otto Road | Total trip distance: 6.0 miles6.0 | Good | None | None Coroleuski, Linda Edmond, Brian Eth, Joe Van Someren, Tom Wilson, Ryan The water level was at the very cusp of being too low to float. This stretch was very technical, with several downed trees, narrow water, and difficult places to maneuver, even with a kayak. It is not recommended for a canoe or for inexperienced paddlers without the expectation of a lot of portages and upsets. The locals here mentioned Spring Creek (a tributary of Crane Creek) as being a good float with high water. No USGS gauge for this river and date Source: Edmond |
| 2015-08-16 | MO | James River | Tailwaters | Rivercut | Total trip distance: 7.1 miles7.1 | Good | 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 |
| 2015-08-09 | MO | Flat Creek | Rt EE | Flat Creek Road | Total trip distance: 5.5 miles5.5 | Good | Good | LMB LSF RB SMB Bramow, MaxiCasey, Libra Dickens, Kristen Edmond, Brian Edmond, Julian Eth, Joe Lowery, Marc Moler, Leta Van Someren, Tom Almost everyone was able to get through all the riffles without getting out of their boats, but several places were too shallow to float without dragging at least some. A lot of debris was in the river from recent floods. This is definitely at the low end of what could be considered a comfortable floating level. USGS Gauge Data:Jenkins (07052820)Discharge: 152 Height: 4.06 Source: Edmond |
| 2015-05-25 | MO | Flat Creek | Jenkins | Rt EE | Total trip distance: 11.8 miles11.8 | High | None | None Edmond, Brian Eth, Joe Van Someren, Tom The river was high with a couple of downed trees that were problematic. USGS Gauge Data:Jenkins (07052820)Discharge: 1440 Height: 7.29 Source: Edmond |
| 2015-03-21 | MO | James River | Shelvin Rock | Hootentown | Total trip distance: 6.2 miles6.2 | Good | 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 |
| 2014-06-22 | MO | James River | Hootentown | McCall Bridge Road | Total trip distance: 6.4 miles6.4 | Good | 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 |
| 2013-08-17 | MO | Finley River | Riverdale | James River | Total trip distance: 9.8 miles6.4 | Good | 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 Williams, Hannah Williams, Sarah Williams, Tom The water level was ideal for canoes. There were several obstacles along the way that we walked around for the benefit of the babies. Kayaks were able to traverse most of them with ease. USGS Gauge Data:Riverdale (07052345)Discharge: 293 Height: 1.76 Source: Edmond |
| 2013-08-17 | MO | James River | Finley River | Hootentown | Total trip distance: 9.8 miles3.4 | Good | 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 |
| 2013-06-22 | MO | Jacks Fork River | Buck Hollow | Rymer | Total trip distance: 9.4 miles9.4 | Good | None | None Bowe, 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. USGS Gauge Data:Mountain View (07065200)Discharge: 78 Height: 1.78 Source: Edmond |
| 2010-07-11 | MO | Sac River | FR 44 | Rt U | Total trip distance: 8.0 miles8.0 | Good | None | None Bowe, Michelle Dawes, Katie Edmond, Brian Van Someren, Tom No notes for this trip USGS Gauge Data:Dadeville (06918440)Discharge: 124 Height: 5.28 Source: Edmond |
| 2010-07-03 | MO | Bryant Creek | Sycamore | Cook | Total trip distance: 14.1 miles14.1 | Good | None | None Bowe, Michelle Edmond, Brian Van Someren, Tom No notes for this trip USGS Gauge Data:Tecumseh (07058000)Discharge: 309 Height: 3.86 Source: Edmond |
| 2010-05-29 | MO | Flat Creek | Rt EE | Dry Creek | Total trip distance: 10.0 miles10.0 | Good | None | None Bowe, Michelle Edmond, Alex Edmond, Brian Edmond, Joseph Eth, Joe Morrison, Clay Morrison, Pam Van Someren, Tom The last couple of miles were in the still water of Table Rock Lake. USGS Gauge Data:Jenkins (07052820)Discharge: 272 Height: 4.73 Source: Edmond |
A total of 168 rows are displayed.
| Miles | 1007.2 |
| Trips | 143 |
| Rivers | 26 |
| Countries | 1 |
| States | 3 |
| People | 144 |
| Dates | 158 |
| Years | 13 |
| Months | 12 |
| Rows | 168 |
| Sources | 3 |
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.