A Guide to Ozark Float Fishing Basics

Float fishing is a traditional Missouri fishing experience that can be the most beautiful way to experience Missouri’s bountiful Ozark streams. Clear, cool water coupled with high rock bluffs, stoic river trees, and cold springs make for fantastic scenery, while smallmouth bass, rock bass, and longear sunfish provide terrific fishing action for anglers of all skill levels. And best of all, high-quality Ozark float fishing is within a couple hours travel of all Missourians.

There are two main ingredients for a float fishing outing: a canoe and where to go. Plastic ones work best, since they more easily slide over gravel and rocks. Aluminum canoes work fine, but will catch on rocks and gravel, ensuring more time out of the canoe to pull through shallow areas. Fiberglass canoes can work in a pinch, but are heavy and could get damaged from rocks and gravel.

If you aren’t sure about purchasing a canoe – rent one from Missouri’s many canoe outfitters. For a reasonable fee, outfitters will rent you the canoe and needed safety equipment drop you off and pick you up. This is a great way to “test drive” an Ozark float!

With so many popular and beautiful streams available, picking the “right” stream for you can be a challenge. Popular Ozark floating streams, such as, the Current, Meramec, or Niangua rivers are extremely beautiful, but can be crowded. Lesser know streams, like Big, Bourbeuse, or Big Piney can provide great experiences, but may have fewer amenities (outfitters, access).

To help with your decision, the Conservation Department publishes two “must have” publications: Missouri Conservation Atlas and Ozark Waterways. These provide access, location, and mileage information, as well as maps. If you are most interested in smallmouth bass fishing, MDC can provide a free, Ozark Smallmouth Bass Fishing map and guide that shows the best smallmouth streams in Missouri, complete with access information.

Fishing Ozark streams provides a variety of opportunities at several species of fish. Smallmouth, largemouth, and spotted bass probably make up the majority of float fishing effort. They are a challenge to catch and very sporting when hooked. Arguably, pound for pound, smallmouth bass are the “fightin’est freshwater fish that swims.”

Smallmouth bass can be found anywhere you find cool water, some current, depth, and habitat. All Ozark streams have the cool water, but when looking for likely locations to fish, key in on downed logs, root wads, boulders, or rocks where some current and at least a couple feet of water exist.

Bass can be caught on a wide variety of lures and baits. In fact, the variety is so vast; I won’t get into it here. But, when fishing bass, remember what they tend to eat in Ozark streams. Crayfish and minnows make up the majority of their diet. So, using those baits or lures that imitate them makes sense. Favorite lures include plastic grubs and crayfish, floating minnow lures, and crayfish colored crank baits.

Rock bass or goggle-eye love thick cover, such as boulder fields or root wads. Though they can be caught on artificial lures, natural bait like minnows seem to work best. Find that thick cover and pitch small minnows hooked on jig into the middle of it. If you’re not occasionally getting snagged, you’re probably not fishing where the rock bass are hangin’ out.

Longear sunfish, sometimes called pumpkinseeds, are beautiful Ozark natives that may give beginning anglers their best chance at catching fish. They aggressively take some spinner baits or worm suspended from bobbers, especially if fished near vegetation or downed trees.

Floating fishing is meant to be fun and relaxing. A couple easy-to-follow guidelines will help you fulfill those goals. First, go with a partner. Paddling and trying to fish alone, is difficult. If you both do some paddling, both should be able to get in plenty of fishing. Try to position the canoe parallel to the current and stream bank. This will allow for better control of the canoe and better casting access for both anglers. If you are in the front of the canoe, try to cast ahead of the canoe. Casting behind or even with the bow of the canoe “cuts off” casting lanes for your partner in the back of the canoe. This common courtesy could prevent several crossed lines and frayed relationships.

How far should a float trip be? That answer really depends on how serious you are at fishing, how many times you plan to get out of the canoe, and how swift the current is. Generally, serious anglers will fish one mile of stream per hour, which will include two or three stops.

Float fishing is a terrific way to experience Missouri’s Ozark streams. It is fun and relaxing for the whole family. With just a few preparations (listed below), anyone can enjoy this close-to-home experience.

Suggested equipment list:

• canoe with 3 long paddles (don’t get caught without a spare!)
• canoe rack with soft canoe pads and shock or rubber tie-down cords
• clip-on, backed seats with cushions
• PFDs for each person; life vests work best
• Bow and stern pull ropes
• Large sponge to remove water from the canoe while floating
• Water proof bucket with lid for cameras, wallets, keys, First-Aid kit
• Trash bag to pack trash out - Cooler (lunches, soft drinks, store harvested fish)
• Rope to tie cooler and water proof bucket to canoe - Hat, sunglasses, and sun screen
• Wading shoes (keep gravel out) or wipe boots for fall/winter floats
• Ozark Waterways book, Missouri Conservation Atlas, county highway maps, and topographic maps

Fishing stuff should include:

• 5’ – 6’ medium action fishing rods with high speed (6:1) fishing reels
• Assorted lures and tackle box
• Line clippers
• Needle-nose pliers
• Ruler
• For live bait capture – minnow seine, kick net, or minnow trap with crackers and bait bucket