Major flooding of the Gasconade River in 2013, 2015, and 2017 led to a tough decision for the Missouri Department of Conservation. Constant repairs and rebuilding of the public access at Jerome was no longer practical. It was time to permanently close the Jerome Access because keeping it open was unsafe, and it wasn’t a…
“Nice work, if you can get it,” “You’re living the dream” and other phrases are frequently uttered when I tell folks that I am a level 2 river kayaking instructor with the American Canoe Association (ACA). For me, it’s a privilege to play a role in helping educate folks on how to stay safe while…
Over the last half-century, my fire tower and canoeing hobbies have sent me to many a corner of the Ozarks. It is a journey filled with many wonderful memories. Some areas have been visited many times and others not as much. The area below Riverton on the Eleven Point River is one I have checked…
More than 40 conservation areas and public accesses with boat ramps are available to put in and take out of the Missouri River from the Iowa state line to the mouth of the river. These and other public areas along the river are listed in “Upper Missouri River,” “Middle Missouri River” and “Lower Missouri River.”…
In Missouri, floating down streams and paddling around lakes are fantastic ways to enjoy the state’s great outdoors. Whether your passion is angling for smallmouth or rock bass, keeping an eye out for elusive wildlife, or simply drifting downstream with the current, a day on the water will lift your spirits. Depending on the river…
“If the rock garden doesn’t get you, the panther will.” A somewhat ominous thing for a river guide to say on a float, but it still made me smile. And Mountain View resident Mike Gaddy certainly didn’t disappoint when it came to his knowledge of the Jacks Fork. My former kayak instructor and friend, Dave…
The Gasconade River begins its 280-mile journey in the Missouri Ozarks near Hartville to where it unites with the Missouri River near the appropriately-named town of Gasconade. Floaters, fishermen, stargazers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and walks of life enjoy it year-round. While there are many ways to access this river, I have always…
Each year, tens of thousands of visitors frequent the shallow water and gravel bars that make Missouri’s float streams popular recreational locations. Unfortunately, many visitors have not prepared properly and find themselves and their activity in violation of state law. There is no replacement for common sense and individual responsibility, so please be courteous and…
