James River, Deleware Town Access, Christian County, MO. June 24th, 2010: Nice put in spot, swift in spots

The Deleware Town Access is an access point for the James River south of Springfield, Missouri in Christian County. Was a very hot day, but had to get my paddle on, so we got in...there is a nice concrete boat ramp. The flow is medium, with a few swift spots and tight narrows w/ trees upstream a bit. Probably paddled about a 1/4-1/5 mile up stream and landed the yak on a rock bank to fish a bit.

I was not out there long enough to make a fishing assessment...caught a couple of small Longear Sunfish (lovely fish...look like something you would find in a saltwater aquarium) on the traditional small stream "go to"- brown rooster tail.

There are a couple of nice deep pools as you go along the river, along with a couple of swift skinny water portage points. Managed to find a snag and literally snapped one of my favorite rods, the Berkley Cherrywood in 3 pieces. We have a new rule- for the kayak, we need to be using Shakespear Ugly Stik rods.

Here is a link to the put in spot: http://extra.mdc.mo.gov/documents/area_brochures/8306map.pdf

Great day on the water!

Fish ON!

MLT

James River, June 1st 2010: Good float, limited fish on nightcrawlers

Put in at the boat launch at Hwy 65 near the veterans cemetary. This is always such a good float. Took the kayak all the way under the James River Expressway. As you start to paddle that direction it starts to look more like a river and less like a lake (this is right where Lake Springfield starts). Caught a bunch of small bluegills and long Ear sunfish, but nothing significant. Did have a small water snake decided to attach itself to my small toe as it was dangling in the water waiting to get on the boat ramp....biggest fear realized! :)

Fish ON!

MLT

James River/Lake Springfield, April 6th 2010: fishing still a little slow, Kayaking was fun, however

Got a chance to hit the James River Water trail right by Hwy 65 south of Springfield. I have fished this portion of the river/lake a few years ago with one of my friends. Decided to paddle up stream and drift fish back.....threw spinners, plastic worms and rattle traps without much success.

The paddeling was excellent. The only drawback was the wind (which was blowing opposite of the current) at quite a clip. Had a shot to do Table Rock the next day for a few hours after business, but it was so windy, it looked like the Atlantic Ocean...maybe next time?

Fish ON!

MLT