The Eleven Point River is one of the most diverse and beautiful fisheries in Missouri. The Eleven Point is Missouri's only National Scenic and Wild River-way and runs in large part through the Mark Twain National Forest. Fed by numerous springs, the river abounds with wildlife not only below the water's surface but along its banks. The forested banks of the Eleven Point along with the many bluffs and some caves all add to making the Eleven point probably the most pristine of the Missouri Ozark float streams. By being a little off the beaten path, the Eleven point does not get nearly the traffic as the other famous float rivers in Missouri.

As for fishing, the Eleven Point offers quality rainbow trout fishing for about 20 miles and boasts one of the only reproducing populations. Other species of note are smallmouth bass, goggle-eye, chain pickerel, and walleye.

Trout fishing starts at the confluence of the Greer spring branch and the river. Greer is the worlds 10th biggest spring and doubles the size of the river while turning it into a cold water fishery. This is the beginning of the blue ribbon trout section and it extends about 6 miles to Turner Mill spring. Flies and artificial lures are only are allowed (soft plastic and baits are prohibited) and there is a limit of 1 fish at 18 inches. There is a strong population in this section of river. In recent years the numbers were down due to poor spawns in the drought years, along with limited spawning beds. A large supplemental stocking this past fall has increased numbers dramatically. The trout have taken hold and are very healthy. The average trout caught is between 12-14 inches and there are plenty of trophy sized fish, they are just a lot tougher to catch.

The Eleven Point is deeper than most Ozark trout streams and is difficult to wade for long stretches between shoals. Therefore watercraft is advisable. You must be willing to go a little deeper for fish than most rivers in this region. Dry fly fishing is a rarity on the Eleven Point. I find a 9 ft. 5-6wt. fly rod works best on this river. The following is a list of recommended flies:

Don's crawdad-This is one of the most productive patterns on the Eleven Point. There are tons of crawdads in the river and they are a major food source. I fish this small crawdad under a strike indicator and look for takes on the dead drift and the swing. As with most things you fish here, you need to get it to the bottom for the best results.

M.O.A.T. (mother of all tungsten)- This is a stonefly like pattern with 3 tungsten beads, peacock dubbing, and rubber legs. It really gets down and catches fish. I usually use it as a lead fly and attach different smaller droppers.

Other flies: BH Pheasant Tail, Soft hackle Pheasant Tail, Hare's Ear (tan, olive, black), In-Cased Caddis (Green Pupae), BH Crackleback, Eggs in fall through December, Midge Pupae, Copper John, San Juan Worm (especially after a rain), Stone (black or brown), Leech Patterns (Mohair and Bunny in tan, olive, black), Wooly Buggers, Scuplins and other Streamers.

Spin fishermen should have rooster tails in different colors, heavy marabou jigs, rapalas that imitate deep diving bait fish (not too big) and small deep diving rebel crawdads.

The 14 miles below Turner Mill to Riverton (hwy 160 bridge) is stocked regularly and is designated as white ribbon. The limits are 4 trout per day of any size and you may use any lure and baits are allowed. All of the above flies and lures still apply to this area. In addition many spin fishermen report good luck using little rubber grubs, minnows, worms and power bait.

I hope this gives you some Idea of what to use when fishing the Eleven Point River and please remember that we have most the aforementioned flies and lures in our shop at the Eleven Point River Canoe Rental. In the future I plan to write about fly fishing techniques and likely holding water for trout on the Eleven Point. I also plan to write about the other species swimming in our waters.

Brian Sloss, Guide
Elevenpoint River

Printable Map of the Eleven Point River