James River
The James River is an approximate 99 mile long river with the headwaters emanating near
the town of Diggins in Webster County. The James River watershed totals 1,512 square
miles with tributaries including Flat Creek, Wilson Creek, Finley Creek, Crane Creek,
Tory Creek, Pearson Creek and Goff Creek. The total mileage of streams in the watershed
with permanent flow is 289 miles. Intermittent streams with permanent pools add another
74 miles. Several losing stream reaches and numerous springs are also located in the basin.
Seventy-one fish species have been collected in the basin. Common sportfish include
smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, spotted bass, white crappie, Ozark bass, and channel
catfish. The James also has good populations of gar and carp.
The section of the river above Lake Springfield is approximately ½ the total length of the
river, however, the upper most reaches of the river are privately owned and stream access
is limited. For the fly fisherman, we will divide the James River into two sections. The
first section concentrating on the fishing opportunities beginning at Highway B near
Northview and traveling downriver to Lake Springfield and the second section picking
back up below Lake Springfield then downriver to Table Rock Lake.
Fly Fishing the James River Above Lake Springfield
The James River above Springfield will be more accessible to the wade fisherman as
compared to the section below Lake Springfield. The upper stretches will be comprised of
riparian corridors, open to the sky gravel shoals and long pools of clay banked deeper
water littered with downfalls. The areas most easily fished by fly fishers will be those
shallow riffles and shoals. Those shoals then lead to long slow pools. Fly fishing the
pools will be difficult because of depth, so, swimming some of them may be necessary in
order to access the next shoal.
When fishing the upper reaches of the James River, we’ll primarily utilize a 9’-10’ 5 or 6
weight fly rod, with a 7.5’ 3X leader tipped with a weighted crawdad pattern. This rod
will primarily be fished in the shallow runs with an upstream cast, rod held high, and a
jigging retrieve until the fly travels past your position in the river. Then, a gradual
lowering of the rod tip and a popping or two of the fly line will allow enough slack in the
line to work the fly down the remainder of the run. Watch for the line to “jump” which
indicates a take. If no take is detected, allow your line to straighten, tighten up on it, and
then hold your rod tip either horizontal to the water or bury the rod tip into the water and
begin your retrieve. The position of the rod either above or below the water is dependent
on the current speed, depth and what action you’ld like to impart on the fly.
Access Points Above Lake Springfield
Highway B Bridge
The upper most stretch I’ve fished on the James is located at the bridge on Highway B.
This is a good section to wade fish at median to lower water levels. The USGS water
data gauge near Springfield is the nearest gauge, so, check it before going and if it’s near
the median level, then this section should be fishable. Access can be gained by traveling
East out of Springfield on I-44 then taking the Northview turnoff at Hwy B. Travel South
on Hwy B approximately three miles to the bridge that crosses the James. There are two
parking spots on the South Side of the bridge. Once you park, walk back over the bridge
and then down to the river. The most accessible fly fishing water is upriver. Watch for
private property! Another access point that takes some additional effort is to travel farther
south on Hwy B and wade in at Panther Creek. Wade down Panther Creek about ¾ mile
to the James and then fish up the river….again, watch for private property signs!
East Division Street Bridge
The next access point is 7.5 miles downriver and it is accessed by traveling out Division
Street (or Hwy YY). Take Division Street East out of Springfield and stay on it for 4+/miles and then turn East on Farm Rd 134 until you cross the James. Accessibility to the
river is not easy at this bridge because there are no designated parking areas. You‘re
basically parking on the side of the road in a rather steep ditch.
State Rd 125 Bridge
The next access point is four miles downriver at the State Rd 125 bridge. While this
bridge used to provide adequate access for wade fishermen, the bridge has been renovated
and parking is no longer allowed. So, if you’re wade fishing or floating this section, have
someone drop you off.
East Sunshine Street Bridge
2.7 miles downriver from State Road 125 will find one at the next access point at Sunshine
Street. This is very close to Springfield and receives pressure from all types of fishermen
as there is easy and adequate parking. To get to this access, travel East on Sunshine
Street out of Springfield approximately three miles and park East of the bridge.
Downriver will provide the best fly fishing opportunities. The stretch above the bridge is a
long slow run that holds fish but is not easily fly fished from the bank. Just downriver of
the Sunshine Street bridge is Kinser Bridge at Farm Road 164. It is in very close
proximity to the Sunshine Street bridge, however, it is blocked off and it’s private
property.
Crighton Access
Crighton Access is approximately 4 miles downstream of the Sunshine Street bridge. This
access is also very close to Springfield and it’s easily accessed by traveling East on
Battlefield Rd. then East on Kinser Rd (Farm Rd 164) then turning North on Farm Road
193. Wading and fly fishing this portion of the river is difficult as the access point is right
in the middle of a long pool. A canoe or kayak will improve your chances greatly.
And, if you launch a canoe or kayak at the Crighton Access, you can float approximately 5
miles down to Lake Springfield and take out at the Southwood Access below Hwy 65.
This stretch (and all of the upper portion of the river) can be littered with downfalls and
strainers that can be a serious hazard at any water level. About half of this stretch is river
while the other half is lake water, so, be prepared to paddle the lower portion of the float.
Lake Springfield
Lake Springfield is a 312 acre cooling water supply lake for the James River Power Plant.
This lake is considered to be a section totally separate from the actual James River. The
James River flows into Lake Springfield East of Highway 60 and then it begins again
below Kissick Dam. The power plant’s warm water discharges into the lake at the Clay
Henshaw Memorial Access where it then spills over the dam and back into what is the
James River.
For fishing opportunities in the lake, the early 1990's found the Missouri Department of
Conservation entering into a Community Assistance Program (CAP) agreement with City
Utilities of Springfield in order to provide fishing opportunities in the Springfield area.
Through this agreement, a boat ramp, fishing dock, and several fishing platforms were
constructed at Clay Henshaw Memorial Access and Southwood Access. While these
access are not “fly fishable”, I do include a brief description of their attributes below.
The majority of anglers utilizing Lake Springfield are spin fishermen pursuing largemouth
bass, channel catfish, crappie and a variety of sunfish species. Fly fishermen generally
target carp, bluegill and largemouth bass.
The lake provides a very good recreational opportunity for canoers and kayakers. The
lake has an outboard motor horsepower restriction of 6HP.
Fly fishermen will find it easiest to fish the lake out of a watercraft.
Access Points on Lake Springfield
Clay Henshaw Memorial Access
The Clay Henshaw Memorial Access is comprised of a jetty that borders the warm water
discharge. The lake side of the jetty has a few fishing docks that are not fly fishable. The
area can be crowded with both bait and spin fishermen. It’s not readily fly fishable.
Southwood Access
This is the access to take out if you’re floating down from the Crighton access on the
James. And, it is also a good access point for launching a canoe or kayak and fishing the
lake. The bass and carp fishing can be good both East and West from the access. Carp
can be sight fished on some of the flats in the lake.
Lake Springfield Park Access
Located at 5324 S. Kissick Avenue this park is comprised of trails, pavilion/picnic areas,
and a boathouse. There is a limited area fly fishable only from the shore. No wading is
allowed. Hours of operation of the park are:
October - May
9:00 am - 5:00 pm Monday - Saturday
11:00 am - 5:00 pm Sunday
June - September
9:00 am - 6:00 pm Monday - Saturday
11:00 am - 6:00 pm Sunday
Canoe and Kayak rentals are available at the Lake Springfield Park Boathouse June 1 to
the end of September.
Rented canoes and kayaks must be returned each day one hour prior to boathouse closing.
The facility offers 17’ canoes, single kayaks and two-person kayaks. Renters must be 18
years of age, with minors accompanied by an adult. All participants must sign a waiver and
wear provided life jackets.
For more information call: 417-891-1550
Access Points Below Lake Springfield
Tailwater Access
The Tailwater Access is below Kissick Dam and it is where the James River picks back up.
Canoes and kayaks can be launched here or the area can be wade fished. Smallmouth and
largemouth bass, carp, bluegill and gar are the main quarry. Check the USGS Real Time
Waterdata Gauge before fishing to make sure the James River level is fishable. A good
3.4 mile float goes from below the dam to the US 160 bridge.
Cox Rd Bridge / Rivercut Parkway Bridge / Rivercut Driving
Range
Although I’ve never tried it, we have customers that have accessed the James River at
both the Rivercut Driving Range, the Nicolas (Farm Rd 141) bridge and the small bridge
on Rivercut Parkway. The driving range closes and it’s on private property, so, fair
warning. The bridge off of Rivercut Pkwy is located outside the subdivision and there is a
parking area on the right side of the road. There is parking off of Cox Rd. just before the
bridge and it appears people access the river by scrambling down the chunk rock. It
appears snakey!
Nelson Mill Rd / Blue Springs Rd.
No Access
Delaware Town to Shelvin Rock
MDC’s Delaware Town Access is located approximately four miles West of Nixa off SR
14. Turn north off of SR14 on to Delaware Town Road and then a near immediate left on
the gravel road which leads to the access. The nearest take out for this float is at MDC’s
Shelvin Rock Access located 6.5 miles downstream. Shuttle is an easy 15 minute
drive…..Out of Delaware Town go East on Hwy 14 to South on Hwy M to West on
Shelvin Rock Road.
Shelvin Rock to Hooten Town
Shelvin Rock to Hooten Town is a much utilized stretch of river in the Summer for those
who enjoy a few libations. Plan accordingly and either get on the river early or late. This
6.2 mile stretch features Montague Spring which pumps two million gallons of cold water
per day into Tory Creek.
Hooten Town to McCall Bridge Rd.
The Hooten Town Access marks the beginning of MDC’s Smallmouth Bass Management
Area. This area extends from the Hooten Town bridge 21.6 miles downriver to the
Highway 413/265 bridge near Galena. Within this management area:
Largemouth bass have a 15” minimum length limit
Smallmouth bass have a 15” minimum length limit. The daily limit of 6 black bass
may include only 1 smallmouth bass.
Only possessed between Sat, 05/24/2014 - Sat, 02/28/2015
The Hooten Town to McCall Bridge Rd float is approximately 6.4 miles and it is also a
well utilized stretch for the aluminum can and inner tube brigade. The take out is located
on river left (left side of the river looking downstream) below the McCall bridge.
McCall Bridge Rd to HL Kerr Access
The put in at McCall Bridge Rd is located off of Highway V near Ponce de Leon. The
access is an unimproved clay/gravel access with parking on the side of the road. This
stretch of the river is approximately 10 miles which makes for a very long day for the fly
fisher wanting to thoroughly fish the spots.
HL Kerr to Highway 413
This 4 mile stretch makes for a very good day float for the fly fisher who wants to spend
more time fishing every likely spot. In mid to late summer, gar will be inhabiting the long
slow pools while the smallmouth will generally pull up into the heavy oxygen rich water.
Flies & Set Ups to Use for the James River
As mentioned in the preceding pages, wade fishing is better on the upper stretches of the
James River, while floating is the preferred method on the lower stretches. A tandem
canoe is an effective means of floating and fly fishing. One person rows while the other
fishes. Our fly rod setups include the 5 or 6 weight rod as mentioned in the upper section
portion of this program, while another set up will include a 7 or 8 weight rod loaded with
either an integrated sink tip line or a floating line rigged with a RIO Versileader 12’ - 15’
sink tip.
The type of sinking line we utilize is generally dependent on the amount of CFS and clarity
of the river. At higher flows, the water is generally more turbid, so, we’ll use a Rio 24‘
Sink Tip or the Scientific Anglers Wet Tip Express. At moderate to lower flows, an
aggressive sink is not as required, so, a floating line tipped with a Rio Versileader is the
preferred set up. I‘ll go over what we primarily use:
When using integrated sink tip lines we’ll use either the Rio 24‘ Sink Tip or the
Scientific Anglers Wet Tip Express in a 200 grain (7wt) to 250 grain (8wt). Both of
these lines have distinct characteristics that make it a preferred line to use. They have
a sinking portion of the fly line that integrates into an 8’ “handling line” that then
integrates into a floating running line. The “handling line” is a thicker portion of the
fly line that helps carry the weight of the sinking portion of the line while it’s in the air.
.
The other option would be a floating line such as a RIO Grand or Scientific Angler
Titan Taper with a sinking RIO Versileader attached to the end. This method allows
the angler to be able to quickly remove the sinking leader if needed. However, this set
up doesn’t retrieve or cast as well as an integrated sinking line because of the loop to
loop connection between floating line and sinking leader.
On both of the sinking line options mentioned above, we’ll use a tippet comprised of a 4’
section of straight monofilament in the 8# to 15# range.
On the sink tips, we‘ll generally start out using unweighted streamers like Shuttlecocks or
Honky Punches. The sinking lines coupled with the unweighted streamers provide the
flies with great action when stripped fast or slow. Work the fly according to depth. At
some points when the water is shallow, it may be necessary to raise the rod tip over your
head while stripping the fly. When the fly reaches an edge, begin to lower the rod tip and
retrieve the fly in a fashion according to preference. In deeper holes, it may be necessary
to bury the rod up to 4’ in depth. Be sure to work the fly completely back to the boat and
sometimes in front and around the opposite side of the boat.
Gar Fishing
The lower stretches of the James hold large schools of gar. If you see a rope swing on
your float, gar will be around. Late June into July, August and September are the best
times to chase them. You’ll find them in the long deep pools either staged near the
surface (dependent on boat traffic), or, laying on the bottom. When they’re on the
bottom, they generally come up and porpoise, gulp some air and the return to the depths.
Sight fished gar near the surface will readily take flies. A 7 weight fly rod fished with
either an unweighted or slightly weighted gar fly tied in white and chartreuse has been the
most effective for us.
When the gar are coming up off the bottom and quickly returning, it is best to use a sink
tip to sink the fly to their level. A gar’s eyes are located on the sides of their heads, so,
flies stripped above them do not come into their field of vision. So, the sink tip with an
unweighted fly sunk down to their level will generally get more response than a floating
line.
The type of fly line to use…..sink vs. floating…..is determined by many factors, however,
I generally find myself using a sink tip. The method of retrieval in relation to the fish is
another key factor in getting a gar to bite. Having the fly perpendicular to the fish and
aggressively retrieving the fly to imitate a fleeing bait fish will elicit the best response from
a gar. When a gar is chasing the fly from behind, it will usually follow and nip at it but not
commit to it. The fly being at least partially perpendicular to the fish is the key in enticing
the fish to eat.
Difficulty: I; a few places on upper river rate up to III due to obstructions.
Gradient: general- 4.5; Hwy. 125 to Lake Springfield – 6.3; dam at Lake Springfield to
Hwy.14-4.3; to Galena – 4.
Counties: Greene, Christian, Stone.
James River – Mile-By-Mile Description
0.0 Hwy. 125 Bridge. McCraw Ford. Access under bridge.2.7 Hwy. D Bridge. No access.
2.9 Turner Bridge. Old Hwy. D.
3.0 San Francisco St. Louis R.R. Bridge. (no access)
6.8 Joe Crighton Access on right, at Kinser Bridge on Farm Road 164. No ramp, but easy
canoe/kayak access.
9.5 Hwy. 60 Bridge. Lake Springfield backs up water beyond this point.
9.7 Farm Road 181 Bridge. No access.
10.0 Southwood Access (Springfield City Utilities) on left downstream from Hwy. 65
Bridge. Off Hwy. 65. take Evans Road to Southwood Road. Lake Springfield. which is
about 2 miles long, begins.
12.1 Public park and access on right.
12.3 Kissick Dam. Fair access.
12.4 Tailwaters Access (Springfield City Utilities) on right, off Hwy. 65 to Evans Road to
Kissick.
15.8 Hwy. 160 Bridge. Fair access.
18.7 Owens Bridge.
20.3 Shallow rapids caused by rock ledge, with brush and logs at bottom.
21.3 Blue Spring on left. Not safe.
23.2 County road bridge. No access.
25.2 Wilson Creek on right.
26.3 Stone piers of old Delaware Bridge.
26.7 Spring branch on left.
27.0 Delaware Town Access on left, on County Road 14-31.
27.5 Hwy. 14 Bridge Access.
28.3 Blue Hole.
29.3 Rock ledge at old ford site makes good riffle.
31.9 Frazier Bridge on county road. Access.
33.5 Shelvin Rock Access on left, on Shelvin Rock Road.
33.9 McCafferty Hollow Creek on left.
36.2 Jamesville Bridge. Hwys. M and U. No access.
36.3 Finley Creek, on left. 37.9 Tory Creek on left. Montague Spring, 2.5 miles up creek,
reached via Hwy. O from Hwy. 65. The spring has a flow of nearly 2 million gallons per
day, is used to supply a private trout hatchery and is one of the largest springs in this river
drainage.
39.4 Silvet Lake Branch on right.
39.7 Hooten Town Access on right, on Hooten Town Road.
40.8 Hooten Hill, on right (high bluff).
42.6 Watch for down trees in river along right bank. Use caution, particularly in high
water.
44.3 Cole Pit Hole access on County Road V-70 off Hwy. V.
44.7 McCall Bridge.
45.0 Old Stillhouse Hollow, which is spring fed, on right.
46.1 Access on left where extension of Hwy. V parallels river.
46.3 Goff Creek on left. No access. Fast run just below.
50.4 Private access on right side, off Hwy. AA near O to church.
52.8 Crane Creek on right.
53.8 Wheeler Branch and Hwy. AA on right. No access.
56.6 Horse Creek on left. H.L. Kerr Access on Horse Cteek Road.
58.3 Yocum’s Camp on tight. No access.
61.0 Hwy. 248-13 Bridge. Access.
61.3 Hwy. 13 Bridge. No access.
61.6 Y Bridge at Galena. Supplies in town. Lake fishing regulations apply downstream
from here. 61.7 Access on right. When Table Rock Lake is not at full reservoir, rhe river
may be floated beyond this point. Inquire locally about conditions and accesses.
This is an electronic reprint of a Missouri Department of Conservation document. More or
updated information on this topic can be found at the Missouri Department of
Conservation web site located at: mdc.mo.gov. Copyright 2003 by the Conservation
Commission of the State of Missouri.
Smallmouth Bass Facts
The first years growth is very important for smallmouth. The world record smallie of 27"
was 13 years old. A normal year class of smallie can have some fast and slow growers
with the bulk of individuals in the mid range. Based on amount of food available, the
average size can be skewed toward one side of small or large. A standard year class can be
composed of several 2"-4", the majority in the 5"-6" size, some 6"-7" and maybe a few
exceptional ones 8"-9".
Smallmouth Spawn
When water temperatures reach 59 or 60F, the male starts cruising the shallows in 2 to 5
feet of water as he looks for vulnerable food items and inspects for a suitable nest
location. Smallie nests have been found in a wide variety of waters as shallow as 10 inches
and up to 10 feet deep.
After several warming periods and waters warm to stable temperatures of 62 to 64F, the
male chooses a site and begins nest construction. A few smallies have been seen spawning
at 70F. If there is a water temperature drop of just 5 to 8 degrees the male will often
desert the nest, even if it has eggs in it.
Observations revealed most nest construction occurs in early morning. The circular
depression created for the nest most often ranges from 12" to 70" across and is excavated
2" to 4" into the bottom materials. Sometimes the male will abandon the first construction
site and then build a second one that usually serves as the final nest.
Time spent building the nest ranges from 4 to 48 hours. Construction time depends a lot
on if the male is building the nest in a new undisturbed area that needs a lot of cleaning or
is using an older, relatively clean nest site.
The first stages of the spawning process occur each spring when waters reach stable
temperatures of 55-65F. The male builds the nest primarily in the mornings over a period
of 4 to 48 hours. In calmer waters, he often orients himself vertically in the water and uses
his tail to sweep the area clean of loose sediments. He uses his nose to push rocks around
in the depression, forming a crater-like nest. Sometimes males have been seen relocating
larger rocks and objects with their snout and mouth. The nest diameter is often twice the
length of the male. The best nests have been described as large, perfectly circular, clean
gravel depressions. (Becker 1983).
Not all males make nests each year. Often only about 25% of mature males make nests
in any given year. Largest males are usually first to build nests and regularly have the most
successful nests which produce the most fry.
Smallmouth females generally do not produce as many eggs per nest compared to
largemouth bass and this helps explain why it is important to start with some good basic
structural features to improve the hatch.
Information and charts utilized from www.bassresource.com