Float and fish your way through the Ozarks

There is nothing like floating and fishing on an Ozark stream.

Every stream in the Ozarks has its own character. These float streams offer good fishing from rainbow trout to catfish, as well as smallmouth bass.

Every float is different and will have the floaters waiting expectantly for the view around the next bend in the stream, a view that is always new and different. Fishing and floating are popular sports in the Ozarks, where great scenery adds to the enjoyment of a fishing trip.

A lot of people wanting to float start on a small lake to learn how to handle a canoe, or a kayak -- which are becoming more popular. This practice offers safety because on moving water, you don't always know where the canoe is headed. You soon learn how to avoid obstacles by using the paddle as a rudder, which enables it to move faster than the water flow, so you will have more control.

Learning how to use the stream to your advantage is always a good idea. With the big holiday weekend just ahead, safety is the key to enjoy a float/fishing trip to the fullest.

Trips can range from a short float that goes just a couple of miles and lasts a few hours to an all-day affair, or even overnight floats.

Many Missouri floaters, cut their canoeing teeth on some of the slower moving streams, including the Sac and Pomme Rivers. Later, they can move to floating other streams like the Current River, which is one of the favorite streams of many floaters and has some good fishing for smallmouth bass.

This spring-fed river was the first National Scenic Riverway and is managed by the National Park Service.

Other streams throughout the Ozarks that offer good floating and fishing include the Niangua and Gasconade Rivers, which are safe, family float streams with just a few fast water sections. The Gasconade River is the longest float stream in Missouri and its nearly 300 miles all lie within the state.

An important way to make a float enjoyable is to plan and prepare before heading out. Have a checklist ready, which should include comfort items like sunglasses, drinking water, insect repellent, sunscreen and wading shoes.

The water in Ozark streams is cool and usually, very clear. Smallmouth bass are the principal sport fish in most of the float and fishing streams, but floating anglers also go after walleye, rock bass, catfish and in several cold water streams, trout furnish good fishing.

Stream fishing has a particular fascination to people who like elbow room, enjoy wildlife of a never-ending variety and a different angling challenge to solve around every bend. Within a few miles of every Ozark residence, there is a float/fishing stream.

Angling waters are abundant in the Ozarks, compared to other places in the country.

Harold Franklin, Kansas City, who has floated and fished in most of the Ozark streams, said, "Part of the popularity of the float-fishing streams is due to the fact that people like me are anxious to get out of the city and enjoy the scenery and quiet of an Ozark stream."

Floating and fishing are activities which can be enjoyed by all ages.

Gene Maggard, of the Missouri Canoe Floaters Association, said, "It is heartwarming to see our parking lot full of 7- to 12-year-old children getting ready for their floating adventure."

Most rivers and streams are served by outfitters who, along with canoes and equipment, may also offer campgrounds, RV sites, cabins and lodges. For more information on the Missouri Canoe Floaters Association, visit its website, at www.missouricanoe.org.

Late May is an excellent time to go floating and fishing on an Ozark stream. It can be a great family adventure in the state "Where the Rivers Run."