Annual Prospects Report
The main portion of the James River extends from the dam at Lake Springfield south to Galena. On this stretch, smallmouth bass reign supreme. Smallmouth fishing should continue to be excellent in 2024. Roughly 25% of the smallmouth sampled in 2022 were greater than 15 inches and ~35% between 12 & 15 inches. Anglers regularly report catching smallmouth greater than 18 inches, particularly in the Smallmouth Special Management Area (SMA) where special limits apply. The SMA runs from the Hooten Town Bridge (the Loop Road at Route O) to the Highway 413/Highway 265 bridge in Galena. Statewide limits apply outside of the SMA, please refer the Missouri Fishing Regulations for more info. Logs and boulder piles are often fruitful spots for anglers using live crayfish, finesse rigs, and artificial lures. Topwater fishing, particularly around sunrise and sunset, can provide an especially thrilling experience to start or end a great day on the water.
Northern rock bass (aka goggle-eye) fishing should also be good for 2024. Catch rates in 2022 were some of the highest recorded with roughly 35% of goggle-eye sampled greater than 8 inches. Furthermore, the large number of 5-6" fish seen in 2022 should be at or above legal size (7-inch minimum). Rootwads and boulders are also good spots to catch goggle-eye; most anglers use tube jigs, curly-tailed grubs, or worms. Largemouth bass and spotted bass are also present in the James in lower densities. Slower flowing water, including pools, are good spots to target both largemouth and spots.
Longear sunfish are always a great option for anglers of all ages due to their aggressive nature when presented with small hooks baited with pieces of worm or small artificial lures. The James River sports an excellent population of suckers for the aspiring gigger willing to brave the dark. When water conditions are right, paddlefish will run up the James River from Table Rock Lake during the spring months and have been found all the way to the dam at Lake Springfield. Please note that the James River (all the way up to Lake Springfield) is considered a tributary of Table Rock Lake therefore the minimum length limit is 34 inches eye-to-fork. Legal harvest season for paddlefish in Missouri runs from March 15th-April 30th with a two fish daily limit.
Lastly, channel catfish should provide good fishing opportunities in 2024 as well. Minnows with a slip bobber fished around rootwads and fallen timber are a great place to start, particularly in the spring months. Nightcrawlers, stink baits, and chicken livers are also good options. Please use caution when fishing with live bait to not introduce minnows or crayfish from other streams.
According to legend, the James was the birthplace of the Ozark float trip enjoyed by so many today. Five MDC accesses are present on the main portion of the James River, running from north to south: Delaware Town, Shelvin Rock, Hooten Town, H.L. Kerr, and Ralph Cox Memorial. For those searching for a bit of seclusion, most recreational floaters will be found between H.L. Kerr and Cox from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
