James River

One of the major tributaries of Table Rock Lake is the James River, which flows in from the north towards Springfield, Missouri. Its fishing history dates back to the days when there were not any dams on the White River. The White, and rivers like the James River, were then floated by outfitters who fished for smallmouth and largemouth bass, camping and cooking on the riverbanks for their clients. The James is still floated by many anglers in search of the smallmouth bass, which can grow well over 20 inches in length. There are several liveries on the river that supply canoes and shuttles to various accesses up and down the river.

Recommend James River:

Latest News

New ramp at Shelvin Access

New boat ramp installed my MDC April, 2013.  Pictures courtesy of Yaknar from OAF Forum.

White bass report, 2/23/12

Heard some rumors yesterday about the James, so I went down there today to see what I could find. read more…

A Fish with Canine Teeth

Yaknar (OA Forum)

I kayaked down the James yesterday, a stretch I’ve never floated before. When my wife picked me up, I told her I caught a fish today I never caught before. Her reply was “you mean you catch the same fish every time you go, that doesn’t sound very fun.” So to be clear, I caught a different type of fish I have never caught before. I caught bunch of goggle eye and 10 in bass, 2 logperch, I don’t know why I catch these, it must say something about the way I fish. I didn’t catch a gar but I did catch something with teeth, a walleye? He was a stiff fish. I caught him on a yellow Bomber. Are walleyes common on the James? This far up? Does anyone else catch them on the James or try to catch them? It was a great day to be on the river.

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