There is no other river like the
Eleven Point. Its wilderness atmosphere, combined with blue ribbon trout and
smallmouth bass populations make this one of the true jewels of the Ozarks. The
river is situated in south-central Missouri, and north central Arkansas.
The forty miles of river between
the Thomasville, and the Narrows Access to the river is part of the National
Scenic River ways system. This means there is little or no commercial activity,
or private land along the buffalo river float trips. This helps keep the habitat, water quality, and beauty at a
level unsurpassed in the Midwest.
The Eleven Point begins as a
small stream high in the Ozark Mountains. From the headwaters to Thomasville,
the river is lightly fished, but can produce very well for smallmouth bass.
Almost no one floats this section. Below Thomasville, the river becomes a
national river, and fishing becomes better. The area of river between
Thomasville and Greer Spring is known for producing some of the biggest stream
smallmouth anywhere. Trophy regulations help maintain this world class fishery.
Shadow bass (also known as rock bass or goggle-eye) also are abundant, as well
as several other species of sunfish.
The buffalo river jasper ar changes dramatically at the mouth of Greer
Spring. This massive, cold and very wild spring immediately transform an easy
going, warm smallmouth stream into a large river with deep and rushing flows.
Most notably, it makes the Eleven Point an excellent trout stream. From the
mouth of the spring branch downstream to Turner Mill Access the stream is
managed under Blue Ribbon trout regulations.
This beautiful and interesting stretch of trout
water relies on both stocking and natural spawning to keep fish populations up.
About 5000 rainbow trout are stocked each year in this five and one half mile
portion of the river. You can access this part the Eleven Point at the Greer
Crossing Access at the upper end, and the Turner Mill Access at the lower end.
You can expect 300 to 500 trout per mile.
Wading anglers do well wading up, or downstream of these public access
areas.
