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Missouri · Fishing
Eminence sits at the heart of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, and the fishing around town reflects that — cold, clear spring-fed water running through some of the most productive float-fishing country in Missouri.
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Eminence sits at the heart of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, and the fishing around town reflects that — cold, clear spring-fed water running through some of the most productive float-fishing country in Missouri. The three main access points near Eminence are Two Rivers, Alley Spring, and Pulltite, all of which put you on the Current River or its tributaries. Two Rivers is exactly what the name suggests: a confluence area where currents mix and fish tend to stack up, especially during warmer months when cooler spring water draws them in. Alley Spring is one of the most recognizable spots on the Current River system, fed by a major spring that keeps water temperatures stable year-round, which matters a lot for smallmouth bass and the other species that thrive in this drainage. Pulltite is a quieter access point upriver, worth the drive if you want fewer people and more water to yourself. All three are river fishing situations — you're wading or floating, not fishing a stocked pond — so come prepared for moving water and variable conditions. The Current River corridor is known for smallmouth bass, rock bass, and sunfish, with goggle-eye (rock bass) being a local favorite that often gets overlooked by visiting anglers focused on smallmouth.
Smallmouth bass are the main draw on the Current River system around Two Rivers, Alley Spring, and Pulltite. Rock bass (locally called goggle-eye) are abundant and aggressive, making them a reliable catch even on slow days. Sunfish and longear sunfish round out most trips. Largemouth bass show up in slower backwater areas but are less common in the main current.
Yes, a valid Missouri fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. The Current River through the Ozark National Scenic Riverways falls under both Missouri state regulations and National Park Service rules, so check the current Missouri Wildlife Code and NPS guidelines before your trip — regulations on things like trotlines and certain gear types can differ from standard state waters.
Round Spring
~7 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MO.
Loggers Lake Campground
~22 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MO.
Sutton Bluff Recreation Area
~48 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MO.
Noblett Lake
~1h 15m drive
A worthwhile stop near MO.
Jacks Fork River - Alley Spring Section
~15 min drive
Moderate
Alley Spring
~10 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MO.
Pinewoods Lake Rec Area
~1h 9m drive
A worthwhile stop near MO.
Council Bluff Recreation Area
~1h 12m drive
A worthwhile stop near MO.
Markham Springs
~1h 22m drive
A worthwhile stop near MO.
Current River - Jacks Fork Confluence
~22 min drive
Moderate
Two Rivers
~12 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MO.
Roy Davis Lake
~37 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MO.
Late spring through early fall is the most productive window, with May and June being particularly good for smallmouth as water temperatures rise and fish move into feeding patterns. Summer heat pushes fish toward the mouths of cold springs, which makes spots like Alley Spring especially worth targeting mid-day when the sun is high. Fall fishing can be excellent and crowds thin out noticeably after Labor Day.
Both are viable depending on the access point and water level. Floating by canoe or kayak is the most common approach and lets you cover water between access points like Pulltite and Two Rivers efficiently. Wading is possible at lower water levels, particularly around Alley Spring where gravel bars are wide and footing is manageable. Moving-water experience helps — the Current River is not a technical whitewater run, but it's not a flat lake either.
Light to medium spinning tackle in the 6- to 8-pound line range covers most situations. For smallmouth, crawfish-imitating soft plastics, small inline spinners, and topwater lures in low-light hours are consistent producers. Rock bass will hit almost anything small — a 1/16 to 1/8 oz jig with a curly tail grub is hard to beat for numbers. The water is clear, so lighter line and natural colors tend to outperform heavy tackle and bright lures.
