Big Piney River Fishing Spot

• Elevation: 811'
• Last Modified By: vinny60 on 09/15/09 08:51 PM
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The Big Piney River, which flows through Ft. Leonard Wood and Devil’s Elbow, is one of the closest floating rivers to Rolla yet remains largely undiscovered. Many have never heard of the Big Piney, which is partly due to the fact that other popular floating rivers are more highly advertised and more “on the beaten path” than the Big Piney. Although the Big Piney is not well known, it offers a relaxing, enjoyable, and scenic float that is comparable, if not better than floats on other nearby rivers. For those who enjoy a scenic float trip, the Big Piney is well worth a visit. The Big Piney River originates near Cabool, MO and flows north to join the Gasconade near Jerome. It flows through remote parts of Missouri between Cabool and Houston. After flowing north past Houston the Big Piney enters the Mark Twain National Forest and Ft. Leonard Wood. River accesses and good roads leading to the Big Piney are few and far between. Some access points are provided by the National Forest Service, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), and private businesses. Most accesses are not located near heavily populated areas. Perhaps its location is the main reason that the Big Piney remains so undeveloped, scenic, and peaceful, for it is a beautiful Ozark river. The river is kept relatively cool all summer since it is fed by various springs along its course. These springs also help keep the water levels consistent and allow the river to be floated during dry periods. High and scenic bluffs rim certain stretches of the River. The river receives its name from the pines common atop these bluffs, especially along the upstream sections. One used to floating other Ozarks streams may notice that the water of the Big Piney is not quite as clear and carries a greenish hue. This color is due to the abundance of plankton, a microscopic organism nourished by nutrients washed into the river from the surrounding landscape. Most of these nutrients are from the soil of the region, which happens to be slightly more nutrient rich than most Ozark soil. The abundance of plankton has led to a rich and diversified river food chain, making the Big Piney an excellent location to fish for rock bass, small mouth bass, and other species of fish. The abundant plankton by no means gives the river a dirty or unpleasant appearance. Instead, it gives the river an almost surreal look and makes an excellent location for photographs. The Big Piney remains one of seven free flowing rivers in Missouri today, meaning that is is not backed up by any sizeable dams.