Fly Fishing the Eleven Point River

New to fly fishing? You’re in the right place. The Eleven Point is an ideal river for beginners — calm water, steady trout, and plenty of space to learn without pressure.

We’ll provide all the gear you need, and you’ll get hands-on instruction as we go. There’s no need to show up knowing how to cast or tie knots — we’ll walk you through the basics and keep it simple.

You’ll be in a drift boat for most of the day, so there’s no tricky wading or tough terrain to deal with. Just an easy float, a relaxed pace, and plenty of chances to catch your first fish on the fly.

The Eleven Point River is one of the most scenic and undeveloped rivers in southern Missouri. It’s spring-fed, clear, and cuts through miles of protected land — giving it a remote, quiet feel that’s hard to find elsewhere.

This stretch is designated blue ribbon trout water, with healthy populations of wild rainbow trout and smallmouth bass. While you might also come across a goggle eye or the occasional chain pickerel, most of the day is spent casting to steady, dependable fish in clean, moving water.

The river flows through the Mark Twain National Forest, with long float stretches, minimal crowds, and limited road access. It’s one of the few places where you can spend an entire day on the water without seeing much else besides trees, rocks, and rising fish.

It’s also one of Bryan’s favorite places to guide — not just for the fishing, but for the pace, the setting, and the kind of day it offers.