Full Day Float Trip – North Fork River
Private Trip
River Fishing
Full 8hour guided drift boat experience on North Fork RiverMaximum 2 guests ensures personalized attention and quality fishingEarly 7 AM start provides access to prime fishing locations
Picture this: you're drifting down one of the region's most productive bass and trout waters, rod in hand, with nothing but eight solid hours ahead of you to work every pocket, eddy, and undercut bank the North Fork has to offer. That's exactly what you get with our full-day float trip – a proper angler's adventure that starts at first light and gives you the time you need to really dial in on what's biting. At $400 per person with just two spots available, this isn't your typical crowded guide trip. We keep it intimate so you can focus on fishing, not fighting for elbow room.
We'll meet up at 7 AM sharp – coffee in hand if you're smart – and get you rigged up for a day that covers serious water. The North Fork runs clean and clear most of the year, winding through some beautiful country that stays relatively quiet compared to the more popular stretches downstream. Our drift boat is built for this kind of work – stable enough for you to stand and cast comfortably, but nimble enough to position you perfectly for those tricky lies where the big fish hang out. You'll be working a mix of water throughout the day, from deeper pools where the browns like to sulk, to rocky runs perfect for smallmouth, and those sweet shoreline structures that hold largemouth. The best part? We'll cover miles of river, hitting spots that wade fishermen just can't reach. Three meals keep you fueled up – breakfast to get you started right, a streamside lunch when we find a good spot to pull over, and dinner to cap off what's usually been a pretty successful day on the water.
The North Fork fishes best with a variety of approaches, and we'll switch things up based on what we're seeing and what the fish are telling us. Early morning usually calls for topwater action – nothing beats the sound of a bass exploding on a popper when the water's still glassy. As the day warms up, we'll work soft plastics along the banks, drag jigs through the deeper holes, and maybe throw some spinners if the trout are active. The drift boat setup lets us cover water efficiently while giving you multiple shot angles at productive structure. We're talking about precision casting to undercut banks, drifting flies through current seams, and working crankbaits along drop-offs – all the techniques that produce fish but require the right positioning to pull off. The boat's equipped with everything you need, from rods matched to the conditions to a tackle selection that's been fine-tuned over years of guiding this stretch. If you've got favorite lures or flies, bring them along – local knowledge plus your confidence baits is often a winning combination.
The North Fork serves up a mixed bag that keeps every cast interesting, with five main species that'll test your skills and keep you coming back. Largemouth bass rule the slower, structure-heavy sections where fallen trees and undercut banks create perfect ambush points. These fish average 2-4 pounds but don't let that fool you – they fight dirty in cover and know how to use every snag to their advantage. Best action typically happens early morning and late evening when they're actively feeding in the shallows. Smallmouth bass are the river's scrappiest residents, holding in the rockier runs and current breaks where they can dart out to nail baitfish. Pound for pound, nothing fights harder than a North Fork smallie – they'll jump, run, and generally raise hell once hooked. Spring through fall produces the most consistent action, with late spring being absolutely prime when they're post-spawn and feeding aggressively. Rainbow trout stack up in the cooler, deeper pools, especially where springs feed into the main river. These fish are beautiful and strong, often surprising anglers with their size and fight. They respond well to both flies and small spinners, with cooler months producing the most reliable action. Striped bass are the river's wildcards – when they're around, they provide some of the most exciting fishing you'll find. These fish cruise the deeper water looking for schools of baitfish, and when you find them feeding, the action can be fast and furious. Brown trout are the North Fork's most challenging and rewarding catch, holding tight to cover and requiring precise presentations. These fish are spooky and smart, but when you connect with a good one, you'll understand why they have such a devoted following among serious anglers.
Here's the thing about our full-day float trips – they book up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing's hot and the weather's cooperating. With only two spots available and a full eight hours on some of the region's best bass and trout water, this trip delivers the kind of focused fishing experience that serious anglers are looking for. You're getting expert guidance, all meals, quality gear, and access to water that produces fish consistently throughout the season. The 7-day free cancellation policy means you can book with confidence, knowing that weather or unexpected changes won't leave you hanging. Whether you're looking to target a specific species, learn new techniques, or just spend a proper day on the water away from the crowds, this trip hits all the marks. The North Fork's got the fish, we've got the knowledge, and all that's missing is you with a rod in your hand.
This reliable 14-ft Jon boat from 1995 is your quiet companion for a full day on the North Fork River. Powered by a whisper-quiet trolling motor, it won't spook the fish as you drift through prime fishing waters. Built for two anglers, this lightweight and stable boat gives you excellent control for precise positioning whether you're working deeper pools or hugging the shoreline. The shallow draft design lets you access those hard-to-reach spots where big fish like to hide. Perfect for controlled drifting and easy casting, this boat keeps things simple so you can focus on what matters – putting fish in the net during your 8-hour adventure on some seriously productive water.
Micropterus SalmoidesLargemouth bass are the reason many folks get hooked on fishing. These green bruisers average 1-4 pounds but can hit double digits, and they'll put up a serious fight once hooked. You'll find them around fallen trees, weed beds, and rocky structure in slower water sections. They love ambush spots where they can dart out at prey. Spring through fall are prime times, especially early morning and evening when they're actively feeding. What makes them special is their aggressive nature - they'll smash topwater lures and make those heart-stopping jumps. Plus, they're excellent table fare when handled right. Pro tip: when you see one bass, slow down and work that area thoroughly. They often hang in small groups.
Morone SaxatilisStriped bass are the river's heavyweights, with those distinctive black stripes running down silver sides. Most run 20-40 pounds, though smaller schoolies and bigger fish both show up. These structure-loving fish hang around drop-offs, bridge pilings, and current breaks where baitfish get pushed around. They're year-round targets, but spring and fall migrations bring the best action. What makes them special is their raw power - they'll make drag-screaming runs that humble even experienced anglers. The meat is firm and sweet, making them excellent table fare. They're also smart, so you need to stay sharp. Local tip: watch for diving birds or surface disturbances - that's usually stripers pushing bait to the surface, and that's your shot.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the river's PhD students - smart, cautious, and absolutely beautiful with their golden-brown coloring and black spots. They average 8-20 inches but the big ones can push 24+ inches and really test your skills. These fish love structure: undercut banks, fallen logs, deep pools, and anywhere they can ambush prey while staying hidden. Fall is prime time when they get aggressive before spawning, though they bite year-round if you're stealthy. What makes them special is the challenge - they're easily spooked and incredibly selective. But when you hook one, they fight hard and taste amazing. Many consider them the ultimate trout table fare. Pro tip: approach quietly and fish the shadows. Browns often hold in spots other trout ignore.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout are what dreams are made of - those signature pink stripes and acrobatic fights never get old. They typically run 12-18 inches here, though bigger ones lurk in the deeper holes. You'll find them in cooler water with good current, often near gravel beds, undercut banks, and wherever insects are hatching. Spring and fall offer the best action, especially during overcast days or light rain when bugs are active. These fish are pure athletes - they'll jump, run, and test every knot. The meat is sweet and flaky, perfect for the grill. They're also great indicators of clean water, so when you're catching rainbows, you know you're in a healthy system. Key tip: match your fly or lure to whatever's hatching that day.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass are pound-for-pound the scrappiest fish in the river. These bronze fighters typically run 2-3 pounds but feel twice that size when they're on your line. They prefer rocky bottoms, current breaks, and deeper pools where the water stays cool. Look for them around boulders, ledges, and gravel bars. Spring and fall are peak seasons when they're most active, though they'll bite year-round if you find the right depth. What guests love most is their tenacious fight - multiple jumps and strong runs that test your gear. They're also fantastic eating with firm, white meat. My go-to trick: use smaller baits than you think. A 3-inch tube or small crayfish imitation often outproduces bigger lures.
Dora, MO, USA