Gravel — and romantic fish — prevent Akers Ferry from crossing Current River

The two-car Akers Ferry on the Current River has been shut down until mid-June because of fish spawning in the river.(Photo: ONSR)

It's an odd reason to stop a ferry from taking cars across the Current River — too much gravel, and large schools of romantically inclined fish.

But that's what's happening with Akers Ferry on the upper Current River in Shannon County.

The last two-car ferry in Missouri typically shuttles cars across the 50-yard-wide river, cutting more than an hour's drive time for motorists who otherwise would have to take a long route around the easy river crossing at Route K highway.

But recent flooding on the upper Current River deposited a lot of gravel in the ferry's path, enough that the 50-foot-long vessel is unable to cross the river.

It would seem to be an easy fix: Just scoop the gravel out of the way.

A current darter, native to the Current River, in its full mating colors during the spring. (Photo: Tyler Goodale)

But here's where romantic fish become a complication.

A number of fish species — suckers, goggle eye, bass and river darters — use river gravel for their spawning beds. According to Ozark National Scenic Riverways, the gravel blocking Akers Ferry can't be dredged until spawning season is over and the baby fish have hatched.

A male central stoneroller grows small spikes on its head during mating season to butt heads with other male stonerollers while competing for females. (Photo: Tyler Goodale)

Because of the fish, Akers Ferry will be shut down until mid-June. The gravel will be removed after June 15, and the ferry will resume operation.

The ferry, which has been running since the 1920s, is operated by Akers Ferry Canoe Rental, which charges $4 per car and $5 for a vehicle and trailer to cross the river. The ferry is tethered to an upstream cable across the river and makes its way back and forth propelled by a small electric motor.

Suckers congregate in large spawning schools on gravel beds during the spring. (Photo: Missouri Department of Conservation)

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