Sac River

The Sac River is the first major southern tributary of the Osage River. The Sac rises just south of Interstate 44 in Greene County. It achieves permanent flow after collecting Pond Creek and several springs. The Sac meanders northwest, collecting Pickerel Creek in the process. At Scott Spring, the Sac collects Sycamore Creek. The river becomes deeper here but is still too shallow for powerboats. Sardine Creek flows into it from the west before leaving Lawrence County. Once back into Greene County it collects Mathew Brown Branch. Hall Branch comes next. Near Ash Grove, the Sac collects Hawkins Branch. The river then meanders into Dade County.

Near Comet, the river begins to flatten out and widen into Stockton Lake. Turnback Creek flows into the lake very near where the Sac widens. The lake extends into Cedar County. The Little Sac River flows into the lake from the east. Stockton Dam marks the end of the lake and the Sac flows freely again. Bear Creek joins it from the east and the river deepens more. The Sac below the dam exhibits the signs of an old river: meanders and oxbow lakes. Cedar Creek joins it from the west, adding considerable volume to the river. The Harry S. Truman Reservoir begins to back up at this point. Not far from here, the Sac comes to an end at the Osage River.

The Sac is an extremely floatable river. In fact its one of the most popular float streams in the state. Its upper reaches are prime paddling territory. Several outfitters serve the Sac River. The Sac is an Ozark river through and through.