Mike4252

I am a rookie when it comes to fishing streams and rivers. I have spent 50 years fishing lakes, reservoirs, ponds and other types of flat water all over Missouri and Arkansas. Most of my fishing experiences have come on Table Rock, Bull Shoals, and Stockton lakes. Having said that, I now find myself living in Union, MO and within a few miles of what I have been told is excellent river fishing. I am within a mile of the I-44 access to the Bourbeuse River, and within a short drive to the Meramec, and a little longer drive to the Gasconade. Obviously my 20' bass boat is not suitable for any of these locations. However, I have a 10' Pelican Bass Raider pontoon-type boat with a 50lbs trolling motor. QUESTION- Will this equipment be suitable for fishing the Meramec from the Chouteau Claim Access to the Catawissa Conservation Area? This boat is too heavy to portage by myself. Will I have to drag shallow areas? What is the condition of the fishery in this stretch of the river? AND I have the same questions regarding the Bourbeuse River in and around Union. Lastly, what suggestions would anyone have regarding fishing in general in this area of the state.....ponds, lakes, streams, rivers. THANKS

I am a rookie when it comes to fishing streams and rivers. I have spent 50 years fishing lakes, reservoirs, ponds and other types of flat water all over Missouri and Arkansas. Most of my fishing experiences have come on Table Rock, Bull Shoals, and Stockton lakes. Having said that, I now find myself living in Union, MO and within a few miles of what I have been told is excellent river fishing. I am within a mile of the I-44 access to the Bourbeuse River, and within a short drive to the Meramec, and a little longer drive to the Gasconade. Obviously my 20' bass boat is not suitable for any of these locations. However, I have a 10' Pelican Bass Raider pontoon-type boat with a 50lbs trolling motor. QUESTION- Will this equipment be suitable for fishing the Meramec from the Chouteau Claim Access to the Catawissa Conservation Area? This boat is too heavy to portage by myself. Will I have to drag shallow areas? What is the condition of the fishery in this stretch of the river? AND I have the same questions regarding the Bourbeuse River in and around Union. Lastly, what suggestions would anyone have regarding fishing in general in this area of the state.....ponds, lakes, streams, rivers. THANKS