Hog Wally

I would go with the 16'

Draft while drifting is everything. How slow a boat can run on full plane is second.

24 crappie today. Low 50's water temp. No big ones.

Bald eagle?

The season matters too The other day I was crappie fishing on the meramec and every time the sun popped out it would happen. I haven't been able to fish to many beautiful sunny days in the summer but I can relate to Al's experiences. I will never forget my best friends biggest smallmouth ever. It was hot and sunny and we were drifting through a long 3' deep flat. There was a old tire in the middle of river and he ran a Slugo over it and a giant smallie grabbed it. It was a giant. Can't remember all the inches and pounds but he does. It was 4 lbs and some though.

I third that motion.

Oh yeah-( pay me when you see me Josie Wales , pay me when you see me. I feel pert as a rutting buck now!

I've been in construction for 15 years and the only time I usually can hunt or fish is in inclement weather. Otherwise I'm working. I have grown quite fond of the dreary weather pattern 90% of the walleye we catch on the rivers are early morn late evening or in the rain all day. The smallies are climbing up on the banks right now in the sunshine for real. It's a very good conversation to have. I always said bluebird skies bluegill fishing. Seemed like the predatory fish left em alone on those days

George winter!

Crappie! 13 in a hour down stream from bridge

Sounds like lobster

I give my rough fish to trapping buddy. He makes fish oil. I usually don't eat them. It was a bad winter but not that bad.

Fishing is fun. Smallmouth fisherman are definitely a different breed. I respect them for trying to protect their beloved fish. I hope I haven't been grouchy. I certainly don't consider myself old

Alot of good points Seth. The meramec filled in terribly last year with gravel. Too many back to back floods. I fished yesterday over 8 miles of river to find a 8' deep plus hole or two this might stir the pot more than I want to but my loud voice to the agents is shut it down totally on the meramec

I say what the heck also Al. It's a fact I have been a little bummed this winter about how clean the water was. The fish didn't have a chance. I guarantee you if I was of a mind to I could of selectively killed any fish on the river this winter. One boat could come through and stab every big walleye flathead etc Stinks to dwell on it Kinda like hearing a gunshot in the river bottoms the night before rifle season. Just don't know what got killed illegally. Gigging sucks. I wish it would go away from this area for 5 years to prove impact it has on gamefish.

We know what that mark is from!

Jet boat on that crik?

Middle of the river. Almost always for me Kayser I know the area you are fishing I agree they are there. That deep water is hard for me to catch em in myself. I'm going tomorrow I hope

Sweet

Did u say golden eagles? Juvenile bald eagles?

I'm usually around to help out around the stclair area of the meramec river. With a little notice of course. Promise to let all the smallies and walleye go back free and I can help you

I've seen firsthand big fish. 16 lb striper huge blues I've personally not done well. The key is the coldest weather be there. But that's a cold ride the guys bank fishing seem to do the best. It's only 60 yards wide so a boat isn't needed except that only ameren employees are able to walk in legally. I still like going there The water is so warm that when your snagging carp u get hot. I don't rod and reel for catfish much but I've caught decent flatheads in the winter Not a single white or hybrid though If Klondike ramp is open it's straight across the river. It's a sketchy ramp at best. That river is sketchy if u ask me. If you decide to go pm me and I tell u where to go

Seth, have you been to labadie in the winter ? It's balmy warm water. Fish stacked usually.

That's quite impressive an equation. I was hoping for around 42. Maybe in week or two ? Nice weather headed our way so.... Crap! Just whatever This winter is a real stinker.

Anyone have a accurate osage river water temp. And I know it's real cold but I'm freaking out here. Haven't worked since Christmas and kids been snowed In 10 days!! I don't like this house anymore.