MissouriFisherman

I caught this Smallie last fall on a Southeast Missouri stream. 19 1/4" We go on a two day float and we always camp out on the bank and eat our first day's catch. We had more than enough, so I turned it loose!

Thanks for the info, Al. Usually when I refer to a gauge, I just use it as a reference point. For instance, I float the St. Francis on a yearly basis and I know that when the gauge reads a certain level, I can expect certain conditions (because height and cfs are relative, right?). Having never fished the Gasconade before, you're correct in that the height information is useless to me. That cfs information definitely helps. Thank you both for the suggestions on a stretch of the river. It'll definitely take some exploration.

Also, after reading some other topics on the boards, I see some other anglers referring to that stretch below Hazelgreen as frog water. Is there a lot of moss in that stretch? And at what point does it taper off?

Hey all, I've never fished the Gasconade, but I've been rolling the idea around lately. Anybody know how the water level is from Hazelgreen down towards 133? We always fish out of a canoe, and don't mind some dragging, but as low as the river has been, I'm curious is to how navigable that part of it is at this juncture. The gage in that area is reading about 1'. I'm not sure what's normal. I'm looking that far upstream cause I'm kind of hoping to stay in the smaller water and away from motor boat traffic, but I don't know if it's possible. Is there any good smally fishing water upstream of there? I assume there is, but like I said, I've never been on it, and I've only really taken a good look at the Osage fork. Thanks in advance.

Thank , 2sheds! I'll definitely keep all of that in mind. We primarily use baitcasters, but we each carry at least one spinning rig. We use a lot of crankbaits (craw or shad colors) and spinnerbaits. Love to throw topwater if they're hitting right. And I like to throw a Chiggercraw for a bottom bait. I was telling my dad that it's an 8 to 9 mile float, which means that we'll probably be pressed for time. I imagine we'll have to put the rods away and pick up the paddles. But that's alright. His response was "Life's an adventure!" I don't know who's more excited. There's not much that we like better than exploring new fishing water.

Hi everyone! I tend to browse this forum, but this is my first time posting and I need some help/advice. I'm supposed to fish the Eleven Point this Saturday with my dad and a couple of uncles, and we're looking at floating from Riverton to 142. None of us have ever fished the river and don't really know the lay of it, so I'm wondering if somebody can give me an idea of how crowded that stretch might be, how many motor boats we might run into, and, most importantly, if the smally fishing is any good that far down. I know we won't be alone, but I was just wondering if this particular part of the river might be better or worse than the rest in those regards. I've also heard that it's better to float it during the week, but work schedules get in the way. We're no strangers to canoes, fast waters, big rocks, or dragging, so if anybody knows of a good part of the river that's great for smally fishing, but might be more challenging, let me know! If you're willing to share, that is.