Ken1949

Last Wednesday, myself and two buddies put our kayaks in at the River Round access on the Meramec. We have floated this section many times before, but not since before the flood of Dec. 2015. Fishing was a little slow. We only caught a few smallies and largemouth. The river had not changed very much until we reached just upstream from the railroad bridge located above the Chouteau Claim access. At that point, the channel changed drastically. The river has cut a new course, bypassing a major loop in the channel. The result is the river is about one mile shorter than it used to be at that point. We were amazed how the flood waters had cut through a wooded bend in the river and cut off the one mile loop. We had a difficult time getting through the new channel because of downed trees. I am not sure if jetboats can navigate through the log jam. The bottom line is beware of the new channel and be very careful if you float there.

Coffeen Lake is at full pool and mostly clear. Main lake water temps are high, 91-97 degrees. Not many fishermen were out. Bass were slow on a variety of hard and soft plastics. A pontoon fisherman reported catfish were good fishing from the dam area. About 60 were caught on nightcrawlers averaging over one lb.

Thanks for the info. My 25 HP Merc is a year 2000 model. I am not aware of an overheat warning system. Probably does not have one.

I was recently fishing at a powerplant lake with water temperatures in the mid to upper 90s. Temperatures in the hot water arm exceeded 100. I was wondering if the high water temperatures could damage or effect the outboard? Any thoughts on this subject?

Despite water temps in the mid to upper 90's, bass were chasing shad and hitting crankbaits. Caught a couple of keepers and about a dozen shorts on Bandit and Live Target crankbaits. Also caught a couple on a Whopper Plopper. The lake is about one foot below full pool with slightly stained water. Look for schooling shad in the back of coves. The hot water arm has temps over 100 degrees. Almost hot enough to melt your plastic baits!

Has anyone floated/fished the eight mile stretch between Mayers Landing Access and the Union Access? It looks like an easy vehicle shuttle. I have floated other sections of the Bourbeuse, but never this one. Any information would be appreciated.

Coffeen Lake is at full pool with stained water throughout. Water temps are 85-90 in the main lake and 90+ in the hot water arm. Both powerplant generators were operating. Despite high water temps, bass fishing was fair to good. Caught several keepers on BPS sticko worms in watermelon colors. Also, a few on Ned rigs and Live Target crank baits. Not many short fish caught. There is a 25 HP limit on the lake. Saw several larger boats using trolling motor only.

I fished TR first week of May just below the 39 bridge at Shell Knob. We caught a lot of green sunfish and a few goggle eye mostly on Ned Rigs. Did not keep any but most were nice size. Black bass and smallies were only fair as water temps were low to mid 60's. Warmer water should improve prospects this week.

Fished Coffeen for about six hours. Caught three keeper size bass 15-16 inches. All three caught on black/blue and crawdad color Eakin jigs. Very few short fish today. Water temps are in the mid 60's in the main lake. The water is stained throughout the lake. Take note that limit regulations for keeping bass is changing on April 1st.

There used to be some pretty good fishing where the warm water outlet channel meets the warm water arm. I have not fished there for many years. I am sure it looks different now.

Thanks for the report. Sounds like the cabins are not an option. I know from experience that TH water can be pretty rough when the wind picks up.

I am talking about a different ramp. The one I had trouble with was on the east side of the lake in the warm water arm.

Thanks for the reply. I would appreciate any further info on the cabins. My boat trailer got hung up on that south ramp one time. I had a hard time getting it out because of a drop off at the end of the ram. I never used it again after that incident.

I used to fish TH back in the 80's. Bass fishing was really good then. We camped at the primative campground near the north launch ramp. Would like to go back there some day. Are there any accommodations, such as fishing cabins, on the lake now?

Bass fishing was pretty slow. Caught a bass few less than 14 inches and one 16 incher. Best bait was a watermelon color senko type worm. The lake is at full pool with a slight stain. Water temps are mid 80's in the main lake and upper 80's in the hot water arm.

I fished Coffeen on March 16th. No visible signs of oil in the lake. All the oil collection equipment has been removed. Caught one nice 19 inch bass. Saw lots of bald eagle action. The lake is in good shape for fishing.

An oil spill was reported on Coffeen Lake on February 25. Approximately 700 gallons of turbine oil was spilled from the power plant into the hot water arm. The lake was closed for about one week in order to clean up the spill.