Dude, "crazy" doesn't even come close. It has to be the worst place to try and fish in the summer on the weekends. If you must, be there at sun up and fish the downstream sections until the aluminum shows up. Then pack it up and don't return until the last couple hours before sunset. By that time, the section below the trout park should be good. There are many other options that aren't as freaking nuts within an hour of Steeleville if you're looking for more solitude.
Here's the river gauge:
http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mo/nwis/uv?07013000