CoryG

Just a quick trip report. We floated this section on the 11th and 12th. Fishing was pretty good. Nothing big, but a few 14" smallies and a 15" spotted bass. A bunch of 10-12" smallies with several goggle-eye thrown into the mix. Water was flowing pretty well. We ended up parking on the Waynesville side of the bridge. Access down to the water was a little rough, but manageable. A question. At about the 11.5-mile mark, there's an old stone building built on rock at the base of the bluff. It's on the left side of the river almost right on the water. Does anyone have any info on it? It looked pretty cool. I was just curious as to what it might have been. Thanks.

One more question...I see that they are in the process of building a new bridge over the Gasconade at the Hwy 17 access. Can anyone confirm that the access is still open during the construction? Can a vehicle be parked there for the day? Thanks again.

Gavin, we think alike on this one. I was thinking about a day and a half to float this section. I, too, like to beach the canoe and wade the good spots. Thanks for the reply.

Riverrat, thanks for the reply. I know it depends a lot on individual fishing style, but is this a one-day float or an overnighter? We're actually trying to do an overnight, but I'm wondering if that's realistic on a 13.6 mile stretch. Thanks again.

Hello. This is my first post here, but have been reading this site for a while. A group of us are planning to float the Gasconade from the Hwy 17 bridge to the Riddle Bridge access next weekend. That's listed as a 13.6-mile float. Can anyone tell me if the springs along this stretch contribute enough water to the river to make this stretch easily floatable right now? The paddler's guide shows five springs between Schlicht Spring and Riddle Bridge. I've floated from Gasconade Hills campground to the Hwy 133 bridge a few times and I know that stretch is a bit iffy when the Hazelgreen gauge is much below about 1.7 feet. Right now, the Hazelgreen gauge is around 1.1 ft. Any input is greatly appreciated.