Little Niangua Smallies

[trout junkie]

I'm thinking of heading out for my spring break (I'm a teacher) to hit up the Niangua. I'm fairly familiar with that river, but was wondering if anyone could give me some info regarding the Little Niangua. Just wondering what the fly fishing possibilities might be, access, general fish populations, etc...

It sounds like water levels have been a little high lately in that area, but hopefully things will clear up by next week.

[Bill B.]

I'm thinking of heading out for my spring break (I'm a teacher) to hit up the Niangua. I'm fairly familiar with that river, but was wondering if anyone could give me some info regarding the Little Niangua. Just wondering what the fly fishing possibilities might be, access, general fish populations, etc...

It sounds like water levels have been a little high lately in that area, but hopefully things will clear up by next week.

Wait until the last part of April and fish the white bass run.

[Phil Lilley]

Not familiar with the LN but it looks like they've gotten alot of rain today. You might consider waiting till the last minute and see what fishery would be best to fish as far as levels and conditions.

[joeD]

You might want to call Green Mill Canoe Rental and Campground ( I think, if they're still in business). They're right on the Little Niangua and he/they could tell you river conditions if you're unfamiliar with the gauge readings at the USGS site. Also, if you don't already own these, purchase "A Paddlers Guide to Missouri" and the " Missouri Conservation Atlas," both published by the MDC and the DeLorme Atlas and Gazeteer, available at many outdoor shops and tackle stores. These will give you access points, road crossings, the Paddler's Guide will give you river mileages, creek names, etc. The Conservation Department also publishes a fishing prospects pamphlet to give you a rough idea what to expect on certain rivers (although I don't know if the LN is included).

I also believe that if one CAN go fishing, one SHOULD. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. You have to get out there and do it, regardless.

[podum]

I've fished the LN a few times out of the Mule Shoe CA. Its a neat stream up there. As far as what's there . . . we caught little smallmouth, largemouth, goggle eye, a couple of big green sunfish and saw gar and suckers. All from wading the pools near the road bridge. The stream is worth the trip if for no other reason than its fairly remote. There are some big smallies too even though the water is skinny. Good luck and give us a report.

[trout junkie]

Looks like there's been a lot of rain in MO lately with more to come. I'm not sure what I'm going to do at this point. I would imagine that most of the creeks and rivers are blown out or will be soon and the tail water fishing will be tough with all the generation. I've spent a lot of time on the NFOW and some on the Eleven Point and would like to see the Current sometime, but they'll most likely be too high too.

I've even looked into heading up to NE Iowa to check out some of the spring creeks, but the weather looks cold at best for the next 5 days or so.

Any suggestions? I live in NE Kansas, but would be willing to drive about anywhere within reason. I will be fly fishing somewhere Thursday through Saturday! Just not sure where...

[joeD]

As of right now the Current is up 5 ft..at Mauntauk..that's a big number for that area. The I-44 corridor is getting pounded, with many counties under flood watches. I doubt that any stream, trout or smallie, will be fishable this week.

However, if you wanna catch fish, get a spinning rod with 6 or 8 lb. test, tie on a big jerkbait - suspending rogues, husky jerk, x-rap, pointers- go to the White River, stay in cabin at one of the many resorts there, hire a guide, and get out on the water. Generation doesn't matter. I've caught fish w/ 8 generators going. Bring your fly-rod too, if they're not generating ( to wade fish). You can also fly fish out of a boat with a lot of water running, it'll just be a liittle different - generally flinging weighted SJ worms.

Clueless regarding IA.

Good luck.

[creek wader]

I've fished the Little Niangua, quite a few times the last several years. It's my favortie float stream. When do you want to fish it? Late summer and the fall is the best time to wade/fly fish the stream, because it's lower then, good for wading. However, if you float, there are many fly fishing oppurtunities between the long pools to fly fish, this time of year. The area just got pounded with rain the past few days. So, my guess is that it is up quite a bit and probably quite stained right now. I'd give it a week or so, unless the weather keeps up. Use the usual suspects, woolys, clousers, and my favotite is the craw imitators, if going for smallies. Top water and craw imitators later in the year, also, grass hopper imitators are deadly in the late summer. Mid-April thru mid-July is the best fishing with May being the best month. I use the same canoe outfittter every year and they are the best I've found. It's Cedar Camp and here is thier email; cedarcmp@dam.net They will be able to tell you how the river looks and what its doing by looking out thier window. If you go up to Mule Shoe or even farther upstream it has more wading prbablities. But, I'd float and wade it. The best water is between Mule Shoe CA and Fiery Fork CA. Don't go below Fiery fork, it rapidly becomes part of the LOZ, and is a waste of time, trust me on that. I love that stream, you'll probably be the only one on it. It's a great secret. If you want more detailed info, I got plenty. Good luck.

[trout junkie]

I was hoping to fish it this Thursday and Friday, but the rain has changed that plan as well as my 2nd, 3rd, and 4th options. Looks like I'll have to wait it out and try to make a trip later in the spring. Unfortunately there aren't a lot of float/fish options here in NE Kansas.

Any ideas regarding a float in the central or northern sections of MO? I'd love to chase some smallies somewhere on a stream. Farm pond largemouths are great, but those opportunities can be had at anytime where I live. Now that I have a week off I'd like to hit up a new spot with a species that's uncommon in KS.

Thanks for all the info on the previous posts. I'll be sure to use all of it when the weather clears.

[creek wader]

This time of year the weather dictates the fishing. I'm from NW MO. so, I know about the limited fishing opporunities. That's how we discovered the Little Niangua. It was the closest smallie stream to where we live. Still, almost a 4 hr. drive. Fortunately for me, my job takes me to Jeff. City. There are several smallie streams within an hour's drive from there. If you get a chance later in the year, especially May or early June, you'll have to try the Little Niangua. Please practice C&R. Good luck.