Float And Fish Suggestions

[Mike3004]

I will be vacationing next week near Meramec Springs and I would appreciate suggestions on float and fish opportunities on the Meramec. I am not a fly fisherman (I know, my bad) but I do enjoy fishing for trout, smallmouth, etc. I appreciate your suggestions on techniques to use for the particular stretch being suggested.

I appreciate your help and look forward to your suggestions.

[Al Agnew]

Depends upon water levels. Your basic choices around Maramec Spring are:

Above Hwy. 8 (put in at Cedar Ford or Klein Ford...local canoe rentals will know where)--the river up there is often only about half or less the size it is below the spring, and the fishing is all for smallmouths and other warm water species (good goggle-eye fishing). If the river is low, floating above Hwy. 8 will entail a lot of dragging.

Hwy. 8 (Woodson K. Woods Access) to Scotts Ford--the trout section. It also has some smallmouth. For trout, small spinners like Mepps or Rooster Tails catch rainbows, and small crankbaits can sometimes get you a nice brown. No soft plastics allowed in the trout section.

Scott Ford to Steelville (several accesses below Scott Ford, depending upon how far you want to float)--bass water. Lots of floaters on weekends, and some jetboats as well. It's the smallmouth special management area (one smallmouth, 15 inch length limit) so the fishing can be good, but you'll need to fish early and late in the day to avoid most of the crowds on weekends.