Best Smallmouth Kind Of Ozark Stream Nearest To Kc

[jscheetz]

OK - so I live just south of KC - it's 3 hours drive no matter where I go to catch trout - can't get around that. But is there a closer Ozarkian type of stream to potentially catch some smallies? Doesn't have to be completely pristine with tons of fish - but the little blue river next to my house doesn't quite qualify. Is there anyplace closer than the usual Ozark streams next to AR etc etc - Just thought I would see if I am overlooking something that would be a little less drive to get a nice small stream experience - either wading or kayak, but at least with a few fish involved.

Thanks

JS

[ColdWaterFshr]

Been there, and lived that for 5 years. KC might have a few small cricks nearby with a lonely orphaned smallmouth hanging his hat there, but I sure don't remember any decent homesteads less than 2 hrs away.

[Kicknbass]

Get to love Greenies and Carp.

[creek wader]

I'm from up around St. Joseph. My buddy asked me the same question several years ago. After doing some homework we found that the Little Niangua River south of Climax Springs, was the closest. Here's the site of the only real canoe outfitter. http://www.cedarcamp.net There is another outfitter on down on the Niangua Arm of the LOZ, that we used once, but I wouldn't recommend it. It's the closet stream with a decent popluation of smallies, that I found. The last few years we've caught as many largemouth as smallies, but still a fine smallie stream. It rivals many of the state's more southern streams, as far as fishing, gravel bars, clarity, and scenery. I've only floated it in the spring and early summer, (Apr-June). Don't know how the fishing would be now. The outfitter, has several different lengths of floats. We've done an overnight on it, the past 5 yrs. I think you'd be impressed with this little gem. If you want any more info on it, please ask me. I've covered most of the floatable/fishable water on it. It's a 2 to 3 hr. drive from K.C. If you find a closer one, let me know. ... Wader

[drew03cmc]

You can catch a few in Big Buffalo Creek around Clinton. Do a google search for Big Buffalo Creek park I believe. It is the only water in the state with C&R on smallies, and you can catch some in Weaubleau Creek, a trib of the upper Lamine watershed. just a few suggestions there.

[am4mu]

I could be all wrong but I have heard the Lamine River east of Marshall Junction has some smallmouth. Also I have a book about fishing for smallmouth in Missouri and it lists some areas around Sedalia.

Good luck,

Doug

[wily]

the sac river near el dorado springs...you can float from caplinger mills to 54 bridge.

[soggyfeet]

I sure you know this but James A Reed in Mo and Herriatage Park and Shawnee Mission lake in Kansas all stock trout in the late fall. Ive never tried to fish for them but have been to the lakes and there is room to fly fish.

[shaker]

Caught a few in Cole Camp creek, thats the first major creek East of Warsaw that feeds the Lake of Ozarks, and have a friend that said that he has caught some in the upper Gravois, that would be Southeast of Versailes, Good Luck!

[creek wader]

I could be all wrong but I have heard the Lamine River east of Marshall Junction has some smallmouth. Also I have a book about fishing for smallmouth in Missouri and it lists some areas around Sedalia.

Good luck,

Doug

It may hold some in it's upper reaches but, downstream from Hwy 50, I think you'd be wasting your time. Probably from the Lamine Ca upstream would be your best bet. The water looks much better there.