Looking For Se Missouri Options

[mark hedger]

I am looking for some help/advise on float/smallmouth fishing in SE Missouri. My son and I would like to take our kayaks and maybe camp 1 night. We will need a shuttle. I know we will need fishing licenses but will we need any permits for our kayaks? We plan to go sometime between 8/11 - 8/15, during the week to avoid the weekend activities. Does anyone have any recommendations?

[Al Agnew]

Nope, you don't need permits for kayaks.

Nearly all canoe rentals furnish shuttles in their service area, though some can be pretty expensive--they've gotten to where they charge as much for a shuttle as they do to rent their canoes AND shuttle.

Google the different rivers to find canoe rentals. The following SEMO rivers are served by canoe rentals:

Castor River--a couple of canoe rentals in the Hwy. 34 area. Castor is pretty small water above Hwy. 34 in late summer.

St. Francis River--only one canoe rental at Sam A Baker State Park...not sure how far up the river they shuttle. They also service Big Creek, but it would probably be marginal floating at best this time of year.

Black River--a plethora of canoe rentals in the Lesterville area...sure you can find one that will shuttle you for a float from Lesterville to Hwy. K, which is a nice distance for a two day float. But you'll likely not have the river to yourself even on weekdays. I think there is still one canoe rental below Clearwater Dam, and you'll encounter a lot fewer people down there but may run into some jetboats.

Current River--LOTS of canoe rentals all over the river...upper end for trout, rest of the river for smallmouths, Akers Ferry to Round Spring is the most popular stretch and the worst fishing.

Jacks Fork--lots of canoe rentals here too...upper river probably too low to float this time of year.

Eleven Point River--good canoe rentals in the Alton area, Greer to Riverton is a classic two day trout float, above Greer a tough two day float that's usually too low this time of year.

Meramec River--lots of canoe rentals all over the river.

Huzzah and Courtois Creeks--good canoe rentals, but limited water.

[mark hedger]

Thank you for the information Al. You gave me several good options. I have been on the Current, Jacks Fork and Black but that was 30 years ago. My son has floated the Eleven Point this year. I am looking for new water. Water level maybe an issue as it usually is this time of year. Right now I am leaning toward the Meramec. Hopefully it will not be too crowded.