Where To Catch Bluegills, Etc. In St. Louis Area?

[Chris Barclay]

Hello everyone,

I'm new to this fine forum and am getting the itch to catch some bream (I wouldn't be upset if I caught a crappie or bass as well). I'm in the St. Louis city area and am looking for a decent place to go that's close by. I'm aware of Busch CA but would like to find a place that's a bit closer. And I'd like to be able to keep some of my catch and take my 4 year old daughter sometimes.

Another closely related question: How do you find a place to fish?

BTW, I fly & regular fish.

Thanks!

[patfish]

Chris, first off, welcome!

Next, what general area of the city do you live in?

Also, are you looking for BIG gills or just something to catch?

[FishinCricket]

Hey, I am in St Louis Right now and have my fishing poles and tackle handy.. I am dropping my sister off at the airport.

Where should I go to fish for a couple minutes? Where is Busch CA? What else is there?

I will go grab some lunch and watch this thread for a few minutes.. It would be near if someone gave me a suggestion ad I was able to come back tonight and post a report.. (eyes peeled, wish me luck)

[Chris Barclay]

Thanks for the welcome, Pat!

I'm at Bates and I-55 near Carondelet Park. I have briefly fished at the 2 lakes at Carondelet park with no success but I might as well try them again. I am mainly after big 'gills to put on the table. I've got a deal with my wife that if I go fishing, it needs to be for both sport AND food in order to make the time I spend worth it. I also would like a place that would be enjoyable to my 4 year old daughter to come with me occasionally so she can have a proper introduction to fishing.

CC- sorry I didn't see your post earlier. I imagine you are already out somewhere by now? Let us know if you find something and how you do.

Chris

[Kutter]

Try Bee Tree off Telegraph just before you cross over the Meramec River. You might want to find an online map first, it's a bit out of the way but still close to your home. Definitely 4 year old compatible. They might even have 2 lakes there, I am not sure.

[redbird]

I thought that just getting out of the wife's hair would be good enough to make the time you spend worth it? Maybe you still havent been married long enough for that one to kick in.

[patfish]

Chris, I agree with Kutter, even though he gave up "my" spot. Bee Tree is a nice lake and a very kid friendly park. It gets less pressure than Suson. I go there all the time. So, if you ever want to go, I can give you directions and maybe meet ya down there.

[Chris Barclay]

Thanks guys. I'll give Bee Tree a shot - Pat, I'll let you know when I go so maybe we can meet up. I've stopped by the park before just to drive through and look it over. You never know about those county park lakes - you can waste a lot of time on them so I didn't give it much thought.

Redbird, it's been a little over 11 years and so far I guess she still likes having me around!

Anyone ever fish the Carondelet Park lakes? I know they are stocked with catfish but never see anything around there.

[fishinwrench]

Thanks guys. I'll give Bee Tree a shot - Pat, I'll let you know when I go so maybe we can meet up. I've stopped by the park before just to drive through and look it over. You never know about those county park lakes - you can waste a lot of time on them so I didn't give it much thought.

Redbird, it's been a little over 11 years and so far I guess she still likes having me around!

Anyone ever fish the Carondelet Park lakes? I know they are stocked with catfish but never see anything around there.

As a general rule A good catfish lake doubles as either a good Bluegill or Crappie lake....one or the other, but seldom both.

[patfish]

Chris, I hit Bee Tree this afternoon after I finished my "chores". Of course it was raining when I was done. I saw one guy with a limit of decent sized crappie when I arrived. I caught 4 bass in about an hour all out of the same general area. This being the biggest. Saw plenty of gills too, bout average size for the lake. You should check it out.