Can Anyone Give Me A Read On The Upper Gasconade?

[hank franklin]

Sculpin and hank are thinking of hitting the upper Gasconade. Never been. Looking at the Buzzard Bluff through Anna Adams area. What to expect river-wise? Been rain in the area lately, any idea on river conditions? All input appreciated.

[Al Agnew]

Hank, I just looked at the Hazelgreen gage, which is well below the stretch you're talking about and below the mouth of the Osage Fork, and the rise there last night was insignificant, so apparently the upper watershed didn't get too much rain. Can't say the same about the river right along I-44--the Little Piney got a 5 ft. rise. But you should be alright--probably a bit more water than normal but it should be fishable.

[hank franklin]

Al, I looked at the gages too. Gravens yesterday said it was looking good, haven't called today. I wonder if there's an appreciable difference between the Buzzard Bluff to Wlbur Allen stretch vs. a little farther downstream, near Gravens. Is one section of the river better than the other?

[Al Agnew]

It's been a while since I floated those stretches. I remember the upper portions being a little narrower and murkier than the stretch right above Gravens...I thought the smallmouth type habitat was a bit better down closer to Gravens. But I only floated the upper stretch you're talking about once, so my memory may be faulty.

[hank franklin]

Figure I'll answer my own question here. Sculpin and Hank and the juniors floated Kincheloe Ford to Gravens this past weekend. Smallmouth habitat was great throughout and fishing was decent early. Fishing slowed considerably over second half of the trip, not sure why.

Beautiful river for the most part with a few long slow stretches. River was in excellent floating shape however. Thanks to the good folks at Gravens for their service.