ozark trout fisher Posted May 29, 2009 Posted May 29, 2009 I was thinking about trying this 14 mile trip this summer as a two day camp trip. Can someone tell me if this is a good distance to go, and if the fishing is good? I'd like to target smallies, but I wouldn't mind catching some largemouth or catfish either.
Gavin Posted May 29, 2009 Posted May 29, 2009 Should be a good distance for an overnighter or a lazy 2 night on the river tip. I'm not aware of any outfitters that service that area so you might have to run your own shuttle, but you might try Gasconade Hills. I havent floated the O. Fork in a long time, but fishing should be decent since its trophy smallmouth water and I'm sure you could catch some greenies and cats if you targeted them. Not a lot of big gravel bars to camp on, and its not well served by canoe outfitters. Check the channels before you run them, and be prepared to drag your boat over or around some log jams. Cheers.
ozark trout fisher Posted May 29, 2009 Author Posted May 29, 2009 Should be a good distance for an overnighter or a lazy 2 night on the river tip. I'm not aware of any outfitters that service that area so you might have to run your own shuttle, but you might try Gasconade Hills. I havent floated the O. Fork in a long time, but fishing should be decent since its trophy smallmouth water and I'm sure you could catch some greenies and cats if you targeted them. Not a lot of big gravel bars to camp on, and its not well served by canoe outfitters. Check the channels before you run them, and be prepared to drag your boat over or around some log jams. Cheers. Thanks for the advice. By the way, I was expecting to have to run my own shuttles. I mainly want to try the Osage Fork because its really kind of out of the way. I'm thinking it might be a good option for me, because seeing a lot of floaters in a day kinda makes it not as much fun.
Wayne SW/MO Posted May 29, 2009 Posted May 29, 2009 Check the channels before you run them, and be prepared to drag your boat over or around some log jams. Cheers. Very good advice. I haven't been down it in a couple of years, but the lower end fishes well and has its share of obstacles. Today's release is tomorrows gift to another fisherman.
FishinCricket Posted May 30, 2009 Posted May 30, 2009 The biggest problem I have seen with that river is that if it's running really low, you might as well wet wade it! Best way to watch that is HERE at the Hazelgreen access of the Gasconade (below the I-44 bridge).. If it's below about three feet then definitely consider bringing your galoshes! But it does fish well, I like rubber crawdads or rebel craws.. Oh and please don't forget to bring a few top water poppers.. The best advice I can give about fishing for the bass in that river is to BE QUIET! You really gotta sneak up on them, if the big one gets spooked you can fuggettabotit! Good luck and have fun, you are fishing my backyard.... LOL cricket.c21.com
ozark trout fisher Posted May 30, 2009 Author Posted May 30, 2009 The biggest problem I have seen with that river is that if it's running really low, you might as well wet wade it! Best way to watch that is HERE at the Hazelgreen access of the Gasconade (below the I-44 bridge).. If it's below about three feet then definitely consider bringing your galoshes! But it does fish well, I like rubber crawdads or rebel craws.. Oh and please don't forget to bring a few top water poppers.. The best advice I can give about fishing for the bass in that river is to BE QUIET! You really gotta sneak up on them, if the big one gets spooked you can fuggettabotit! Good luck and have fun, you are fishing my backyard.... LOL Sounds like a nice river to float.... I assume its mostly smallies, is that correct?
Members Scooper Posted June 11, 2009 Members Posted June 11, 2009 I've never floated the Osage Fork, but have wanted to for years. At one time, wasn't there a large ranch through which the Osage Fork flowed and the owner of the ranch did his best to keep people from floating through his property. (Al Agnew might be the guy to answer this). I think the place was called Empire Ranch and it was near where Highway 32(?) crossed the Osage Fork between Camdenton and Salem. Anyone remember this?
FishinCricket Posted June 12, 2009 Posted June 12, 2009 In answer to OTF's question.. Yeah, mostly smallies, some largemouth, and some goggleeye.. And cats and suckers too, if your into that.. Also PLENTY of snakes... I've never floated the Osage Fork, but have wanted to for years. At one time, wasn't there a large ranch through which the Osage Fork flowed and the owner of the ranch did his best to keep people from floating through his property. (Al Agnew might be the guy to answer this). I think the place was called Empire Ranch and it was near where Highway 32(?) crossed the Osage Fork between Camdenton and Salem. Anyone remember this? The ranch is owned by the Plaster family, old man plaster is recently deceased, but I think the rest of the family is just as receptive to floaters.. But that's all I'll say, cause when you talk about that family around here, so speak softly and behind closed doors. But the ranch is from the twin bridges crossing (now named Evergreen)on highway 5 south of Lebanon and extends all the way to Orla, possibly beyond.. cricket.c21.com
KCRIVERRAT Posted June 12, 2009 Posted June 12, 2009 Hey Cricket... need to talk to ya about a hook-up. PM me and we'll see what's up! HUMAN RELATIONS MANAGER @ OZARK FISHING EXPEDITIONS
FishinCricket Posted June 12, 2009 Posted June 12, 2009 Hey Cricket... need to talk to ya about a hook-up. PM me and we'll see what's up! PM sent... cricket.c21.com
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