Smallmouth Adventure

[ducksbit]

I'm going to canoe the Meramec river for about 10 to 15 miles and was wondering if anyone could point me in a good area to go this time of year. i usually only go in late summer. Thanks

Jim

[ozark trout fisher]

I'm going to canoe the Meramec river for about 10 to 15 miles and was wondering if anyone could point me in a good area to go this time of year. i usually only go in late summer. Thanks

Jim

For ten or fifteen miles, I could reccomend a couple. Scotts Ford to Fishing Spring road would be one, I think its like eleven miles.

But personally, I would suggest Onondaga Cave to Blue Spring Creek Access. Thats almost exactly ten miles, and an excellent one day float for some really big smallies. Its not technically a management area, but the fishing for smallies is about the best it gets on the river. Also, you might well run into a few wild trout down near the mouth of Blue Springs Creek, although thats very inconsistant.

You could also run Sand Ford to Pickle Ford access. The fishing is still pretty good, although not quite as good. You'll encounter some spotted and largemouth bass this far downstream in pretty good numbers, but smallies are still pretty abundant.

Good luck, and have fun.

[ducksbit]

What would you think of cambell bridge to meramec state park? Thanks

Jim

[Al Agnew]

Campbell Bridge to the park is 15 miles, and the lower portion is a little slower, with some long still pools. Nice overnight trip but a little too long for one day if you're fishing. Blue Springs Creek to the park is a good day float.

Keep in mind that on spring and summer weekends these stretches will all be pretty crowded, and the jetboats will be out in force now since the water is high enough yet to be easily runnable.

Ozark trout fisher didn't mention it, but the stretch from Onondaga to Blue Springs Creek is probably the most scenic stretch of the river. Lots of big bluffs, including Vilander Bluff, in my opinion the prettiest one on the Meramec.

[ducksbit]

I don't think I usually have a whole lot of luck on those slow holes for some reason, maybe I'm doing something wrong. Will there be lots of jets in Onondaga to Blue Springs?

Jim

[ozark trout fisher]

Campbell Bridge to the park is 15 miles, and the lower portion is a little slower, with some long still pools. Nice overnight trip but a little too long for one day if you're fishing. Blue Springs Creek to the park is a good day float.

Keep in mind that on spring and summer weekends these stretches will all be pretty crowded, and the jetboats will be out in force now since the water is high enough yet to be easily runnable.

Ozark trout fisher didn't mention it, but the stretch from Onondaga to Blue Springs Creek is probably the most scenic stretch of the river. Lots of big bluffs, including Vilander Bluff, in my opinion the prettiest one on the Meramec.

I agree with all of this. Onondaga to Blue Springs is great for both scenery and smallie fishing. Also, I would certainly agree that 15 miles is wayyyyyy to far for an enjoyable canoe fishing trip on a somewhat slow river like the Meramec, unless you are a super fast paddler. You'll want to go 5 to 9 miles for a good day trip, double that for an overnighter. If you camp on the river, try fishing for smallies, and maybe catfish at night. It can be pretty awesome, if water conditions are right.

As for jets, there will be some, but they shouldn't be too bad.

[ducksbit]

I was going to float today, but the water levels were way too high. How long does it usually take before the meramec is fishable again?

[hank franklin]

Meramec has been getting pounded this year. Probably take a few days minimum to recover from recent rise. You asked about Gasconade in another thread--not sure about that section but we were on the Gasconade in the Gravens Resort area this past weekend and river was in pretty good shape. Fishing wasn't very good however. Be ready for a fair amount of paddling through dead spots as well.

[405z06]

Meramec has been getting pounded this year.

No kidding. I can't believe it's June and I have only done 1 float so far this year...

[ducksbit]

I think I'm going to try to jet either from birds nest 10 miles up or from Onondaga and up on friday. Any suggestions as to water levels and fish? Thanks

Jim