Any Smallmouth Streams Near St. Louis?

[TroutRinger]

I'm looking for a good river or creek to fish for smallmouth within 45 minutes of South County. I don't have a canoe or riverboat so I need a place that has good access for shore fishing and wading. I'm really just looking for a place to go for a few hours in the evening after work. If you know of any places I would appreciate it.

[Geoff]

i cant really think any off hand. there are a couple creeks i want to try but i can promise you there wont be any smallmouth in them.

[snagged in outlet 3]

Hey Troutringer

Head down hwy 30 to Byrnes Mill, it's about twenty minutes down south. The Big River is in that area and there are several public access points you could try. The area is used heavily by fisherman and partiers alike, but the fishing can be good at times. Good luck and give us a report if you go.

SIO3

[Bman]

Try St Francis St Park, Washington State Park.

[TroutRinger]

Thanks...I'll give one of those places a try, and now I'm just realizing I posted this on the Maramec Springs page. Not sure how that happened.

[Geoff]

let me know how it goes or if you want some company. i wouldnt mind some smallies

[ozark trout fisher]

i cant really think any off hand. there are a couple creeks i want to try but i can promise you there wont be any smallmouth in them.

Meramec at Pacific, Big River at Byrnes Mil are both within 45 minutes I believel..... Both of these places have more kentucky bass than smallies, but you can catch trophy smallmouth at either place. To get into smallie fishing where you don't have to pick through tons of kentuckies, the Big at St. Francis State Park, and Meramec State Park would be good bets, although those two places would be a ways further than 45 minutes. Largemouth and Kentucky fishing is literally unlimitted in the lower Big and Meramec River, but it sounds like your after bronzebacks. I like them better than buckemouths myself.

Good luck finding some smallies.

[Geoff]

Meramec at Pacific, Big River at Byrnes Mil are both within 45 minutes I believel.....

yeah thats true i guess i forget that those access points are out there. route 66 park has a decent access point as well. might be worth trying sometime.