Where's A Good Place To Wade Fish For Trout For A Day?

[MaxDrown]

Some buddies and I are looking for a good place to wade fish for trout for a day (Oct. 10, 2009). We live in Columbia, MO. Our plan right now is to fish the Eleven Point under the highway 19 bridge, but we're hoping to find a good place a little closer to Columbia, if such a place exists. Any suggestions?

Please note that we are 100% full catch and release.

[snagged in outlet 3]

Bennett Springs is quite a bit closer than the 11point isn't it? Plus you have the Niangua there also.

SIO3

[FishinCricket]

Bennett Springs is quite a bit closer than the 11point isn't it? Plus you have the Niangua there also.

SIO3

That's what I would suggest..

PM me for specifics, the Niangua and Bennett are my local haunts..

[ozark trout fisher]

That's what I would suggest..

PM me for specifics, the Niangua and Bennett are my local haunts..

The Eleven Point is a cool place, I would go their if you could.... I've only been to the Eleven Point once, paddle up from the Greer access to the Highway 19 shoal before my float and got quite a few.

But if not, Bennett isn't bad like others have said. Lots of trout of course, but then again lots of fisherman.

You could also look to your east to the Meramec Red Ribbon and Little Piney Blue Ribbon area. Both are good wade fishing options for trout, although the Meramec hasn't been fishing well the last couple times I went. Piney has.

If you go that way, I can tell you the directions to accesses. Just ask,and I'll send you a PM.

[Brian K. Shaffer]

i say roaring river... good dry fly action and better tasting fish

just my .02

Brian

[Brian K. Shaffer]

sorry.. i did reread your post and saw catch and release.

Brian

[cahlert]

Never fished in the winter, but Montauk is a nice place. Great for camping too.

[brownieman]

Are you guys fly or spin fishing or both ??

Bennett is probably the closest to you if you can stand to fish the parks and the Niangua fishes well but from what I have been told due to it's size it's a litle hard to wade fish...same applies to the Eleven Point and The NFOW.

The red ribbon area on the Meremac has treated me well over the years but depending on the water level can be hard to wade also and not many access points.

Having fished for trout pretty much all over Arkansas and Missouri the Current is consistantly a good wade fishing stream...not too big, not too small, good structure and nice scenery. The whole Blue ribbon section (from the Montauk Park boundary to Cedar Grove) about 9 miles most of the time is fairly easily wade fishable. Due to all the canoes and people winter is without a doubt the best time to fish the Current...I seldom bother going down during the summer months.

The Current will be about a 3 hour drive for you from Columbia...pm me if I can give you any advice or lend a hand.

later on

bm

[MaxDrown]

We are mostly fly fishing.

Where are the fishing accesses in Montauk?

[rgriff49]

Max,

I would skip Montauk and fish the Current at the Tan Vat or Baptist accesses. Either of these spots offer access to good amounts of water and you won't have the crowd that you would at the park - nor the start and finish horns. All (Montauk, baptist, or TV) are still a bit of a drive from Columbia but shorter than the 11 pt. and more wade-able water.

griff