Monday March 1St

[Dan S]

Hello everyone. New to this forum. Going down on March 1st for opening day for first time and would like to know what to expect. What time should I get there, what are the crowds like, etc? Went to Bennett on opening weekend about 20 yrs ago but never to Meramec. Any information would be helpful. Thanks!

[10pointer]

to be honest with you...its going to be chaotic. I have heard meramec is the worst of the parks on opening day because of it's close proximity to St.Louis.. but ive never been to an opener there just the crazy derby days and that was enough!!! You literally will be touching shoulder to shoulder with other fishermen. Id suggest getting there a couple hours before the buzzer if you want a good spot but that wont stop people from crowding in on you.

I go every year down for the opener at Montauk. Its not a day for fishing but really just go for the camaraderie of it all. It just comes down to tradition with our family and friends.

Go down relaxed and try not to get upset, because it will be a madhouse. Its a great time if you can sit back and take it for what it is.

Good Luck!!!

[BobK]

All good points......it will be crazy at Meramec.

Did it several years ago and promised myself never to do it again.

That being said, it was worth the experience.....people were lined up shoulder to shoulder several hours before the bell.

Did watch the guy next to me pull a big one out and then release it.....that was pretty cool.

Have fun but remember to go with an open mind......don't let it bother you when the guy next to you is pushing you over to get a spot.

[Dan S]

Thanks everyone. I kinda figured it would be a zoo. Going down with a buddy of mine. Will just take it all in and hope to catch a few. Better than work is all I can say.

[cwc87]

I think the best way to enjoy a day of fishing would be show up at 10a.m. catch what you want then try different areas around the crawford county area go to county road bridges and try for some goggle eye or smallmouth. There are many campgrounds that offer a day permit that let's you access to there wade fishing or bank fishing opportunities. Just giving you a different option to your day off for fishing fun. Opening day is on Monday and it maynot be as crazy.

[Seth]

I haven't decided yet if I am gonna go or not. I've been opening day for several years now, but just don't have the urge to go this year like other years.

[Dan S]

Thanks again folks. Actually thinking now of bypassing now for this opening day and hitting the little piney. Ive heard of Milldam hollow, any suggestions on this area?

[Gavin]

There isome good looking water in that area and some smallmouth & goggleeye too. Used to be a great spot to catch wild trout, till they stocked it and made it popular. These days its stocking truck luck.

Little Piney Map

http://mdc4.mdc.mo.gov/Documents/18088.pdf

[Bman]

For those that go opening day a suggestion to avoid the crowded spots of the park. True there’s a lot of easy to catch fish where the stocking truck stops. Look carefully in other places where the crowds aren’t. Opening day there could be fish in places where you won’t find them the rest of the regular season.

If you have your trout stamp and flies such as glo balls or egg flies, go down to the river in the Trophy waters where the spring water dumps in. Just think, at the starting siren, all those people up in the park will be chucking the cheese into the springs and chumming those river fish up! Big time! Use flies in the colors that resemble the baits being used upstream. MATCH THE HATCH! You could have the place to yourself for awhile, unless fishing slows in the park and people see you kicking butt in the river. Or too many people read this post…lol

[flyfishmaster]

BMan,

That was some great advice, but there is something else to remember as well. If you want to leave the park and fish in the river, for a bit, remember to leave your stringer of fish caught in the park in the park section. If you wonder down stream with a stringer of fish you could get a ticket from the freindly conservation officer.

To the officer, he does not know where the fish were caught, he only know that you are keeping fish and they may not be the right size to keep according the regulations in the Blue Ribbon section.

I hope that makes sense.

later,

FFM