Favorite Stretches To Float On The Meramec

[eric1978]

I usually float the way high stretches of the Meramec to avoid the crowds, but we're planning an April float, so I'd like to try out some lower sections (but still above Meramec State Park) that I haven't seen for a really long time. I'm hoping we won't be blown out going in April, but we're planning it anyway. We're doing an overnight and floating two full days, so I figure we can do up to 20 miles.

I was considering doing Onandaga to Meramec State Park. Any other recommendations?

[cwc87]

Try birdsnest to onondaga about 19 miles and only access in between are private. Just a stretch I perfer year round.

[eric1978]

Try birdsnest to onondaga about 19 miles and only access in between are private. Just a stretch I perfer year round.

I've done pretty much the whole upper half of the river at some point in my life, but it's been a long time for a lot of it. I've done that Birdsnest to Onandaga stretch before, but it's been a while. Sounds nice and private for an overnight. How's the fishing on that stretch? Would you say the fishing is better on that stretch or from Onandaga to the park? I think I remember some really nice scenery on the Onandaga to the park stretch...am I remembering correctly?

[cwc87]

I've done pretty much the whole upper half of the river at some point in my life, but it's been a long time for a lot of it. I've done that Birdsnest to Onandaga stretch before, but it's been a while. Sounds nice and private for an overnight. How's the fishing on that stretch? Would you say the fishing is better on that stretch or from Onandaga to the park? I think I remember some really nice scenery on the Onandaga to the park stretch...am I remembering correctly?

The fishing is always great for me but I always concentrate my efforts in certain areas. For example, the holes just up stream of wintering holes the best fishing starts about 3miles below birdsnest to the blue hole which is 3 miles below garrisons take out. Then more great fishing picks up around the confluence of the Huzzah. The bests scenery is from onondaga to meramec state park no doubt about that but growing up with the scernery I take it for granted so all I concentrate on is the challenge of fishing. I will be on this stretch of the river every chance I can get the next few months. I think I have revealed enough info and by the way if this part of the river gets blown out with high water go from wesco to cedar ford. Give me a pm and I may be able to shuttle you.

[joeD]

I heard the gov'ment was going to do some studies above Hwy 8 this year, and close the area to fisherman. No fishing. None. Until further notice. I'll let you guys know when things open up...

[eric1978]

I think I have revealed enough info and by the way if this part of the river gets blown out with high water go from wesco to cedar ford. Give me a pm and I may be able to shuttle you.

Hey thanks buddy...I'll keep that in mind.

I did that stretch last fall. It stunk. There are no fish anywhere near there, right guys?

I heard the gov'ment was going to do some studies above Hwy 8 this year, and close the area to fisherman. No fishing. None. Until further notice. I'll let you guys know when things open up...

NNNOOOOOOO!!!!!!

LOL Yeah, Okay Joe. I'll be sure to stay away from that area til I hear from ya.

Hey, you think Skip would be interested in doing a shuttle from Meramec State Park up to Onandaga? We'd have two canoes and a kayak, so it might be worth his time since it would still be the off-season...whatdya think? Too far for him? He's a good guy so I'd like to throw him the business if I can't arrange something free.

[joeD]

Kinda far down for Skip, but he'd prolly do it, if you can get a hold of that circus...

[Wormser]

April is prime time for the lower section and to avoid the crowds. Most floaters won't really be out there till after Memorial Day so take advantage of it while you can. I'd suggest anywhere from Sullivan to Steelville (Bourbon, Leasburg etc..). I'll have an outfitter drive me and my kayak up river, and float back down fishing the whole way in these areas which are pretty hard to enjoy in the deep summer months. Good luck