Smallies

[ozark trout fisher]

I was thinking about going after smallies on Saturday on the Meramec, probably somewhere above Highway 8. Has the bite gotten going again, or is the water too chilly yet?

[eric1978]

My guess for the bite this weekend would be "unpredictable," and I think the river may be too high with the additional rain coming. I'd say the smallies are transitioning out of their winter holes right now and could be in any number and combination of patterns. Anyone know what the Meramec looks like now? Good luck and report back.

[Gavin]

Ditto.....Its flowing around 140 at Cook, and close to 950 at Steelville. I'd float above the spring w/o hesitation right now, but I'd be hesitant to float below the spring. I'd wait to see what the rain brings.

[ozark trout fisher]

Thanks... I was definitely planning on heading above the spring because of the water levels-it looks pretty high down at Steelville and Sullivan at least according to the gauge.

What flies do you think might work? Just the normal assortment of Leaches, Woollies, and Crayfish?

[eric1978]

What flies do you think might work? Just the normal assortment of Leaches, Woollies, and Crayfish?

Beats me. I'd probably take the baitcaster and the traditional spring lures. Jigs, Warts, Pointers, flukes, spinnerbaits. Maybe stick a Sammy in there just for kicks. If the water is up and off-color, the flies may be a little subtle. I'd try big, dark, heavier streamers if I was resolved to use the fly rod in those conditions.

[ozark trout fisher]

Beats me. I'd probably take the baitcaster and the traditional spring lures. Jigs, Warts, Pointers, flukes, spinnerbaits. Maybe stick a Sammy in there just for kicks. If the water is up and off-color, the flies may be a little subtle. I'd try big, dark, heavier streamers if I was resolved to use the fly rod in those conditions.

I'll definitely be bringing a spinning rod for insurance. I'll probably try fly fishing, and if they doesn't work, well then....

Thanks for the advice.

[cwc87]

Was at Wesco and Kline ford yesterday and caught smallies on plastics drug on the bottom rigged with a 3/16 oz slider head. No big ones . Wednesday would have been the day to float the upper stretch levels and color was perfect. Now with this rain it is on the rise and gonna get muddy. If you are dead set on going Saturday the very upper reaches would be doable but all I would throw out of a canoe would be a double bladed spinner bait. Or if you got into a hot spot try dragging a chomper on 1/4 oz stand up head. Or do what I did and drive to the county road crossings and catch some fish. Kinda comfortable and fun.

[ozark trout fisher]

Was at Wesco and Kline ford yesterday and caught smallies on plastics drug on the bottom rigged with a 3/16 oz slider head. No big ones . Wednesday would have been the day to float the upper stretch levels and color was perfect. Now with this rain it is on the rise and gonna get muddy. If you are dead set on going Saturday the very upper reaches would be doable but all I would throw out of a canoe would be a double bladed spinner bait. Or if you got into a hot spot try dragging a chomper on 1/4 oz stand up head. Or do what I did and drive to the county road crossings and catch some fish. Kinda comfortable and fun.

Thanks... What does the water level at the Cook Station Gauge for the area above the spring to be fishable? I was thinking about heading up towards the headwaters, and just seeing what there is to see.

[ozark trout fisher]

After looking at the gauge on the Meramec, it looks like I'm going to have to reconsider.

I'll probably end up on some little tributary creek, in search of clear water. I have a few in mind that I've been wanting to check out anyway.

[joeD]

OTF - If you have time, I would still go to the upper Meramec, maybe not to fish, but to check out the water flow and color. That way you can relate river info on the USGS to your observations, and use it for future reference. I think water color is more important sometimes than flow and gauge height. But you have to know that particular river to make that determination. Again, experience matters plenty.