A Quick One (While (S)He's Away)

[joeD]

After no planning and an absence of forethought, a friend and I went fishing last Thursday the 15th on the Meramec River, above Hwy 19. It was about a 5 mile float, and we started at about 1pm and ended at about 630pm. The day was warm and sunny, until it clouded up and we got sprinkled on. The water temp varied between 63 and 66 degrees. We generally used white Super Flukes. Although we didn't catch a ton of fish, the fishing was fairly steady and I don't think we caught anything under 13 or 14 inches. I caught this gal close to the bank in about 6 inches of water. It was an absolute vicious semi-topwater hit. My partner missed a few fish that were actually bigger than this one. They seemed to be carrying or "gumming" the lure and dropping it. Probably pre-spawn or spawning, though I didn't see any beds. But that's no surprise, as my kids are growing up in front of me without me noticing. Anyway, good trip, and I think the action will only get better. And, as a side note, I can report that the beer I drank was cold and delicious, and the Rocky Patel cigars I smoked were, as usual, spot on.

[cnr]

Seems like that water temperature would be perfect for spawning. I am sure someone out there would know what the optimal temp would be for the smallies to spawn at. Of course they probably don't all spawn at the same time so the fish will be in various stages right now. Either way I am sure they are close to nesting areas right now. Would you say most are in the quiet back eddies close to some sort of structure?

[eric1978]

Nice fish Joe. I see they're done with that construction, huh? Think I'll hit that stretch next time I get a free day. How are the logjams there right now? Last time I did that stretch I had to portage several.

[joeD]

There are a few there. Some old ones are gone, and some new ones have cropped up in different spots. No big deal though. Doesn't change the fish population. They're still there.

[Gavin]

Nice...hit one of the Meramec tributaries last Friday...Tossed the boat in the water at a high bridge and attempted to pole my canoe upstream...Almost fell out of the boat twice, but I didnt get wet after two miles. Lot to learn, but its a start.

Fishing was kinda slow, but their were lots of fish on beds and I dont fish for them. Caught some smallish smallies, a couple fairly decent largemouth and a couple spotted bass before the front hit. Caught a couple on top with a B-2 buzzer, but my best producer was a chartruese/white twin spin. Cheers.

[awhuber]

Nice...hit one of the Meramec tributaries last Friday...Tossed the boat in the water at a high bridge and attempted to pole my canoe upstream...Almost fell out of the boat twice, but I didnt get wet after two miles. Lot to learn, but its a start.

Fishing was kinda slow, but their were lots of fish on beds and I dont fish for them. Caught some smallish smallies, a couple fairly decent largemouth and a couple spotted bass before the front hit. Caught a couple on top with a B-2 buzzer, but my best producer was a chartruese/white twin spin. Cheers.

Where you doing your best Ralph Brown imitation? He was a legendary figure on the huzzah and Courtois creeks. He could pole upstream faster than most folks could paddle down.

[joeD]

I thought poling was for people who don't have paddles. Or for women with tatoos who work in Sauget, IL.

[eric1978]

Where you doing your best Ralph Brown imitation? He was a legendary figure on the huzzah and Courtois creeks. He could pole upstream faster than most folks could paddle down.

Sounds more like the Bourbeuse to me...maybe Big River. I'm too lazy to paddle upstream. If I don't have a shuttle, I don't get the canoe out. I'd rather just wade a little creek.

[Zack Hoyt]

We gotta work on your cigar choices..... Great looking smallie. I am jonesen real hard to sneak away this weekend to chase some.

Which RP blends do you like? I am a bit of a cigar junkie.

[Gavin]

I'm nowhere near as good as Ralph Brown. He was an interesting fellow to say the least.

It was a lot of work to pole up that far but I had fun doing it. I've canoed and waded that section of river many times and I'm glad I took the boat. It helped me spot some fish, and fish a few of the deep spots that are impossible to wade fish effectively. Cheers.