Easily Accessible Water

[ozark trout fisher]

An elderly relative of mine called me and asked me if I could take him fishing somewhere next week. He's not in the best of health, and honestly, we need to go somewhere there is easy road access to a place we can set up a couple of lawn chairs and soak bait-he can't wade, walk long distances, or sit in a boat. We also need a place where we can rent a cabin a few days, because he can't camp. We are thinking Montauk, but I see that Washington State Park along the Big River also has cabins. He was always more of a warmwater guy, so I thought that might be worth looking into. Is there easy road access to the river there, preferably near a deep hole where we'll have a shot and catching bluegill, goggle-eye, catfish, or anything else for that matter? Any other suggestions would be appreciated as well.

I know this is a tough question, but he doesn't get to fish often, and I'd really like to make it a nice weekend for him.

[Al Agnew]

In the main part of Washington State Park, the road runs pretty close to the river through a big bottom field where there's a picnic area and campground. There is one long pool and a shorter one, both of which, of course, get pounded hard by the bank fishing crowd but are pretty decent catfish habitat. In the same area, the park boat ramp at the Hwy. 21 bridge is on one of the deepest holes on Big River. It also gets pounded hard but is certainly a good catfish spot. But there is not a lot of area in which to get a lawn chair close to the water. If you had a nice wide johnboat that would accomodate a lawn chair for him to sit in, you could put in there (it's a very nice boat ramp) and just get away from the ramp while staying in that pool and probably find some good fishing. But otherwise your options are somewhat limited in both places.

[jdmidwest]

Sam A Baker Park has cabins and a boat ramp with a long hole that can be trolling motor or outboard for some warmwater fishing. Don't know where you are coming from, but it is a nice park on the St. Francois River. Its short notice for a cabin, but you may find one open during the week. Pretty country, nice backroads driving for a little diversion.

The ramp is at the lower end of the campground with deep water for a boat for about 3/4 of a mile of fishing. You could catch any of the species you mentioned this time of year. You are only about 20 minutes North of Lake Wappappello Old Greenville access for more fishing opportunities.

[ozark trout fisher]

In the main part of Washington State Park, the road runs pretty close to the river through a big bottom field where there's a picnic area and campground. There is one long pool and a shorter one, both of which, of course, get pounded hard by the bank fishing crowd but are pretty decent catfish habitat. In the same area, the park boat ramp at the Hwy. 21 bridge is on one of the deepest holes on Big River. It also gets pounded hard but is certainly a good catfish spot. But there is not a lot of area in which to get a lawn chair close to the water. If you had a nice wide johnboat that would accomodate a lawn chair for him to sit in, you could put in there (it's a very nice boat ramp) and just get away from the ramp while staying in that pool and probably find some good fishing. But otherwise your options are somewhat limited in both places.

Thanks for the advice Al, it's much appreciated. That sounds a little tough-we know may go ahead and get reservations at Montauk, because I know that water well and some easy places to set up.

I'll feel bad for him, the guy I'm taking used to be one of the most passionate smallmouth fisherman I've every known (if he wasn't at home you could bet money he was up at Meramec State Park) ,but he really can't do that anymore. He hasn't fished in a couple years, so hopefully we'll get into some fish wherever we end up.

[ozark trout fisher]

Sam A Baker Park has cabins and a boat ramp with a long hole that can be trolling motor or outboard for some warmwater fishing. Don't know where you are coming from, but it is a nice park on the St. Francois River. Its short notice for a cabin, but you may find one open during the week. Pretty country, nice backroads driving for a little diversion.

The ramp is at the lower end of the campground with deep water for a boat for about 3/4 of a mile of fishing. You could catch any of the species you mentioned this time of year. You are only about 20 minutes North of Lake Wappappello Old Greenville access for more fishing opportunities.

Thanks JD. I hadn't thought of that.

[Gavin]

Might try Westover....They have a pond with whatever Tom's put in there lately...Nice cabins...lots of trout. some smallmouth in the creek....The Huzzah & Courtois arent to far away.

[ozark trout fisher]

Might try Westover....They have a pond with whatever Tom's put in there lately...Nice cabins...lots of trout. some smallmouth in the creek....The Huzzah & Courtois arent to far away.

Thanks. That's another idea I haven't thought of. Definitely worth looking into.