Smallies Or Goggles

[Pflugradt]

Will be in the area on Friday Saturday and Sunday and hoping to get some fishing done but will not have any mode of aquatic locomotion so hoping someone can point me to a spot close to the Bennett area that I can get on a few smallies or goggle eyes. Will have fly rod in hand just really could care less about some stinking slimy trout would much rather tangle with a fish that fights and could have possibly been born in the wild and has not been fed food pellets for the better part of it's life. So what do you know of that may help me out just a little??? Thanks in advance for the time and info yall'

Steve

[FishinCricket]

1. Moon Valley Public Access, upstream from Bennett. Warmer water, the water level is low right now so you should be able to wade upstream to a few pockets full of fish.

2. Hazelgreen Access of Gasconade river, just after the 145 exit of I-44... Should be plenty enough fish right there under the bridges to keep you busy for a few hours.. My best day there is well over 100 fish..

The Goggleyes are huddled in deep holes adjacent to swift water (next to the bridge pilons), the smallies are most active out in the open riffles, chasing crawdads.. Good luck. Come back to this thread and give us a report, eh?

[OzarkFishman]

While I don't trout fish myself, you might be careful slamming trout. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but there are a lot of trout lovers on these boards and it is always best to show respect.

Not trying to be negative, just trying to stop a tread from becoming something bigger than it needs to be. There have been too many flare ups lately on the boards (Actually the last week has been a little better).

Good Luck,

OzarkFishman

[Kayser]

I kinda agree with Pflugradt- I could care less about the pellet-fed scarred-up hatchery trout. I have recently taken up chasing wild trout, and have a few over 15", with one 25" in the mix. Also, the big browns in the Current River present a good fight and challenge, even if they were stocked. But when smallmouth are around, it's hard to pass them up, especially on the fly. Good luck, even if I can't offer much help. Just get down for the goggle eye.

Rob

[Wayne SW/MO]

What Cricket said, plus you can day fish for a small fee at Fort Niangua and Riverfront campground, use to be $3. Depending on the water level, there's some wading at Prosperine. Southeast of Lebanon not far is the lower Osage Fork and all the MDC accesses are wadable. The fishing can be very good at times.

[FishinCricket]

While I don't trout fish myself, you might be careful slamming trout. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but there are a lot of trout lovers on these boards and it is always best to show respect.

Not trying to be negative, just trying to stop a tread from becoming something bigger than it needs to be. There have been too many flare ups lately on the boards (Actually the last week has been a little better).

Good Luck,

OzarkFishman

Well, allz I've gotz to say to that is:

It is what it is. Deal with life as it comes and put a smile on your face.

Once you learn you are too small to make a difference, you can start making a difference.

Sorry, couldn't resist.. FLAME ON!!!!

[oneshot]

I've caught alot of Goggle Eye upstream from Ft.Niangua.Plus at Lead Mine you can catch about anything.

oneshot

[Pflugradt]

Just so you all know I do fish for trout and have nothing against them but I really feel there are much better fish out there to catch than a fish trained to eat anything that hits the water.... just one mans opinion (although it seems it may be more than one). I also choose to fish strictly with my fly rod and only on a very rare occasion will grab terminal gear to do some river bank cat fishing and a little beer drinking. My opinion is formed like this... take a 10lb trout and an 8lb carp and tie them together tail to tail, get them to run in opposite directions and I'll guarantee that the carp will descale the trout in a matter of seconds he is running so hard and fast. The opportunities are much more abundant and much more challenging than fishing for pets.

Now as for the fishing I hit a few goggles just up from the Moon Valley Access a bunch of small longears and one smallie in the 10" range all in an hour or so on Saturday evening. Thanks for the info guys I would havee had no clue where to start looking. I appreciate it.

Steve

[RSBreth]

Another idea for that area is rent a canoe or kayak from one of the float trip outfitters on the Niangua and let the crowd float away from you after you put in, then get out of the boat and wade fish some of the better looking spots.

Flyfishing from a solo watercraft is a pain in the rear, but getting out and wading could make it worthwhile, the little "play" kayaks can be found on Craigslist sometimes for 150.00-200.00$.

The Niangua is a great Smallmouth River, I wish I was able to fish it more often.