Hwy 8 To Scotts Ford

[Matt Tucker]

I am wanting to drop my drift boat in at Hwy 8 and float to Scotts Ford. I had heard that some hunters had been cutting out some of the log jams to run their jet boats up during deer season. I am curious if anyone has floated this section recently and if it is blocked off by any jams. Thanks in advance for the comments.

--Matt Tucker

[Gavin]

Looks like its running around 250 at Steelville. Kinda low for a big guy & lots of gear in a high side boat. Expect to drag a bit...allow ample time or camp. Fear no log...bring a good chainsaw, lots of beer, and some duct tape ;>)!

[Ted Calcaterra]

Matt - Meramec is lame right now. Drive the extra couple hours and fish the eleven point or White. Well worth it. If you really want to fish the the Meramec send me a PM and we can take out the jet boat, cane rods, and fine cigars.

[MattTucker]

I still can't give up this dream of floating this section of the Meramec. Anyone been on it lately? Still too low for a drift boat?

[ColdWaterFshr]

Fished it on foot a couple weeks back. Hiked the park down to dry fork. Very, very low. Fishing was crap too. I'd think it would be more trouble than its worth in a drift boat right now. And especially putting in at Hwy 8 -- no way, bro.

Wait till she's blown out or on a serious rise and then be ready to go. Might be fun pitching some big streamers.

[MattTucker]

Yeah, I figured as much. Just dreaming.

[gersus]

From Hwy 8 to the spring sucks. It would be great to have an access at or near the spring.... From there down isn't too bad but still low. Water is ultra clear. Fish are in 3-4 foot of water.

[MattTucker]

Going to drag the drift boat down to the Niangua instead on Saturday. Yeah, putting in at the ramp in the campground at Meremac Spring would be ideal, but they have that closed up off season.

[MattTucker]

Anyone done this float, since the river got a good flushing? I am eyeing heading down next Sunday for the day.

[Greasy B]

Haven't floated it I quite a while so I can't comment on conditions but if you

made it down Niangua on the dead low water last month drifting boating should be fine. Personally I love the short section from HWY 8 to the spring branch. Small water for sure but an alert angler can find a few. After the trout opener you may well find as many stockers bunched up in the riffles and runs between 8 bridge and the branch as you would below the branch. Sure the Meramec won't fish as well as the other floatable trout waters but if your St louis based it's about all you have within an easy days drive. By all means do it and let's us know how it goes.

How did you do on your Chistmas weekend float on Niangua? My brother and I were loading our canoes for an overnighter when you passed us by at the HWY 64 access.