Little Piney Access - Run-In With Landowner

[Chris Barclay]

I've fished Little Piney a dozen times and have never had any trouble with access. A few times from Lane Spring but mostly from Vida Slab going upstream to the barbed wire fence and beyond. This morning a buddy and I got ready to go and were just stepping into the water and a lady on a 4-wheeler came up to us. At first she was trying to yell at us from across the creek but we couldn't hear her so she came over to us.

She told us that this was her property and she didn't allow any fishing and asked us to leave. We talked with her for a few minutes and explained to her that we've fished here many times before and didn't realize that it wasn't public access. We didn't try to argue with her because we knew that wouldn't help - we were just trying to understand where she was coming from.

We know the laws and our rights and all but some landowners don't seem to understand them the same way.

First, where do y'all access the water when Lane is closed?

Second, anyone have any run-ins with this lady?

[Chief Grey Bear]

I am not familiar with the area but, if you access from a public area, roadway etc... as you say, according to the law as we interpret it, you were within your legal right to be there.

I just scoped out your blog. Nice work. You have done a great job with that. One of the better ones I have seen in a while. I will enjoy keeping an eye on this one.

[ColdWaterFshr]

She was yelling at you as you stepped into the water at Vida? Or were you on the trail on the east side of Vida that leads upstream to where you step in the water? I've never had a problem there either way, but I've always felt a little uncomfortable fishing that stretch of water that is right by the house on the opposite (west-side of the creek) Not that I was trespassing, but it FEELs like you are.

Somebody needs to set her straight. If you didn't access the water from her property, and if you were in the water or within the high-water mark . . . it ain't her crick.

[eric1978]

It's my understanding that you can still access the river at Lane Spring...it's just closed to camping and all the rest. You have to park at the gate and walk down. Where'd you end up going?

[Chris Barclay]

Thank you Chief, I really appreciate the compliment! Though I'm not sure I'll post about this trip!

CWF, we were entering the water from the gravel parking area. I agree that it 'feels' like you're trespassing when you really aren't.

I'm going to brush up on my regs and try to present them to her winsomely next time I run into her. Another thing that baffles me is that she went on about getting 800 signatures on a petition to not rename the body of water as a River rather than it's current designation as a creek. On the MDC maps I have it's called Little Piney River. Strange.

[Chris Barclay]

It's my understanding that you can still access the river at Lane Spring...it's just closed to camping and all the rest. You have to park at the gate and walk down. Where'd you end up going?

We tried Lane Spring but didn't know you could hike in. I may do that next time.

We tried the bridge on 63 but it wasn't clear on whether or not we'd be trespassing there.

We tried to find Spring Creek but couldn't (not sure if it was our innate sense of misdirection or the confusing nature of the roads).

We ended up just going back to St. Louis with our tails between our legs - sort of like a drive of shame. It was a nice day for a drive though.

[eric1978]

We tried Lane Spring but didn't know you could hike in. I may do that next time.

We tried the bridge on 63 but it wasn't clear on whether or not we'd be trespassing there.

We tried to find Spring Creek but couldn't (not sure if it was our innate sense of misdirection or the confusing nature of the roads).

We ended up just going back to St. Louis with our tails between our legs - sort of like a drive of shame. It was a nice day for a drive though.

Oh, drag. Mighta just hit the Meramec or Current though since you were so close...all that gas for nothin'.

[ColdWaterFshr]

No kidding. Woulda went to Mill or Current or even Cardiac, but to drive home without even fishin??

This is kind've disturbing about this property owner. What are they up to down there with their 800 signatures --- it doesn't matter if its called a creek, river, stream, or brook. Its not anyone's property. I've put my canoe in at 63 and at Lane a few times and floated down to Vida, Milldam, and even down to I-44. It is navigable by my definition. And it is listed as a floatable "creek" in my float books, including the one published by MDC with a put-in referenced at Lane Spring rec area. Actually there really isn't an easy launch from Lane. You have to either carry your boat through the picnic area, or launch from back in the campground.

[Gavin]

The lady who lives on the West bank above Vida doesnt take kindly to univited guests. Its unfortunate, but she has to put up with allot of trashy behavior down at Vida Slab...Same with most of the landowners near the LP. For some reason the Newburg Cong feels that is their good given right to trash every access point and drive their vehicles through the creek. FWIW, you can park under the 63 bridge if Lane Spring is closed..I've never asked, but I've never had an issue...its about a 1/4 mile down to the top of the CG and a half or so down to the spring from there.

Spring creek doesnt have much access. Theres the TU access near the store on J highway...and there is a poorly marked FS Road off of 6410, but thats about it. The rest is owned by the Danforth Family...They own most of that Valley and I've never been able to get access to their stretch.

Tons of access on Mill since Dr Bohigian donated his farm. Better luck next time. Cheers.

[ColdWaterFshr]

The lady who lives on the West bank above Vida doesnt take kindly to univited guests. Its unfortunate, but she has to put up with allot of trashy behavior down at Vida Slab...Same with most of the landowners near the LP. For some reason the Newburg Kong feels that is their good given right to trash every access point and drive their vehicles through the creek.

No doubt she has to put up with the Newburg-cong and all that comes with them, but that doesn't give her the right to go chasing regular ole fishin folk off that stretch of creek -- invited or uninvited, it ain't her creek!