Question About The River

[junkman]

I thought about taking a trip over to the upper Niangrua river between LOZ and Niagrua lake, but didn't know if it would be a very good place to fish? Don't even know what kind of water or fish I would be looking at. Don't even know if it could be floated? Would a person expect to catch anything in the lake, or would it be better to fish LOZ? sorry for all the questions, but have never been in that part of the country. Figured there wouldn't be the traffic down that way as up around LOZ. any info appreciated.

[Guest]

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[Wayne SW/MO]

I'm not sure I understand your question. The upper river is well south of the LOZ. If you're looking for some fishing area away from traffic then Prosperine and lead mine areas would probably be your best bet. They're just above lake Niangua.

[junkman]

Sorry Wayne for i am asking on assumption. I assumed that it was the Niangua river between ha Ha Tanka and Lake Niangua, but I might be wrong. maybe this is considered LOZ. Would this stretch be float-able of would it be better below lake Niangua? Would like to catch a small mouth for I never have caught one. but don't want to be dragging a boat half the way.

[junkman]

I finally see what confused you for I thought it ran north to south but dummy me was wrong. so I guess it would be the tail waters and not the head waters. sorry for the confusion.

[Wayne SW/MO]

I don't know how the smallie population is in that part. The areas I mentioned have smallies. What kind of watercraft do you have? It's about as close to the areas south of leadmine as it is to LOZ.

[junkman]

Wayne it really doesn't matter were i go, just figured a lazy trip down a stream that looks like it goes through a beautiful part of Missouri sounds like a really nice thing to do the first of Oct. when the leaves start to change. But figured for a added benefit it would be nice to catch a few fish as well. I have a heavy duty aluminum 12ft V bottom that would be nice to take since it is already fitted for fishing, but could get a canoe if I had to. If I go it will be because I will have to spend a weekend at the Baptist camp in roach Mo. so figured I would just go south from there. But to where depends on you guys expertise.

[fishinwrench]

If you're wanting better odds on getting into some Smallmouth you'll do better above (upstream from) lake Niangua.

The stretch from tunnel to LO is kinda sluggish/swampy after the first couple of miles, you'll want a trolling motor or small outboard on the jon to complete the float, or you'll paddle your arms off getting to HHT.

The stretch of the Niangua below Prosperine is some beautiful.water and the fishing is outstanding. The reason it remains so is mostly because it is NOT shuttle friendly, accesses are on opposite sides of the river and the distance between them is pretty long by water...and long as hell by land.

[Wayne SW/MO]

and long as hell by land.

Yeah you have to go back to Lebanon, get lunch and fill up then go to Lead Mine, then of course you have to repeat to get back.

You might want consider renting a canoe from NRO and floating from the 64 access back to their place.

[junkman]

Guys thanks for all your help and info. The lead mine area looks nice, but was wondering for my first trip to just set in at whistle bridge and go to my destination on LOZ. This would be nice if I could get my 12ft V bottom with 9.8 hp. motor down that stretch of river without having to drag it. Is this feasible? If I did this, I wouldn't need to park a vehicle or have someone pick me up. But if you think I can't get a small v bottom down this stretch of river, then I will have to look at the canoe thing.