First Trip Between Hwy 8 And Scott's Ford

[The Kayak Kid]

Putting in at Hwy 8 tomorrow; taking out at Scott's Ford. First trip on this section of the Meramec. Targeting smallies, mostly. A couple fighting rainbows are fine, but certainly not the focus of the trip.

Once the spring branch enters in, what are my chances at finding smallies in this stretch? Does the smallie activity pick back up after a few miles?

Also, any recommendations on lures? I guess I'll leave my ole' stand-by (Eakins jig) at home....restrictions, right? Planning on taking my Rebel Craw, a Pop-R for the morning, and a couple other cranks. Had a recommendation of a Rattlin' Rogue. Anybody have a favorite length, color?

[405z06]

i will be interested in the responses. I have never floated this stretch as I was under the impression that this is not a good area to target smallies due to the cold water from the spring.

[Gavin]

Your better bass water is up above the spring, but there are smallies to be had in the trout water too. Havent been down this year...but it usually gets kind of mossy in allot of spots...Bring some buzzbaits to run over the moss beds......The best trout water is the 3 miles below the Spring...Try some inline spinners, Kastmasters, hair or marabou jigs, minnow plugs & crankbaits....Rogues are good, but some of their colors are a bit odd IMO...I prefer the white bellied models. Good luck.

[ColdWaterFshr]

I don't want to discourage you, but thats not my idea of a good smallie trip. Too many other better places near it that are far better.

Hwy 8 to Scotts is a LONG float and on a 100 deg. day? not me! From Hwy 8 to the spring branch it is going to be very skinny and probably some dragging. And not many good holes there anyway. From the spring branch to Scotts, some long deep holes, but I've never had great success for trout or smallies in that section ANY time of year, let alone on a scorching day. You never know though. Report back if you do go.

[stlfisher]

Remember below the spring branch is red ribbon trout water....no soft plastics allowed in that stretch.

[The Kayak Kid]

I don't want to discourage you, but thats not my idea of a good smallie trip. Too many other better places near it that are far better.

Hwy 8 to Scotts is a LONG float and on a 100 deg. day? not me! From Hwy 8 to the spring branch it is going to be very skinny and probably some dragging. And not many good holes there anyway. From the spring branch to Scotts, some long deep holes, but I've never had great success for trout or smallies in that section ANY time of year, let alone on a scorching day. You never know though. Report back if you do go.

Thanks for the heads-up. I'm used to good smallie trips (Black, Jack's Fork, upper part of Eleven Point), so I fear this stretch might be a letdown. Any recommendation on a better put-in? Put in at Scotts? The wife grabbed a half-off deal on the 'net, so I thought I'd rent a canoe for a change (usually take my yak) and burn some company gas (shhh). Maybe the outfitter will let me switch to another stretch of river...might have to throw in a few extra bucks. We shall see. Thanks again.

[ColdWaterFshr]

If it were me, and were looking for an experience similar - though not quite as good as the rivers you mention -- I'd skip the coupon and go to the Huzzah or Courtois. Or if you just had to burn that coupon, Scotts to Riverview? Don't know, I think I've only floated that once - a long time ago. As Gavin said, I like above Hwy 8 better for smallmouth, but I don't think any outfitters would put you in up there. Or go further down around Onandaga or Birds Nest on the Meramec.

[The Kayak Kid]

Your better bass water is up above the spring, but there are smallies to be had in the trout water too. Havent been down this year...but it usually gets kind of mossy in allot of spots...Bring some buzzbaits to run over the moss beds......The best trout water is the 3 miles below the Spring...Try some inline spinners, Kastmasters, hair or marabou jigs, minnow plugs & crankbaits....Rogues are good, but some of their colors are a bit odd IMO...I prefer the white bellied models. Good luck.

Thanks Gavin. Planning on grabbing a couple inline spinners, an extra countdown minnow, and experimenting with a Rogue. Thanks again for the rec's. Might decide to do another stretch, after I meet up with the outfitter in the morning.

[The Kayak Kid]

If it were me, and were looking for an experience similar - though not quite as good as the rivers you mention -- I'd skip the coupon and go to the Huzzah or Courtois. Or if you just had to burn that coupon, Scotts to Riverview? Don't know, I think I've only floated that once - a long time ago. As Gavin said, I like above Hwy 8 better for smallmouth, but I don't think any outfitters would put you in up there. Or go further down around Onandaga or Birds Nest on the Meramec.

I hear ya. I'm taking my boy with me, so worst-case scenario, we have fun swimming and canoeing. But I'll be grumpy if I don't at least catch a couple nice ones.

I know a guy who swears by the stretch around Birds Nest. He has caught some heavies around there, and has always encouraged me to check it out.

[The Kayak Kid]

Remember below the spring branch is red ribbon trout water....no soft plastics allowed in that stretch.

Yep. Thanks for the reminder, stlfisher.