Fall Fishing The Lower Niangua

[junkman]

Have another question for the more experienced out there. Was wanting to plan a trip to the Niangua to co-inside with a speaking engagement I have at LOZ for the middle of Oct. But as I have been reading the posts on the forum I am wondering if small mouth bass fishing would even be any good at that time? Never have caught one, so I figured I would try but as some posts have said fall is not the opportune time to fish the streams for them. Question for those out there that know is, would it be worth the time to take a trip down the Niangua for small mouth or should I just fish the lake for whatever? Any reply Appreciated.

[Wayne SW/MO]

The smallmouth will be active at least until the middle of November. They will turn to baitfish as there main source of food sometime between now and then.I've caught some of my biggest in early November.

[DaveMac]

Fall can be a great time if the weather's right. This is the time of year to fish the Niangua as the summer crowds have departed. Fishing from Bennett on down will give you the opportunity to catch smallmouth and trout in the same water. Tube jigs work well this time of year for smallmouth. Check out Adventures for your canoe/kayak rental - that's the best way to get on 'em. Good luck- it's a beautiful river.

DaveMac

[Al Agnew]

The lower Niangua would be a good choice for fall fishing. I was one who said that the fishing gets tougher in the fall, but part of that is the type of stream you fish. In the summer, the easiest streams to catch smallies in are the smaller, wadeable and marginally floatable streams. The fish are concentrated in the low summer water levels, and they are very competitive with each other and thus aggressive. But in those streams in the fall, the fishing seems to really decline. It's almost like the bass disappear. The larger streams like the lower Niangua can be tough in the summer because of boat traffic, rental craft traffic, partiers, bass tournaments, you name it. But in the fall, except for gigging the traffic thins and the fish can be more active. I still say that in my experience the fishing up until late October or early November can be very inconsistent, but it can be good as well as bad. The main problem you'll have is the leaves on the water. If you get a windy day, that day and the next couple of days can be a nightmare to fish.

[junkman]

Guys, thanks for the advice. I guess I will just have to see what the weather brings. In a few weeks it would probably be worth floating it just for the scenery, but thought a little fishing would be nice. You want to know the truth, this will be my first float and fish trip I've ever done and also the first for the boy so that's why I was looking for the advice. Wanted it to be enjoyable and memorable experience. Mark

[Wayne SW/MO]

If it is your first, and your son's, you might want to consider the 64 access to NRO. You'll have a much better chance of catching fish. It should be short on floaters and if the colors show up this year it is well wooded.

[fishinwrench]

Im not sure why this works...or better yet, why it works in the Fall better than any other time....but a "deadsticked" large tube bait is deadly in the Fall.

Just pitch it into a hole where you think a bass oughta be, let it glide to the bottom, then tighten up on it.....and just hold still and wait a full minute. If you don't get a bite reel it in and try again in a slightly different spot....but in the same area.

No matter how bad the leaves are this still works...and it works well.

I'm not sure if a specific tube is better than another but FWIW I use the Case big Salty tube in Roadkill color and a 1/8 insert head on 8# line.

Try it.

[junkman]

Fishinwrench, thanks for the tip. Not everyone out there is willing to divulge tips like what you did. sounds like it is at least worth a try to see if it will work. And Wayne, sorry but don't know what NRO means. What ever it is it looks to be a little farther south than I expected to go. My appointment is actually just north west of Camdenton. Figured I could go hit around lead mine access or something close for it did not seam to far out of the way. Thanks again for all the advice.

[fishbait3]

junkman: NRO (Niangua River Oasis) is an outfitter

[dennis boatman]

Im not sure why this works...or better yet, why it works in the Fall better than any other time....but a "deadsticked" large tube bait is deadly in the Fall.

Just pitch it into a hole where you think a bass oughta be, let it glide to the bottom, then tighten up on it.....and just hold still and wait a full minute. If you don't get a bite reel it in and try again in a slightly different spot....but in the same area.

No matter how bad the leaves are this still works...and it works well.

I'm not sure if a specific tube is better than another but FWIW I use the Case big Salty tube in Roadkill color and a 1/8 insert head on 8# line.

Try it.

I would suggest this works, because, Tube Baits, like some Shad, die off as the water cools, making for an easy meal...