Kayser Posted January 23, 2012 Posted January 23, 2012 As the coldest part of winter sets in, and I've moved away from the central-Missouri trout Mecca that is Rolla, obsession has gripped me yet again... This time, it's walleye. Big, toothy, golden walleye (or little, spotted sauger. Whatever, just as long as it has teeth). I've never caught one, and really don't personally know anyone that has, making this quest a little more difficult. But that's why I have all of you, right? But through obsession-induced research, hints, and one "fisherman's hunch," I've come up with a list of places that I want to fish in the next couple months before the crappie start spawning. The Mississippi River @ Chain of Rocks, Carlyle Lake spillway/tailrace (Kaskaskia River sauger), Kaskaskia River Lock and Dam tailrace (at the MS river, my hunch), Meramec River, lower Bourbeuse River, a local CA lake, and Kinkaid Lake. I was curious if anyone has experience or suggestions on which rivers (or areas of rivers) I should try. I would most likely be fishing from neoprene waders or a kayak on the MO rivers (yes, I know the water is cold), and from the bank or jon boat everywhere else, but I would prefer to not tow the boat around the lower Midwest if I don't have to. I'm thinking big, bright grubs tipped with minnows, as well as big minnows on the bottom and throwing larger crankbaits. Mainly, I'm hoping to find a deep bluff hole on the Meramec, within paddling/wading distance of an access above Times Beach, preferably near a lot of deep water that is tough for giggers. I'd also settle for info on a good spot somewhere else. Yes, I know it's cold, but I refuse to let cabin fever get the best of me this year. Besides, it only takes one fish to make this all worth it. Rob WARNING!! Comments to be interpreted at own risk. Time spent fishing is never wasted.
Daryk Campbell Sr Posted January 23, 2012 Posted January 23, 2012 I am interested in watching this thread. I have no experience myself, but recently aquired a jonboat and some thigh high waders. I am looking to expand my catch also. Money is just ink and paper, worthless until it switches hands, and worthless again until the next transaction. (me) I am the master of my unspoken words, and the slave to those that should have remained unsaid. (unknown)
rainbow Posted January 23, 2012 Posted January 23, 2012 Go below the dams at Winfield, Alton and Clarksville.. you can fish Alton from the bank.
Mitch f Posted January 23, 2012 Posted January 23, 2012 For what it's worth, be careful eating fish out of the Meramec too often, especially if you are a pregnant woman or nursing (MDC said so). The Route 66 park area has signs posted near the river in some spots. "Honor is a man's gift to himself" Rob Roy McGregor
ozark trout fisher Posted January 23, 2012 Posted January 23, 2012 For what it's worth, be careful eating fish out of the Meramec too often, especially if you are a pregnant woman or nursing I somehow doubt Kayser is either a pregnant woman or nursing:) Sorry, couldn't resist that one.
Kayser Posted January 23, 2012 Author Posted January 23, 2012 Yeah, any of those things would be news to me. But I'm only after one fish, not out to fill the freezer. But does anybody know of a place like that on the Meramec? Or should I just start posting in that forum? I'm thinking that few enough people fish it this time of year, it might actually be worth it. Espcially if I don't get swamped by a jetboat in my kayak. Rob WARNING!! Comments to be interpreted at own risk. Time spent fishing is never wasted.
Gavin Posted January 23, 2012 Posted January 23, 2012 Know idea about the Meramec...they are supposed to be there...but you will need a boat...I'd probably head over to Illinois and fish at Alton, or the spillway below Lake Carlyle. Cheers.
Kayser Posted January 23, 2012 Author Posted January 23, 2012 Yeah, but the middle Meramec is closer than either of those. And besides, I have a new kayak that I want to break in. WARNING!! Comments to be interpreted at own risk. Time spent fishing is never wasted.
Greasy B Posted January 23, 2012 Posted January 23, 2012 Years ago I heard stories about good waleye being caught in the deep hole just above Glenco. This is a couple of miles down from Times Beach. There used to be an informal access off Old State Road, not sure if it's still there or not. This was also a great catfish spot too. Back when this part of the river had smallmouth the river from 44 bridge to the big shoal at Glenco was pime water, lots of ledge rock that would hold big bass in the hot weather. His father touches the Claw in spite of Kevin's warnings and breaks two legs just as a thunderstorm tears the house apart. Kevin runs away with the Claw. He becomes captain of the Greasy Bastard, a small ship carrying rubber goods between England and Burma. Michael Palin, Terry Jones, 1974
Kayser Posted January 23, 2012 Author Posted January 23, 2012 That sounds like the kind of hole I'm looking for. I was just hoping to find one like it upstream, so I can paddle downstream at the end of the day. WARNING!! Comments to be interpreted at own risk. Time spent fishing is never wasted.
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