Shore/wade Fishing Close To Eureka?

[Brian Jones]

I applause the enthusiam to go wade fishing in any of Missouri's rivers and creeks. Unfortunately, and realistically, the Meramec river anywhere east of Bourbon MO in my opinion continues a long history of a polluted watershed in new and old landfill waste, trace chemical and element waste from runoff, development, local factories, business and roadways and many other sources and reasons. Water quality exponentially gets worse the closer you get to St. Louis. Oxygen levels drop and keep the most sport fish populations relatively low or non existent. The Meramec is a treacherous in at any water level or weather condition, as one can not effectively see what is just below the surface. Many people including good swimmers have drown in this river in just a few feet of water in the past few years near St. Louis. So best of luck catching anything healthy, and not drowning or getting a staff infection in the muddy, polluted, river way known as the Meramec. I hope one day this river will be in much better health, but until that distant day I believe my report holds true. I also applaude the work of stream teams on this river, and realize it continues to be an uphill battle with most polluters.

I would have to respectfully disagree. Though I have only been fishing the Meramec for about 14 years I have had more good trips and caught more big smallmouth between Meramec State Park and the conflence with Big River than I have above. Maybe it's just the way I fish.

Before spots replaced smallies the stretch from Times Beach boat ramp to just below Glencoe

Greasy: Can you tell me where Glencoe is? I am assuming it is below Times Beach?

Thanks

Brian

[Gobblehead]

I fish the lower meramec quite a bit and wade fishing below the I-44 bridge last summer...I parked at the muesum and walked down to the river (east side of the river). Caught a couple 12 in spots and small smallies but nothing sizeable. There is some really good looking water all through there but I don't know if its pressure or what b/c there should be more fish.

I put a hole in my jet boat in the fall of 2010 running down that shoal...lots of big chunk rock in there...fishing was soo goos we fished with a sinking boat for awhile!

Like a couple floks said above...the meramec looks ugly but there are some good fish there. You can go a couple times barely get a bite then one day you could fill the boat. Fall seems to be the best time for me...and june if the water levels are consistant. I tend to fish fenton more than anything...but you need a boat down there

[moguy1973]

Greasy: Can you tell me where Glencoe is? I am assuming it is below Times Beach?

Thanks

Brian

Glencoe is just below Rt66. The river heads north past Rt66 and then makes a right turn east to head towards Castlewood. That bend is at Glencoe. The map that Mitch posted up shows it too.

[Greasy B]

Thanks moguy,

At one time you could drive right up to the gravel bar there, the road was rutted pretty bad. Not sure how it is now. It's a neat place with the river and the mini rail road.

[Mitch f]

Sorry Mitch. I'm like Otis the town drunk on Mayberry RFD. I'll just go over here and "lock" myself up. As always, keep Barney Fife weapon-free. We don't want just anyone walking around with a gun now do we?

No Worries Joe

[Midwest troutbum]

A young man drown at castlewood today. He was wading and swimming. The fire Dept even stated the river is extremely dangerous in this section. The post dispatch reports at least 8 drown at castlewood since 2006. So these are not scare stories folks. These are just the facts and statistics. So beware of the danger and use your best judgement. Know that this is the deadliest section of the river based on factual evidence and numbers.

[mic]

What makes it deadly... current, hidden structure, or beer?

[Brian Jones]

What makes it deadly... current, hidden structure, or beer?

My understanding is that it is the current.

[Mitch f]

Very sad indeed

http://ballwin-ellisville.patch.com/articles/kirkwood-area-man-dies-in-drowning-accident-13b74140

[joeD]

It is not the current. It is not the Meramec. It is not Castlewood. And honestly, I'm not sad either. Young people die all the time doing dumb dung.

People drown because of poor decisions. Those poor decisions are made by people who in all probability DO NOT KNOW HOW TO SWIM.

The percentage of the populace who lack basic swimming skills is very high. Yet, they still play in and around waters in an unsafe manner.

Think about it. What sensible person would look at the Meramec at Castlewood and think it would be a good idea to go swimming? In April?

Make no mistake. This scenario will be repeated year after year. Time or place will vary. The end result will be the same. Youthful potential gone in a watery second.