Smallmouth Fishing Around Bird's Nest

[Scott25.stl]

Heading out this Sunday for some smallmouth fishing for the first time.

Anyone know how the river and fishing conditions have been lately? I'm going to try topwater buzzbaits and my sammie early then maybe spinnerbaits, grubs, and craws later. Any tips or advice is appreciated!

[joeD]

You have much to learn Scott. For starters.

1. Get to know the USGS Water level and discharge gauges for critical river info. In other words, Is it up? Muddy? Up but clear? Normal; but muddy? You get the picture.

2. Then call an outfitter in that particular area and ask them about water conditions.

3. Then, if you must go, then go. And when you get to your destination, you can then correlate what the numbers mean on the USGS to the reality of the water in front of you.

4. Right now, if I had to guess, the water around Birds Nest is a little too high and fast, probably murky, for any effective fishing.

5. Go up higher, or try another stream.

6. Finally, my best advise is to actually quit asking for advise. Just go and do what you want. While we can explain things, tell you where to go or what to do, at some point, you're gonna have to figure it out for yourself. And that takes time and effort. There is no other way. Go out and do it, report back, and we'll see what happens.

[mic]

darn Joe that was a little harsh.

[Scott25.stl]

Ok then...

1. Thanks. I have looked at the USGS information and I have tried to translate those numbers into something more tangible (Al Agnew wrote an article giving a general breakdown and was actually helpful). I'm just trying to see if anyone has any first hand, recent info.

2. Thanks. I did. She told me that the water was a little high, but perfect. I was a bit skeptical and thought she was just trying to sell me on her outfit, so I came here seeking additional opinions.

3. Thanks; that makes sense.

4. Thank you for answering my question. THIS is wha I was looking for.

5. Perfect. Thanks again.

6. I'll assume you mean, "bottom line, just go out and have a good time!" Great advise, Joe! Thanks!!!

[Mitch f]

Joe is not steering you wrong, number 3 being the best.

[Midwest troutbum]

Water is almost always a little high and murky or muddy on the meramec after a days rain. My 30 years experience with this river above onandoga cave says if its muddy its not worth it. Either to dangerous or just poor fishing conditions. Head upstream to the after rains or wait till water levels drop to near normal and clear. Head downstream during the summer and several days of rain free weather should clear up the water a bit. This time of year the water fluctuates quickly and flash flooding occurs regularly. Check the weather reports for upstream areas before you go. Most of all have fun but be smart about it and don'tgo if itsmuddy or moving swiftly even with a life jacket and excellent swimming skills.

[Scott25.stl]

Thanks guys. I'll play it safe and let you all know how it goes.

[Smalliebigs]

Scott,

Have fun, be safe and experiment thru trial and error. Smallies are an agressive fish, if you use your intincts and observe the river closely you will do good and it will be more gratifing to you to do most of this on your own. Lessons are to be learned on the river just like in school and some pick it up faster than others and excel more than others. The true enjoyment of catching a monster smallie on the river can only measured by you, so make your own rules and go hammer em and report back....we love report and pics here or at least I do and I'm intrigued to see what you can do.

Have a blast!!!

Scott, I will give you one tip that you have already more than likely been given but, I'll tell you again. This applies to smaller rivers and creeks more but, Smallmouth will tend to group up at the begining of a hole right after the ripple leading into the hole and conversely they will group up at the end of a hole near the begining of the next ripple. These ambush points if fished the right way with out spooking the fish before you enter the area will produce some of the bigger fish in the hole. Some will probally laugh at what I'm telling you but, trust me I'm just trying to help someone who seems to be starting to chase smallies that will be an ehtical and conservation minded fisherman......we need more of those on our rivers and less of the type that were raised to meat hunt at all cost like a butcher.

sorry for the rant......witnessed a bunch of locals sitting at a low water bridge at the Bourb just hammering smallies and largemouth and keeping them....some ignorantly and some with meat on their minds......and yes proper authorities were notifed so if you are reading this I would'nt go back there they are staking it out to bust you.......at least I hope

[ozark trout fisher]

The gauge says it's running about 500 CFS at Steelville. That is a touch high, but I would think it should be just fine. I know I've had plenty of decent days when it was higher than that. Good luck.

[cnr]

I fish with joeD quite a bit, he's just cranky because he hasn't been fishing enough!!! Hmm...but what is enough? Probably for most of us 24/7 would be just about right.