Meramec Near Castle Wood

[Justin92297]

Does anybody know of any decent smallmouth fishing in or around castle wood state park? I have always wondered about that place because it is much closer to my house than any of the more popular smallmouth spots. Any info would be appreciated

[moguy1973]

I haven't fished there for smallmouth before, but others on here will tell you that probably the furthest downstream on the Meramec that you'll find any decent smallmouth fishing is probably Rt66 state park, and even then there aren't many to be found. Could there be some around Castlewood, probably, but they are most likely few and far between, especially this time of year.

[Smalliebigs]

Justin,

there are smallies around castlewood but, as Jim said they are not numerous. I kinda specialize on the lower meramec if you ever want a guided tour message me........I'll take you, I have extra yaks and solo canoes if you need.

It's a little industrial and is the tail end of all the abuse that occurs on that river but, there are fish there, they just feed at a very precise schedule. If you are'nt there when the bell rings you will think the river is void of life. It can be tough to fish and you have to make lemonade out of lemons sometimes

[Justin92297]

Thanks! I'll keep that in mind. Is there any decent largemouth or spotted bass fishing on the lower Mac?

[713lefty]

I have heard you can catch decent smallies on the lower river this time of year in clear water by the wing dikes or other large current diversions. throw a jerkbait upstream and twitch it back. I have not been able to get out and verify that as a fact or not. That and a small hair jig would be the right approach. Now to find a small watercraft and test it out.............

I would expect a mix of largemouth, spots and smallies. The spots taste really good. The smallies taste terrible, just throw em back.... You can take a picture first of course....