Big River Smallmouth

[Creekfisher]

Has anybody fished the Big River around St. Francois park? I was thinking of putting a canoe in at one end of the park and taking out at the other end. I will drive past it every day on my way to and from work and it seems like it could be a good evening fishing spot when it gets warmer...if there are fish

[joeD]

yes

[Guest Brian B.]

I will be driving past this daily and have wondered if it was any good as well- for any of the three black bass species- I just want to catch some fish.

Anybody have more detail than "yes"

[Dan Kreher]

water around St. Francois SP is marginal at best. Seems like lots of old lead mine tailings with very sandy bottom in many areas there. Better water above Bonne Terre and below Cherokee Landing. Cherokee usually only floats folks in that 6 mile stretch above their place just downstream of Hwy 67 bridge. Long stretch of good water below there with no true public access until hwy 21 MDC access some 17 miles downstream. Blackwell bridge is questionable access in between here and the old Coles Landing has been shut off based on my last time through there. Lots of good day floats below Washington SP though.

good luck.

[Gavin]

There's a canoe rental under the 67 bridge...Cherokee Landing...nice folks....if you need a shuttle or a good place to park your vehicle. Lots of leadmine tailings in the water....don't eat anything.

[mic]

There's a canoe rental under the 67 bridge...Cherokee Landing...nice folks....if you need a shuttle or a good place to park your vehicle. Lots of leadmine tailings in the water....don't eat anything.

I used them. Good group.