First Time

[Plan B]

May 20-25 will be my first time hitting this spot. I won't be fly fishing but will be hitting the spot with a Kayak. Anyone know what the fishing is like around that time of year and do you have any suggested spots?

[eric1978]

Gonna be a short float.

[shawncat]

Depends where/what part of the river your floating.Meremec State Park and Maramec Springs,which this forum covers are miles apart....state park is mostly smallies,spots,LM with cat,carp,drum,goggle eye,panfish.Meremac Springs area is a red ribbon trout area with same fish + trout and special regs.

[Plan B]

Yeah I go to the state park all the time. I'm hitting up Springs this time.

[shawncat]

red ribbon trout area from hwy8 bridge to scotts ford bridge 6-8 miles....no bait,scented baits,no soft plastics.No floating kayaks in springs/trout park.Topwater,hard plastics,jigs,small spinners will catch fish.First 3 miles below springs is best for trout IMHO,great smallie fish'n if you catch it at right time.

[Plan B]

So I can't take my Kayak out there? I was told to bring it. Maybe we're going somewhere else for that. But you say no soft plastics or bait are allowed?

[shawncat]

no kayaking in maramec springs trout park,in meremac river above/below the springs you can kayak.Soft plastics,bait,etc....all good in trout park....not in red ribbon area that surrounds trout park.Maramec Springs[trout park] is about 1 1/2 creek that comes out of a cave and flows into meremec river[red ribbon area/special regs]....your best bet if fishing the upper meremec is go to MDC website and research regulations as there are at least a couple special reg areas[trout/smallmouth bass] If you cant find....i'll find you a link.

http://mdc.mo.gov/fishing/regulations/special-area-fishing-regulations

http://mdc.mo.gov/sites/default/files/resources/2010/05/5645_3552.pdf

[Plan B]

No I have most of the regulations in head. The thing is the area's I have a problem with until I see them. I don't know if that makes sense to you but it's just the way my brain works. So I'll be buying the $3 day pass for a couple days then hitting the river with the Kayak the others.

Thakns for the info.

[shawncat]

.....good luck and dont pay the $5 daily parking fee if camping.....tell guy/girl at gate when entering and they'll waive daily parking fee.