Which To Float And Fish?

[moguy1973]

Buddy and I were looking for a nice stretch to fish this Saturday. We have three possibilities we are thinking about.

1. Bourbeuse River from Peter's Ford to Noser Mill- lots of slow water, hit and miss fishing (esp with the low water now), never floated this before, should be quiet without many floaters. Probably use Devils Back for shuttle so only need one vehicle.

2. Meramec River from 185 to Meramec Caverns/Sand Ford- decent water, most likely good fishing, lots of floaters and jet boat traffic. Probably self shuttle.

3. Big River from Washington State Park to Merrill Horse or Merrill Horse to Browns Ford- Never floated either of these so ?? on fishing and quality of the float. Would be self shuttling.

Any advice or insight on these or experience to share?

[SmallyWally]

Born and raised in Jeff Co. so my vote is for the Big River. Traffic? Probably not as much as the Meramec, but you never know. No matter what the choice is I think you'll win! Weather permitting.

[Smalliebigs]

Jim, 1) don't do the Bourb on any stretch, it is a spring and fall river......this time of year, well... it sucks ...you can catch fish but, I won't even consider the Bourb until the water temps drop and the cfs's go back up......by the way I love the Bourb like my family, so I'm not beeing jaded here.

2) That stretch of the Meramec can fish well and has for years but, it is jet boat country,,,which isn't a bad thing, if you know how to deal with them. Trust me on this when the jets go by they stir up the water and IMO it gets them going a bit. As long as jets don't bother you it is not a bad stretch this time of year....if I was going to do that stretch and this is just me but, this pointer came from a huge river smallie pro....I would start early and stick with a nice walk the dawg bait....stick with this bait all day long making good cast to the likely spots....the fishing will usually pick up in that area after noon...sounds nuts but, it's true.....the key will be sticking with that bait and holding out for that bite because it will come....you may not get the numbers but, if you stick with it all day,. which will require some persistence, you will get that bite of a life time and will be posting a pic on here of a 19 to 20 incher....you could also throw soft plastics and get your numbers but, more than likely won't get your dream fish we want to see here.....these are just my opinions

3) to interesting streches of the Big.....I would do Merril to Browns.... I did it with my wife and daughter about three weeks ago and was pleasntly suprised..... I did really well with a grn/pmkn sinko hardly any weight, I also used a custom poured soft plastic bait a friend makes....lots of numbers and the two biggest were 16 1/2 nothing to write books about but, I had a very enjoyable float.

In summary go with number two and go for the trophies.....just stick with the dawg even if it starts to fustrate you eventually, if worked right and placed in the right spot a trophy will blow you up and that one fish will be worth the drive and your effort and time....trust me....just my opinion.

have fun

[Hog Wally]

I vote #2. 75degree water. Top water. Cranks. Soft plastic. Who cares about traffic. Those people ain't fishing anyway. River is clean and down. Perfect. Water patrol is almost always staked out on that stretch

[Hog Wally]

Wow. We sent that at same time I agree with walk the dog but. If I was bass fishing , which I'm not, I would have to throw a buzz bait in those violent deep swirl holes. The ones most people just get through and hope not to dump their rig over in

[Smalliebigs]

I like the Buzz too Wally and let's go hit some Hybrids you know where soon bother...either will do, I just love my dawg baits and have some bigtime confidence with them which helps me produce...so if you feel better about a buzz Jim?? they will work to but, you have to be persistent with them and not give up after 30 cast without a hit.

Wow. We sent that at same time I agree with walk the dog but. If I was bass fishing , which I'm not, I would have to throw a buzz bait in those violent deep swirl holes. The ones most people just get through and hope not to dump their rig over in

[moguy1973]

The only problem is with doing that stretch of the Meramec is I can't get out super early. Probably won't get down on the river until around 9:30 at the earliest. Have to get the little one up and ready for my wife. Anytime on the water is better than not being on the water though I guess...