Labor Day Weekend Trip

[Goggle-Eyed]

Doing something a little crazy tomorrow! Going to put in at Barclay at 8am and do my annual overnighter on the Niangua. This will be the first time we put in this far up... Have fished this area many times but we normally just do Prosperine to Lead Mine for the overnight trip. I am sure we will battle some conoes until we get down below Prosperine but hoping we are ahead of most of them...

I will post up a report once I get home. Hoping for a great topwater bite based on the high temps and a great west wind!!!

Joe

[fishinwrench]

Drifting down in the jon boat, or canoeing? I haven't been on it since the flood.

Have a good trip.

[Wayne SW/MO]

I don't think you'll have much trouble with floaters that early that far down. Maggard might put a few in going Oldhams, but if so they will likely be adults looking to miss the party. There is some nice water below Barclay. Wish I was going with you.

[curtisce]

Did that float twice earlier this year. Once past Prosperine you have the river to yourself. Seems like many areas of the river have just gravel bottom w/o rocks, not great smallmouth habitat. Caught some even some trout no more than a few miles above leadmine but not what i'd hoped for. Interested in your experienece.

[Goggle-Eyed]

The float went great, we stayed ahead of the canoe traffic until about 1.5 miles below prosperine and then had a decent stream of canoes and rafts coming through, we passed Old Hams about 2pm and then had the river to ourselves the rest of the trip. The fishing was great on Saturday and good on Sunday.

Saturday was a numbers day with a couple of 16-18", Sunday we had numerous fish over 15" and a couple of 16" and one 18"+. Still surprised at the number of trout within a mile or two of Lead Mine, seems like more and more each year.

Joe

[oneshot]

The float went great, we stayed ahead of the canoe traffic until about 1.5 miles below prosperine and then had a decent stream of canoes and rafts coming through, we passed Old Hams about 2pm and then had the river to ourselves the rest of the trip. The fishing was great on Saturday and good on Sunday.

Saturday was a numbers day with a couple of 16-18", Sunday we had numerous fish over 15" and a couple of 16" and one 18"+. Still surprised at the number of trout within a mile or two of Lead Mine, seems like more and more each year.

Joe

I've seen Trout in Jakes Creek before.

oneshot

[Goggle-Eyed]

That's crazy. I used to always catch a few right below Blue Spring but never any below the "now" start of Conservation property. I have caught 10-15 between Blue Spring and the Cabins (on the Eldridge side) this year. I have only caught a couple below the cabins... I am not sure if their range is different or if it is because I am throwing the white jerk bait more... either way they are fun to catch!!!!

[fishinwrench]

I notice on the new maps that Leadmine and Berry bluff areas are merged now. Also notice a bit of traffic making it to the rivers edge on the BB side and wondered if that was all MDC personnel or if it was locals doing a little outlaw 4-wheelin'.

[Goggle-Eyed]

there is still no "river access" from BB. I am sure an innovative person could get a kayak down there but no improved river facilities... which I am okay with!!!

[Greasy B]

That's crazy. I used to always catch a few right below Blue Spring but never any below the "now" start of Conservation property. I have caught 10-15 between Blue Spring and the Cabins (on the Eldridge side) this year. I have only caught a couple below the cabins... I am not sure if their range is different or if it is because I am throwing the white jerk bait more... either way they are fun to catch!!!!

Before the flood we ran across quite a few trout down from prosperine. At that time water levels were still fairly good and I think water temps still low enough for trout. Haven't been back since but on my home creek the higher water after the flood kept temps low.