Advice Needed - Canoe Outfitter Near Stl

[cleabig]

I've promised my 9 year old daughter that I'd take her on a float trip this summer. I live in Wildwood MO, looking for a recommendation for a stream and outfitter within no more than 2 hrs drive from home. Planning a mid-week float. Looking for a good experience of viewing wildlife and maybe some casual fishing. Want to be back home before bedtime. Hoping this forum can throw me some recommended options.

Thanks in advance!

[moguy1973]

2 hours from Wildwood gives you lots of options. Anything on the Meramec, Courtois, or Huzzah would be perfect. Here's a list of the many outfitters on them:

http://www.meramecrivermonitor.com/canoeing-rafting-kayaking-float-trips.htm

[Al Agnew]

Some are better than others, though. I haven't used all of them, but I would heartily recommend Huzzah Valley on the Huzzah, and Ozark Outdoors at Onondaga on the Meramec. The Huzzah is small, sparkling clear, and fun to float if you go mid-week. Or from Ozark Outdoors you can either float a very scenic stretch of the Meramec or start out on the Courtois, float to the confluence of Huzzah and Courtois where the Huzzah gets twice as big, and then in another mile come out onto the Meramec for the last part of the float, giving you a wide variety of waters in a single float. Either place will give your great advice, and great service.

If you want to avoid any real possibility of crowds, you can try Devils Back Floats on the Bourbeuse. The Bourbeuse is slower and murkier, but your chances of seeing wildlife are better.

[Snagman23]

I'm from Wildwood too, and run the Meramec quite a bit. I would specifically avoid the company out of Eureka, and the one out of Moselle. Unless you like paddling a ton along dead stretches, you are better off going upstream of Meramec Caverns, or to the Huzzah, etc..

[cleabig]

Thank you for the replies. I appreciate that you took the time out to respond. I'll post some pictures afterwards.

[Gavin]

I'd probably float the Courtois from Butt's down to Scotia on the Huzz..or go another mile or two down to Onandaga on the Meramec. The scenery is a bit better than the Hwy 8 to Scotia stretch on the other side of the mountain (Huzzah).

[Pepe]

Ozark Outdoors is an excellent choice. You can do a day trip or an overnight there. Tent camping, RV's, little cabins or the lodge. They will put you on some good water and have solid equipment. I have used them for years and been very happy