Members Fly guy Posted August 31, 2014 Members Posted August 31, 2014 Since my favorite trout waters seem to be getting warmer, I was thinking about chasing some smallmouth on the fly. Most of the streams and rivers I read about online are a bit of a haul since I won't be going after trout. I am wondering if anyone knows of any decent smallmouth streams under an hour from saint louis. I am not asking for your favorite holes or sweet spot just a place I can wade and catch and release a few fish.
moguy1973 Posted August 31, 2014 Posted August 31, 2014 Big, Meramec, and the Bourbouse are your rivers. -- JimIf people concentrated on the really important things in life, there'd be a shortage of fishing poles. -- Doug Larson
Members Fly guy Posted August 31, 2014 Author Members Posted August 31, 2014 Thanks man, all I have seen of the meramec seems like you need a canoe or are there wadeable areas near saint louis as well?
moguy1973 Posted August 31, 2014 Posted August 31, 2014 Smallies are few and far between near St. Louis. -- JimIf people concentrated on the really important things in life, there'd be a shortage of fishing poles. -- Doug Larson
Members Fly guy Posted September 1, 2014 Author Members Posted September 1, 2014 Well I appreciate the reply I guess I'll just have to keep driving.
Al Agnew Posted September 2, 2014 Posted September 2, 2014 Yeah, problem is that St. Louis is at the downstream end of the Meramec river system, so anything close to it is too big and too infested with spotted bass. There are small creek tributaries that hold smallmouth, some of them very good fishing, but being close to the city they tend to be heavily posted against trespass. Of course, your trout fishing is also quite a haul from St. Louis. You can find smallmouth water that's closer than, say, Maramec Spring, anyway.
Members Fly guy Posted September 2, 2014 Author Members Posted September 2, 2014 Yeah, problem is that St. Louis is at the downstream end of the Meramec river system, so anything close to it is too big and too infested with spotted bass. There are small creek tributaries that hold smallmouth, some of them very good fishing, but being close to the city they tend to be heavily posted against trespass. Of course, your trout fishing is also quite a haul from St. Louis. You can find smallmouth water that's closer than, say, Maramec Spring, anyway. That's exactly what i meant al something a little closer until the weather cools down. When I was at bsc Friday the water temp was 65 degrees, getting a bit warm to be putting that much stress on those fish I think.
Justin Spencer Posted September 2, 2014 Posted September 2, 2014 That's exactly what i meant al something a little closer until the weather cools down. When I was at bsc Friday the water temp was 65 degrees, getting a bit warm to be putting that much stress on those fish I think. Trout shouldn't really feel any stress until water is 68-70. "The problem with a politician’s quote on Facebook is you don’t know whether or not they really said it." –Abraham Lincoln Tales of an Ozark Campground Proprietor Dead Drift Fly Shop
Members Fly guy Posted September 3, 2014 Author Members Posted September 3, 2014 Trout shouldn't really feel any stress until water is 68-70. Check this out Justin. http://www.rioproducts.com/blog/locating-stillwater-troutcomfort-factors-by-phil-rowley/ I know a lot of people follow the 68-70 degree rule, but i have always felt for the wild reproducing rainbows it's better to lay off of them a little sooner. Plus I figured a little less of a drive and fishing for a new species would be a lot of fun.
fishinwrench Posted September 3, 2014 Posted September 3, 2014 Bass buggin' for green bass is fun....and close.
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