Creek access at bridges question

[Brad Landolt]

There's a Mo trib creek near my house that has a public access near the mouth. I've always wanted to float it in the spring from a bridge crossing 8 or so miles upstream, but there are no trespassing signs plastered all over. Is there a legal right of way at the bridge and how big? I've no intention of leaving a vehicle there as both pit in and take out are within 15 minutes of the house, so the wife could drop me and pick me up. My google searches have failed me in finding an answer thus far. Thanks all, Brad

[Brad Landolt]

Specifically, I'm talking about Perche creek in Columbia from Gillespie Bridge road to the providence access in case anyone knows the area.

[fishinwrench]

It's a county by county thing. The only way to be sure you are not risking trespass charges is to contact the Boone co. Prosecutor (or a judge) and see how he feels.

If he likes and/or respects fishing streams then you'll probably be good to go.

[Brad Landolt]

I sent the same question to the MDC but haven't yet recieved a reply, I'll post it when I do.

[fishinwrench]

Cool, it will be in interesting to see what their response is.

[moguy1973]

If you are quick about it I'm sure you probably won't even be seen putting in.

Is perche worth floating though? Especially at Gillespie? What about putting in at Providence and paddling up? Doesn't flow real fast.

[SpoonDog]

There's some public land abutting Hinkson Creek off Scott Boulevard, and it may be less of a hassle to put in there and float down to Perche than putting in at Gillespie Bridge.

[Brad Landolt]

If you are quick about it I'm sure you probably won't even be seen putting in.

Is perche worth floating though? Especially at Gillespie? What about putting in at Providence and paddling up? Doesn't flow real fast.

I know I could probably get away with it, but I'd prefer to operate within the law. I've been up that far in perche in a friends John boat when the Mo was high and backing water into the creek. It isn't fast, but nothing is in this part of the state. I have paddled up from providence to Hwy K and back.

[Brad Landolt]

There's some public land abutting Hinkson Creek off Scott Boulevard, and it may be less of a hassle to put in there and float down to Perche than putting in at Gillespie Bridge.

That sounds like an idea to try, thanks!

[KCRIVERRAT]

There's a Mo trib creek near my house that has a public access near the mouth. I've always wanted to float it in the spring from a bridge crossing 8 or so miles upstream, but there are no trespassing signs plastered all over. Is there a legal right of way at the bridge and how big? I've no intention of leaving a vehicle there as both pit in and take out are within 15 minutes of the house, so the wife could drop me and pick me up. My google searches have failed me in finding an answer thus far. Thanks all, Brad

If there's purple paint at the bridges that's bullshit. Go for it.