Lookin for a trip on short notice

[Coosa]

My brother and I live in the jefferson city area & will be working in farmington tommorow, then will have Wednesday & thursday off. We got the kayaks all packed up and ready for a 1 night 2 day trip.We are going to take the yaks to work with us, stay in farmington tommorow night and head out early Wednesday morning. I'm usually pretty good about planning a good trip for us but this is pretty short notice and I will not have a lot of time tommorow to research. We thought about doing bryant creek but we have done it before and would like to try something new. I know big river, black river, and the eleven point are all down that way but don't really know the area. We don't mind driving a ways if needed. Lookin for a trip somewhere between 17-25 miles. Targeting smallmouth (all catch & release) Any suggestions on where to go or outfitters to call would be MUCH appreciated. Thanks.

[Al Agnew]

Big River and St. Francis River are closest to Farmington, but are mostly do it yourself streams...there's an outfitter north of Bonne Terre on Big River but they usually aren't available for shuttles except on weekends, though you could try calling them. Cherokee Landing, don't have their phone number handy right now. 20 minutes north of Farmington.

The only outfitter I'm aware of on the St. Francis is down at Sam A. Baker Park. I haven't used them in many years, so don't know how accomodating they are. If you could get them to shuttle you up to Shelton Ford, though, you'd find that an interesting trip for an overnighter, with a nice mixed smallmouth/largemouth/spotted population. About an hour south of Farmington.

Upper Black River would definitely serve your purposes. The most reliable outfitter for shuttles and such is Franklins. Go from Lestervile to Hwy. K. A little over an hour from Farmington.

Anything else is two hours from Farmington, unless you head back north and hit the Meramec, Huzzah, or Courtois. If you did that, I'd recommend Huzzah Valley on the Huzzah, Bass on Courtois, and Ozark Outdoors at Onondaga on the Meramec. All of them are good people. 1-1.5 hours from Farmington.

[Amery]

Just do a float, then figure out the shuttle later. I'm sure you will find a ride.

[Gavin]

Was on the Black this weekend, just got back. Floated from Parks bluff on the West fork down to K Bridge. Lots of traffic on the water, even today. Jeff's canoe @ K bridge does an 11 mile from Yellow Smile just below the Lesterville Access down to K. 'Twas the better water but bring lots of jigs. Water is very clear and fish were in the wood. A few on top. Cherokee Landing is weekends for the most part but call and ask for Steve. The big had a nice look to it when we drove over it in Bonne Terre today.

[Gavin]

The St Francis looked good to but no reliable shuttle service. The folks a Sam Baker run the little 3 mile from the Park to 34 for the most part. It's not worth fishing IMO. Coldwater to Sam Baker is a tad better but not great. Big Creek can be fun if the water is up enough. Mostly play boating cuz you have 5 boulder gardens to run.

[joeD]

Al is right on as usual. Heed his advise. However, since Gavin saw the Big and liked the look of it, I would choose the Big for two reasons. 1. Usually, there is no one on it and 2. you have the potential to catch big smallies.

[Al Agnew]

Was on the Black this weekend, just got back. Floated from Parks bluff on the West fork down to K Bridge. Lots of traffic on the water, even today. Jeff's canoe @ K bridge does an 11 mile from Yellow Smile just below the Lesterville Access down to K. 'Twas the better water but bring lots of jigs. Water is very clear and fish were in the wood. A few on top. Cherokee Landing is weekends for the most part but call and ask for Steve. The big had a nice look to it when we drove over it in Bonne Terre today.

Dang, Gavin, you mean Jeff's really exists?? I have NEVER, in the last 20 years, been able to even get hold of those people on the phone about a shuttle during the week.

[Gavin]

Looked liked they were pretty busy this weekend. East side of K bridge by the campground entrance.