Here we go again

[olbasser]

Went to Viney Creek to launch today ( as I have done for the last 20 yrs winter and summer) but as I arrived they were locking the

gate because the park was closed.  I asked why but the fellow didn"t have a clue.  Indicated that a meeting was to be held at Melton  Center

9/16/15 @ 6:30.  I could AGAIN express my views at this meeting and also find out how they would refund the money I paid for a yearly launch pass.  

Got 4 hrs on the water between Owl Creek and Viney.  Water little stained, 76/81 degrees.  Caught 4 with largest just shy of 5# on bluff ends with swim jig.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Quillback]

Don't they close that park for the winter?  Not that I like it, wish it would remain open year round.

Congrats on the 5 lber.!

 

[olbasser]

Hasn't been closed for launching at any time { except for the budget thing last year) during the time I have used the launch.  That's why I purchase yearly launch pass.

[Champ188]

Is the small ramp closed too? I'd ratther use it anyway.

[olbasser]

Gate locked at main road.  Can't access any ramp.

[Quillback]

I thought the State owns or leases that land now, did you buy a COE annual pass?  Is it good at Viney?   As I recall, the state took it over last year and shut it down for the winter, but maybe the gate was left open so people could still launch?

[Devan S.]

COE pass doesn't work when the state was running it. Mo state parks has their own pass to buy. They have closed it off and on since the COE decided they didn't have the money to run it. Last I heard is Mo state parks won't re-lease because its a money losing deal for them too(hearsay).(They also only charge to camp and launch a boat no day use fee) Really a bad deal. I know they Sheriff has a big issue with that gate being locked because it prevents any sort of patrol in that area unlike how they have done at Kings River. 

[MOPanfisher]

Since when did the State begin charging a launch fee anywhere, I didn't think they could.

I had to go do a little research, the State Parks I believe are prohibited from charging Entrance Fees, not facility use fees.  Also the web page for Viney Creek State park says it closes on Sept. 13th., guess they werent kidding.

[olbasser]

Daily launch fee at Viney this year was $ 5.00 per day.  Yearly pass for launch was $ 40.00.  COE launch fee was $ 30.00.

[Quillback]

I can see being a bit ticked if they charged you 40 for a "yearly" launch fee and then closed the gate.