Mark Posted September 22, 2015 Posted September 22, 2015 A couple guys are looking at planning a weekend float near Steelville and catching one of the concerts at Wildwood Springs Lodge in the next month or so. Never been on any part of the river. I am interested in advice on best floating sections of 6-8 mile day floats, cabins nearby, and not far from Steelville so as to not have far to go after the concert. IF I am correct, the trout waters are from Maramec Spring branch at the 28.1 mile mark to about 8 miles downstream. Is that a good guess? It looks like the Hwy 19 bridge just outside of city limits of Steelville is 47.9 mile mark, so probably no trout that far downstream. We don't necessarily have to fish trout waters if the smallmouth fishing is good nearer Steelville. Or is it possible to wade fish in and/or near the park. Also, good scenery would be a major factor in deciding. I would say having a cabin not far from Steelville is more important, so we don't have to drive far after the show or maybe even rent a cab (WIldwood advertises one on their website for after shows). Open to suggestions on sections of river to float during day and cabins on the water and near town. Help us out Al if you happen to see this. Thinking Poco, or Blood, Sweat, and Tears, or Guess Who or Brewer and Shipley. I've seen the Ozark Mountain Daredevils twice (both great shows) and want to see someone else this time.
405z06 Posted September 22, 2015 Posted September 22, 2015 I had never heard of Wildwood Springs so I had to Google it, but that is right in the heart of Meramec smallmouth goodness. You literally can't go wrong anywhere in this section. Indian Springs resort - who has new owners - could put you on from Scott's Ford back to their place. About 6-7 miles. For some reason I catch a lot of largemouth in this section, which isn't a complaint, just weird. One of my favorite stretches of river. Hit it about 3 weeks ago and cleaned up. Garrison's could put you on at Bird's Nest. Good Water. I've never used the RaftingCo, which is the closest outfitter to where you are, but I'm sure they could put you on somewhere near Riverview access (maybe Indian Springs?). Not sure where they put in, but it is good water. When it comes to cabins, Ozark Outdoors is top-top, but that is a bit of a drive. They also put you on good smallie water (Bluffs to Ozark Outdoors).
Members carptracker Posted September 23, 2015 Members Posted September 23, 2015 If fishing is an important part of your trip please check out our website. We sponsor this Meramec River forum. Garrisons uses our access for their down stream float take out. Enjoy working with members of Missouri Smallmouth Alliance and Ozark Anglers.
Mark Posted September 23, 2015 Author Posted September 23, 2015 carp - a little confused w/ "check out our website" refers to what website?
Members carptracker Posted September 23, 2015 Members Posted September 23, 2015 Meramec Scenic View, you can click on the logo on the Meramec River forum. We usually host a couple groups attending the Wild Wood Spring's fall concerts every year.
Al Agnew Posted September 23, 2015 Posted September 23, 2015 Trout fishing is definitely limited to the stretch from Maramec Spring to Scotts Ford. No trout anwhere else on the river to speak of. Trout fishing can be tough (it's usually best in the first couple of miles below the spring), but there are some decent smallmouth in that stretch as well. Others have given you several possibilities. Bass fishing is fairly similar on any stretch from Scots Ford to Onondaga. I think the scenery gets better the farther downstream you go. Ozark Outdoors's stretch from the Bluffs to Onondaga is hard to beat for scenery, and Garrison's down to Carptracker's place isn't shabby, either. Fewer bluffs upstream from Garrison's.
joeD Posted September 23, 2015 Posted September 23, 2015 You are better off floating the Meramec and then going to St Louis to see better music. Seeing Poco in a house is akin to hitting your head with a hammer to pass time. But, who am I to say? I'm sure the mature mellow vibe could be quite enticing. A smile and gray hair is your passport.
Mark Posted September 23, 2015 Author Posted September 23, 2015 LOL come on, Joe. Intimate setting is cool. I saw Ozark Mountain Daredevils twice there and both good shows. Definitely old hippie crowd!! I hear Poco gives a good 3 hour show. Blood, Sweat, and Tears first time attending, bet they would be good but pricey at $134. Appreciating all fishing advice and cabin suggestions.
Mark Posted September 23, 2015 Author Posted September 23, 2015 Bluffs, Garrison's, and Carptracker's place are not mentioned on the MDC mile by mile description I printed off, so I have no idea where they are located on river. I am assuming all trips mentioned would be one day trips. Also, I would most likely take my canoe with 2.5 motor just because I have it, but I did notice that Birds Nest Resort rents johnboats. Is there enough water for a johnboat? I think my partner would prefer a johnboat, just easier getting in and out of all day vs. a canoe. Have my doubts there is enough water for a johnboat this time of year but then again I have never been on the Meramac. BTW - what's with all the spelling variations - must be a local thang.
Greasy B Posted September 23, 2015 Posted September 23, 2015 Meramec is the name of the river. Maramec is the name of the spring. I think it was a typo made in the iron mine days that stuck. His father touches the Claw in spite of Kevin's warnings and breaks two legs just as a thunderstorm tears the house apart. Kevin runs away with the Claw. He becomes captain of the Greasy Bastard, a small ship carrying rubber goods between England and Burma. Michael Palin, Terry Jones, 1974
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