Big or Little Sac; Newbie questions

[stlfishin]

I regularly fish Stockton Lake but I don't know anything about the upper ends of either the  Big or Little Sac Rivers. I recently purchased a Blazer jet and I'm wondering which river I should focus on? My preference is, which has the better Largemouth & hopefully Smallmouth population (if any) and is one better than the other for Walleyes, Crappies or Whites? 

Also, what ramps are recommended, what level do these rivers need to be to run in a jet and about how far can you run upriver on these streams under normal levels? Lastly, although I have better than average jet handling skills, what are the chief concerns in these upper reaches i.e big rocks, , long riffles, generally impassable areas, downed trees, submerged logs etc. I appreciate any and all information and will report back on trip results.

Thanks!

[slab slinger]

As far as lower ends or the rivers I only can give experienced input on the LS. How big is your rig length and do u  have 4X4 truck or not? LS ramps and put ins include Aldrich, Orleans Bridge and Taylor Bridge. The 2 Bridges up river you'll need 4x4 but shouldn't have much trouble. I use Aldrich and run up with my bigger rig and either Bridge ramps with my FB. Hear that Taylor ramp is in bad shape right now. I can tell u that the both Orleans put ins are fine. As for fishing...well you know the spawn runs are best on walleye and whites but bass and crappie fishing is fair most of the yr till winter. Smalls I have caught have been farther up river between 215 and Taylor. Haven't caught a ton of them but good size when I hooked one. Running the river well it changes every year as you already know. Not really no impassable areas I have found. Lots are plentiful from Aldrich to Taylor but nothing crazy really. Gravel bars won't show till you get above taylor and big rocks are hazards as well. Haven't ran above Taylor since spring so can't help much there. Good luck and he careful. 

[Butthead]

The only place on the Little Sac that causes me some concern (depending on water level) is an area about 100 - 125 yards long between the first and second steep rock banks on the east side when going down stream from Taylor bridge. The water through there, with the current water level, is about two feet deep all across from bank to bank. Most of rest of the river if you go down the middle will run at least four feet deep in the channel all the way to Taylor bridge. Don't know of any mid-stream rocks but like any river, there is always the possibility of a tree falling in the river but I've never encountered one that hasn't been visible.   

[stlfishin]

Thanks to Slab Slinger & Butthead; great information,  I like about 1.5' to get on plane and after that, running shallow 6-8" is not an issue. I'll likely try above the Taylor Bridge as I have a 4X4 to launch with. Of course, I'll do a little more research of the area before I try to launch and fish it; don't want an upriver mishap. I'm not much of a Walleye guy but do like fishing for them in the rivers when they run and really enjoy the Whites. Hope to see you up river; I'm in a 16 foot Blazer jet with blue Blazer logos, blue Evinrude jet and blue/grey seats. I'll probably wearing a blue jacket and my favorite color is green. 

Thanks Guys!

[smiling mallard]

Better get there before Thursday if you are going to be between Aldridge & Orleans. If I am not mistaken that section becomes a waterfowl refuge from Oct. 15 until the end of the South zone duck season. No boating allowed.

[slab slinger]

You are correct on that portion of river being closed from Oct 15 till end of waterfowl season.  From Aldrich to Orlean and  almost half way to Taylor. Taylor and above is still open to all other hunting and fishing on or near river. There are some big submerged rocks above Taylor Bridge the first I know of for sure is at the powerline hole close to the clay bank cut out. The S curves are clear till the next set of S curves before the RR bridge. There's some nasty rocks around the RR Bridge but should be fine to run When scouted first trip. Pretty skinny water above Slagle Creek to 215 HWY. Above 215 is a gamble in a bigger boat but not saying it can't be done in a net with good operator. I usually canoe/float Flat bottom anything above 215. 

[stlfishin]

Great info, I'll watch the levels and pilot with due caution. I may hold off until well after waterfowl season probably won't even fish it, just try to get a feel for it. I fish the main lake often and do well but you know the old saying... the grass is always greener on the other side.