Where to fish on fall trip?

[DainW]

Okay coming up to Missouri for a 3 day trip mid-october. The plan is to fish the current river blue ribbon section one day, float the eleven point with Brian Sloss the next day, and then 3 is kind of up in the air. What do you guys think of these options. My plan is to either fish the Meramec red ribbon section or fish some of the smaller wild creeks like Little Piney and Mill Creek or BSC. I've fished Little Piney before briefly, but never Mill or BSC or the Meramec. Anyone have any suggestions, or possibly another option I'm not considering?

[ness]

I'm assuming you're going to be wading?

If you want to mix it up a little and fish little creeks for wild rainbows, Mill, Crane or BSC would be good choices for you. Little Piney is a little bigger water and a good choice too.

I'd skip Meramec -- just don't hear enough good things about it to pass on some of the better options.

[snagged in outlet 3]

1 hour ago, ness said:

I'd skip Meramec -- just don't hear enough good things about it to pass on some of the better options.

Agreed!

[DainW]

So what's up with the Meramec guys? I mean it's a similar situation to the blue ribbon section of the current river, down stream of a trout park, gets stocked similarly...what's the deal? I mean does the one additional fish they let you keep make that much of a difference in the fishing?

[Gavin]

Its feast or famine water. There are very few hard points in between long expanses of fine gravel bottom, plus it gets jet boated often this time of year...Giggers & Deer Hunters.

 

 

[Johnsfolly]

I agree with Gavin that the Meramec can be a feast or famine situation and the last time I fished it lots of long unproductive water. Mlll creek and BSC will be tougher to fish with spooky fish and tight fishing quarters, but the fish will be there. You just have to work for them, which to me makes those better options.

Good luck.

[DainW]

Thanks again for the replies everyone. How do you guys usually fish mill and bsc? Do a lot of people throw dries or nymph or what? What about size/length of rod? I've got a 7'6 3 weight that I threw when I fished little piney, but I almost felt like it wasn't long enough to properly mend. 

[Gavin]

The wild trout waters are easier IMO. Pretty much guaranteed to catch some 5-8" wild rainbows, unless you wade like an elephant. Meramec is streamer and midge mostly, big stones in a few spots, not much in terms of crawfish unless on a mud bank. Used to be a good white mayfly hatch this time of year(burrowers on mud banks) but have not tried for that in years.

 

[Gavin]

Would toss a Pat's Rubberlegs, Capt Dave's Blue Backed Bugger, Brown, Olive, or Cream Mohair Leach first on any of the wild creeks. Most have tons of craws. Rubber leg fox squirrel nymph next, scuds if they are picky...flashy rainbow flies and pink if all else fails.

[trythisonemv]

Hit crane this is the best time to go !