Trip to the Gasconade in late May

[fishinguy2012]

I will be heading up to St. Roberts at the end of May looking for some smallies, crappie and goggle eye on the Gasconade.  I talked to a guide up there in Feb and he said to put in at the Hwy 28 bridge and I could go up toward Riddle Bridge or down toward the mouth of the Big Piney.  I was wondering what baits, techniques, etc will be good for fishing that stretch of the the Gasconade this time of year.  I will be in an 18' Alweld jet with a 40 hp Evinrude and it is great for the James River in Stone County.  Any advice/comments would be appreciated and suggestions on baits for all three species.  Im not looking for all your secrets, just some general advice.  

[Greasy B]

I have never launched at 28 bridge but I believe it's dirt and gravel and parking might be tight. You should have enough water in May but when the water drops the shoal right at the bridge is usually the upstream limit for jets. Good luck. 

[fishinguy2012]

Hey Greasy B, what ramp/location would you launch and fish that time of year?

[Seth]

Most just put in at Jerome and run up. It's a little over 10 miles up to the 28 bridge, but there is a lot of really good water to fish throughout that entire stretch.

[Brian Jones]

Ditto what Seth said.  I'll add that there are couple of "sketchy" areas to run below Riddle Bridge.  One is log/root wad/wood infested and the other is rocky/boulder strewn.  Ease of navigation depends on water level.  But If you put in at Jerome, you should have fairly easy running up to about three miles above Hwy 28 in most water conditions. 

[Greasy B]

Seth and Brian have it right.