Hows the Water?

[Seth Clarkson]

Wondering about floating either Moon Valley to Bennett or something above and finishing at Moon Valley. Would the water be better at one or the other currently? Also any details about the differences in the 2 would be appreciated. Fishing is first priority but scenery is a plus. Would one potentially have a chance for trout and not the other?

Thanks

 

[snagged in outlet 3]

Apparently the Mennonites are doing well there.

[Seth Clarkson]

2 minutes ago, snagged in outlet 3 said:

Apparently the Mennonites are doing well there.

I'm hoping that they don't do too much travel before daylight haha

 

[oneshot]

Moon Valley to Bennett would be the way to go. You will not catch Trout until you get by the Park but you will have good fishing.

River looks good and the temperature is good.

oneshot

[Seth Clarkson]

15 minutes ago, oneshot said:

Moon Valley to Bennett would be the way to go. You will not catch Trout until you get by the Park but you will have good fishing.

River looks good and the temperature is good.

oneshot

Hoping to go this weekend, but going with others, so other options are still open. Haven't floated the Niangua at all, what baits/colors would you recommend? Rooster tails, crankbaits, ned rigs, small swimbaits and jigs? Reds, Oranges, Browns, Yellows and Chartreuse? Will be using artificial baits for sure. Is there a lot of pool and drop areas or more a steady flow? Also primarily smallmouth, goggle eye and sunfish? James River is where I have fished the river primarily and there is some largemeouth and spotted bass mixed in there. 

[snagged in outlet 3]

3 minutes ago, Seth Clarkson said:

Haven't floated the Niangua at all, what baits/colors would you recommend? Rooster tails, crankbaits, ned rigs, small swimbaits and jigs? Reds, Oranges, Browns, Yellows and Chartreuse?

You're good with that.  I used a wee craw there years ago and had a big trout on the rear treble and my thumb on the front.  It was flopping around and while I had tears in my eyes I WAS NOT CRYING!!!  Finished the float with the hook buried in my thumb and the guy that runs Vogels got it out with the help of some whiskey a couple Mizzou football players offered.  BUT I WAS NOT CRYING!!!

 

 

[Johnsfolly]

I have always ished below the park. So can't say specifics about the water above the park. Based upon what have experienced below, I would tend towards the more natural colors, green pumpkin, orange, browns, etc. Any of the baits that you mentioned should work. I have caught both smallmouth and brown trout on rapala countdowns in brown trout or rainbow patterns. Don't really think that the pattern was what they wanted more so having the bait down and skipping off rocks near the bottom. For rock bass I love using crappie sliders in Grn pumpkin with chartreuse paddle tail sliders on a 1/16 or 1/32 oz tube jigs.

Good luck. Can't wait to see report.

[Seth Clarkson]

7 minutes ago, Johnsfolly said:

Good luck. Can't wait to see report.

Hope I can, this is my choice for Saturday but going with a group so we'll see what others think!

[creek wader]

Please give a report after your trip. I was thinking of doing that stretch, soon.

I fished Barclay down early in the year. Water was high and swift. Couldn’t get very many casts while moving because of controlling kayak. Tried drifting over riffles but usually snagged.  Very few places to fish from bank. Still caught fish, but had to work for it. 

Unfortunately, I don’t get to pick when I can fish, rather fish when I can. Part of fishing. Like to try the river when it’s a little tamer. Please give a post trip report.

[Seth Clarkson]

Definitely will if it all works creek wader.