CFS vs Gauge Height Debate

[MidwestfishMick]

Hi everyone. I'm sorry that my first post on here is asking for advice but I'm stuck. What river would I have the best chance at catching smallies during a mid-March timeframe? I want to put my brother-in-law on some fish and that's the only time this year that our schedules line up. Rivers that I have looked into so far are the Current, Gasconade and Osage Fork, NFoW, Bryant Creek, Jacks Fork, Black, St Francis, and Big Piney rivers. It seems like I fully sell myself on a river and then see a flaw the makes me apprehensive, such as the Black River smallmouth go down the Clearwater for the winter, the Gasconade has too much "frog water", or others looking a little too big/fast (we'll be taking SOT kayaks and we're somewhat novice on moving water). All the reports and videos I've seen all are from the summer. Can anyone point me in the right direction? Not looking specific spots but rivers or stretches of river would be much appreciated! TIA

[Gumboot]

You're making it too hard.  Pick a floatable stretch on any of those rivers, stick a hook through the middle of a green pumkin dinger, start floating and cast towards the bank.  You can make it harder after you catch a dozen or so.

[Gavin]

Sorry but you will get no specific location advice. They should be moving out of winter holes by then...kinda scattered usually. When you find them, you will find them. Fish some jerkbaits and some cranks until you get bit...then get the jig out. Or fish the Ned until you get bit. You will have to cover some water until you find them...Would stick to middle main stem of the larger rivers on your list and hit the mouths of the tributaries. Maybe paddle up the tribs some. Best bet will be mid day with a warm up. The outfitters probably wont be open yet, so you will have to do it yourself.

 

[Flysmallie]

Well my first choice isn't on the list so.........

Don't ever buy into the rumor that fish all leave the river to head "south" for the winter. If that was the case you would never catch a bass in the James River in the winter but we know that's not true. A jerkbait in some deep holes close to moving water will produce some fish. It always has and it always will. 

[tjm]

I'd look at two things, nearby affordable lodging and multiple easy accesses allowing  relatively short floats. I've been mighty cold in March. Especially when wet.

It seems to me that March is when all my streams go through the annual flood of the Century cycle, so you might want other nearby entertainment. There may be a reason that most reports are summertime reports.

[fishinwrench]

3 hours ago, tjm said:

 

It seems to me that March is when all my streams go through the annual flood of the Century cycle

Yep, therefore pick the closest one to you that isn't blown out.  

[snagged in outlet 3]

Hit whatever isn’t blown out.  Usually all or none.  

[MidwestfishMick]

Thanks guys, for now the plan is the Current but we'll see how things look before we leave.

[tjm]

I check some of these almost daily and you can compare current reading with historic and mean flows to see just how blown out the crick is today.  https://waterdata.usgs.gov/mo/nwis/rt

[MidwestfishMick]

21 hours ago, tjm said:

I check some of these almost daily and you can compare current reading with historic and mean flows to see just how blown out the crick is today.  https://waterdata.usgs.gov/mo/nwis/rt

That's actually helpful, thanks! I've got it bookmarked now and probably will be checking it weekly.