St Francois to Washington

[ducky123]

Put in Sunday at St. Francis Park.  Access was not fun.  The canoe was the easiest part to get to the river.  I could just let it slide down the steep dirt path.  Making the 6 or so round trips back up the hill and crawling down with the gear was a true chore.  I would HATE to use the park as a takeout.  First four or so miles to Cherokee Landing was full of people and CL puts boats on the water.  All the boats and people disappear once past CL.  CL also has a ramp so this is a way better access and save some paddling that can be better spent fishing.  Next time, I am putting in at CL.

Good fishing right away at Turkey Creek. Once afternoon hit after E bridge, fishing was great.  Topwater, beatle spins and Gulps all did great.  If I found current, depth, structure and shade, I had a good spot to anchor or wade. Did not catch any non-smallies til Robinson Bluff and then started catching some largemouths.  Did not catch any spotteds the whole trip.  After Blackwell, fishing was good when there was current, but the pools there can be mighty long and the wind kept kicking up so it was work.  Can't show pics of any big ones.  I had a few big ones on, but obviously I suck as a fisherman cause I didn't get 'em in.  One big one jumped high and spit my Rapala back at me.

[top_dollar]

Great report! I love fishing a little jerkbait on the rivers and creeks! I really like X-rap 8cm, and pointer 78's if your willing to spend a few extra bucks.