Wade Access

[roundtrout]

Where's the best wading access on the river? Sand Springs is pretty reasonable about allowing access as long as you're staying at the hotel. Bennett Spring access? Barclay access? What about Prosperine? I'd like to get your thoughts. Thanks!

Bob

[Wayne SW/MO]

There are many. If you're interested in trout, then you can access the river from the park down to the boat ramp in the 64 access, across from Sand Springs. You can enter at Barclay as noted. I believe Ho Humm allows access for a fee, maybe someone will chime in on that. that covers the one I'm familiar with. there are some more warmwater accesses above and below. How far you can wade depends on the water level.

[CaptainT16]

I know when I used to fish the Niangua I only went to the bennett springs access just east of the highway bridge there. Nice water and quite a few riffles and always looked real fishy. Never did have much luck, other then a couple of rainbows. That was when I was first learning though, so I guess I can use that excuse. I am sure you experienced fly-fishers would have no problem pulling fish after fish out of there!

[Simsmarine]

Captain, If you're there 4 days or sooner after the stocking truck it can be great. But once the word gets out the locals that have learned the typical holding areas thin them out with Powerbait REAL QUICK.

[roundtrout]

Captain T,

During the summer months, I usually avoid the river altogether due to the canoe traffic. Or at least time my visits to correspond to the times of least traffic. That's nearly a rule for me regarding Bennett Spring Access. I have gone to Barclay, though. In fact, though it wasn't summer canoe traffic time, my visit last fall with my son to Barclay resulted in him catching the first Brown trout of his fishing career just upstream of the Barclay ramp in the slower water. He hooked up with a couple of rainbows and then that brown. I think the Bennett Spring Access area looks good, especially the closer you get to the bridge. Sand Springs provides good access to the river right at the inlet of the Spring. A strike indicator and mini-jig has worked well there. The folks who run the hotel/campground advertise that you need to be a guest for access. I'm not sure what MDC rules are on access to the river, but I think that's reasonable for someone operating a business and I wouldn't trespass. Besides, the folks are nice and I've stayed at the hotel a number of times. Don't know much about Ho Hum or Prosperine. The books I've read indicate that there's decent brown trout fishing at least to Prosperine as the water temps stay cool enough. After that, it gets sketchy and seasonal. Try Sand Springs if you get the chance. Access is right at their canoe put in and there's a gravel bar that gets you out into the main part of the river without disturbing the fish by wading. Of course, you have to wade out to it, though!