Can one go higher on the Bourbuese than Redbird?

[Conor]

I live relatively close to this river but only became introduced to it a year ago by a friend.  I have been back many times since but before this time figured it was just an ugly mudpit that wasn't even worth trying before actually getting on it for myself.

My first experience a year ago was sliding down the boat ramp at Mint Spring on the several inches thick layer of gooey mud into the river.  I figured trying this out would be a mistake at this point but was introduced to some really nice scenery in the first few miles.  

We recently did Redbird to Hog Trough and it was a nice scenic float but definitely slow in the 5 miles or so above Mint Spring.  It picked up after that.

Are there any possible put-ins above Redbird?  It looks like there is one off EE in Phelps County north of St. James.  Hwy B doesn't look possible but are there any others?

Has anyone ever done above Redbird here?  If so, how is the scenery?  I know this is definitely a high water float so it can't be done in the summer.

I really like the part from Mint Spring to Tea with the nice sandstone bluffs, small springs, caves, waterfalls, and such.  This is by no means the most spectacular river but is easy and relaxing without all the crazy drunks that pollute other rivers.  I really like it overall and feel it is underappreciated after giving it a try myself.

So far I have done Redbird to Mill Rock at the top and Riker Ford to Robertsville (Meramec) on the bottom end of the river.  The lower part has some nice stuff as well but there is definitely more trash and blight along the river once you get near Union.  The accesses near Union also have some interesting and questionable activity.  Uhlemeyer has people coming and going so guess they are selling drugs or whatever with such easy access to I-44.  Union has homeless people living at the boat ramp.  Mayers is a nasty mud pit with dumped trash and piles of dead deer.  Riker Ford had a stolen truck stripped of all its parts when we were there once.  Some of these accesses sure don't make the place look inviting but it is great once you get on the river.

So I have missed Mill Rock to Riker and anything above Redbird so far.  How are these parts and how is access at Peters Ford?  I have heard it is basically off-limits from some but others say it is fine to park there.  I wouldn't mind paying for a shuttle either.

 

Conor

 

 

[tjm]

The mile by mile map published by MDC  starts at highway 19, so you're already up a ways past where the map starts, but maybe you'll be interested in the map any way; https://www.floatmissouri.com/plan/missouri-rivers/bourbeuse-river/   or  https://missouricanoe.org/bourbeuse-river/

 

[Gavin]

Your gonna need to burn gas and knock on doors. You might find some access. It’s been 15 years since I’’ve bothered to head up so it probably wasn’t that good. YMMV. That’s a creek that require a  self shuttle with a friend and a CCW.

[Conor]

I have done work for some of the locals in that area.  It looks like there might be a spot on EE but not their property based on what they told me.

The locals didn't seem unfriendly around Redbird or Hog Trough.  Other rivers are covered with signs and purple paint but not so much here....  The next Ford below Mint Spring appears good as well and we might use it to avoid the mucky mess at that ramp.  Something like the Mineral Fork is almost impossible to float due to private property.  I got access at the top on private land and continued to Mammoth for that one.

I am going off this guide here for mileage.  You can obviously navigate this WAY above Hwy 19.  https://forums.ozarkanglers.com/forum/228-bourbeuse-river/

Conor

[Gavin]

I'd suggest that you toss your fears in the dumpster and go do what you want to do. Deal with whatever happens, which is usually nothing.

[Giltweasel]

Never been above Tea myself. I'm in Union so it wouldn't be a long hike to get wherever you're going. Would like to try someday. 

Conor, if you ever figure it out, make a post and let us know how you got in.

 

Thanks!

[Conor]

I now have an opportunity to put in on private property near Safe, MO and plan to go to Redbird when the water conditions are right.  I don't expect the good scenery you get down from Mint Spring but figure it is worth a try.

This river has nice scenery and not all the crazies you get on other rivers.

 

Conor

[Seth]

I live within 15 minutes of the area you're talking about and haven't fished it in years. One of these days I need to get a kayak and start taking advantage of it again. Used to catch some surprisingly decent bass off of that river. The summer time "float 100 yards, drag 100 yards" got old pretty quick though.

[Conor]

It was pretty low the last time I did Mill Rock to Wenkel but wasn't bad.  I had to get out several times but it wasn't like I walked half of it either.  Above Redbird will have to be done in higher water.  I looked and could walk across it without getting my feet wet.

Conor

[laker67]

Y'all are bringing back some sweet memories!  The old country store at Redbird was a favorite place to go.  I still remember the smells, and the last time I was down that way, the store was just like they left it when they closed the doors.  My grandparents farm was just a couple miles away.