Putting in ABOVE Short Bend?

[Conor]

Is it possible to put on above Short Bend without access to private property?  I have driven some of the roads up that way and can see that the river is quite sporting in the extreme headwaters from the road.  Has anyone ever put in above Hwy 19 and if so, how far and where?  It looks like a couple creeks all come together up that way and maybe putting on at one of those creeks at higher water would work.

Thanks,

Conor

[Conor]

The first low water crossing upstream of Hwy 19 is covered in purple paint and signs.

[Al Agnew]

The first couple low water bridges are surrounded by unfriendly landowners.  There is a bridge farther upstream, county road 428, with little parking but the last time I was there the purple paint was lacking, at least.  But that's probably because the river is usually the next thing to dry at that point.  You can put in there and drag a boat down almost 2 miles to where Hutchins Creek comes in.  Hutchins Creek flows a lot more water than the Meramec above it where the two come together, and from there down the river always has SOME flow.  It's almost 12 miles from 428 to Short Bend.

Don't bother going above there, unless you just want to float it for fun after heavy rains.  The river is basically dry in dry weather from there on up. 

[Conor]

Thanks.  I assume you are talking about the crossing at https://www.google.com/maps/place/37°39'32.1"N+91°24'52.6"W/@37.6589081,-91.4168049,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x9f4a9e676918305d!8m2!3d37.6589039!4d-91.4146162

Also, since Hutchins Creek has more flow, how about using this spot?
https://www.google.com/maps/place/37°40'17.6"N+91°23'39.0"W/@37.6715687,-91.3963415,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x94490cbff7451f5!8m2!3d37.6715645!4d-91.3941528

I may scope these two areas out next time I have a job down that way.  I would probably consider going to Short Bend and no further on the first try.

Conor

[Al Agnew]

9 hours ago, Conor said:

Thanks.  I assume you are talking about the crossing at https://www.google.com/maps/place/37°39'32.1"N+91°24'52.6"W/@37.6589081,-91.4168049,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x9f4a9e676918305d!8m2!3d37.6589039!4d-91.4146162

Also, since Hutchins Creek has more flow, how about using this spot?
https://www.google.com/maps/place/37°40'17.6"N+91°23'39.0"W/@37.6715687,-91.3963415,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x94490cbff7451f5!8m2!3d37.6715645!4d-91.3941528

I may scope these two areas out next time I have a job down that way.  I would probably consider going to Short Bend and no further on the first try.

Conor

Yup, that's the bridge.  As for putting in at that spot on Hutchins Creek, that road dead ends at a house just past the bridge, and I suspect the bridge is private.   But if you check it out let me know.