Coldwater to sam baker.

[top_dollar]

 I fished the Coldwater access down to Sam Baker back in the end of November.  This report is a bit late.  Bass were biting really well.  I caught fish near winter areas, but they were surprisingly up in spots with more current.  I didn't bother crappie fishing, I just threw jerkbaits, jigs, and swimbaits for bass. With the exception of a 24 inch walleye, and an 18 inch largemouth it was all smallies and spots less than 15 inches.  I released the walleye so maybe it will grow to be a real giant!  

[MObassin95]

Thanks for sharing! I’ve always wanted to check the St Francis out. I’m just not sure it’s worth the drive from Republic. But I’ve seen pictures of good fish coming out of it. 

[Gavin]

That's a long slow float. Glad you had fun and thanks for the report!

 

[jdmidwest]

It's a great stream, but slow floating.  Long pools with short fast dropping runs.

Big Creek and St Francois are cut out of Missouri's oldest hills and offer some unique scenery.

[Quillback]

Looks like some great water to fish.

[Daryk Campbell Sr]

By others stating it's a slow float, how long was it.   I've been to the access at ColdWater and was curious about it.    It's not terribly far from me, just a bit out of the way.  

[jdmidwest]

22 hours ago, Daryk Campbell Sr said:

By others stating it's a slow float, how long was it.   I've been to the access at ColdWater and was curious about it.    It's not terribly far from me, just a bit out of the way.  

Long slow pools with short fast drops at end of each.  I have floated Saco to Coldwater in a long summer day.  Put in at daybreak, come out at dark.  Using GPS to keep track of location.  That lower part to Sam A Baker has been jet boat in spring flows for me, but it is overniter.

[top_dollar]

On 1/26/2025 at 8:22 AM, Daryk Campbell Sr said:

By others stating it's a slow float, how long was it.   I've been to the access at ColdWater and was curious about it.    It's not terribly far from me, just a bit out of the way.  

Coldwater to Sam Baker is good for an overnight, maybe 10 miles or so.  Sam baker to HWY 34 bridge is short and good for a day float.  I don't consider it to be too slow, but I fish the big river mostly, which doesn't have much current.