Leadmine Boat Ramp to Mill Pond Road Access

[GotaFish]

My friends and I are planning to put my Shawnee in at the Upper Leadmine Boat Ramp tomorrow afternoon, fish upstream as far as we can go with a trolling motor.  Then we plan to float down to the Mill Pond Road takeout.  When I floated this stretch back in 2023 the river was completely blocked with a huge Sycamore.  Does anyone know if the river is open now or is it still blocked?

On Sunday, morning, we are planning to float from Berry Bluff to the Tunnel Dam Boat Launch.

It is going to be crazy hot, but we will jump in the river to cool off.

[Greasy B]

I was hoping someone would reply to your question. That’s the terrifying problem with taking a river Jon on a downstream trip. Was a time when my partner and I could have emptied the boat and dragged is over a gravel bar, those days are over. If you make the trip let us know how you did. 

[GotaFish]

Well, my good friends, Mike, Joe and I made our trip to the Niangua this weekend.  The biggest headline of the trip is it was HOT!  The river was very low, we did not encounter any trees blocking the river and also did not encounter too many fish.  On Saturday afternoon we fished from about 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM from the upper Leadmine Boat Ramp to the Millpond Road Access.  On Sunday we got on the water around 8:00 AM and fished from Berry Bluff to the Tunnel Dam Boat Access, we were off the water by 5:00 PM. We had one 17" and one 15" smallmouth and at most two dozen smaller ones, we had about a dozen small google eye, and a few bluegill / pumpkinseeds along the way. Given the weather and river conditions we were not expecting fishing to be great, but it was great to spend time on my favorite River with two Great friends I have known for over 50 years.  We are looking forward to doing it again soon.

[snagged in outlet 3]

Thx for the report!  I think the Niangua is a shadow of it's former self.  As are most rivers these days.  Unfortunately....

[Gavin]

Sounds like fun. I usually toss the chainsaw in the canoe if the stretch is not served by a rental.

[GotaFish]

Yes, I tend to bring a chainsaw with me on most trips.  I also agree the Niangua is a former shadow of itself, but unfortunately, we can say that about most rivers and lakes.  Last year when the fishing conditions were better we had a much more productive day with a couple 18 inchers and dozens of fish from 12 - 15 inches.  I am already looking forward to our next trip to the Niangua.

[WestCentralFisher]

Thanks for the report. Headed to that area tomorrow, hoping the cooler weather yields some decent fishing (or at least more pleasant fishing conditions)