Westover Farm Experience Sept 15

[Al Agnew]

Actually, I floated Dry Creek once years ago...I didn't run into any irate landowners (it probably helped that I floated it during the middle of the week--didn't see ANYBODY else) but as I remember the habitat was pretty poor throughout most of it. Caught a few trout and other fish, but it was somewhat disappointing fishing. That's not to say that floating it would or would not be a good idea. One never knows on these very marginally floatable creeks whether you'll run into zealous landowners or not. I've floated a LOT of creeks that are seldom if ever floated, and never yet been hassled once I was on the water--although there was one time I got run off before I could get the canoe off the truck. Guy told me I could float it if I wanted to but to not expect my vehicle to be there in one piece when I was finished. Discretion was the better part of valor in that case.

Trout do live throughout the creek. Once in a while one shows up in the Huzzah at the mouth of it at Huzzah Valley, and I've actually caught a couple of trout in the Huzzah both above and below Dry Creek.

[lizard]

I am a land owner and no you cant wade fish without permission. I own the properity down stream about 1 mile but the guy that owns the land from westover down to my prop does not want you fishing his land with out permission.

[lizard]

That raises a question...

Every state has a different law when it comes to common water like rivers and streams. Is it okay to float on water even though the river runs through private property? Is it okay to wade in the river (with out setting foot on the bank) while floating through private property?

So what is Missouri's law regarding this?

This creek is a private stream as mdc sees it. What it amounts to is "if you own BOTH sides of the river it is private land and you have the right to protect it. ie; westover farms. I only own one bank so I cant stop anyone from fishing, but theirs only a small amount of river that is wadeable from my properity. Westover owns all upstream, another guy owns all downstream to my prop. and someone else owns both sides about 1000 ft down from me. There is only three places to acc. the river, westover, my place, and from the Huzzah. All private prop. is marked well so best wishes if you are caught trespassing. And yes locking your car won't help

[troutchaser]

And yes locking your car won't help

Wow. Friendly bunch of folks aren't they?

[lizard]

I dont have a problem with people fishing there but others do. If you park at westover and try to go downstream the guys at westover will call the guy that ownes the prop. and he in turn make his own call. I know them all and even I cant fish without permission. that said their not much to fish at my place so I head to the Meremac.JMO

[flyfishmaster]

lizard,

That is nice stream you have property on, congrats.

Thanks for the info. I will just stay away from that area because when I see water like that, I want to utilize it as a fishable natural resource instead of watching the water just run throught it.

FFM

[UAK squirrelpie]

just out of curiosity lizard, is your property near cherry valley rd.?

[lizard]

Yes it is, why , do I know you?

[UAK squirrelpie]

i believe we've met before. you're mr. v, right? we shot the dung a couple times at the bridge and you gave me your blessing to keep a couple fish once (thanks). haven't seen you down in a while, you come down much anymore? I think the new management at westover is really making sure not nearly as many fish get out as it used to. fishing around your place has been very poor lately. see ya later jimbo.

[lizard]

that would be me and nice to talk to you again. Sorry for the long wait on the reply but just got back from down there , deer hunting and all, hang'n out with Sellers. Marty is still running the place up there and is not stocking as much out in the river so its been very slow for the last 2 years. water been very low also so their not washing down. We'll see what spring brings. Good talking to you again