Missouri Stream Fishing

[silvermesa]

My friend and I are thinking of a fishing trip for smallmouth in southern Missouri. This would be our first time fishing for smallmouth.

I have two questions:

1) Recommendation of a river with good populations of smallmouth with decent size and is wadeable? Section recommendation appreciated!

2) Will smallmouth eat lures 3/8 to 1/2 oz in size such as spinner baits or buzz baits?

Thank you!

[cbass12]

The niangua is a decent river if you're wanting to wade. In that river the area above bennett springs tends to be better for smallmouth. The north fork of the white river has a decent population, and a few decent ones. A few buddies and I were there around the first of June and we caught a few. I normally use smaller lures such as a rebel crawfish crankbait, white rooster tails, and bitsy bugs. There are several more rivers that have good smallmouth fishing in that area as well, the missouri department of conservation has information about the rivers on their website.

[Gavin]

There are lots of smallmouth streams in Mid-Mo.Hit the upper ends if your want to wade, float the middle reaches...or boat the lower ends. We caught em on top all day long when we were out floating last Thursday. 3.5-4" walk the dog plugs, Buzzers, Flukes, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics are all good choices. If your coming from Columbia...I'd probably look to the Gasconade and Big Piney near Ft. Leonard Wood or head east and fish the Meramec.

Wade fishing can be fun...but the more productive sections of river usually have some long slow holes that make wading unproductive. You really do need to float and cover some ground to be productive on the best water. Monday-Thursday Fishing is the time to go to avoid the crowds. Rent a canoe and have fun.