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St. Louis Region Fishing Opportunities
Main Species present- Largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, flathead catfish, crappie, grass carp, hybrid striped bass, trout (winter months only), and muskellunge.
Situated within twenty-five
minutes of St. Louis, Busch Wildlife
Conservation Area provides some great fishing throughout the year.
Fishing here is done on a chain of small to medium sized reservoirs.
The best part of fishing here is the striking variety of fish species
that can be found in this conservation area. If you’re here in the
warmer months, choose any number of the lakes that hold largemouth
bass. Regularly stocked catfish can be caught on lakes 3, 5, 7, and 24,
and pretty much all the lakes have strong channel catfish populations.
Musky are present in lake 35, and in the winter, trout are stocked in
lakes 21, 22, 23, 24, and 28. I fished one day in late summer on Lake
36. Between my friend and me we caught two catfish, one larger than ten
pounds, one decent largemouth bass, and almost twenty bluegill. Fishing
techniques in Busch Wildlife are fairly standard for Missouri. For
largemouth bass, use standard lures such as shad imitating crank baits,
plastic worms, and night crawlers. Catfish can be caught on cut bait
and night crawlers. Personally, my favorite way to fish Busch Wildlife
is with worms. With this versatile bait, you can catch a bluegill on
one cast, a catfish on the next, and then catch a hefty largemouth. I
can personally attest that this is a great place to fish near St. Louis.
August A. Busch Video Tour
August A. Busch Area Map
Upcoming Fishing Events at Busch Wildlife Through October 16th, 2010
GO FISH!-Fishing with Lures
August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area-Lake 15
Saturday, June 26 2010
9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Fishing with Lures teaches anglers about various types of lures, how they are used, target species for each lure and factors that effect lure selection. Participants must be between the ages of 7 and 15. Fishing equipment, volunteers and bait/lures provided. Participants must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Programs begin promptly at the specified times, no late arrivals. Please arrive 10-15 minutes prior to program start time to check in. For reservation, please call (636) 441-4554 by June 25, 2010. For more information on GO FISH! please visit www.mdc.mo.gov/13100
Reservations are required by: Friday, June 25
Bike Ride from Research Park to KATY TRAIL
August A Busch CA
Saturday, June 26 2010
8:00 am - 10:00 am
(Ages 12 and up) Come out and join us for a bike ride on the new Missouri Research Park Bike Trail at Weldon Spring completed by The Great Rivers Greenway District. This program is brought to you in cooperation with Trailnet and will be lead by Conservation Naturalists of the Missouri Department of Conservation. We will include several stops for brief interpretive programs featuring the plants and animals that live in the surrounding forest of the Weldon Spring Conservation Area. Trailhead is located at the Missouri Research Park near Hwy 40 and 94. (Reservations begin June 11.)Please call: 636-441-4554
Reservations are required by: Friday, June 25
Discover Hunting - Archery Day Camp
August A. Busch
Tuesday, June 29 – Thursday, July 1 2010
8 am - noon
(Ages 11-15) This 3 day program will be held at archery range on Busch Conservation Area. We will be outside so dress for the weather including snacks, drinks, and insect repellent. This is an introductory class which will cover the aspects of learning how to shoot a bow safely and successfully. (Reservations begin May 28) Call 636-441-4554 for reservations.
Reservations are required by: Friday, June 25
Discover Nature - Families: Terrific Terrariums
August A Busch CA
Wednesday, July 7 2010
11:30 am - 12:30 am
(Families all Ages)Come with a clear 2 liter soda bottle and leave with a minature living habitat! One habitat per family. (Reservations begin June 23.)Please call: 636-441-4554
Reservations are required by: Tuesday, July 6
Discover Nature - Families: Insectigations
August A Busch CA
Wednesday, July 7 2010
9:00 am - 10:30 am
(Families All Ages) Become an insect investigator! Search and find crawly critters, then draw and label your findings. Sharpen your identification skills of the minature world of insects. (Reservations begin June 23.)Please call: 636-441-4554
Reservations are required by: Tuesday, July 6
Draw and Paint Missouri Mammals
August A Busch CA
Thursday, July 8 2010
10:00 am - 11:30 pm
(Ages 10 and up) Missouri mammals are beautiful and elusive creatures. Join us to learn about Missouri foxes and beavers and get a close-up look at mounts to create drawings and paintings. (Reservations begin June 24.) Please call: 636-441-4554
Reservations are required by: Wednesday, July 7
Wildflower Walk at Weldon Interpretive Center
August A Busch CA
Saturday, July 10 2010
9:00 am - 11:30 am
(Families All Ages) Take a walk through the beautiful wildflower beds at the Weldon Spring Interpretive Site to see what's blooming. (Reservations begin June 25.)Please call: 636-441-4554
Reservations are required by: Friday, July 9
GO FISH!-Basic Fishing I
August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area-Lake 15
Saturday, July 10 2010
9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Basic Fishing I combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers basic fishing techniques and skills. Anglers will learn the different parts and functions of a spincast rod and reel. In addition, anglers will learn proper casting mechanics. Participants must be between the ages of 7 and 15. Fishing equipment, volunteers and bait/lures provided. Participants must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Programs begin promptly at the specified times, no late arrivals. Please arrive 10-15 minutes prior to program start time to check in. For reservation, please call (636) 441-4554 by July 9, 2010. For more information on GO FISH! please visit www.mdc.mo.gov/13100
Reservations are required by: Friday, July 9
Discover Hunting Camp
August A. Busch Shooting Range
Tuesday, July 13 – Thursday, July 15 2010
4 pm - 8 pm
(Ages 11- 15) Does your youngster want to become a more proficient hunter? This camp will challenge kids to learn new skills and techniques in the sport of hunting. The program will take place both outdoor and indoor so dress for the weather, bring snacks, drinks and don’t forget you’re insect repellent. (Reservations begin June 10) Call 636-441-4554 for reservations.
Reservations are required by: Saturday, July 10
GO FISH!-Species Specific Fishing-Channel Catfish
August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area-Lake 15
Thursday, July 15 2010
6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Species Specific Fishing-Channel Catfish teaches anglers skills and techniques used to successfully catch catfish. Channel catfish behavior, habitat, anatomy and diet are also discussed. Participants must be between the ages of 7 and 15. Fishing equipment, volunteers and bait/lures provided. Participants must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Programs begin promptly at the specified times, no late arrivals. Please arrive 10-15 minutes prior to program start time to check in. For reservation, please call (636) 441-4554 by July 14, 2010. For more information on GO FISH! please visit www.mdc.mo.gov/13100
Reservations are required by: Wednesday, July 14
Herons and Egrets of MTC
August A Busch CA
Saturday, July 17 2010
7:30 am - 10:30 am
(Adults) Join us for a 2.5 mile hike to view the herons and egrets feeding in the Marais Temps Clair (MTC) marsh. The young have just left the nests so we hope to see both young and adults feeding together. See some of the showiest members of all wading birds. Learn to identify these birds from a distance through spotting scopes provided by your Naturalists. (Reservations begin July 2) Please call: 636-441-4554
Reservations are required by: Friday, July 16
Basic Skeet
August A. Busch Shooting Range
Wednesday, July 21 – Friday, July 23 2010
6 pm - 8 pm
(Ages 13 and up) The Tues. portion of this class will meet at the main building at the Busch area. Join us to learn about the exciting sport of Skeet shooting. We will cover the rules, tips and techniques of skeet. This is not a basic shotgun program, you should already know how to safely handle and shoot a shotgun. The first evening of the program will start in the classroom, and then the second and third evenings will continue at the Busch Shooting Range for some hands on experience with our instructors. On the actual shooting portion of the event half the class will shoot on the 21nd, the other half on the 28th. This will allow for more quality time on the skeet field. Participants 14-17 need to be accompanied by an adult. You may bring your own shotgun or we will have some available. (Reservations begin June 18) Call 636-441-4554 for reservations.
Reservations are required by: Thursday, July 15
GO FISH!-Basic Fishing II
August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area-Lake 15
Saturday, July 24 2010
9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Anglers will learn how to tie an improved clinch knot and Palomar knot. In addition, anglers will learn how to properly and safely handle a fish. Participants must be between the ages of 7 and 15. Fishing equipment, volunteers and bait/lures provided. Participants must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Programs begin promptly at the specified times, no late arrivals. Please arrive 10-15 minutes prior to program start time to check in. For reservation, please call (636) 441-4554 by July 23, 2010. For more information on GO FISH! please visit www.mdc.mo.gov/13100
Reservations are required by: Friday, July 23
August A. Busch Shooting Range Outdoor Expo.
August A. Busch Shooting Range
Saturday, July 24 2010
9 am - 3 pm
This is an event for all types of outdoor enthusiasts. If you like hunting, fishing, or any other outdoor sport/activity, come and join us for this one day affair. The range staff will provide an opportunity for the public to shoot trap and rifle. All firearms and ammunition will be provided. Leave your guns and ammo at home. We will have hunting/sport retailers, outdoor clubs, and other related organizations to check out. Bring the whole family. It will be held at the August A. Busch Shooting Range. Due to this event the shooting range will not be open for normal public operations. No reservations are needed.
Reservations are required by: Sunday, July 25
Missouri's Reptiles
August A Busch CA
Saturday, July 24 2010
9:00am - 10:30 am
(Ages 7 and up) How many of Missouri's reptiles have you seen in the wild? Where did you see them? Did you happen to see one eating? Come meet some of Missouri"s reptiles up close and see then in action as you observe them feeding. (Reservations begin July 9.)Please call: 636-441-4554
Reservations are required by: Friday, July 23
Discover Nature - Families: What is a Wetland?
August A Busch CA
Tuesday, July 27 2010
9:00 am - 10:30 am
(Families All Ages) Join us for a closer look at wetlands. We will look at what lives in a wetland, what wetlands are and why we need them. You will even visit a real wetland to see the amazing habitat up close! (Reservations begin July 13.)Please call: 636-441-4554
Reservations are required by: Monday, July 26
GO FISH!-Species Specific Fishing-Largemouth Bass
August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area-Lake 15
Thursday, July 29 2010
6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Species Specific Fishing-Largemouth Bass teaches anglers skills and techniques used to successfully catch largemouth bass. Largemouth bass behavior, habitat, anatomy and diet are also discussed. Participants must be between the ages of 7 and 15. Fishing equipment, volunteers and bait/lures provided. Participants must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Programs begin promptly at the specified times, no late arrivals. Please arrive 10-15 minutes prior to program start time to check in. For reservation, please call (636) 441-4554 by July 28, 2010. For more information on GO FISH! please visit www.mdc.mo.gov/13100
Reservations are required by: Wednesday, July 28
Discover Nature - Families: Birding for Beginners
August A Busch CA
Saturday, July 31 2010
9:00 am - 10:00 am
(Families All Agea) Birding is a life long hobby. Getting your child interested at a young age will pique curiosity. Working together, parent and child will learn the basics of bird identification. (Reservations begin July 16.)Please call: 636-441-4554
Reservations are required by: Friday, July 30
GO FISH!-Basic Fishing III
August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area-Lake 15
Saturday, July 31 2010
9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Basic Fishing III teaches young anglers how to properly identify a largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill and hybrid sunfish. Basic fish biology such as life cycle and anatomy are also discussed. Participants must be between the ages of 7 and 15. Fishing equipment, volunteers and bait/lures provided. Participants must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Programs begin promptly at the specified times, no late arrivals. Please arrive 10-15 minutes prior to program start time to check in. For reservation, please call (636) 441-4554 by July 30, 2010. For more information on GO FISH! please visit www.mdc.mo.gov/13100
Reservations are required by: Friday, July 30
Wild Edibles: Sweets of Summer
August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area
Thursday, August 5 2010
09:00 AM - 12:00 PM
(Families) Summer in Missouri is hot, sticky and steamy! Come and cool down with us by making everybody’s favorite summertime treat, ice cream! We will first learn how to identify some of Missouri’s most common wild edible plants then we will use those plants to flavor our ice cream. This is also a good opportunity to practice reducing, reusing and recycling by reusing coffee cans as our ice cream mixers. Bring a 1-pound and/or 3-pound clean metal coffee can with lid if you have one. (Reservations begin July 22. Please call 636-441-4554.)
Reservations are required by: Thursday, August 5
GO FISH!-Fishing with Lures
August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area-Lake 15
Thursday, August 5 2010
6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Fishing with Lures teaches anglers about various types of lures, how they are used, target species for each lure and factors that effect lure selection. Participants must be between the ages of 7 and 15. Fishing equipment, volunteers and bait/lures provided. Participants must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Programs begin promptly at the specified times, no late arrivals. Please arrive 10-15 minutes prior to program start time to check in. For reservation, please call (636) 441-4554 by August 4, 2010. For more information on GO FISH! please visit www.mdc.mo.gov/13100
Reservations are required by: Wednesday, August 4
A Worm Ate My Garbage
August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area
Tuesday, August 10 2010
09:30 AM - 11:00 AM
(Ages 8 and up) Looking for more ways to reduce, reuse and recycle? Come learn a simple way to reduce your scraps by having worms recycle your leftovers. See a working vermicomposting bin, and the nutrient-rich compost that is created. We will also help you make a bin of your own to take home! Just bring a 10 – 18 gallon plastic tub (not clear) with a lid, at least 11 inches deep, and an old newspaper. (Reservations begin July 27. Please call 636-441-4554.)
Reservations are required by: Tuesday, August 10
Bass Fishing 101
August A. Busch
Wednesday, August 11 2010
06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
(All ages) Join us to learn how to catch Largemouth bass using artificial lures. Former B.A.S.S. tournament participants will teach you the best techniques and tricks to ensure you have a greater success rate the next time you go fishing. We will cover the best spots to find fish, and the tools and equipment needed. This class will be held in the main building classrooms at the Busch Conservation Area. (Reservations begin July 12)Call 636-441-4554 for reservations
Reservations are required by: Wednesday, August 11
GO FISH!-Species Specific Fishing-Channel Catfish
August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area-Lake 15
Thursday, August 12 2010
6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Species Specific Fishing-Channel Catfish teaches anglers skills and techniques used to successfully catch catfish. Channel catfish behavior, habitat, anatomy and diet are also discussed. Participants must be between the ages of 7 and 15. Fishing equipment, volunteers and bait/lures provided. Participants must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Programs begin promptly at the specified times, no late arrivals. Please arrive 10-15 minutes prior to program start time to check in. For reservation, please call (636) 441-4554 by August 11, 2010. For more information on GO FISH! please visit www.mdc.mo.gov/13100
Reservations are required by: Wednesday, August 11
Discover Nature Women; Basic Archery
August A. Busch Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center
Saturday, August 14 2010
08:00 AM - 10:00 PM
(Ages 11 and up) Hey ladies, do you want to try a new sport? Try basic archery. This class is designed for woman to learn the fundamentals of archery. We will cover parts of the bow, different types, stances, range rules and techniques to get you on target. This class will be held at Busch Shooting Range Broadhead Pits. (Reservations begin July 14) Call 636-441-4554 for reservations
Reservations are required by: Saturday, August 14
GO FISH!-Cooking and Cleaning Your Catch
August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area-Lake 15
Saturday, August 14 2010
9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Cooking and Cleaning Your Catch teaches anglers various techniques for cleaning and preparing bluegill, hybrid sunfish, largemouth bass and channel catfish. Anglers will not participate in the cleaning, preparing or cooking, they will learn by demonstration only. Volunteers will cook the cleaned fish so anglers can taste the various species. Participants must be between the ages of 7 and 15. Fishing equipment, volunteers and bait/lures provided. Participants must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Programs begin promptly at the specified times, no late arrivals. Please arrive 10-15 minutes prior to program start time to check in. For reservation, please call (636) 441-4554 by August 13, 2010. For more information on GO FISH! please visit www.mdc.mo.gov/13100
Reservations are required by: Friday, August 13
Whooo Ate This?
August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area
Tuesday, August 17 2010
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
(Ages 7 and up) Discover what is on the menu at Big Owl’s Diner. Examine owl pellets and find out who is lower on the food chain. (Reservations begin August 3. Please call 636-441-4554.)
Reservations are required by: Tuesday, August 17
Basic Handgun
August A. Busch
Wednesday, August 18 2010
06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
(Ages 14 and up) This program is designed to teach how to safely and successfully handle and shoot a handgun. We will teach about various actions and calibers along with grip, stance, sight picture and safety. The live fire portion of the class will be split so half the class attends on the 19th and the other half attends on the 21st. You may bring own gun or we will supply one for you. Participants 14-17 need to be accompanied by an adult. Wednesday will be held in the classroom at Busch Headquarters, Thursday and Saturday will be held at the Shooting Range. (Reservations begin July 18) Call 636-441-4554 for reservations.
Reservations are required by: Wednesday, August 18
GO FISH!-Species Specific Fishing-Largemouth Bass
August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area-Lake 15
Thursday, August 19 2010
6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Species Specific Fishing-Largemouth Bass teaches anglers skills and techniques used to successfully catch largemouth bass. Largemouth bass behavior, habitat, anatomy and diet are also discussed. Participants must be between the ages of 7 and 15. Fishing equipment, volunteers and bait/lures provided. Participants must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Programs begin promptly at the specified times, no late arrivals. Please arrive 10-15 minutes prior to program start time to check in. For reservation, please call (636) 441-4554 by August 18, 2010. For more information on GO FISH! please visit www.mdc.mo.gov/13100
Reservations are required by: Wednesday, August 18
GO FISH!-Cooking and Cleaning Your Catch
August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area-Lake 15
Saturday, August 21 2010
9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Cooking and Cleaning Your Catch teaches anglers various techniques for cleaning and preparing bluegill, hybrid sunfish, largemouth bass and channel catfish. Anglers will not participate in the cleaning, preparing or cooking, they will learn by demonstration only. Volunteers will cook the cleaned fish so anglers can taste the various species. Participants must be between the ages of 7 and 15. Fishing equipment, volunteers and bait/lures provided. Participants must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Programs begin promptly at the specified times, no late arrivals. Please arrive 10-15 minutes prior to program start time to check in. For reservation, please call (636) 441-4554 by August 20, 2010. For more information on GO FISH! please visit www.mdc.mo.gov/13100
Reservations are required by: Friday, August 20
Story Time Under the Hackberry
August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area
Thursday, August 26 2010
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
(Ages 3 – 6) Little kids love their story time. Make those stories come to life by letting them see where the story actually takes place. We will have story time under the hackberry tree with stories about the great outdoors and the animals that live there. Bring a blanket to sit on if you would like. (Reservations begin August 12. Please call 636-441-4554.)
Reservations are required by: Thursday, August 26
Discover Hunting; Wingshooting
August A. Busch Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center
Saturday, August 28 2010
04:00 PM - 08:00 PM
(Ages 14 and up) Brush up on your wingshooting skills to get ready for Dove and Waterfowl seasons. We will discuss proper shooting technique, shotgun fit, ammunition, proper choke selection, and more. This class IS NOT designed for the novice, or beginner shooter. You should know how to safely and properly operate a shotgun before attending this class. This class will held at Busch Shooting Range. Space is limited to 15. (Reservations begin July 28) Call 636-441-4554 for reservations
Reservations are required by: Saturday, August 28
GO FISH!-Aquatic Ecology, Conservation and Ethics
August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area-Lake 15
Saturday, September 11 2010
9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Aquatic Ecology, Conservation and Ethics teaches anglers the importance of aquatic food webs, preserving good fish habitat, fishing regulations, how anglers impact aquatic resources and how these concepts effect fishing opportunities and success. Participants must be between the ages of 7 and 15. Fishing equipment, volunteers and bait/lures provided. Participants must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Programs begin promptly at the specified times, no late arrivals. Please arrive 10-15 minutes prior to program start time to check in. For reservation, please call (636) 441-4554 by September 10, 2010. For more information on GO FISH! please visit www.mdc.mo.gov/13100
Reservations are required by: Friday, September 10
GO FISH!-Aquatic Ecology, Conservation and Ethics
August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area-Lake 15
Saturday, September 18 2010
9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Aquatic Ecology, Conservation and Ethics teaches anglers the importance of aquatic food webs, preserving good fish habitat, fishing regulations, how anglers impact aquatic resources and how these concepts effect fishing opportunities and success. Participants must be between the ages of 7 and 15. Fishing equipment, volunteers and bait/lures provided. Participants must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Programs begin promptly at the specified times, no late arrivals. Please arrive 10-15 minutes prior to program start time to check in. For reservation, please call (636) 441-4554 by September 17, 2010. For more information on GO FISH! please visit www.mdc.mo.gov/13100
Reservations are required by: Friday, September 17
GO FISH!-Aquatic Ecology, Conservation and Ethics
August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area-Lake 15
Saturday, September 25 2010
9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Aquatic Ecology, Conservation and Ethics teaches anglers the importance of aquatic food webs, preserving good fish habitat, fishing regulations, how anglers impact aquatic resources and how these concepts effect fishing opportunities and success. Participants must be between the ages of 7 and 15. Fishing equipment, volunteers and bait/lures provided. Participants must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Programs begin promptly at the specified times, no late arrivals. Please arrive 10-15 minutes prior to program start time to check in. For reservation, please call (636) 441-4554 by September 24, 2010. For more information on GO FISH! please visit www.mdc.mo.gov/13100
Reservations are required by: Friday, September 24
Columbia Bottoms Conservation area in North St. Louis County is an oasis for fisherman. It is nestled at the confluence of
our contintent's great rivers, the Missouri and the Mississippi, The area provides access to both rivers, and it is easy to
get caught up in the magnificence of these two awesome river's meeting point. Both rivers provide prime fishing opportunities
for catfish, white bass, crappie, and carp. While most fisherman choose to launch boats, there is plenty of bank access along
each river for anglers who don't own a boat that can handle these mighty rivers. There is six miles of public access here,
and catfish anglers can do well along all of it.
The Missouri Department of Conservation has also opened a canoe and kayak access in the park. While such small craft may seem
an unlikely choice for these rivers,safe navigation is possible, provided you take great care to avoid barge traffic, and
wear a life vest. This can be a successful way to access more fishing water along the river.
Due to the turbid water, the majority of fisherman use live bait here. Nightcrawlers, chicken liver, minnows (live and dead),
and stinkbait are all popular for the catfish,carp, and drum that reside here. Small live minnows are the primary baits for
those who target white bass and crappie. A fair number of walleye are also taken using the same methods, especially in the
slightly clearer and cooler waters of the Mississippi.
A few adventurous souls also enjoy fly fishing. The often muddy water does make it much more difficult than usual, but it can
be done successfully. A full sinking line, and a full range of heavily weighted streamers is needed. The streamers, (which
are usually dark brown or black) are crawled along the bottom, and can often take good numbers of catfish, drum, and carp.
White shad imitating flies are often successful for white bass and crappie. No matter what species you target, this is no
place for long, light leaders.
Columbia Bottoms Conservation area offers rough and tumble fishing for big river species right inside St. Louis County. This
may not be a classy place to fish, but the waters of the Missouri and Mississippi provide some of the largest, meanest fish
to be found in the state.
For more information on Missouri Conservation Areas, visit our Conservation Area Section
Main Species present-
Channel Catfish, Blue Catfish, flathead catfish, carp, gar, largemouth bass, and bluegill (plus anything else that is present in the Missouri River.
Howell Island is another great place to fish within a half hour of St. Louis. Most of the fishing is done from a causeway across a Missouri River backwater. Just to give you and idea of the species present here, in a day of fishing in May of 2007, my friend and Icaught a white bass, two channel catfish, a four pound largemouth, anda two foot long gar. When I fished here, I used live bluegill. That's agreat way to catch good size fish in an unknown waterway. It's a great place to fish, and scenic in its own way.
Meramec River- Robertsville State Park
Main Species Present- Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass, walleye, channel catfish, blue catfish, flathead catfish, freshwater drum
Robertsville State Park is only forty-five miles from St. Louis. The section of the Meramec River that it borders is some the best warm water fishing to be found in Missouri. Also this section is a pretty good cool water fishery, with plenty of walleye and smallmouth bass around. The walleye are particularly worth noting, as it's known as one of the best river fisheries in the nation. On our trip here, we mainly fished for black bass. Using crank baits we caught on average about ten bass a day, some as large as three pounds. There are some huge catfish to be caught in this section of the river.
Route 66 State Park
Route 66 State Park, located right on Highway 44 in Eureka, offers some surprising fishing to the St. Louis fisherman.
Although it is so close to a major metropolis, the Meramec River in this area provides some fishing in a beautiful Ozark
border stream. The river certainly isn't gin clear here, but it usually has a pleasant olive green color to it that is a
pleasant contrast to the Missouri and Mississippi. The fishing is usually good for black bass, white bass, crappie, catfish,
and walleye.
While the Meramec River is an immensely popular float and fish stream in its upper reaches, by the time it reaches Eureka, it
is no longer heavily used. The reach of river in Route 66 State Park is usually pretty quiet, and there are often few
fisherman. The river can be fished from the bank in many areas, and there are even some spots where you can wade. Still, a
canoe, kayak, or jon boat will be immensely helpful.
The Black bass fishery on this part of the Meramec is very good. The non-native spotted bass make up a slight majority of the
catch. MOst of these bass are in the 8" to 15" range. Spotted bass are extremely overpopulated here, and are crowding out the
native smallmouth and largemouth bass. To combat this problem, the Missouri Department of Conservation has raised the limit
to 12, and eliminitated the minimum length limit. We encourage you to keep all you catch to the legal limit. While somewhat
less plentiful, there are plenty of largemouth and smallmouth bass to be worth the trouble. Spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and
topwaters are all popular for the spin fisherman. Fly rod poppers, and Woolly buggers are good for fly fisherman.
Catfish are also a popular target. The river supports both channel and flathead catfish, and some reach large sizes. All the
popular catfish baits work, but nightrawlers are probably the most consisently effective offering. Walleye, white bass, and
crappie fishing is also good. You can give yourself a very good chance to catch all three by suspending a minnow under a
bobber. Crankbaits, jigs, and streamers also work.
The Meramec River in Route 66 State Park provides enjoyable fishing for fisherman in the St. Louis area. It is a beautiful
river, with forested hills surrounding it, and all around it provides a nice experience.
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