"The Meramec is a great stream," Meneau continued. "Fishermen can catch all three (black) bass species here. Too, the Meramec offers more access than any stream in the state."

SALT RIVER
The Salt River, in northeast Missouri, is another tributary to the Mississippi River. "Largemouth bass can be found from below the Clarence Cannon Dam on Mark Twain Lake all the way to the Mississippi," said MDC biologist Ross Dames.

According to Dames, the Salt River is very similar to an Ozark stream in its upper reaches. Gravel and rock substrates are common, as are riffles, boulders and limestone bluffs. "The river is quite scenic." Dames added.

The Salt River does not take on the characteristics of a north Missouri stream until it hits the Mississippi floodplain in its last five miles. Lots of woody cover and boulders provide ample structure for big bass to hide in.

With the Salt River dumping into the Mississippi, a good forage base is available to bass. Gizzard shad, suckers, small drum, fathead minnows, crayfish and a variety of other small fish make up the food base. While there are no extensive surveys about the Salt River fishery, Dames pointed out that largemouth bass fishermen would do well to concentrate their efforts in the first two miles of the river below the reregulation dam. There is an access point at the site, which is just off state Route H.

Locals have kept it secret that the Salt River is a sleeper when it comes to smallmouth bass, which have been showing up more and more here in the last five years. Chris Williamson, another MDC biologist in the region, has turned up smallmouth bass measuring up to 21 inches in his surveys.

"There is not a lot of public access to the Salt River," Dames explained. "There is an access at the rereg dam, one at Indian Camp Conservation Area one mile east of U.S. Route 61 on state Route O in New London, and one in the Ted Shanks Conservation Area.

Fishermen need to be aware of rising water levels on the Salt River as well. Water releases by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers can bring the water level up several feet in just a few hours, and the rapidly changing water conditions can make fishing difficult.

Because of the riffles, the Salt River's not the place for a big prop boat -- it's best fished from a jetboat. Some fishermen use small johnboats or canoes.

LaBELLE LAKE CA
To reach this 112-acre area, go a mile and a half south of LaBelle on state Route D and then three-quarters of a mile east on a gravel road. There is a concrete boat ramp.

"LaBelle Lake used to belong to the city," Ross Dames explained. "MDC bought it, and now it is the best largemouth bass lake in the region."

LaBelle Lake is fished heavily, but it's well worth the effort to make a trip. Surveys have indicated a healthy population of bass measuring over 18 inches. A strong food base of bluegills produces fast-growing bass, and many big bluegills as well.

Fishing the smaller waters of eastern Missouri for largemouth bass may not be particularly popular among Show-Me State anglers, but if you're looking for a break from the fast, sometimes frantic pace of reservoir bass fishing, give these diminutive areas a cast or two. The results may surprise you.