In all fairness, largemouth purists need to know that spots are the primary black-bass species in both the St. Francis and the next-to-be-discussed Black River. Southeast Missouri is, after all, the part of the state in which spotted bass were found in pre-settlement days. That's not say that there aren't catchable numbers of largemouths ranging in size up to 6 pounds or more, because there are. It's just that it may be necessary to "wade through" a lot of spots to find them -- not the worst problem an angler can have.

As of press time, there were no special restrictions on black bass fishing in this part of the St. Francis River. For more information, call (573) 290-5730.

THE BLACK RIVER
Like the St. Francis River, a lake (in this case Clearwater Lake) is the demarcation between the upper and lower Black River. Most of the Missouri portion of the lower Black River is characterized by pools, runs, and riffles. Although most of the river has typically slow lowland currents, there is some swift water. Given the water level is at or above normal, prop boats are a practical option on the lower Black River. Nevertheless, river experts still give the nod to jet drives.

Butler County is the place to be for anyone hoping to spend much time sampling the Black River's many charms, and Poplar Bluff is the hub of both pre- and post-fishing activity. Moving from north to south down the river, MDC sites include Hendrickson Access (10 miles north of Poplar Bluff at the Highway 67 crossing), Hilliard Access (two miles north of Poplar bluff on Route W), Sportsman's Park Access (near Poplar Bluff at the Highway 60 crossing), Dan River Access (three and a half miles south of Poplar Bluff on Highway 53 then left on County Road 616 and then left on County road 608), and Coon Island CA (southeast of Poplar Bluff on Highway 53 and then eight miles south on Route HH to County Road 224).

A "good" Black River largemouth will weigh from 4 to 6 pounds. However, a true lunker is far from out of the question.

As of press time, there were no special restrictions on black-bass fishing in this part of the Black River. For more information, call (573) 290-5730.

THE MERAMEC RIVER
MDC fisheries biologist Kevin Meneau sets the town of Pacific as upper terminus of the lower Meramec River. From this point downstream, the river has fewer -- but larger -- riffles, deep holes, and large submerged wood. In addition, several old gravel pits are connected to the river anytime the river is even slightly above normal. These pits have lots of vegetation and thus provide some bass fishing challenges not normally associated with Missouri streams. Meneau has observed that, when these pits have been cut off from the river for an extended period of time, they tend to hold bountiful numbers of small bass. Conversely, when the pits and the river have been connected for an extended period of time, larger bass are the norm. If that's not enough structure for you, don't overlook the numerous bridge abutments in the St. Louis County portion of the river.

At "high normal" water flows and above, prop boats can be used on the lower Meramec if the boat operator exercises caution. Boaters who intend to make long distance runs should be prepared to push through a few riffles.

The Meramec's easy accessibility offers another way to go. There are boat ramps every three to ten river miles from near Pacific all the way the mouth of the river. The hassle of launching and re-launching aside, these ramps make it possible to fish dozens of the river's best holes without shoving boats through riffles. The MDC owns or controls at least eight boat ramps in Franklin, Jefferson, and St. Louis Counties. (See the Conservation Atlas or the MDC web site for more information.) In addition, the MDC has also provided funds and/or other assistance to numerous communities along the river for use to construct boat ramps and other facilities.