GASCONADE RIVER

The area surrounding the river reminded the 18^th-century French trappers of their home in Gascone, France. One of the top streams in Missouri for producing big smallmouth bass, the Gasconade makes for a great day on the river.

Smallmouth bass are usually found around fallen logs and boulders. Plastic worms on a Texas-style rig work well for largemouth bass, which make up about 50% of the black bass population and prefer slower moving water, especially around stands of vegetation. Flatheads can be caught using small, live sunfish, while channel catfish prefer nightcrawlers, chicken liver, and stink bait.

Access Area:

• Gasconade Hill — 10 Miles south of Dixon on Highway 28, then west on Country Road 28-462.
• Hazelgreen River — I-44 Exit 145, then west on South Outer Road to Gasconade River.
• Mitschele Access — 5 miles south of Richland on Highway 7.
• Riddle Bridge — Highway Y north of I-44 at the Gasconade River.
• Sclicht Springs — Highway 17 north from Waynesville to Highway 133, then west a mile. Follow signage.

Big Piney River

The Big Piney River is named for the pine trees that grew along its banks. Trees were cut into lumber, floated to the Gasconade River, and eventually into St. Louis. This is a strikingly beautiful river, so you will not want to leave your camera at home.

The Big Piney is hailed as one of the best smallmouth streams in the Ozarks. Slower moving pockets in the river allow for deep-diving lures, spinners, and traditional Texas Rigs. Thanks to its wide banks, fly fishermen also feel right at home floating down the scenic waters. If there was one “catch all” river in the area, Big Piney might just be it.

Note: A portion of the river does cross into Fort Leonard Wood. See Fort Leonard Wood Isportsman for additional information.

Access Area:

• Pineyland River Access Point — 21400 Tidal Road, Saint Robert (paid access).
• Ross River — 2.5 miles west of Duke on County Road TT-82-0N.

Roubidoux Creek and Trout Fishing

Named after French trapper Joseph Roubidoux, this waterway flows up through the south-central part of the county and empties into the Gasconade River several miles north of Waynesville. Home to the Roubidoux Fly Fishers Association, the Roubidoux Creek is a trout angler’s dream.

The Roubidoux White Ribbon Trout area is a popular spot for anglers to catch their limit. Fishing opportunities abound from many sections of this waterway. Wet your line from the Roubidoux Spring to the confluence with the Gasconade River. Be sure to check out several of the sections for shore access and wade or float your way along this beautiful  stream. Fishing in the the Spring, from the accessible fishing pad or at many other Roubidoux sections offers great fishing access for your catch. Once you've caught your limit start planning your next trout adventure!

Roubidoux Spring is also home to an underwater spring cave, a popular site for cave diving and cavern diving. An average 37 million gallons of water flows from the spring per day. Roubidoux Spring Cave is one of the few places in the state where scuba spring diving is routinely allowed to qualified and certified cavern or cave divers.

All divers must register at the Waynesville Police Department for permission before entering the spring cave.

Stone Mill Spring is a smaller trout stream located on Fort Leonard Wood with accessible fishing that is another trout fishing option. Be sure to visit Fort Leonard Wood Isportsman for post access, fishing information and permit requirements.

Access Area:

• Laughlin/Roubidoux — Highway 17 or Historic Route 66 E. at Laughlin Park.
• Roubidoux Access — Highway 17 south of the steel bridge, 1 mile north of Waynesville.