Planning a trip to the Gasconade River (May or June 2015)

Howdy CDC'ers... I dropped a little kernel to the kiddo the other day that the Gasconade River is the finest fishing river (at least for Smallies) around these parts. I'm kinda early in the process but am looking for ideas. Does anyone have a favorite place to stay down there. From everything I've been reading, Pulaski is the prime area with the best bite. I've got a pop-up camper, but hauling it + the gas $, it might just be better for us to tent camp or rent a cabin down there. The boy LOVES keeping + filleting some fish so we might try for Goggle-eye also. Basically we're open to any ideas. The only thing that is for sure is the fact that I have the fishing gear needed (AND the Beer... For me. Juice boxes for him). Side note... anybody that I can hire to keep an eye on the wife and daughter to make sure they don't go shopping everyday while we're gone, would be much appreciated :) Looking forward to hearing from ya! ~ Zac

if you're planning on using a boat, make sure you have a jet pump. prop boats won't get very far from the ramp because of the shallow rocky areas. another good way to do it is to float down the river with a canoe or kayak.

Yep you will need a jet to travel far. But that doesn't mean you can go everywhere. You still need to careful. Logs and big rocks don't care if you have prop or jet.

I think we'll just be renting a canoe. Seems to be the easiest.

Yep canoe would be good.

Several of the river people here like boiling springs, rv sites, camping, boat ramp etc.

Isn't boiling springs on big piney river?

Yes it is. Just threw it out there as an option, place to stay.

Right on... the kiddo will be 8 when we go, so I might be piloting this canoe "solo". Is the Big Piney a little easier to float and fish? I've heard the Gasconade is more technical when it comes to the floating part. As long as I can put the kiddo on some good fighting smallies, I'll be happy! I know that smallies are managed on all of these rivers, BUT the kiddo is in to keeping a few for dinner. Goggle-Eyes can be kept, right? I may have to switch over and fish for a few of those as well.

It all depends on our spring weather rain will get them rivers out of wack quickly. I know some of the rivers have length restrictions on both species and it varies with where you are at. The MDC fishing site explains it pretty well. Most of the resort areas on the Gasconade around here that were open when I moved here have shut down. The ones that are still open seem to be primitive camping and may or may not have a boat ramp. Good Luck on your search.