Gasconade

Anglers are provided a multitude of sport fishing opportunities as the Gasconade River changes character from an Ozark headwater stream system to a large river system. The Gasconade River is the largest unimpounded stream in Missouri. Black bass, buffalo, crappie, channel and flathead catfish, drum, rock bass, redhorse, suckers, sauger, and walleye can all be found in various reaches of the Gasconade River. In addition, trout can be caught in a number of spring branches and spring fed streams within the Gasconade River watershed.

Smallmouth bass became more abundant farther upstream, though some very large smallmouth were found in the lower river. Spotted bass were most abundant on the lower end of river and are virtually absent above Jerome. Largemouth bass are found throughout the Gasconade, though not necessarily in great numbers.

Rock bass (goggle-eye) are found throughout the Gasconade River watershed. This secretive fish can be found in association with cover. They are at home in the large holes with boulders, rootwads, and aquatic vegetation. Most rock bass are  7 inches long, though fish catches contain an occasional 8-inch or larger rock bass. Rock bass numbers tend to increase upstream on the Gasconade River, while rock bass size tends to increase downstream.

Sauger have been collected as far upstream as the Jerome Access. However, they were most abundant in the lower Gasconade River near the Missouri River. Catch has declined in recent years. Walleye are found throughout the river and have been caught as far downstream as the First Creek confluence. There are a number of good walleye spawning areas throughout the river and they do not remain in those areas for an extended period of time. Spawning riffles are widely spaced and are not necessarily used annually. Most Gasconade River walleye and sauger are caught on crankbaits while fishing for other species. The 15-inch minimum length limit should show some improvement, if excessive harvest has been responsible for the recent decline in the quality of this fishery.

The Gasconade River supports an excellent catfish fishing. Popular catfish fishing methods are still fishing, limb lining, and trot lining. Channel catfish were the most abundant catfish in the river. Flathead catfish are also present. Catfish have been collected while targeting other sport fish.

The Gasconade River is also home to numerous redhorse and other suckers.

Special Management Areas

A Special Research Area (Gasconade River from Highway Y in Pulaski County to Highway D in Phelps County) was established with a 18-inch smallmouth bass length limit in 1994. The numbers of smallmouth bass  18 inches have not increased dramatically, though the numbers of 12 to 15-inch smallmouth bass have increased. Growth slows dramatically as smallmouth age and an  18-inch smallmouth is seven to nine years old. A creel study has been conducted by the MDC . Rock bass numbers have fluctuated during the study. The average harvested size of rock bass is about seven inches.

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