Gasconade River (Phelps/Pulaski County)

Anglers fishing for Smallmouth bass in the Gasconade River's special management area, in Phelps and Pulaski counties report good fishing year-round, but especially in the winter months. Smallmouth bass from 11-15 inches are more abundant in this section than upstream or downstream areas. Historically, this section of river has had a strong smallmouth population, but the effects of continued flooding since 2011 is being noticed. Fall 2025 samples indicated a continued decrease in the adult population of smallmouth bass, both in size and number, and angler reports during 2020 thru 2022 supported this. A variety of baits can be effective, but anglers using larger crayfish imitations or shallow running crankbaits may have the most success. Large Smallmouth bass can be found in deep areas of the river, below riffles. Anglers can utilize the new Jerome access in this portion of the Gasconade, just off of the Route D bridge. The site features a concrete boat ramp, ADA and gravel parking, and bank access to the Gasconade River and Little Piney Creek, and has already been tested and passed exceptionally with November 2024 flooding. 

The Largemouth bass population within this section has shown some decline in numbers over the past decade. Largemouth bass prefer the slow waters of large pools and backwaters.  Frequent flooding may be altering or removing this preferred habitat and causing a negative effect on the population. Fish over 18 inches and 3 pounds are still common throughout the reach, however. Fish the side channels and slow water to find them consistently. Angler reports indicate an increase in Spotted/Kentucky bass in this portion of the river and our sampling suggests this as well.  Sampling numbers have come down from a peak in 2020 but are still about what they were 10 years ago. This trend will hopefully reverse should we experience less catastrophic flooding. Anglers are encouraged to harvest any legal-sized Spotted bass they catch. Spotted bass are consistently growing to 12 inches and spotted bass up to 15 inches can be caught.

Fishing pressure for Rock bass/goggle-eye is consistent throughout the area for most of the year. The recent frequent flooding has negatively impacted spawning success of the Rock bass population, which is dominated by only larger adults. Fall 2023 sampling showed most fish were between 5 to 8 inches, with some reaching 9 inches, and Fall 2025 sampling is being evaluated now. Vegetation recovery in pools is still in progress but having a positive impact on the rock bass population.

Anglers fishing for Channel catfish can expect to catch high numbers of fish with specimens larger than 20 inches occurring on a regular basis, as well as the opportunity for fish even larger. Channel catfish are continually found in rootwads associated with good flow during the day and in pools downstream of these areas at night, searching for food. Bluegill, Redear sunfish, Walleye and Flathead catfish can all be found in this area as well. Try for crappie in deep, slow areas and you could be surprised. The Gasconade River throughout its middle portion can produce wonderful days on the water, and you never know what fish you may pull into the boat.