Bourbeuse River

[alaskaguy]

Bourbeuse River
Main Species Present: Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Spotted Bass,
Channel Catfish, Sunfish, Suckerfish, and Rock Bass

The Bourbeuse River that courses through Franklin County is probably
the most underrated smallmouth bass stream in Missouri, maybe even the
Midwest. Trophy fish in the eighteen inch range are not at all
uncommon, and smallmouth numbers are exceptionally high upstream of
Union. You’ll find good numbers of smallies in the entire river, even
near the mouth at the Meramec River. However, spotted bass and
largemouth tend to out compete smallmouth below Noser Mill, which is
located. few miles downstream of Union. Below this point, spotted bass
make up the lion’s share of the catch, but smallmouth and largemouth
can also be found. The most Smallmouth bass tend to be found in fast
moving pools and riffles in this marginal habitat. Don’t overlook the
deep, slow, pools which are so common either. While they hold fewer
bass, these are the places to find trophy largemouth and spotted bass.
The river also holds plenty of catfish, except near the mouths of cold
springs. Of course you also find rock bass, sunfish, and more suckers
than you can count. The river has plenty of access, and bank fishing
as well as float fishing are productive.