Fishing Meramec Springs~What to use?

Question

We went fishing in Meramec Springs for trout, We arrived around 4:30 until 7:30, No luck. We also went fishing on the meramec around Sullivan under one of the highway bridges, Water was 5ft deep at the highest from 8AM-3PM, A few bass and panfish but that was it, many floaters.

This was our first time fishing on the meramec, and in the meramec springs which we heard was great fishing, Many trout but not biting.

We were using trout/panfish worms and some spinners, salmon eggs...none of it worked.

We are likely going they're again in the next week and am curious what kind of bait to use this time, We noticed some people using these Pink artificial worms that were working, but we don't know were to get them.

Were using reel rods, not fly fishing.

So need some suggestions of what bait and or lures work.

Thanks.

Answer 1

I never liked Meramec Springs much anyway and they made it worse 5 years ago with all those points on it.

I always had the best luck just upstream from the bridge out of the park at Meramec. I don't know how that hole looks anymore as I haven't been there in years (and I have no intention of going back).

Personally I'd make the extra 45 minute trip and drive to Montauk State Park (stay in l*****g or Salem unless Reeds Cabin has some openings). There's less people and much better fishing (especially in the fly waters). Bennett Springs in Lebonan (sp) is also fine fishing.

Those two areas are much more restricted and you have to watch what zones you are fishing in. For example you might be able to use a treble hook roostertail in one area and only a single hook in the other.

Montauk has the better bait fishing (hole by the cemetary) and Bennet's bait area is a complete waste of time. The fly zone is EXCELLANT at Bennet and pretty darn good at Montauk.

I used to catch trout at Meramec Springs and Montauk by jigging "cheese worms". They are skinny worms about 2" long. I'd just put a big salmon egg hook right in the middle and slowly jig/reel it.

Rooster Tails work well in a bumble bee design. Meramec is pretty narrow so I'm not sure I'd use them.

But for bait fishing the best is Berkley Power Eggs (orange and pink are probably the best).

Get 1/8 or 1/4oz weight, swivel, 1 1/2 to 2' of 2lb liter, and a salmon egg hook. Put two of the eggs on.

They will swallow it though so mortality is high.

2 pound test is the key in everything you use.