I read about these areas in the latest Missouri Game and Fish. Anyone on here native to these areas or fish them before? I'm thinking of making 2 day trips and want some insight on what you think before I drive 4-8 hours.

Seven Island - near East Prairie on the Kentucky line.

Meramec River between Pacific and Allenton (or anywhere else) - St. Louis area.

LaBella Lake - LaBella Missouri.

I've spent time fishing the lower Meramec from around Valley Park down to the confluence of the Mississippi.  The bass population is actually very healthy with fish up to 4-5 lbs present.  

Unfortunately, the river usually only has enough water in it for prop driven boats to run it from around April - the end of June.  The past couple years with the drought, not even then.  The problem isn't even the amount of water in the river basin itself but in finding decent launch ramps when the water is low.  A jet drive would really open up your range of opportunities and allow you to run the full length of the river all the way up to Pacific and further upstream.

Hey cart,

How would I find out where the water level is if I decide to make the trip? Do you know of any shops around there that I could call beforehand?

Denny Dennis sporting goods, located right on the river in Fenton.

636-343-9447

the river as of this morning, when I drove over it on the way to work was running a little below flood stage and muddy.  

The Meramac river is flooded now. You can find out the water levels on http://mo.water.usgs.gov  It is an awesome resource all stream fishman should be aware of. Also I would not fish the Meramac in that area. I would target the some of the Smallmouth Trophy areas further upstream. The largemouth population is very healthy like cart said. You will have the opportunity of landing many fishing around 15". Bring a few packs of Zoom Trick worms and the action can be fast and furious.  I am not sure how the fishing will be impacted this year becasue of the flooding. Things are a mess right now.

If I had to choose between fishing the Meramac and LeBelle there is no question that I would choose Lebelle. I have fished Lebelle. Besides the bass fishing but the Bullgill/Crappie fishing there is outstanding. There are some quality fish in that lake and there are several other lakes in that area where you can pick up some quality fish (Severs Lake comes to mind).

LeBelle is much futher north and I am not sure what direction you are coming from. I do like getting away from hte city.