Osage Fork of the Gasconade River

Goggle-eye and smallmouth bass are the most sought-after fish on the Osage Fork. Anglers should take note that there is a Smallmouth Bass Special Management Area on the Osage Fork of the Gasconade River, from Skyline Drive Bridge (in Laclede County near Orla) to its confluence with the Gasconade River. Goggle-eye are often found around boulders and rootwads near submerged aquatic vegetation or stands of water willow along the shoreline.  The most recent fish surveys show good numbers of goggle-eye, the majority are in the 7-9-inch range, with about 70 percent of the population greater than the statewide minimum length limit of 7 inches and about 30 percent over 8 inches. Smallmouth bass are usually found near rootwads and boulders that are close to fast current. Anglers can expect good smallmouth bass fishing in 2024, with good numbers in the 12-15-inch range. Approximately 20 percent of the smallmouth bass population is greater than 12 inches and more than 10 percent are greater than 15 inches. Preferred artificial baits include crayfish-colored crankbaits, soft plastic jigs and worms fished around logs and boulders. Live bait (crayfish and worms) also work well. When using live bait, care should be taken to not introduce minnows and crayfish from other stream systems. Introductions of minnows and crayfish from different stream systems may upset the ecological balance of the Osage Fork. Largemouth bass are present in the slower flowing water, especially around stands of vegetation. Plastic worms fished Texas-style work well for largemouth bass. Flathead and channel catfish can be caught using limb lines, set lines and trotlines in the deeper pools. Live sunfish usually work best for flathead catfish; nightcrawlers, chicken liver and stinkbaits are good for channel catfish. Longear sunfish provide plenty of action for the whole family. They are especially fun for beginning anglers because of their willingness, under almost all conditions, to take very small artificial lures or a hook baited with a worm or cricket. For giggers willing to brave the cold, the Osage Fork clears up by late-November, and there are plenty of suckers to provide good action.