Fall Fishing With the Family Around St. Louis
For me and Mary Beth, a family fishing trip means me, my wife and our dog Brio piling into the truck. Some of my favorite days on the water are the ones where nobody is keeping score and everybody comes home happy.
Fall is the best time of year to get the whole family out. The heat is gone, the bugs back off, the trees along the river bluffs turn colors and the catfish are hungry. Whether you're bringing kids, grandparents or your spouse who "just wants to sit and read," here's how to make the day a good one.
Pick an easy spot
For a family trip, the best spot is the one with parking close by, flat ground and a bathroom. Save the hike down a muddy river bank for a guys' trip. A few good options:
- Lakes and ponds. Calm water is easier for beginners and safer for little ones. Creve Coeur Lake, the lakes at August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area and the lakes in St. Charles County parks are all good picks.
- A boat ramp access with a little bank. Spots like Blanchette Landing in St. Charles have parking, restrooms and room to spread out.
- Somewhere with a playground or trail nearby. When the bite slows down, the kids have something else to do.
Fish when it's warm
Fall mornings can be chilly. For a family trip, I'd aim for late morning through the afternoon, when it's warmed up and the fish are biting. You'll have a lot more fun with kids who aren't cold and cranky.
Keep the gear simple
- Bring one easy rod and reel per kid. Spincast or spinning setups are the easiest for beginners.
- Set up a basic bottom rig with a small chunk of fresh shad. Channel catfish love it and bite often, which keeps kids interested.
- Use a rod holder. Kids can play nearby and come running when the rod tip starts bouncing.
- Have the adults handle the hooks and the knife. Give the kids the fun jobs.
Give everybody a job
Kids stay into it when they're part of the crew. Let one be in charge of watching the rod tip, one handle the net and one take pictures. Let them reel in the fish themselves, even if it takes a minute. That first fish they bring in on their own is the one they'll remember.
Pack like you're feeding an army
- Snacks, and then more snacks. A hungry kid will end a fishing trip faster than a thunderstorm.
- Water, hot chocolate or coffee in a thermos.
- Layers, a blanket or two and camp chairs.
- Hand wipes and paper towels. Shad is messy, and so are kids.
- A small first aid kit.
Safety first
- Put kids in a life jacket on the boat, and near fast water on the bank. The Missouri and Mississippi rivers move fast, and fall water is cooler.
- Keep an eye on hooks when someone is casting. Teach kids to look behind them before they cast.
- In Missouri, anglers ages 16 to 64 need a fishing permit. Kids under 16 can fish without one. Check current rules with the Missouri Department of Conservation before you go.
Know when to call it
Keep the first trip short. Two or three hours is plenty. It's better to leave while everybody is still having fun so they want to come back. Snap a picture before you pack up, and tag it #319bait on Instagram. We may feature your family on our site.
Skip the bait hunt
Chasing bait with a cast net is a fun morning for me. With kids in tow, it eats up the part of the day when they have the most patience. Have the bait ready to go before you get there. Call 319 Bait at 314-600-8061 at least 24 to 36 hours ahead, and I'll meet you at a public boat ramp, marina or pick-up spot in St. Charles or St. Louis County. Fresh dead shad runs $3 each. Orders have a $50 minimum, and orders of $100 or more get 10% off plus free delivery.
Bringing the dog along too? Read my post on fishing with your dog and keeping them safe. Not sure what the kids caught? Here's how to tell a blue catfish from a channel catfish.
Watch the action
Our version of a family fishing trip, in under a minute.
Tight Lines!