The smallmouth bass is native to and a part of Missouri. They can be caught readily in their gorgeous natural surroundings and are fantastic sport fish to be pursued. Smallies are aggressive, athletic, and known for their exceptional leaping ability. Both fly and conventional anglers love them and while you can catch smallmouth in lakes and reservoirs, the wild stream smallmouth experience is set apart.

“Venku Scout Patrick is one such fisherman. He is a Certified Financial Planner™ who, like many, found that responsibilities at work and home prevented him from being able to travel and fish as often as he'd like. His passion for fly-fishing was reignited after being introduced to 'trash fish'. “

"My amazing wife let me fish all day to celebrate three years of sobriety. Three years ago I couldn't have tied a fly to save my life, my hands shook so badly. Tying has been a big part of my recovery from years of abusing my body with alcohol and drugs. I highly recommend tying as a form of therapy to anyone in a similar situation.”

Some have asked me why this blog is called River King Fishing and the answer is essentially “our why”. I don’t claim to be the king of any river but instead advocate for others to open their mind a bit and pursue overlooked species in overlooked locations so they can essentially own their local river, stream, creek, lake, or pond.”

You are free to turn up your nose or plug it altogether if you won’t fish the River Des Peres but it’s your loss. There are a wide variety of species and in good numbers in select parts of this body of water. You may get some crazy looks but you’ll also find some adventure. This area is not unique to St. Louis by any means. Get out and explore your local waterways. Many teem with fishing opportunities to be enjoyed for those “seeing with new eyes”.