I was passing by the Platte river on my way to my favorite farm pond and it made me wonder. Anybody ever fish the Platte? According to Mo. Dept of Conservation there's a couple ramps there in Platte city right off i-29. I have a 16 ft jon boat with a 25 horse motor, is there enough water to run? Looks really snaggy might be good for flatheads channel cat and carp. at least according to the state. Eric
Eric, You will find lots of shallow spots, but except for really low water conditions it should be navigable in a small boat with a little bit of care. There is also a Missouri River access ramp on the Platte at Farley, and I've heard of some good fish being caught there in the lower few miles of the Platte, especially in the last half of May.
You can launch at Platte Falls, Interurban and Sharp Station Rd, Schimmel City in Farley, and I think there is one just north of Dearborn. I know some guys who run lines on the Platte and do quite well. I have fished it a couple times for channel cat in the summer and do pretty good. For the most part it doesn't get fished too hard. In the summer time it is hard to get from hole to hole as the riffles are too shallow. Some friends of mine keep talking about floating it with a canoe but never have done that.
I know they catch some big flatheads on there lines. All the channels I ever caught were just right for the fryer!
I fished the platt in that area many years ago and cought some good fish. I would like to fish it again but quite a ways from the house. Tom
Met some MDC people at Edgerton...they were setting hoop nets for a survey....lotsa flatheads was the word:wink:
Fished it quite a few times with a friend if you put in a Farley and head upstream you will find some rock bluffs with large bolders in the water we have taken MANY fish from that area. I have not personally caught anything HUGE but have heard of limb lines using 2lb carp and big bullhead catching 40+ flatheads. Also if you are going up river go SLOW I have seen a guy leave his lower unit on the riverbed hauling through there. Hope it helps.
I personally love the Platte. I have put my 14 ftv-bottom on it with a 9.5 evinrude many times. It does just fine, but hard to navigate when water is down. I have most luck with channels on dip or sponge bait - consistent action. I do not run lines. Just go slow and enjoy. hope this helps
