Courtois
River is a part of the MERAMEC RIVER watershed, click HERE to go to the MDC Meramec River pages
of watershed descriptions, features and statistics.
The cold, crystal clear waters of the Courtois
River offer some of the finest floating-fishing-swimming and natural environments.
The Courtois River channel is somewhat smaller and shallower than the Meramec,
and as water levels recede in mid to late summer even canoes may occasionally
drag bottom. But, there is still safe navigable passage, the water quality is
unsurpassed, and during times of excessive rains and high water the Courtois River
recedes to safe floating levels much faster than the Meramec and can provide an
enjoyable, comparable option at times that the Meramec is unfloatable. For those
who prefer a challenging, more exciting float, the Courtois during slightly or
moderately high water can most surely provide them with their needed adrenaline
fix. The Courtois River begins in
Iron county (to the east) of the Huzzah and runs a generally parallel (approx.
30 mile) course to its confluence with the Huzzah (just above Scotia). After the
merge, their combined flow takes a northwestern course for 1.5 miles before emptying
into the Meramec. The short run of the course of both of the Huzzah and Courtois
may at first imply an unlikelihood of high-order recreation potential, but in
reality these streams offer some of the finest fishing, floating, and swimming
fun that exists anywhere, and they should not be overlooked.
Go prepared, click HERE to get a Free Trip Planner
& Recorder! Includes: "Fill in the blanks" spaces for
trip info. Checklists for needed items/supplies. Names, locations and
contact info. of local area goods & services suppliers.