Cassville (C74)

If you are looking for a rustic fishing getaway, the Eagles Roost Resort might be just the place. The resort is located adjacent to the Cassville Airport. The airport has parking areas at either end of the airport. The resort is located on the West side of the airport. I did not see any tiedowns on this side of the airport. So you might consider pushing your plane into the grass and securing it with stakes/ropes.

In December of 1994, the US Fish and Wildlife Service reported that Cassville has the greatest concentration of bald eagles in the lower forty-eight states. All those eagles are feeding on the plentiful fish in the Mississippi river, which runs along the West side of town. You can fish for sauger, walleye, large/small mouth bass, catfish, bluegill, crappie, bullhead, and drum.

The Eagles Roost Resort ( www.theeaglesroost.com ; 608-725-5553) offers both cabins and rooms in a motel. Either can hold up to four people. There are a few places to eat the area, but you can also cook your own food in the cabins. A fishing boat can be rented daily (call ahead to reserve), but you should bring your own tackle. Live bait can be purchased on-site.

The resort is more rustic than some other destinations. It is a good fit for a trip where everyone wants to try their hand at fishing and doesn't worry too much about amenities.