DNR
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The Big River offers fishermen opportunities to catch a wide variety of fish, from catfish and crappie to large and smallmouth bass. The portion of the Big River that extends from the Hwy. 21 bridge to the Meramec River has been designated by the Missouri Department of Conservation as a Smallmouth Bass Special Management Area. Special regulations of length and possession limits apply to smallmouth bass in this area.
The swimming pool is open for the 2009 season as follows:
| July 24 through July 26 | 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. Friday-Sunday |
| July 30 through Aug. 16 | 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. Thursday-Sunday |
| Aug. 22 through Sept. 7 | 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday |
Washington State Park contains several picnic areas located throughout the park.
There are three open shelters available for use. They can be reserved for $30 each per day, and are located in the main day-use area, across from the petroglyph site, and at the overlook. The gazebo, overlooking the Big River, can be reserved for $25 per day. If not reserved, the shelters are available at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis.
There are three playgrounds within the park -- at the swimming pool, in the campground and near the shelter at the Big River day-use area.
