The Moreau River is a notable waterway in central Missouri, flowing through Cole, Miller, Moniteau, and Morgan counties. This 6th-order stream is formed by the confluence of North Moreau Creek and South Moreau Creek, which join approximately 4 miles north of Brazito in Cole County before emptying into the Missouri River near Jefferson City. The Moreau River watershed encompasses approximately 584 square miles and has an average gradient of 1.6 feet per mile. With an average discharge of 381 cubic feet per second, the river is characterized by slow-moving water in its lower reaches where it becomes more turbid with steep, silty banks. Upstream sections, particularly in the North and South Moreau creeks, feature clearer water with more gravel, cobble, and boulder substrates, offering diverse fishing opportunities throughout the system.