Fished below town in the morning. Had lunch at Festus Jacks's in downtown Crane. The food is worth a drive to Crane. Delicious. Then Harps fished above town after lunch and I chased him around with a camera until the batteries died in the camera and the sun. We did get to witness a nice hatch and saw tons of fish rising to them but were unsuccesful in getting a take. While there was an occasional mafly that came off, most were little midges that we just didn't have anything small enough to match. 

Still lots of good fish in the creek but man we need some rain. Fished 3 days this week in all different places and everywhere could use some rain. 

In the months of March and April I spent a lot of time on Crane Creek. On the upper, on the lower, on public water, on private water, I have been all over that creek. Most days I had someone fishing with me, and a few days it was just me and a bunch of cameras. I myself, in the 8 days I spent on the creek, only made a handful of casts. Most days I never carried a rod. 

This is not a regular fishing video. We aren't showing any techniques. We aren't proving nor disproving any legends about the McCloud Redband Rainbow. And while there is discussion on the legends, we don't shed any new light on those stories. And we sure as hell aren't selling anything. This is truly, the pursuit of a legend and some good times amongst friends.

With my health issues, I was extremely happy 😊.  

I see the Galena gage on the James is crazy high, so don't know if that means similar conditions ?

Many Thanks

Try some fly fishing at Crane Creek in winter when there are far less snakes out and about. 

When - Wednesday February 16th

Where - Crane Creek

Meet at Dollar General at 6am. Rain or shine.

Hopefully there is enough water to be found on Crane Creek - I will scout it out a few days before to make 100% sure.

If you plan to be there, sign up below.

Questions ? 

Links - 

Map PDF file - https://mdc.mo.gov/sites/default/files/2020-10/CraneCreek.pdf

Special Regulations Apply - https://mdc.mo.gov/fishing/regulations/special-waterbody-regulations/crane-creek

2017 Springfield NewsLeader Story - https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/local/ozarks/2017/11/02/rare-mccloud-rainbows-crane-creek-get-unusual-ally-new-bridge/727448001/

Or click the link below to download a pdf file.

crane_printable_map.pdf

dan 

My buddy and I were chasing sea monsters on Taney this weekend and the crowds in the morning were crazy with the water being off.  We woke up in the car after a quick nap yesterday and I called the audible to make the hour drive to Crane.  

On the way I texted a trusted source of knowledge here @trythisonemv and anxiously awaited he respond to my text!  I prayed he was awake and could help us two noobs on where to start.  He responded and we were all set.

We arrived to a locked bathroom and my buddies coffee kicking in lol, after a slight detour we parked around 9am and grudgingly started the process of wadering up.   I say grudgingly as at this point I think we had maybe 3 to 4 hours sleep in the past 3 days and it was well over 95 degrees and humid. 

After a 1/2 mile trek in the sun and heat us fat kids were sweaty so it was awesome to be greeted with a shady creek and cool water that was teeming with life. 

After struggling to find fish in 2 of the other blue ribbon streams it was great to see so many trout so quickly.

It didn't take us long and we both had our first fish landed.  They weren't huge but they were hardy and fought good. 

Robs 2nd fish was a 14in that took him for a ride.  All the fish we caught fought harder than any other trout their equal.  They just had a fire in them that day I guess,  but it was great fun. 

After about 3 hours and over 5 a piece for both of us we decided to end this little side adventure.  I was stoked with the catching,  and also crossing #7 off my list. 

#7 is right up there as my top favorite currently.  Wish it was closer and also wish I'd visited sooner. 

A beautiful March day on Crane Creek.

Milo

C&R season at Roaring River State Park starts up on November 8th.