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I used to think that way also until I read a report (sorry don't have the link anymore) that found that due to slow growth rates of those small creeks, any fish that made it to 18 inches is at the end of its life cycle and probably wouldn't make it through the rest of the season. So...the report concludes that it better to harvest the fish for consumption. I would never keep one for personal reasons (keeping the fish fresh back to St. Louis), but I no longer have a problem with someone else doing it.

I believe that if someone interferes or harrasses with a person fishing within the banks of a stream or river that has been accessed by way of a public boat launch put in by the Missouri Department of Conservation, then the harrasser/interferer should be punished to the fullest extent of the law. The state of Missouri has laws in place to keep this from happening and yet it still happens all the time. The only way to stop this type of harrassment and intimidation is to punish the law breakers. This stream, Shoal Creek, has obviously been deemed navigatable by someone in the higher powers of the states government, or the MDC would not have put a public boat launch on the stream in order for the public to navigate it. I, Michael L. Donaldson, a non-resident, but a paying customer of outdoor services in the state of Missouri, demand that something be done in order to correct this wrong doing and to insure that it does not happen again.

I sort of agree. This is a personal opinion, but I love "zone" fishing, and I fish in different types of zones with different gear. I think different strokes for different folks and zones keep one approach from ruining another. I am rooting for the "Gold Ribbon" areas, and my biggest bitch is...why is there no catch and release zone at Bennett Springs? The perfect location would be below the first waterfall through the first or second handicap ramp. I can just image some big old browns and rainbows in that washout below the falls. Just my two cents.

Gents, I've been following this and now I'm confused. One, everyone keeps referring to the high water mark, but one the posts the Chief listed clearly states that ownership goes to the low water mark: The Missouri Department of Conservation's legal counsel indicates that the law is clear that, in Missouri, title to the beds of navigable streams is in the State, and the riparian property owners own title to the shore of the navigable stream down to the low water mark. Sorry, to me that sounds like you have to stay in the water or on a gravel bed not directly connected to land unless something was in the stream unless... portaging around difficult water or obstructions. I guess one question is a gravel bed considered part of the "bank". So if you were out of the boats on the bank you (or anyone) are trespassing right?

It can be hard to get the 12 pound test through a size 24 fly or catch a wild trout in dead calm, gin clear, 3 foot of water on a 3X (8lb) tippet. Don't have to worry about tiring out fish you don't catch. My point is sometimes (not often) 7x tippet is called for. With that said, some people say the same about me and using live worms to fish with. I have a system where I use a lift to drift a tight line through a hole. I might gut hook one out of 30 fish. I either cut the line and donate the hook or take them home. Either way, nothing is hurt.

LMAO

I'm one to use barbless hooks, but that is because I hate untangling barbed and trebles from my net. If it isn't against the rules for that stretch of water, I'm cool with it...specially if you taking them home.

I really need a "big blue gill" pond. I just can't find one. All the ponds I have access to are not managed and have stunted growth. Anyone in the Scott AFB area who has one and will let me fish drop me a PM. If the blue gill are big, that's all I fish for...remember a managed pond needs to pull out four pounds of blue gill for every pound of bass. I'm respectful, pick up trash, shut the gates, and willing to put some sweat equity in a good hole.

Wanted to make it down to Blue Springs Creek, but couldn't. So, took the wife and kid to a small farm pond to small for the crappie in it. Ended up bringing 20 to the boat and took 15 home for some small fillets. The biggest fish was about 8 or 9 inches. Yellow seemed to be the color of the day.

I agree...thanks

Your right about that. I made this one at the end of a run while waiting for my daughter at gymnastics. Only had time to tie one before it was time to go.

Great fish TC...when r you going to take me along.

Thanks for all the inputs. I tried a little bit of everything. In the end I caught a dozen plus crappie and a couple of blue gills on a simple minnow fly made out of micro-flash tied in at the head of the hook and folded over on itself with some silver tinsel and a single line of red tinsel down the middle. I would cast it out and pop it back a couple times then cast it out again. I caught fish right up until I lost the fly. Guess I'll have to make some more. Thanks Again...

Trout Commander, I'll give the Hare's Ear CDC a try. Let ya know how it works.

I'm going to take the fly rod out for the first time on a farm pond. I wanted to work on my casting. Anyone got any good flies and/or techniques?

Thanks...since Christmas.

Thanks. I can't wait to try it out. I'm also thinking about tying it on a size 8 with a beadhead for bluegill. I think it would catch one or two over the beds during the spawn.

Well I gave it a try with a CDC Golden Hare's Ear Wet. I don't know if it will work but it looks fishy. Hook: Dai-Riki #60 Size 12 Thread: 8/0 Carmel Tail: Hare's Guard Hair Ribbing: Uni-Mylar #16 Gold Body and Thorax: Chocolate Brown Hare's Ear Plus (Hareline Dubbing, Inc) Hackle: Ginger CDC (tied in tip first)

Thanks, - Do you tie them in at the tip or the shaft? - Do you have any favorite color combinations/recipes?

Has anyone used CDC feathers for wet flies?

Isn't that pay for access trout park near Columbia...sorry the name slips my mind.

That's awesome....can you say fishing partner.

Signed..."That Sucks More"

Nope...ended up on the Meramec instead do logistics with the family. I still want to make it down in the spring while the flow is good.

If you two ever break up, let the forum know. I'm sure someone can use a girl like that:in-love: On a serious note, welcome.