Dirtworm

As for where the stream is, it does indeed feed into the Mississippi - somewhere near Imperial, MO. I was fishing about 3 or 4 miles upstream. I live close to Saline, I will have to give that a try. Is it possible to catch the spawning adults in the spring in these creeks?

Very interesting, Al. I knew that fish had a story. As always, thanks for the insight. You are also correct about the photo quality. Working on my one-handed camera phone operation.

Took my 4 year old fishing in a local creek on Sunday, and we had a blast. I am starting to think there are more opportunities in these small suburban creeks than one might think. It works for my son and me anyway, when the goal is to catch lots of fish, regardless of size. It was also nice to catch a variety of fish. Large mouth bass, lots of green sunfish, longears, and ... a walleye? I think thats what it is. A little guy but fun to catch one anyway.

Waded the river today at Cedar Hill Park. Not much happening, nice stretch of river but not real good for wading. I caught one little pumpkinseed and hooked something "bassy" that spit the hook before I landed him. I will have to come back with a canoe and a wider lure selection. And I will be back!

By the way, Amen to Discgolf

So I guess my bright yellow jacket, my sight fishing from the top of the bank for the first hour of daylight, and my sloshing through the deep pools until I had to either swim or head back to the bank weren't helping me catch fish? I will dedicate my first small mouth to Fishincricket, al agnew, stlfisher, junkman, jackhollister and outsidebend. I will have to pick up a few teeny craws and soft plastics. It is nice to know that lure selection doesn't mean as much, and I can tame the wardrobe easily enough. Hoping to post that first smallie picture soon!

Thanks again gentleman. You being so generous with information is a big help, and I am humbled. You are all good for the sport.

I am not familiar with the term "weight-forward floating line." Is that a special variation of floating line?

Thanks for the advice. Now I am on the hunt for a rod. Interesting idea, junkman, about the thumb cast. That might be a great way to get my son into fly fishing. Meanwhile, I will be found casting flies around in my backyard trying not to hook my neighbours dogs. Hmmm... bet they would put up a nice fight, though... Would anyone recommend a fly shop here in St. Louis? I need to start learning about flies, presentation, tying, etc. Truthfully, the line between want and need has been a bit blurred lately.

Hmmmm... Goggle Eye, well its my first Goggle eye as well. Still looking for that smallie I guess. I am using a small spin cast rod currently, a fly rod is in my future. I am inexperienced there but trying to learn. I imagine my propensity for fishing the smaller rivers and creeks around here and the fact that I am not too picky about the size of fish I am hunting makes a lighter weight rod a good choice, but I haven't yet figured out how different length rods will fish. Consider any unsolicited advice hereby solicited. When I look to buy my first fly rod, keeping in mind my main goal is to catch lots of fish and I am not after trophies (just fun for me and my 4 year old), what should I think about? Its great to interact on a forum like this. Thanks for all your well-wishes and encouragement.

Yesterday I caught my first small mouth bass. I have a feeling I will be back for more. Whats not to love about a fish that lives in such beautiful Ozark streams? I started out in Walther Park in DeSoto, right as the sun came up. There is a nice little pool at the east end, and a few others scattered about. Mostly the creek ran pretty shallow through there but it was overall clean and pretty. There seemed to be a fair amount of bass around but they were being lazy at first light, scarce later on. I suppose if you have the right lure or fly you can get them riled up. Spending Labor Day rubbing your hands together, dodging low-flying ducks, and stalking a cool little stream is hard to improve upon. In case you are interested, I had the most luck on a little green and yellow fly fished fairly deep under a bobber (just can't bring myself to call them strike indicators yet, its like calling a janitor a sanitation engineer).