pruett417

Well, the skin is tore off my stripping fingers, got a case of the "claw hand", man I love this dung! Spent the day chucking the biggest flies yet on sink tip and I'm feeling it today. We braved torrential downpours yesterday, 25-30 MPH winds, and 3 foot waves. All in all we seen no less than a dozen fish and that's conservative! Had 3 follows, one was a darn "trainwreck", a BIG (40 incher) exploded on a fly not more than 20 feet from the boat, only to miss the fly completely then ended up at the boat looking for it, a definite "Holy dung' moment. We rallied late after braving the wind and rain, ending up with drizzly calm conditions, but at that point our trolling motor was toast and couldn't slip around like we wanted to. Lot's of fish on the flats this evening, and the fish were shallow early. Once again we put out a helluva effort but couldn't get one in the boat today......

Back at it this weekend, with a new arsenal of flies including this articulated "Hang Time". Looks like some more challenging weather, but we will chucking and ducking none the less. Here is a few more of the offerings I've tied up in the last couple of days.

These things move a lot of water, and you're right crazy movement. I actually contacted the guys up at Musky Country Outfitters this evening, talked to B. Porter and I'm getting some of their Primo bucktail and some badass saddle in the next week or so. I'm stepping it up to the next level, the stuff I've been finding is sorta subpar for these huge flies but that's about to change. I'm pretty stoked. The weather is looking pretty good for Friday and Saturday, it's gonna be time to get out there. It's hard to say when this train is gonna end, one way or another we are gonna figure out the fly bite. There are very of few of us doing it, so there is plenty of room.

Brad Bohen's "Hang Time's".........begging to get wet!

Definitely a challenging day, high pressure was large and in charge....pretty confident the fish had moved out of the stumps and off the flats. Branden hooked up with something solid (this time not a log, lol) around 8:00 am off the edge of the one particular flat that produced so well yesterday and deeper water but the fish came off. After that things continually progressed downhill. Hit a lot of promising spots, and made cast after hopeful cast with no signs of life, today it was a ghost town. We continued to rally late in the game only to walk away with achy arms and backs and I had a serious case of "claw hand" lol. All in all just mildly beaten and making a game plan for our next time. The forecast is looking promising later in the week, so we will be back at it bright eyed and bushy tailed. Closing out the first week in October without a boated fish just makes you wanna try harder next time and with lots of GOOD days ahead I'm confident that it's gonna happen. Now that we looked back on it Saturday was a special day, conditions were as close to perfect as we could of gotten and I have no doubt if we wouldn't of had to cut out early we would of gotten one boated. So stay tuned for more updates to come, this has turned into a mission. I think we are gonna move up in the lake a little bit next trip. It's easy to second guess yourself in this game but as long as we keep our flies wet we are getting closer to that zero to hero moment.

Get out here and do it Troutnut69, there's plenty of room!

Wrench I'm not even able to convey the awsomeness of the experience in words, I'm a little odd, I like doing the different stuff, streamer fishing at night, spending hours and hours pursuing a 5 inch fish at a place like Crane. And even though I love those things, they all fail in comparison to flyrodding for Musky. Each and every cast shares the same anticipation.....because you just don't know when it's gonna happen. And when it finally does, you're hooked! As far as retrieve, I usually try to change it up, especially if you're fishing with a buddy. Just try to do the opposite of one another. Now that I think about it, I was just stripping the hell out of it, I had just casted the fly into probably less than a foot of water and was trying to get passed the hang-ups and boom car accident. I usually feel more confident with a fast strip, more water....more casts....more opportunity.

Ended up with good conditions this morning other than calm surface this morning, chucking and ducking with 9wts and my Yoda II fly (a recipe tied up last night about midnight). About 10:00 am I was left shaking on the bow of the boat when I got bit by a estimated 35-40 incher in dramatic fashion in about 2 feet of water. It was car accident style with the fish exploding out of the water on the fly, not even sure if I managed to hit him back to bury the fly. He was on for several seconds and as quick and as violent as he came he left, left me with a rapid heartbeat and shaking hands. All in all we had one take, and one big time follow in the logs that looked like a submarine waking the surface, on one spot on another good fish. Had to call it early today, but going back in the morning even though the conditions don't look all that great. Musky on flies is the real deal folks, good times.

I agree Ray, I wasn't implying that, I think those of us that do fish it on a regular basis all do our part, I've left there many a day with a bag of litter. I was actually sick to my stomach when I walked along the stream in the park area the other day, and I agree that probably 99% of the junk around there is from folks that are utilizing the park. The one thing that I did notice down on the lower end is a few more bobbers hung up in trees, I always pay attention to little stuff like that. I personally think that while most of us stay out during the hot, low water, summer months, that those fish are hammered from the unethical few that don't care what having a stream like Crane means. Ray please keep me posted on any clean up days, I go to school full time and work full time but I can always find time to lend a hand!

Was down at Crane Friday of last week and as you can see by the photo, it's a mess. At least in the park area, very little water and litter strewn everywhere. I understand the low water with the record drought we had this summer but the garbage was the worst I've ever seen it. I really think it's time for the MCD to step and do more to protect this stream, obviously our neighbors in the area just can't get it done. I'm not stepping on toes or trying to disrepectful but it's pretty darn obvious. Good news is the lower stream is in relatively good shape and actually pretty healthy, seen lots of fish. I've heard the upper stream is also in good shape but haven't actually seen it first hand.

Every argument, every restriction or regulation put upon this fishery hinges primarily on those of us that use this resource, that sums it up entirely, well said Andrew! And Ray! Educate yourself and others, walk softly, fish barbless, land fish fast and equally fast releases, limit time taken for pictures or better yet take pictures with the fish in the water, get creative! And last but not least, I am to the point of being numb in reference to the argument regarding if these beautiful fish are in fact a pure strain or not, I personally don't give a crap, whatever they may be, they will always be Crane Creek Rainbows, a resource that is not found anywhere else but in Crane Creek in Southwest Missouri, appreciate them, study them, be grateful you have the chance to present a fly to them and most importantly protect them!

Duh, that's pretty impressive, and pretty insulting actually, and I thought we all were being civil here. I have an idea, don't bother yourself with reading the reports, "out of sight out of mind" right? Oh yeah and don't bother yourself to try to educate new fisherman as to how to treat and respect the fishery. The fact is, the world isn't the same as it was 30 years ago, our society evolves, and if we don't evolve with it then guess who gets left behind holding the proverbial bag. And I think you were wrong, I don't think I ever offered any type of encouragement to you or anyone else. If you just ignore what's going on according to reality, then you should be happy, it obviously works for the mentality that you display here. Fact is, that unless we can somehow erase the last 20 years of history, fishing reports, internet exposure, magazine articles, television shows etc, the interest and the exposure will not subside. Of course that isn't possible, so I guess we should just live with the fact, that we fisherman are clever sorts, always looking for new places to fish, new techniques, new flies, and even if Crane Creek settles into the background of OAF or completely disappears from conversation there is still going to be folks wanting to fish the "FAMOUS" Crane Creek.

Depth is quite the understatement, but at least we all have managed to remain civil (for the most part). I too find it comforting to know that there are those who share the same passion as myself, and would be "All in" in response to a group dedicated to the conservation of this stream. Hey Andrew, you know what helps with those break-ups? I'll give you one guess, Fishing!, maybe a couple friends, a couple of beers, and oh yeah that grad work can wait, lol.

That's a little patronizing, I'm about 99.9% sure that there wasn't any one of us that ever said that more fishing and more use is what the stream needs, what we did say was the fishing pressure, at this point is inevitable. And as long as we create and maintain a public forum that promotes ethical, conservation/preservation minded thoughts and practices we are in fact doing something that will impact this fishery in a positive manner. And I to would like to know who in fact noticed the increase of fisherman, and all of this increased fishing pressure that fishing reports create. I admit, I fish Crane probably more than most of you, and on any given day, I encounter no one, the one exception being the weekend. Then you have guides with their clients, (AHEM!!!!!!!!) friends and Lord knows what else, that maybe more of a conversation for this topic than some of us posting fishing reports and a few pictures.

That would be before my time, so in that case I reluctantly resign any argument of that period to you. I can only base the argument from the period that I'm familiar with. But I can tell you that during my time, that hasn't been the case. And like it or not, fly fishing is becoming more and more popular, and as it does we have to adapt our practices to accept the influx of individuals wanting to take a go at our sport. And like it or not, education regarding stream stewardship and ethical practices should be at the forefront of conversation. If you choose not to believe that it would impact our sport in a positive manner then so be it, no one looks at the big picture, I agree that you have some good points, but in no way is my argument meaningless, like it or not.

Really? How is that meaningless? How is individuals that latch on to the ideals of preservation and conservation meaningless? To actually put things into so-called perspective you have to look at the big picture, I can remember in the past, encountering so many darn worm containers laying around that it was pitiful, especially on the upper end. I personally believe that the area is in far better condition than in years past, barring any type of water level issue arguments that bear no relation to the amount of use, and the fact that of Crane being a losing stream. You cannot tell me that the more people are educated about what's actually there would hurt the fishery, that to me is meaningless. The fact is the attention isn't going anywhere, and you're barking up the wrong tree, trying to stop it. Especially when those of us talking about it are responsible, law abiding anglers, and so called "Friends of Crane". Have you ever stopped to think that the presence of responsible anglers might in fact deter illegal practices on streams like Crane. If you, and others with the ideals of "out of sight, out of mind" would get your way, I have no doubt that this little stream would backslide in detrimental fashion. With all of that being said, I say "less use" may be beneficial, especially during the spawn, I have no problem with that, but then again you have to have bodies to enforce it.

I'm still in favor of education, and if education mean more publicity, then so be it.........If we let these little streams fade to the background of topic and conversation, then we miss out on new stewards of preservation and conservation. As far as the lurkers that decide to give it a go, I've seen them, and I giggle to myself, even get a little annoyed, they don't stick around, and in common "beating a dead horse" fashion I will at this time make the comment that , "more than likely they won't be back". As far as playing it close to the vest, I completely agree....I may be one of the worst ones, more than likely when it comes down to it, I never really expose specific locations, maybe areas, but not many specific locations. And if I do, it's to those that I have formed relationships with. And the one thing that somewhat amuses me is that the belief that these fish will be easier to catch, if there is less pressure. There isn't anything at this point that will make these fish less wary and easier to catch, especially the ones that have been there for few years. I think we should petition the MDC for more snakes, maybe some sort of habitat enrichment, even the real nasty ones, that will keep them out

And you speak for the majority, forums are used by most of us to gain knowledge, strategies, friends, networking........I'm pretty sure that's the intent, not what we watched on television last night, or grocery prices, that's a different forum all together. The funny part is, is let's say in my case, I choose to back-pedal now, and from this day forward choose to refer to the places I fish as Stream X, Z, and Y. I'm sure that the majority of you that frequent this category would have a pretty good idea where we are all talking about, by simply reading the post. I used common sense to figure out a unnamed stream referred to in a different topic area, because I have knowledge of the subject. We are going to talk about our fishing, it's what we do........

I think the consequences of actions like this, put this fishery in far greater jeapardy than fishing pressure.....it's definitely time to look at the big picture, good point Lancer.

That is also a very good point Chance, I think that action from groups such as TU, agencies such as MDC, and we citizens ourselves are absolutely vital to ensure the survival of this little gem. It goes far beyond, some novice pressuring a few fish and losing some flies in the brush. Places like Crane Creek are vanishing as we speak, it's the product of our times. Just the other day, in the wee hours of the morning, just outside the park, I surprised two individuals fishing, upon noticing me, they chucked their spinning rods in the brush. Then spent the next several minutes acting like they were looking at the stream. Was it a case of no fishing license, or a case of using an illegal means to pursue the fish...It really doesn't matter actually, because when I exited my vehicle to pleasantly confront the individuals, they grabbed the rods and scampered upstream, at a pretty good pace. I have to argue that these instances offer far greater impact on the fishery than a fisherman new to the stream. Chance, I think that last sentence, is very vital to what's going on down there, let's show them that the stream is worth protecting. How many times have you had a conversation with a non-fisherman about a fishing trip, or whatever and Crane gets brought up? How many times have you heard, Wow, I had no idea. In this case does exposure actually offer vital education that may provide additional resources and provide for a mentality that this fishery is worth protecting? I don't know I could go on forever, and I'm sure no one wants to read my rants, I'm to much of an idealist. But education is vital in the struggles that we are going to be facing in the future, education requires exposure, and the education is forefront in turning this fishery into something other than a dumping ground. Just my usual 10 cents worth.

Bamboozle, thanks for not getting offended because every effort was made in my post to keep that from happening, and I think you made a very valid point, the thing that keeps coming into my mind is how we fisherman that use the resource the most impact the resource. Now granted we may take extra care of the fishery, pick up trash, use barbless hooks, handle fish as little as possible......is it not us die-hard Crane Creek fanatics that by our own practice pressure the hell out of those fish, I know I can honestly say yes, I'm probably one of the ones doing the hammering. I try to make excuses not to go, to wait a week, to give it time, but there is something about that place that draws us back. I know I have participated in the education of those trout significantly more than any novice to the stream will do in a dozen visits, I think it's just the nature of the beast, persay. And I would like to wrap it all up with the fact that I, like most that enjoy what is offered up by Crane Creek, do get somewhat annoyed when I see several other anglers during the day down there? I would have to say yes, a little, but not because I'm anti-social, elite, better than thou, but because they might of got the first shot at a hole I wanted to fish, lol. Do I avoid coming into contact with other fisherman down there, yes I do. If I see a novice angler struggling with fishing the creek, just like the one I watched in the park the other day? Nope, I don't. Am I selfish, nah, most that know me know better than that. I feel that Crane demands a learning curve that most don't want to put out the effort to obtain, if you choose to learn it then by all means be my guest. Maybe eventually we can share some secrets.

Again and again we hear displeasure relating to posts regarding fishing at Crane Creek, I think we all have our own opinions about it. I'm one of those that can only assume that the vast majority of people that pack up the rods in the trunk to drive to Crane for the first time to have a go at the big fish they seen on or heard about on the Ozark Anglers Forum will more than likely pack up the same rod with frustration and amazment on just how difficult it is to fish there. There is no doubt that publicity impacts a resource, but what we have to also realize is that Crane has a large amount of public access, is mentioned in almost every publication talking about trout fishing in the state, and it is known nationally as a gem of a fishery. It's no secret, not even close.......no one is slamming anyone nor is this an attempt at belittling anyone, I'm just trying to be real.

Nice fish! Sounds like all in all a pretty good day.......

At no time was I referring to everyone that may or may not fish at Capps Creek, I would refer you to the part about it's not about the post not referring to fisherman who frequent the stream and abide by the rules and regulations.......I would think that according to your description of yourself and your actions you would be excluded from the point I was making regarding the ones not abiding by regulations. No one is judging someone here because they keep fish, if it's legal, keep them if you wish. I was not referring to ethical sportsman such as yourself, but I think everyone knows that there are many in this area of the state that aren't like us.....several of our fisheries are being slowly decimated by their practices, Hickory, Capps, hell even Crane of all places. We all need to take a stand and do what we can to stop these illegal practices, reporting, talking to agents, documenting what is found or seen, we all better do before it's too late.

You are actually doing good and pretty lucky to have 15-20, and that's the real sad part......If I could find the time between work, full time school, kids, baseball practice etc., I would attend everyone of them, I believe it is that important. It's a good thing that there are a few others out there with similar belief systems.......now if we can just figure out a way to make it contagious.