CopperJohn

Flysmallie, last time I trapped was mid September, around the time these photos were taken. I was only somewhat successful until the 3rd night when I pulled in a trap with about 25 that were "eating" size. I imagine you can catch atleast a few of any size year round. I'll get to work on trap building instructions soon and put them up here for you. I don't know how I'd do in mid-winter... haven't tried it yet. I plan on going again in late February to early March, and I'll let you know how I do then. Blazerman, yep, that was from the Current, I think about 3 miles upstream from Akers. I was kind of surprised at how big that one was too. In the photo, I was trying to figure out how he got into my trap (there are only two 1 and 1/2 inch diameter access holes - the maximum legal size). I keep imagining he opened the access hatch, crawled in, and latched it behind him! I baited the traps with small sunfish I'd fly fished in a creek behind my buddy's subdivision in Imperial. I'd frozen them before the trip in individual bags, then cut them up as I needed them for traps on the trip. I also had one small sucker I'd caught and prepared the same way, and they seemed to really like that.

Exiledguide: you're right, I had just bought a solo canoe, and was excited about the idea of fishing from it. It really is best as a means of getting from one hole to the next, though. As far as the mudbugs go, they make for a great lunch and are easy enough to catch. I've made three traps so far (more than enough for a trip on the Current) and each one cost less than $10 to build. Making them only requires an hour or two of easy work. I'd be happy to provide instructions for trap building and use to anybody who's interested. Maybe I oughta start a thread on that topic, just to see what interest it generates...

Hello all, I've been lurking on this site for quite awhile, and figured I should actually sign up. About me: I'm a St. Louis city resident, and I prefer fly fishing, although admittedly I'm not the greatest at it. I'm happy catching sunfish AND the occassional trout on a fly line. For the past three years, I've been consistently going on three day trips down the Current (Baptist Creek to Akers) with a couple of good friends. We've given up renting canoes, and I gave in and bought myself an Old Town Guide 119 solo canoe. I love it. Makes for good paddling trips with my kiddos at the local lakes too: I may, in the future, make some modifications to it in order to make it even more fishing friendly. In addition to fly fishing, I enjoy catching crayfish (with some home-made traps) for supper on the river trips. If anybody has any solo canoe fishing tips, I'd be happy to have them. If anybody wants to discuss crayfish, I'd be happy to do that too. Hope all is well! That's pretty much it...