trout junkie

Thanks to all for all the responses. I was stoked before the posts, but now I'm foaming at the mouth! I've spent many days over the past 12 years or so on the NFOW and I'm ready for some new scenery. Like I said, I've been to the 11 Pt. once and have been wanting to come back ever since. Just wish I lived a little closer. Brian, I'll give you a ring sometime Saturday as we will be needing a canoe hook-up. I'll report back after the trip. Thanks again for all the advice.

Planning on a float/camp trip early next week on the 11 Pt. I've only fished it once and that was several years ago on a memorable fall trip. Probably sounds a little strange but I'd like to target the pickerel along with the bows and smallies. There were a few posts a few years ago that mentioned pickerel but its been a while since I've heard anything about them. How is the fishery for them? Is there enough of a population to pursue them? Also, we are planning a 2 day float. Any advice on floats and camping areas would be much appreciated.

Thanks all! I'll let you know how it went.

I guess my next question is how do I get to the camping at Mill Creek from Lane Springs? How long would you guess that it would take to drive there? I'm pretty set on fishing L. Piney, but am not opposed to at least check out Mill Creek.

Seems like I heard Lane Springs doesn't open until April 1, which is a bummer b/c it's a great looking spot. Wonder if I'd have any trouble if I parked in the lot and walked my tent down to a camp site? I'm not familiar with the Mill Creek area, but would certainly be up for checking it out. I was so impressed with L.Piney that I might have a hard time prying myself away from it especially when I only have 2 days to fish!

Trying to find a place to camp somewhere near Little Piney/Mill/Spring Creek area. I went to Little Piney (Lane Springs) last year and had a great time, but had to sleep in the truck in the parking lot b/c the gates were closed. Seems like there has to be someplace to camp near there. Any info would be greatly appreciated!

It's been about 7 or 8 years since I've been up there, but the last time I was there we tore up the browns on Rapid creek below the reservoir. (Can't recall the name - maybe Pactola?) Anyway, I've heard that stretch had some troubles with didymo. Here's a link: http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/news/article_d03634f4-7ca4-11df-938e-001cc4c002e0.html Deerfield Lake was productive too. Lots of brookies/splake. You might also try Castle Creek below the lake. It was historically a fantastic place to fish before the drought years took their toll. Not sure what it's like now. I was most impressed with Spearfish canyon. The fishing is very tight and the fish are very wary, but it's certainly a classic place to fish. Have a great trip. I'm jealous!

I'm a KSU alum and used to fish that area a little bit. It's been over 15 years since I've fished it so I couldn't tell you for sure what it's like now. I do know that you can access it from both sides of the bridge. Rocky Ford can get hot for whites if you hit it right. I live north of Perry Lake along the Delaware river and it gets a really nice and consistent run for whites and sauger in the spring. I haven't been out yet this year, but it should be starting to happen about now. There are also a few smaller tributaries of the Delaware that are fun to fish for whites.

If you make it out this week, let us know how you fared. I'm hoping to take my 1st grade daughter back that way for a camping/fishing trip this weekend. I'd like to check out Mill, Spring, and possibly Roubidoux while we're in the area. Any advice on either creek regarding access points?

We caught fish up to 12 or 13 inches in the morning and early afternoon on small dries, but them started nymphing for the bigger fish. We used pretty standard stuff -- p.t. nymphs, hare's ear, etc.. I did catch a few on a slump buster, but they weren't in the 15 inch range. Have any of you fished Mill and Spring Creeks? They were tempting to go check out because of their close proximity, but we couldn't tear ourselves away from L. Piney. Maybe next time!

A buddy and I had a few days to chase some trout last week so after much deliberation as to where to go we decided on Little Piney and the Current. We've fished the North Fork, Eleven Pt., Crane, Taney, and Niangua, but hadn't fished those two so they won out and we weren't disappointed. After a six hour drive we rolled into Lane Springs campground at around 11:30 or so only to find it closed. We were beat and ready for sleep so we "camped" in the truck for the night in the day use parking area. The next morning and the rest of the day for that matter was nothing short of phenomenal fishing. The caddis were everywhere by mid morning and the fish were keyed in on them. After lunch we decided to target some bigger fish with a nymph rig. We caught 4 or 5 over 15 inches by the end of the day. The creek is much larger than I had imagined and I would bet there are plenty of fish in there that would dwarf those 15 inchers! We both agreed that Little Piney is something special and one that we'll certainly come back to. I'm so happy that the trout have been allowed to do their thing without any supplemental stocking in that section. The fish are beautiful and thriving and as wild as a trout can be. One more thing: We didn't see another soul on the creek and we fished from about 9:30 till dark. Gotta love that! That evening we made the short drive down to the Current and found a great camping area near Tan Vat. We fished below Baptist the next morning, but the fishing was a little slow. We talked to several others and they were having the same results. We did have several takes and near misses and I did manage to pick up one nice rainbow on a San Juan worm, but that was it for the morning. After a quick lunch we decided to head to Tan Vat and fish the water below it. By this time the bugs were in the air and the fish were responding. I caught fish on a size 16 parachute caddis until the fish tore the fly apart. Of course neither one of us had any more exactly like it, but they weren't in the mood to refuse so the next fly worked almost as good. All in all it was another great trip to MO. Each trip just seems to get better and better.

Hi Ed. I have 2 or 3 older Quick spinning reels that I'd love to have repaired. All of them were made in the late 70's or early 80's and are ultralight models. I don't have them with me, but I could send you the model numbers later if need be. Most of them seem to need bail springs replaced, but I couldn't say for sure. For some reason your website is blocked here at the school that I teach at. Can you send me an address that could send the reels to?

Uh...Oh, did I say Psycho Prince? Silly me! I meant to say Halfbacks. Or maybe they were 20 inchers. Actually come to think of it, those 2 flies might be pretty effective on the N. Fork.

I'm headed up there next week for my first trip there also. Which entry point did you take? We're using 49 and are planning to fish Smith and Banadad lakes. Can't wait!!!

We were fishing the lower conservation area. The wading through the brambles was tough and sweaty, but the fishing more than made up for it. We did go up and check out the upper end in the afternoon, but the water was fairly skinny. We did catch a few there, but we liked the water in the lower end much more. Sure would be nice to get some permission to fish some of the private water down from there.