Kc River Ratt

This was in last weeks Sunday KC Star. Figured would share with you'll. Trout guide finds success in out-of-the-way Ozarks streams By BRENT FRAZEE The Kansas City Star ROLLA, Mo. | Norm Crisp was gathering more proof for his theory that trout don’t live in ugly places. On a brilliant spring morning, he was immersed in a world that not many Missouri fishermen have seen. He was wading in the cool waters of Little Piney Creek, one of the state’s many hidden jewels that hold healthy populations of trout. There were no elbow-to-elbow crowds of fishermen here. Crisp practically had the stream to himself. And that’s what he found so appealing. “Don’t get me wrong, the trout parks are great,” Crisp said as he used his fly rod to whip an offering into the head of a pool. “But I don’t like fishing in a crowd. “I’d much rather be out here on one of these wild streams, off by myself. They’re intimate; they’re not big, wide streams. And there’s something special about that.” Crisp smiled and added, “I travel the world to go fly fishing. But when I get out here, it’s like I’m home again.” Crisp, who runs the Stream Side Adventures guide service, has been fishing the small streams of Missouri for almost 30 years. He can relate fish stories about casts placed on blue-ribbon trout streams such as the Little Piney, Mill Creek, the North Fork of the White River and Crane Creek, among others. No, those small creeks aren’t as well-known as Missouri’s four trout parks — Bennett Spring, Roaring River, Montauk and Maramec Spring. But for Crisp, they are like home. “I grew up fishing a mountain stream in New Hampshire,” said Crisp, 63, who lives in Prairie Village. “I would come home from school and go fishing for brook trout. I’d just dig up some worms for bait and head to the stream. “Back then, we needed those fish to eat. We’d eat trout three to four times a week.” Crisp ran into an old-timer on the stream who was fly fishing, and he showed Crisp his fly box. Crisp was fascinated and began trying it. Many years later, fly fishing has become Crisp’s passion. He has taken clients to New Zealand, Chile, the Czech Republic, Scotland, Italy, France and Denmark in search of trout. But he is just as fascinated by Missouri’s hidden trout streams: the ones that don’t attract a lot of attention but still produce good fishing. “The thing I love about the Little Piney is that we’re fishing for wild trout,” he said, referring to the stream southwest of Rolla. “When you fish here, you’re catching trout that have been here for a long time.” Moments later, Crisp was trying to catch one of those wild trout. Wading into a rushing riffle that sparkled in the sunlight, he cast an olive-colored mohair leech fly into a pool at the edge of the current. He followed his bright orange strike indicator downstream until it suddenly went under. Crisp set the hook and immediately felt the pulsating fight of a powerful rainbow. The fish dug hard, then shot to the surface and made an acrobatic leap. But in seconds, Crisp had the 13-inch trout in a landing net and was unhooking it. Pausing to admire his catch, he said, “Look at how brilliant that fish’s colors are. These wild trout are beautiful.” With that, he eased the trout back into the water and started casting for more. And there were plenty more. Fishing places where riffles spilled fresh water and food into the upper end of pools, he and I caught 21 trout, including five that were 12 inches or longer. We used a two-man kayak to paddle through the deeper pools, then got out on gravel bars and waded into the riffles to cast to the current edges. “These trout like to hang out right at the edge of the current and wait for food to drift by,” Crisp said. “An eddy or a little pool right off a riffle can be a good place to look.” The 4 1/2 -mile stretch that Crisp and I floated — from Highway 63 to Vida Slab — is a good place to find those spots. That float features a series of riffles and pools, creating plenty of trout habitat. Plus, it offers stunning scenery — the rugged hillsides, bluffs and clear water that are an Ozarks trademark. “From Rolla, you’re close to a lot of good trout fishing,” Crisp said. “Mill Creek is just one ridge over, and Roubidoux Creek and Spring Creek aren’t far away. “They’re little, out-of-the-way trout streams, so they have very restrictive regulations to protect the fisheries. But that’s part of what makes them so good. “I’ve fished a lot of these streams for 30 years, but I think the fishing now is better than ever, thanks mainly to the management (by the Missouri Department of Conservation).” http://www.kansascity.com/2010/03/27/1840554/trout-guide-finds-success-in-out.html

POW!!! Wow nice fish...

Well what a beautiful day too be on the river. A "bit" windy, but the flow was nice. Thanx too Russ and his wife, and the boats we got from Hog Heaven. The first mile or so was a bit interesting. First time in (help me out Wackey, I don't remember the name of those lil boats. Thank you so much for letting us rent your personal ones. The agility of those lil things is amazing compared too our typical boat, a canoe or the john boat. Things started out slow. (very slow for me personally) So there I am down 5 smallies too none, When we had one of those special moments on the Elk (or any river, today it was the Elk). Sorry Wackey we found your honey hole. In about a 20 span we brought in 12 large mouth (pre spawn) The smallest was about 15, with 3 being 18inch beautiful fish. We where fishing from the bank. Actually thought they where carp when we sight fished them... Thanx again Whacky for the use of your gear... sorry we woke ya'll up. Enjoy the pix...

Nice walleye... gRaTz!!!

Welcome too the Forums!!! When there you can also swing bye Lilley's and perhaps catch a trout during your stop. There is some good fishing around Rolla so make sure you wet a line while visiting your brother.

A huge difference in fishing today verses yesterday. Most on the river today can attest too that. We went upstream towards (sorry seems more like a river then a lake too me) Fall Creek. FISH ON!!! WoW was a great day fishing, and for only my second time ever trout fishing I had a blast. Was having good luck on spoons, of course the powerbaits, red and white. I was having too much fun reeling em in that I didn't take the time too learn the bite on the jigs. I know if I had more time I could hopefully figure it out. I could feel em pick it up and move the bait... but I either jerked too soon, or too late. Still not sure Thanx Phil for great time you provided me and my friends. We had a blast and are all ready making plans for another trip. The staff and all the guest where all great and we really appreciate the great trip. Tight lines too ya'll!!!

Wow what a difference a day made. I dunno if it was the flow, or the weather change yesterday. It sure was polar opposites between yesterday and today. Had good luck on spoons, the powerbait. I know I got some hits on some jigs that Phil pointed out... but wow that sure different fishing.

Well we decided too take advantage of this great offer. TYVM Phil for putting on such a great deal. I must say this is my first time trout fishing. I caught my first today (sadly didn't get a pic, as I was in a hurry too get the lil Rainbow back in the water). I was stupid fishing... had a lure hanging on about 4ft of line over the edge of the boat. The Corps of Engineers decided too release water and the Upper level Low coming thru and now the temps and pressure dropping made for a rought first day. WE hope too make up for it on day 2. More too come with some pics after I get home and get them on the home computor.

Musta got into there during the flood last year. IMHO would be great if they became a regular fish along that stretch. Maybe the meat eaters would leave the smallies. During my float I came across some boys that where keeping some fish that where under the 18". Makes me sad that the locals are doing that, yet I understand if you need too eat you need too eat. Keep Casting....

No promises... but I will try and make it down there. Would be great too meet up with ya'll. Yeah last time I was on the Elk, which was middle July the river bottom looked bad. There was a few people that where collecting the cans, and bye passing the other trash. At least they help and make a few bucks enjoying a day on the river.

I caught this fish on the Casconade this last weekend on the run from Hiway 28 too Boiling Springs. It sure looks like a walley and not a sauger. You can see some tubers across the ramp at the Boiling Springs. Edit: 21" 3.5lbs

Was down fishing from Boiling Springs too Jerome weekend before last, and spoke with a fella that was pulling out at the MDC access in Jerome and he said he had caught a walleye. Was just wondering if he was pulling my leg or if others have caught them in the Gasconade aswell. Thanx for your time. Keep Casting...

Don't they still have rentals on base? You could get you a canoe or kayak and have alot of fun.

Very nice fish. The thing that keeps us all coming back is the hope of catching one just like it.

Have you ever ran this part of the river? Is it worth the time? Or is the fishing better from Ginger blue too Shadowlake?

Hiyas all. Was wondering if anyone had any info they would like too share on fishing the lower Elk, from behind the Tyson Plant too the Hiway 43 ramp. I read somewhere that this part of the river had less people on it. Any info on the put in(s) and ramp(s), and camping area's. Mainly would be after smallies but anything on hook is good. I would assume that there might even be wiper's running up thru part of this due too Grand Lake being so close. Thanx for any info. Keep floating!!

well its seems there is... http://www.freepatentsonline.com/5517786.html 1. A heated fishing rod comprising: a tapered rod shaft; a plurality of metal housed ceramic eyelets affixed to said shaft in an aligned manner; an elongated hollow handle, said handle having a first end connected to said rod shaft, and an open end accessing a hollow portion formed within said hollow handle: a plurality of batteries; an end cap, fittingly engaged to said opening of said hollow cylindrical portion within said handle such as to provide containment for said plurality of batteries in a water-tight manner; handle heating means for heating the surface of said handle, wherein said handle heating means comprises a thin, elongated heating tape for converting current from said batteries to heat via electrical resistance, said heating tape being wrapped around said handle such as to provide an increase in surface temperature resulting from said electrical resistance of said heating tape; eyelet heating means for de-icing said eyelets and said rod shaft, said eyelet heating means being in direct electrical contact with said handle heating means; and switching means for simultaneously engaging and disengaging both said handle heating means and said eyelet heating means.

Hey guy... yeah guess so.

The water was nice, very clear. Was able too see deep and notice a few places i would like to try and fish later this year. We only caught 2 fish, one 15 smallie and the other was 12. All in all was a good day got my new waders (Christmas gift) wet, and was out on the water. Not much more could ask for cept too have caught a few more fish.

Went from the low water bridge just up from Ginger blue down too the River Ranch. Didn't see ya, course had a bit of late start.