ozark trout fisher

I know. It's just that while the LP is the farthest thing from a secret, it's not all that well known and I hate seeing it get major publicity. The trout population isn't really very strong (only 100 wild trout per mile in the better sections, and even less in other parts of the Blue Ribbon water), and little creeks like that can't stand all that much pressure. But on the other hand, the article might tell some folks what they need to know to enjoy these little wild trout streams, and that's great, as long as they're responsible about it. But really, if folks are looking for the same type of experience you'll get on Bennett Spring or the Current River, you'll be disapointed. There aren't all that many fish, and they are mostly pretty small. I like fishing it, but most folks I've suggested it to didn't think it was worth their time. If you want to fish these streams, it should be because you like solitude and the chance to catch a few pretty trout.

You're probably right.

Great article. But it does make me just a little queasy to know that the LP has been written about in big newspaper. I hope it doesn't catch on.

I have no problem with you saying whatever you like to say. I didn't say anything to the contrary. I didn't think I was being judgemental. I guess I just don't buy into the whole "It's just a fish" thing, and I don't personally believe it shows the proper respect to scream and yell when you catch one, just like I don't scream with joy when I shoot a deer. Sure, I love cathing fish or shooting deer, and you could even make the case that is what I live to do. But when another living thing is being harmed, I believe a modicum of resraint is in order. That's my opinion, and that's all it is. I know other people feel differently.

Those kind of stories sound like they can't be true, but they do happen. There were stretches of my home river that you just didn't float. Even if you stayed totally within the law (the bottom of your boat never touches the bottom, you never get out, etc.) you were really risking your lives to float these runs. The fact is, the country is so incredibly remote out on some areas of the west slope that if some insane landowner wants to give you a whole lot of trouble, he can pretty much get away with it. I know this is off the subject, and I apologize.

Well okay.... I didn't mean to start all this. I just got back from Kansas last night, and when I checked OAF, this isn't just exactly what I expected.I meant every word I typed, and in any case I don't have anything more to say. P.S The fish in my avatar had already been killed and was on his way to the dinner plate. As I said in my original post, I think it is perfectly okay to keep fish in many situations. This one was a stocker from a pond in Busch Wildlife.

I knew I'd take some crap for that post. And the thing is, I don't care. It's how I feel about it, and I thought it needed to be said.

Me too.

I totally agree that things are far from rosy and perfect. And I definitely would be willing to stand up against any access concerns here in Missouri. I was just saying it's better out here than in Colorado, and now apparently Utah.

I have noticed a significant lack of respect in fisherman for the fish they catch lately, and I think that violates the very essence of what we're out there for. On the water today, I saw a couple of guys out in a bass boat, catch a beautiful 3 pound bass, and proceed to scream booyah a hundred times and throw it on a stringer. I'm am not a rabid catch and release fisherman. I would have preferred to have seen the fish released, but I would not have been offended if the fish had been respectfully and humanely killed. But I guess what got me was all the whooping it up. It shows a total lack of respect for the fish's life. When you pull a fish out of one world into the next, into a realm in which it is entirely frightened and cannot breath, it is only right to treat it with the proper sympathy and respect. Fish have no sporting instincts whatsoever, and while we fish for them, we must always keep that in mind. Which is to say it is perfectly okay to fish, and even keep fish from time to time, because we have been predators for thousands of years. It is in our nature, and it's only right that we continue to do it. It's just that we need to have respect for fellow living creatures that are just trying to get by. I apologize for the rant. I just had to say something to someone.

I don't know anything about jet boats, but that stretch of the G'nade seems like it would be fine for a jet boat. It's pretty deep water. The bass fishing will be very good if the water isn't too high.

Sounds like nice fishing, despite the rude guy. I can personally attest to the fact that is not the first rude fisherman that's fished the Current I caught a 22 incher in the C&R area this winter. Same fish maybe.

As a former resident of Colorado, I can attest to how bad the navagability laws are out there. Unless it flows through a national forest or state park, forget it. You can't even wade along clearly navigable streams that flow through private property, even if you stay below the high water line. I'm dissapointed Utah is going the same way-they are making a huge mistake. Just be grateful for our rights to fish much of the private water here in MO, even if the laws are far from perfect. We also need to be ready to defend them if necessary.

This is bad stuff. Utah used to have really good access laws too. No more. Now they'll be just like Colorado.The fish belong to the all of the people, not just landowners. Waterways should be public.It looks like a lot of folks in Utah are dismayed about losing the vast majority of their fishable water. And rightly so! Let's never let this happen in Missouri. Thank you for posting FFM

I'm really glad you caught some bass! Fun stuff, isn't it?

That's ironic because this evening, while fishing a Woolly bugger for largemouth, I also managed to catch a few crappie by accident. They are a lot of fun. I'm so happy warmwater has finally gotten going. I haven't had any luck yet on surface bugs, although I have tried them. I think the water temps are still on the chilly side for that.

Thank you. I think I'll try to slip in just after spring high water and just before summer crowds.

I've had the best luck in the Bohigian section of Mill, but that's just my opinion. It seems like there is more fish there than in other areas.

I know what you mean. I have to say I like tying bass patterns more as well. I haven't come up with any really cool patterns yet, but I have tied up a few relatively original patterns that will catch a fish or two on a good day. Fun stuff.

Thanks for all the help guys. Really interesting stuff.

That's interesting. I had no idea bass would feed on sowbugs.

I left a paddle along the Eleven Point the last time I floated it as well. This must be a trend... I hope you find your paddle.

I'm glad to hear you think the 6-weight will be okay. Thanks a lot!

I think that might be a good choice. It's running at 1580 right now, and that's just too high. It certainly could drop enough by Thursday, but it's pretty uncertain.

Mill is tough, but I think it's already getting better. The fishing is far from great there, but trout can certainly be caught. I don't know about Spring Creek though.