ozark trout fisher

I've always kinda thought they ate minnows during the winter, just because that's about the only food item still in the water at that time. Also, there metabolism is so low I don't think they need to feed much if at all. Could be wrong about all this, just theorizing.

I've got to say I've gotten the fly fishing for bass bug pretty bad lately. I doubt if they'll ever replace trout in my mind as the coolest fish imaginable, but I must admit they are a lot of fun on a light fly rod. I guess there's not much point to this post, but I guess I'd thought I might as well start a general thread about any and all things fly fishing for bass. Also, while I'm at it, I hope you don't mind if I ask a question. The heaviest fly rod I have right now is a 6-weight. I'd really like to not have to buy another rod, but if I'm going to get into this seriously, will I need a heavier fly rod? I only fish relatively small streams and lakes, and I don't plan on fishing super large flies.

What's the scenery like in that area? I've only fished the further upstream (blue ribbon) section, and I think I might like to try further down in the White Ribbon area sometime this spring. I'm guessing as far as the trout fishing it's pretty much just luck of the stocking truck, right?

The water flow was a little up, but really it was about right. I fished both upstream and downstream of the culverts, but I only actually caught fish above. Thanks for the concern for both me and my fly rod. The rod's done for, but I'm just fine.

Yeah, the gauge at Akers looks pretty high. I'm glad you got one trout though-that's a lot better than nothing.

Nah, those are just minnows. Just kidding, those are all awesome bass, great pics.

The Meramec at Steelville (the closest gauge to the park) is currently at 2190 CFS-way too high. But with no more rain in the forecast, I would say it should be at least border-line fishable by Thursday. Some folks say it has to be down to 500 CFS, but I've had good fishing in both the spring branch and the river down to the junction with Dry Fork up to 750 Cubic Feet Per Second. Above that, the river generally becomes unfishable and the park gets tough. Good luck!

Yeah, I was kind of upset, but I wasn't devastated or anything, because it was my old cheap rod. I honestly doubt even before it broke it was still worth $50.

Tiny treble hooks and Powerbait nuggets should work too. I usually fished with a single hook and moldable Rainbow colored powerbait when I used to bait fish down there. Gavin's right;Slow eddy water, and the areas along the banks will be best. Spinners and jigs often work, but Powerbait is definitely the most sure way to get into fish down there.

Yeah, I know what you mean. When I saw it was broken, I kinda got a sick feeling. It's one of those things that is just gonna happen sometimes when you're fishing those brushy little trout creeks, I guess it just part of the deal.

186 is a bit high, but definitely fishable.

There are wild trout in both of those streams, and they can be caught. That said, there aren't nearly as many as in the Piney, and the fishing just isn't as predictable.

Something came up and I couldn't get out the door until 2 P.M. With that short amount of time to fish, I couldn't bring myself to chance a trip to the upper Meramec, with the probability it would be too high anyway. So on to plan B-Blue Spring Creek. There was a sparse caddis hatch, and so I tied on a #14 Elk Hair Caddis. It wasn't necessary to change. I didn't catch a lot (I think I ended up with 3 or 4, none over 8 inches), but they were nonetheless wild trout on a dry fly, so it was plenty good enough. Now for the bad news- On the walk back to the truck, I tripped over a root, and fell flat on my face into the creek. A banged myself up pretty good and broke the tip of my fly rod. I could have left that part out, but I figured I might as well let you all get a good laugh at my expense . Luckily I had the foresight to bring along my old, cheap rod instead of the new more expensive one. That creek is hard on fly rods.

Spin-fishing right? Powerbait (orange, Rainbow, and Chartreuse have always treated me well), is the way to go if you're bait fishing. Put it on a #10 single hook and put a small split shot up the line about a foot or so. Ball up just enough Powerbait to cover the hook and float it off the bottom. As for spots, I don't mind being specific since this is a trout park after all If you're bait fishing, park at the parking lot at the Low-water bridge, and walk upstream until you come to the mill dam. The plunge pool just below it doesn't get as much pressure as you would think, and if you get there at the buzzer you will catch trout. As a matter of fact, it usually fishes well through the day. If the water is up, try the slower water along the banks, and make sure you're fishing pretty close to the bottom. The spring branch (which is the first place you'll see when pulling into the park), fishes okay right after the buzzer, but it gets way too crowded for me. I'd reccommend staying away from it. Also, the water in front of the campground can be pretty good. There are a lot of boulders in that section that create pocket water type fishing, and the eddies below each boulder will hold trout, especially in the morning. There are also a few deep pools along there that are good as well. Good luck, and I hope this helps!

Had a bad day I guess?

The numbers finally look like they're starting to drop. I'll probably give it a try in the afternoon tomorrow. The cold temps last night could make things a bit tougher than I had hoped, but that's okay. I figure it's a toss up.

Yeah, I might check it out. I haven't decided yet. 585 CFS does seem awful high for a stretch of river that's as small as the upper Meramec. I guess I could always just go look at. The high water spot I was planning on checking out is right on the way back from there anyway.

I've not found it to be too bad in the summer, especially in the mornings and evenings, for what that's worth. The fishing is a fair bit tougher though. Trout Junkie, those are some awesome fish for the Piney. I've fished it a fair bit, and most trips I don't even catch any over 15 inches.

After looking at the gauge on the Meramec, it looks like I'm going to have to reconsider. I'll probably end up on some little tributary creek, in search of clear water. I have a few in mind that I've been wanting to check out anyway.

I was wondering.......

There are no fish in Little Piney. It's a de-watered ditch flowing through a bunch of cornfields. Nobody should bother fishing it. Just kidding. It's definitely one that makes you want to go back.

Thanks... What does the water level at the Cook Station Gauge for the area above the spring to be fishable? I was thinking about heading up towards the headwaters, and just seeing what there is to see.

What did I do to change your mind? I'm actually quite curious. All I did was misidentify the bass in question-you'd think I committed a federal offense.

Let's see... Death, Taxes, and Leaky Waders (John Gierach), Fool's Paradise (Also John Gierach),The Longest Silence (Tom McGuane), and Trout (Ray Bergman). I tried reading A Good Life Wasted, 20 Years as a Fishing Guide by David Ames, but honestly the guy makes no sense whatsoever. I can tolerate plenty of creativity in writing, but you could tell this guy was seriously messed up when he wrote it. I'd have to say Gierach is my favorite writer. His writing style I'd have to say is about perfect when it comes to outdoor writing. Oh yes, also the Orvis Guide to Flytying, since I've just taken that up this winter.

I didn't think so . My mistake.