ozark trout fisher

Thanks for the update...Buck's Hot Dad. Sorry, I just couldn't resist. Seriously thanks though

I have to agree with you that Busch Wildlife definitely has a fake feel to it. It probably is nice to those who have never fished outstate, but it definitely gets boring. I am just a prisoner I guess to having to go fishing about every weekend. I wish I could head south all the time, but unfortunately I can't. (sad face). That's where Busch and the lakes around my house come in. Just kinda junk food fishing, you know what I mean? But as you've pointed out, I guess I'll just go ahead and say they ought to take that trout stocking money from Busch, and try to do something to help one of the smallie streams with. That's way more worthwhile IMO.

Oh come on, man, it's a little different than that isn't it? But basically, I agree with you. If they would use that same money for habitat improvements on smallie streams, I'd be for it 100%. No qualms about it. IF the department would actually spend it on that, I'm right with you on this. In the mean-time, I'll be fishing for those trout....

Man, I thought I passed chemistry years ago. When is the test??? Should I be taking notes.

Honestly, past the 8" headwater fish, I can't help you out too much. That's generally what I would focus on out there.

It's a waste of resources probably... But it happens to be a waste I will thoroughly enjoy catching come a cold winter day. I do see the point of stocking these areas, if you see some value in recruiting some folks to the sport of trout fishing. It will introduce some people to the sport, and I think that's a good thing. I do think the Ozarks already have plenty of trout. But then again, there's actually trout habitat down there...

It just depends on what you call a destination stream. Little creeks like Blue Springs are my favorite places to fish personally. I just like the intimacy with the stream you can have in these types of places that you just can't get down on the Meramec. Heck, when I go out on trout fishing trips out west or east, I rarely fish the big name rivers. Last time I went out to Montana for example, Blue Springs would be the size of some of the larger streams I fished, no matter how hard that is to believe. I just like those little brush creeks more than anything else. I know I'm in the minority there.

But you can't beat catching those little wild trout. There small, but I get more thrill catching them than about anything else.

So, the Busch trout season is about to start... I'm predicting the first stocking not this coming weekend, but just before the one after that. Could be wrong though. I'm totally aware this is the most unnatural, unsporting type of fishing on earth, but it's about the best way to feel a tug on the end of a line around here come winter. I know they won't be stocking at least until this coming Sunday, because that's November 1. If they were to be stocked before then, the fish in the catch and release lakes won't be yet protected, because it's only no-kill November 1- Jan 31. That's why I think it will open the next weekend.

Don't worry about it. It was not your post that got me riled up

The high, off clear water definitely helps. It makes the trout a little less shy.

Oh yeah, if you fish the Smokies, here are three streams I'd reccomend for trout. Abrams Creek, Little River, and the South Toe. I've had good experience s fishing all of those rivers.On these rivers you can get anything from brush stream fishing to native brook trout, to fishing relatively big water for browns and rainbows. The lower end of the Little River is also good for smallmouth.

Good luck. You'll be in our prayers.

Great. We got another MDC basher here.... Well, I mean, we can just overlook the fact that there would be no game animals or fish in our state without them. They're not perfect, but they are better than the alternative.

I just ate a fish dinner tonight. And it's funny, now that you all mention it..... I'm so happy right now..Everything just seems alright.. No worries.. nothing to be sad about now :lol: :lol:

These threads always confuse me..... But they make me laugh, so it's all good.. Though I never really understand any of your posts :lol:

Crappie Magnet... I think you need to just settle on down a little. I believe Buckshot was just kidding you in a good hearted way. I think you may be overreacting... Buckshot, how is your pond/crappie/Piranha/loch ness monster project going?!?

That fish is almost as large as the one I caught at Blue Spring yesterday. :lol:

It's 9'. I was certainly fighting the brush all day. 6 weight isn't the right rod for the creek, but it's the only one I have. I'm looking at nice little 4 wt to use specifically for these little creeks.

That's odd. When I fished there on Sunday there wasn't anyone else fishing. I guess it might have had something to do with the rain

It's fine. Blue Spring is small. Not all that many people except have heard of it, except locals and those who like to fish it.

I have to agree with you there. You gotta love that fast moving, blue-green water when you're fishing a creek like that. It makes the fish a little easier going, I know that for sure.

I guess you're right about the distance. They stopped stocking Blue Spring a number of decades ago, they're self-sustaining now. It can be tough as hell to fish at low water, but it's a lot of fun when it's up like it is now.

Vilander Bluff on the Meramec. Unless this is just a very similar one, I believe I saw that very bluff today.

Wait.... I think we may be a little on different pages as to what stream we're talking about. You're talking about Maramec Spring right? Which is about 30 river miles on the Meramec from the creek where I was fishing. Maybe I'm just confused.