Chris Barclay

And thanks for the NC clarification.

Thanks for the info, Rob and others. I stopped by Blue Springs a few weeks ago and got 'run' off of there as well - not by a landowner but by a hunter nearby (very nearby) shooting in my direction. I then went to Lil Piney and had a terrific day. I'd like to go back to BS again some day though. I also want to try Mill and Spring as my preferences tend to lie with the smaller, wilder streams than with the larger stocked places (generally speaking, I can have a good time as long as there's water).

I think I saw him last time I went fishing!

How about some pics after the finish too?

We tried Lane Spring but didn't know you could hike in. I may do that next time. We tried the bridge on 63 but it wasn't clear on whether or not we'd be trespassing there. We tried to find Spring Creek but couldn't (not sure if it was our innate sense of misdirection or the confusing nature of the roads). We ended up just going back to St. Louis with our tails between our legs - sort of like a drive of shame. It was a nice day for a drive though.

Thank you Chief, I really appreciate the compliment! Though I'm not sure I'll post about this trip! CWF, we were entering the water from the gravel parking area. I agree that it 'feels' like you're trespassing when you really aren't. I'm going to brush up on my regs and try to present them to her winsomely next time I run into her. Another thing that baffles me is that she went on about getting 800 signatures on a petition to not rename the body of water as a River rather than it's current designation as a creek. On the MDC maps I have it's called Little Piney River. Strange.

I've fished Little Piney a dozen times and have never had any trouble with access. A few times from Lane Spring but mostly from Vida Slab going upstream to the barbed wire fence and beyond. This morning a buddy and I got ready to go and were just stepping into the water and a lady on a 4-wheeler came up to us. At first she was trying to yell at us from across the creek but we couldn't hear her so she came over to us. She told us that this was her property and she didn't allow any fishing and asked us to leave. We talked with her for a few minutes and explained to her that we've fished here many times before and didn't realize that it wasn't public access. We didn't try to argue with her because we knew that wouldn't help - we were just trying to understand where she was coming from. We know the laws and our rights and all but some landowners don't seem to understand them the same way. First, where do y'all access the water when Lane is closed? Second, anyone have any run-ins with this lady?

That's REALLY NICE! I like it. Well laid out too. I don't think you'll have a problem with tung oil and the small fibers as long as you allow it to cure. With a few coats it'll harden up like poly and it'll look nicer, I think.

Also, One of my last times down there, I lost my favorite pipe so if anyone finds a Peterson tobacco pipe (lost upstream from Vida slab) could you let me know?

Thanks Gavin! I didn't realize that primitive camping is okay on FS land (not used to MO rules yet).

hello everyone, I'm curious if there is any camping in the area of the Little Piney or Mill Creek (aside from Lane Spring) in the winter? I'm thinking about going down there soon and wanted to camp but know this is the off season for Lane. Thanks!

That's a great shot, Eric! Good job!

I stopped by there today but didn't stay long. Water was pretty low and there was a guy hunting nearby that didn't know I was there and I wasn't comfortable with that. This was my first time there so I don't know how it usually looks.

Still for sale! Spend your Christmas money here!

Yeah, I figured the smell was from the neoprene. I've had a pair of wading booties that smelled like that. Don't think that'll get in the way of catching fish.

Really? I'm surprised - maybe it's just you? I won't be able to fish it until I get a rod for it but so far I'm happy and don't see any production issues with it. It does kinda smell like a tire store though.

I ordered one of Justin's Trout 3/5 reels last Tuesday and got it Saturday. I thought it was a very fast turnaround and the reel is VERY nice no matter what you pay for it. That's my two pesos.

I use them on furled leaders like JJtroutbum (HEY!? are you the same guy on the SF? If so, I met you at the show last Feb). I'm really pleased with them. Makes all the overcomplicated knots obsolete much of the time.

Sounds like you had a great time! I nearly (made the decision to find smaller water at the last minute as I was approaching the exit) went there yesterday. I heard the fishing was good at Tan Vat yesterday from a friend of a friend who caught a 5lb 3 oz rainbow. Maybe I should have gone to the Current? No regrets though.

Unfortunately I've sold off all I don't need right now and don't have much I can trade. That line will work great on that rod - good choice.

RPL+ is sold but the 1 weight combo is still available - though I fished it today and I'm starting to get attached...

I may be interested...let me think up some trade fodder... You don't need a RIO DT2 Trout LT line do you?

I think you guys are right. Throw some protein.

I'm thinking about it but haven't decided where to go - waiting to look at levels I guess.

Price reduction on the combo!