stlfisher

Too bad she wasn't threatening to get rid of bieber.

Yep, makes no sense...

Drone Hobbyist...that is scary. Think those Bennett Spring and Crane Creek spy cam's are bad? Just wait until a drone flies by your window while you are funnin' with the ladies or buzzes you on the stream. Then again maybe the MDC could use them to track down poachers. They wouldn't even have to get out their car...should be right up their alley.

I see people fishing that section and there is a lot of confusion. There are signs next too the stream that do say no fishing in spots, but there are definatley gaps. If you entered the stream upstream form the handicapped access and waded down toward the handicapped acess there are no signs to let you know that area you are entering is closed during C/R. Confusing for sure. I don't see why they close that section down anyway. If they say it is too protect the browns that migrate upstream during the late fall and early winter I might flip after the massacre that took place this summer.

I wish I was there. Work sucks.

Sorry to hear that man, but looks like you had some great trips and some excellent smallies. I was barely able to sneak the trip in on the tail end got a bit lucky as far as timing. Another weekend later and I think I would have missed too.

Boo!

Looks like Mizzou is ranked #2 in the country after a nice win against Baylor on Saturday. Need to be careful at Oklahoma State this week....trap game after the big win. I can't wait for the Kansas games this year.

Mine would be catching this brown on a Cicada fly I tied after consulting with Craig at Hargroves. It was one of those days in which it was miserabably hot and lot's of people out on the stream. Tried for a homerun shot and fished an area that doesn't seem much traffic...ended up with my largest brown to date.

I have heard that in very clear streams some of the crawdad's have a faint blueish/purple tint to them. In St. Louis I know a few anlgers who tie something very similiar for the streams they fish.

If I was going to fish the wild creeks I would stay closer to Rolla. If I was gonna mostly fish Montuak I would stay at the Country Inn (50 a night) in Licking at the corner of 63...you can't miss it...and it is probably 15 min from Montauk and 30 minutes from the Little Piney. Mill and Spring would be a bit farther. I bet if you fish the Current and Montauk you will be a very happy camper. You can stay at Montauk too. The rooms are $75 a night. Either way have a great time...I need to get out soon.

looks like a great trip..Like the shot of the steaks and Maker's Mark in the backround.

That is kind of what I was thinking. It would not be cool to leave Phil with the bag.

I would be more likely to wear an OAF Tshirt or hat than a pin. I like the idea of donating to charity.

I have fished Fire lake for bass about 5 or 6 times. Always, caught a decent amount but most are pretty small in the 12-14 inch range. It is good lake to catch some Bluegill on a fly rod as well. I actually think the lake itself is kinda shallow, but I could be wrong. I fished Praire Lake as a kid and once ran into my grade school gym teacher who had two bass over 6 lb's. Caught some nice Catfish as a kid and my dad had his pole and holder yanked out of the ground and into the lake. As a kid my neighbor lost pole as well. He actually cast his line and when he went to change hands the pole just dissapeared into the lake. Probably onc of funniest things I have seen fishing. I fished Praire Lake once a few years ago, but it is my understanding there is a leak in the lake and the water is quite low. It appeared that way when I tried it. My bet is there is still a decent amount of water, but it might be difficult to get to the actual water and it was getting bit overgrown where the water level use to be. The bonus is I bet no one fishes it...might be worth a look...if you can hack your way down to it. I am almost positive you can't take your boat out on that lake....even if you could find a way launch it. I have fished the Slough maybe once years ago, but haven't been back recently. My old neighbor use to always fish for carp and catfish and catch some monsters. He mentioned catching some nice bass on occasion, but I do think it holds more rough fish. This was a long time ago so I don't know much about the area now, but it has crossed my mind from time to time. Hope this helps a bit and sorry for rambling...kinda took me down memory lane a bit.

Oh yeah, swinging cracklebacks and griffiths gnat's can be very very effective. Sometimes I use short strips at the end of the float when they start to swing. Zebra Midges always work pretty well for me at Montauk. Never thought to combine the two though. Now I will!

The only real differance is there may not be as many big hatches on really cold days, but the water temperature is the same year around so the fish are still active. Small dries have work the best for me at Montauk lately, but you can still catch them on the bigger stuff too. Just kinda depends on the day and their moods. I wouldn't do anything to drastically different just dress warm and have some zebra midges and small dries on hand in case you need them. Egg, cracklebacks, griffith's gnats, and Mohair leeches are all good choices anytime of the year. Have fun I love Montauk in the winter.

I have a Siberian Husky and a long haired German Shephard who love my new fly tying room. The Husky lays on the floor and the German Shephard watches intently with his head cocked to one side. Had an oops moment when a size #22 midge shot out from my vice and into the Huskie's coat last week. Was barely able to find it in the thick coat...while the German Shepard was licking my face to death. Pretty funny to watch the Greman Shephard sniff all the feathers and sneeze like crazy. Totally freaks him out.

Looks like another outstanding trip with lot's of nice fish brought to hand! The warmer weather sure has been nice for winter fishing this year.

Sounds like a great trip!

I experienced the same thing as JD. I coudn't see the site Monday, yesterday could see it but not login. All appears to be working correctly now. I didn't realize how much time I spent on the forum until it was gone. Man I need to get out more!

Watch your backside...I can't believe these things live in Crane Creek. http://www.bassmaster.com/news/skeet-reese-and-roy-halladay-rescue-snake-bite-victim

Was down last Friday and Saturday and the stretch from the park boundary down to Baptist got pounded with anglers. I counted 13 between Tan Vat and the end of the park on Friday. Those fish were hit very hard. I guess the holiday and warm weather brought everyone out. My advice would be to hit it during the week or colder weather for a bit more solitude and less pressured fish. Small midges (dry) #22 or smaller, grey scuds, and egg patterns worked the best for me. Fishing the park this time of year is not a bad idea either (Friday-Monday)...we had it to ourselves on Saturday afternoon. The water is about perfect right now.

How right you are. My pasty whiteness, accompianied by european swimwear, is a look all ladies savor. Only a select few can pull it off...

Looks like you had a great trip with the family and caught lot's of fish!