stlfisher

Agent caught some guys today using Illegal bait. Wrote them all tickets and walked them over to the sign. Pretty funny to watch. I have to give the agents credit they have been out at Forest Park quite a bit this year. The numbers of poachers seem to be down compared to last year...at least at Forest Park. Fishing has been great, but the fish are starting to wise up a little. Jigs under an indicator still working very well.

shorter rods for accuracy in tight conditions and longer rods for distance. I like the longer rod for extra leverage if need be.

AAre you talking about the thingmamabobber? It is a great indicator, easy to cast, floats well, and adjustable. It can slide around on light tippet, but I just shorten my tippet section and attach it the leader...doesn't slide too much for me.

yeah the pumps and fountains are on at both. should be ok until the weather get's real cold. last year it was frigid and someone accidently turned the fountain on at Boathouse lake...the water was freezing so quickly there was a huge mound of ice on the lake...about a big as a house...fish started dying the next day. For whatever reason it seems to be a combination of the the fountains/pumps and real cold temperatures.

I know at both Boathouse and Jefferson Lake they have had fish kills (trout) in past winters. It happens when they turn those large pumps or fountains on in the winter. For whatever reason the chemicals, comined with very cold temperatures will kill them. Last year it killed all the Catfish in Boathouse Lake as well. People were walking around and scopping them up. Of course the crappy water probably doesn't help either. I know a few people who have since called and asked the parks department to keep those things turned off.

I have done well at Jefferson Lake in the morning and the late afternoon. Jigs under an indicator have produced the best so far. Stripping at night has been excellent.

I guess if there was enough possible sightings I would like to at least know if one is in the area even though it is extremely unlikely there would ever be an issue. I am thinking more about kids, pets, and such that might be easier targets even though this is still extremely unlikely. Certainly not necessary for the MDC to go running over the place looking for them, but I guess I would like to know if I have one in the area.

That is sort of close to my brother's house. He is closer to the lindenwood park area just south of 44,but apparantly they migrate up the pristine waters of River Depres.

The MDC might not check it out, but if no one reports it then no one will investigate and at least they will be aware of the sighting. It is a phone call that takes 5 minutes and IMO and you don't lose much. As stated above it is probably a young male looking for territory or an old cat that has been pushed out. I have read that you are 10 times more likely to get killed by the family dog than a mountain lion. As a side story my brother had a Coyote in his neighbors yard last week...which is strange in the middle of STL city. Anyway, his neighbor kept running around the neighborhood in a panick yelling wolf It was quite entertaining actually.

Mine varies. Last trip it was a Guns and Roses and Metallica. My collection is mostly rock and metal. I save Kenny G and Michael Bolton for bath time with a box of Franzia and a couple of drunken floaters.

I am with ya.

I will be at either Bennett or Montauk on Saturday and maybe part of Sunday. Kinda depends how the vote turns out from the rest of the group.

Does anyone know what percentage of streams are private and what percentage are public? I have no problem with private land as long as there is enough public land that is available. I would be interested to know the split.

That is nasty stuff.

I am not sure about the store, but you don't have to buy a daily tag. You can show up, gear up, and fish. There is a horn that signals the beginning and the end. C/R is a great time. If you fish outside of the park and intend to keep fish (18 minimum length...1 fish) you will need a trout permit.

Like Tim said they stock right before the start of C/R and then again about halfway through. Bottom line there are plenty of fish and it is certaintly not as crowded. I would certaintly recommend it. If you can brave the cold you may have the entire stream to yourself on some days. The parks open for C/R on Friday November 12th. Hours at Bennett, Montauk and RR are 8a-4p Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Meramac Spring Park is the exception as that park is open every day of starting November 12th.

The stocked some of the trout in STL today as well. Should get the rest over the next few days. Nice to travel 10 minutes to catch some trout.

I wear felt, but will buy an alternative for my next pair. In the meantime I will clean my equipment between uses. I usually rinse of my boots at the stream (keeps the car clean too) then clean further at home. If you want to get technical the real problem is not felt, but anglers not cleaning there equipment between uses. I have yet to see my felt boots walk to the stream without my help. I haven't seen them get up an clean themselves either. Well besides the time I ate those mushrooms. Clean your stuff and the problem is diminished if not manageable.

Snagged, Not sure I understand some of the responses. Your daugher did well. The pumkins look sweet. I can definatley tell they are Indian pumpkins. I'd say she did well with using the leftover hackle. Tell her to keep on keepin on.

or when you lose your fly box 3 days before a trip and then have to stay up all night tying. Seriously, though tying is great, it is fun, and it is rewarding when you start catching fish on what you make. I agree with the others identify a few patterns you would like to learn and make those first. Then just add as you go...before you now it you will have a nice collection. My "table" sits in front of my TV and I tie while watching the game etc. Wrench nice fly.

That is hardcore...awesome.

Any type of winter fishing whether it is the Urban Program or just winter fishing in general. I like both too for different reasons. I have met a lot of good people at the Urban Trout Program in STL, many of which have become friends, so it always nice to spend a lazy Saturday casting to fish and catching up with friends. Since it is about 10 minutes away it is the only time I have close to home fishing for coldwater fish. I am also a big fan of the Blue Ribbon Streams and even the trout parks during C/R as well. More space to play and the fishing is usually very good. I like it all.

I am big fan of winter fishing for many reasons. Close to home action, less crowds, and often times good fishing. Anyone else getting geared up and ready for winter fishing?

Sweet. Hope she wins!

That is some good info. 1/3 of a decrease in trout numbers is quite substantial, but it sounds like the MDC was expecting worse. A couple normal years weather wise and it should be back to "normal". It is definately a tough place for trout to survive with all the flooding. Hope it rebounds...it is relatively close to home for me.