Members trout_bum Posted September 15, 2008 Members Share Posted September 15, 2008 I love this stream. Spent the whole day on Crane this past Saturday before we got hammered with all the rain. I arrived at about 7:00am, and didn't come off the water until 5:15pm. I lose track of time when I go down there. The fishing was decent. Didn't see any attack snakes, but I did see the resident beaver there in the city park. Most of the fish I caught were in the 10" to 14" range. This pretty much seems to be the average for this creek. Caught a couple beautiful yearlings that were about 3" to 4" long with the parr marks and vermillion stripe down his side. I noticed a fairly decent sized trout chasing one as I brought it to hand. The creek was in pretty good shape, but judging from all the flooded creeks I drove over today, I'm sure its blown out by now. It should hopefully be back to normal by next weekend if we don't get anymore rain between now and then. Corey Dodson "Trout everywhere tremble at the mention of my name." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Grey Bear Posted September 15, 2008 Share Posted September 15, 2008 Hey, way to go there TB. Like the pics too. Keep posting. Chief Grey Bear Living is dangerous to your health Owner Ozark Fishing Expeditions Co-Owner, Chief Executive Product Development Team Jerm Werm Executive Pro Staff Team Agnew Executive Pro Staff Paul Dallas Productions Executive Pro Staff Team Heddon, River Division Chief Primary Consultant Missouri Smallmouth Alliance Executive Vice President Ronnie Moore Outdoors Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danoinark Posted September 15, 2008 Share Posted September 15, 2008 Nice report thanks...What was the go to fly that day? Dano Glass Has Class "from the laid back lane in the Arkansas Ozarks" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members trout_bum Posted September 16, 2008 Author Members Share Posted September 16, 2008 Nice report thanks...What was the go to fly that day? Dano Anything you could present to them that looks natural without spooking them. Presentation is pretty much the key on Crane. This creek doesn't get fished a whole lot so the fish aren't ultra selective. I've found out that in order to be successful on this gem of a creek, you must blend in with the environment first of all, and BE PATIENT. Stand back from the bank and use the cover to your advantage in order to conceal yourself. Study the water thoroughly and look for likely holding spots such as deep runs, undercut banks, anything that creates a break in the main current such as root wads, fallen timber, large submerged rocks, inside bends in the creek, eddies, etc. These are wild fish and they will use these spots to their advantage to conserve energy, hide from predators and at the same time be able to pick off anything tasty that washes down. Watch for any sign of movement in these spots. Its amazing how well these trout blend in with the stream bed, and usually the only time you will see them is when they come out briefly to pick off a dislodged nymph or any other vulnerable insect that is emerging from or has fallen into the water. When you have done all of this, make a plan of attack approaching your quarry from downstream in the trouts blind spot. While keeping a low profile, move very very very slowly and don't make any sudden movements while getting into position to make your presentation. This is the point in the whole process when I wish I were born as a midget because it can be pretty rough on the knees and the back. Whatever you do from this point will determine whether you bring a fish to hand or not. Hopefully your proficient at the sidearm cast because you'll need it to punch your fly underneath overhanging branches and other obstacles without getting tangled. If you land the fly as delicately as possible in the fish's feeding lane and keep the drag off of it properly to make it look natural, the rest is up to the fish. Be ready for the fish to take though, because once they realize they're hooked they go crazy as if on steroids or something. I sometimes wonder if someone is dumping crystal meth in this creek because these trout go absolutely bonkers once hooked. If you've done everything right you will hopefully be rewarded with one of these absolutely gorgeous trout. So, heres the short answer to your question. The go to fly of the day was anything I could make look as natural as possible to the fish without spooking it. Sorry for being so long winded, but I believe everything I mentioned above is very important on this stream. The fly on the end of you tippet is only as good as how you make it look to Mr. McCloud. And remember, if you love something, sometimes you just have to let it go. Corey Dodson "Trout everywhere tremble at the mention of my name." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danoinark Posted September 16, 2008 Share Posted September 16, 2008 Excellent instructions. Very good advice. Thanks for posting. Its solid knowledge for anyone stalking wild fish. Dano Glass Has Class "from the laid back lane in the Arkansas Ozarks" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DD'sMC Posted September 16, 2008 Share Posted September 16, 2008 Very nice post, and great photos. Crane Creek and the trout that dwell there are truly unlike any others. One of my most favorite places. We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give. The two best times to go fishing? When it is raining and when it is not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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