Best Blue Ribbon Strem In Missouri?

[laker67]

I was going to throw a shout out for Blue Springs just outside of Bourbon, MO. This is a tiny stream and most fish are under 12".

Laker67, Do you know if this stream is stocked?

Later,

FFM

Chuck Tyron talked about it years ago, but I do not know if it is still routinely stocked.

[laker67]

I just checked MDC website, and it has been designated a blue ribbon area and is still managed for rainbow trout only, which means that it receives no supplement stockings.

It is one of 5, wild trout management areas in the state.

[KCRIVERRAT]

What you refer to as a wild trout creek, does not exist. All of the areas are stocked with hatchery raised fish on a routine basis. And yes they do stock 20 inch fish on occasion. The majority of the fish are 12 inch because that's what they stock. Most never make it past 12 inch in the wild, because of predators, such as man, river otter, mink, and blue herons. The fish always go through the ritual of spawning, but very few eggs survive. Even fewer hatchlings survive.

I've caught 3 or 4 fish down at Roaring River with talon marks on them while the bald eagles were in the area.

[laker67]

I've caught 3 or 4 fish down at Roaring River with talon marks on them while the bald eagles were in the area.

Very interesting, I forgot about the eagles and the ospreys. I would imagine there are several other critters that could call them "dinner".

[KCRIVERRAT]

Very interesting, I forgot about the eagles and the ospreys. I would imagine there are several other critters that could call them "dinner".

Howdy laker... yep, and one of those critters is me! When I'm in Shell Knob the in-law's won't let me come home without something for the smoker!

[KCRIVERRAT]

Howdy laker... yep, and one of those critters is me! When I'm in Shell Knob the in-law's won't let me come home without something for the smoker!

I most always fish outside the park. In-laws don't like the 4 fish limit any more than they like me!

[jdmidwest]

Very interesting, I forgot about the eagles and the ospreys. I would imagine there are several other critters that could call them "dinner".

OTTERS

[duckydoty]

Very interesting, I forgot about the eagles and the ospreys. I would imagine there are several other critters that could call them "dinner".

Herons

[laker67]

Back to the topic subject, I would pick the very upper reaches of the Current River. The creek is small enough to allow you to fish all of the water on both sides of the creek. It is shallow enough for excellent sight fishing. It can hold some very large brown trout and occasionally a large rainbow. Over the years it has produced 2 of missouri's "state record" brown trout. A 15 pound fish in 77, and a 19 pound fish around 1990. I am recalling those dates from memory, so I may not be 100% accurate. The largest brown that I have ever taken from there, was right at 9 pounds, the largest rainbow was 7.5. The fish are very wary and offer a good challenge.

[Chief Grey Bear]

All of you have obviously over looked Missouri's #1 hands down Blue Ribbon stream.....HICKORY!!!!!!!!!!!!