First Float On The Flat

[Chief Grey Bear]

Dylan, Buzz and I, decided to try some new water this weekend. We also had a very special guest, that made a second float with us, KCRiverRat. I was excited to hear that he wanted to float with us again.

So we headed to the east early Sunday morning. I was very excited to try this float as I have fished some of the upper sections and liked it.

So we meet KC at Jenkins and began our journey. We hit the water just before 9 and didn't finish until about 730. I have to admit I got a lesson from from everyone. Especially Dylan and Buzz. I couldn't hardly buy a bite. But Dylan and Buzz were just going to town. KC did a great job in catching all of the large bass. I did have one bite that as KC will attest to, literally jerked the rod out of my hand! I sure wish I would have made a connection with that fish!

Anyway, I'll let KC and Buzz tell the story this week.

Here are a couple of photo's for your viewing pleasure.

[creek wader]

Glad you guys had a good time. I always love trying new water. I fished a different section of the Big Tavern Creek last trip at Jeff. City. I'll have to put together a post.

[Chief Grey Bear]

Good to see you wader! Have you got that project done yet?

Here is something sort of rare. Buzz caught this Longperch while fishing a Reble Craw. After he caught this, we got to looking and there were quite a few of these fellers all around.

Here is Dylan admiring one of many fish of the day.

[KCRIVERRAT]

Once again, a great time with you guys on sunday Chief. Yep, I can attest to the fact that was one hard take that fish made. I was as surprised as Chief was when I saw his rod being yanked from his hand!

Like Chief was saying while we were floating, Flat Creek is a perfect name for this stream. There are plenty of stretches of skinny water that's unproductive. The holes when you get to 'em are surprisingly deep though. Don't get me wrong, it's a pretty creek for sure. Crystal clear, bathtub warm, and great for swimming. Dylan had a blast, as did we, watching him play in the water.

Great pics of Buzz's perch and me casting Chief!

[creek wader]

Yeah Chief, I got the main project done. Unfortunately, it created a lot of other smaller projects. Looks like my summers full up. Glad I get down to Jeff., every now and then, so I can get some fishing in. After my last outing there. I've decided to check out a few sections, that I skipped over.

I'm still keeping your area in mind for a float, though, I'll keep you posted. Problem is now, the wife wants to go somewhere for vacation, and it won't be fishing.

Buzz, A log perch, wow. The weird things you catch while fishing. I did my qualifying "Nature Dive" down at Table Rock, 9 yrs. ago. My assignment was to find certain type of fish that was described to me, but they didn't tell me it's name, till I found one. It turned out being a log perch. After a long search I found one. After finding it. I found quite of few of them. Pretty cool little dudes.

[Paola Cat]

Great job Chief. Flat Creek can be very productive. I agree .... lots of skinny water but the holes can be fantastic. Did you guys float from Jenkins to 39 or EE? I caught my biggest SMB (over 5) on the stretch from 39 to EE several years ago. Awesome place to fish. PC

[Buzz]

Great day to be on the water. I like Flat Creek. It's different than most of the other creeks that we float. We did play around in some places longer than we should have, not really knowing how long it would take. We floated from 39 to EE. Had some boat traffic and truck traffic, right through the creek. For me, most of my fish hit the soft plastic craw and Rebel craw. I am going to try some of those Senko type of baits next time that Creekwader is slaying them on. The water was so clear that I got to see a bunch of takes. I got to see one of KC's biggest fish hammer his bait, it was great. In one spot KC caught a very nice brownie ( he also caught the biggest two of the day) and I threw in right after him and caught 4 fish back to back. They were stacked up along the ledges in the shade.

Chief, I'm glad you figured out that little fish was a Long perch, I had no idea. Neat looking little sucker though.

KCRIVERRAT and a nice brownie.

One of mine. Thanks KC good pic.

Buzz

[KCRIVERRAT]

Buzz... my wife just said yours was bigger than mine... what the hell?

[Paola Cat]

I've fished the Flat for many years. When fishing Flat Creek I use Teeny Craws (shallow or deep runner depending on the water depth) and follow up with slider worms. After catching the real active fish on the Teeny Craw .... I throw the 4" slider worm. I rig it Texas style and use a long shank cricket hook and about the smallest worm weight you can get. Try the salt-n-pepper color .... it's always been good on the Flat, Osage Fork, and the upper Niangua. PC

[KCRIVERRAT]

Hey Paola... need to hook up for a float bud.