Trout Coming To Busch Soon

[ozark trout fisher]

So, the Busch trout season is about to start... I'm predicting the first stocking not this coming weekend, but just before the one after that. Could be wrong though.

I'm totally aware this is the most unnatural, unsporting type of fishing on earth, but it's about the best way to feel a tug on the end of a line around here come winter.

I know they won't be stocking at least until this coming Sunday, because that's November 1. If they were to be stocked before then, the fish in the catch and release lakes won't be yet protected, because it's only no-kill November 1- Jan 31. That's why I think it will open the next weekend.

[brownieman]

IMO this just shows how the MDC caters to the urban areas, the vote.

With the exception of the white ribbon areas which are not stocked during winter months and the blue and red ribbon areas where you're lucky to catch a keeper these days the rural folks don't have any place to catch and keep a mess of stinkers.

To boot, when the water warms enouph in the spring the remaining fish that haven't been caught belly up.

Ask most rural folk what they think of this program but the dept. doesn't seem to care because they know where the majority of the voters are. St. Louis alone will trump the whole rural population. Pretty much shows the trend to me but what do I know, I'm just a simple country boy.

bm

[eric1978]

IMO this just shows how the MDC caters to the urban areas, the vote.

With the exception of the white ribbon areas which are not stocked during winter months and the blue and red ribbon areas where you're lucky to catch a keeper these days the rural folks don't have any place to catch and keep a mess of stinkers.

To boot, when the water warms enouph in the spring the remaining fish that haven't been caught belly up.

Ask most rural folk what they think of this program but the dept. doesn't seem to care because they know where the majority of the voters are. St. Louis alone will trump the whole rural population. Pretty much shows the trend to me but what do I know, I'm just a simple country boy.

bm

I'm with you bm, screw Busch Wildlife. They should reallocate those resources to actual trout habitat where they can live longer than 5 or 6 months. Total waste of money. If that means St. Louis anglers have to drive farther to access some fishing, so be it. I know that's what I do. I wouldn't want to catch a trout out of a muddy pond just like I wouldn't want to catch a smallmouth out of a bath tub.

I'm not so sure about the whole St. Louis voters trumping the rest of the state, though. In the last election, St. Louis County, Jefferson County, the Kansas City area, and I believe also Columbia (I think Boone County), the most heavily populated areas of the state, all went blue. But Missouri as a whole was red. So...the rural folks definitely have an impact on voting. But all in all, I do think you're right that MDC is probably pandering a little to the city people, most of whom should just stick with jogging and soccer practice anyway.

[brownieman]

Thanks Eric,

Figured I would get my butt jumped all over for that post...still might, aint heard no fat lady singin yet, lol.

later on

[snagged in outlet 3]

Since I'm only 5 miles from Busch I guess I'll head on over and catch a few!! That's after spending the weekend on the Current. I get the best of both worlds. Sorry. I'll check back later for your rant.

SIO3

[brownieman]

Sorry my friend,

You can have the best?? of the Busch World...I can be standin in the Current in 15 minutes.

You'll get no rant from me...you can have it, lol.

later on

[snagged in outlet 3]

"I can be standin in the Current in 15 minutes."

Okay that hurt!

SIO3

[ozark trout fisher]

I'm with you bm, screw Busch Wildlife. They should reallocate those resources to actual trout habitat where they can live longer than 5 or 6 months. Total waste of money. If that means St. Louis anglers have to drive farther to access some fishing, so be it. I know that's what I do. I wouldn't want to catch a trout out of a muddy pond just like I wouldn't want to catch a smallmouth out of a bath tub.

I'm not so sure about the whole St. Louis voters trumping the rest of the state, though. In the last election, St. Louis County, Jefferson County, the Kansas City area, and I believe also Columbia (I think Boone County), the most heavily populated areas of the state, all went blue. But Missouri as a whole was red. So...the rural folks definitely have an impact on voting. But all in all, I do think you're right that MDC is probably pandering a little to the city people, most of whom should just stick with jogging and soccer practice anyway.

It's a waste of resources probably... But it happens to be a waste I will thoroughly enjoy catching come a cold winter day.

I do see the point of stocking these areas, if you see some value in recruiting some folks to the sport of trout fishing. It will introduce some people to the sport, and I think that's a good thing. I do think the Ozarks already have plenty of trout. But then again, there's actually trout habitat down there...

[eric1978]

It's a waste of resources probably... But it happens to be a waste I will thoroughly enjoy catching come a cold winter day.

I do see the point of stocking these areas, if you see some value in recruiting some folks to the sport of trout fishing. It will introduce some people to the sport, and I think that's a good thing. I do think the Ozarks already have plenty of trout. But then again, there's actually trout habitat down there...

I guess if a bunch more people buy trout stamps to fish at Busch, it's more money for MDC. Hopefully they make more for for licenses than it costs them to run the program. Personally, I'd rather see them invest that money into the streams. Heck, why can't they stock some smallmouth in struggling rivers like the Bourbeuse? At least they would actually belong there and would be able to survive permanently. I don't know...I just kinda don't get it. I also don't get how people enjoy going on a pheasant hunt when they drive there in the same vehicle the birds they're about to shoot are in.

[ozark trout fisher]

I don't know...I just kinda don't get it. I also don't get how people enjoy going on a pheasant hunt when they drive there in the same vehicle the birds they're about to shoot are in.

Oh come on, man, it's a little different than that isn't it?

But basically, I agree with you. If they would use that same money for habitat improvements on smallie streams, I'd be for it 100%. No qualms about it. IF the department would actually spend it on that, I'm right with you on this.

In the mean-time, I'll be fishing for those trout....