The Busch Slaughter

[jdmidwest]

Thank God for the Urban Trout Program, it gives the Giggers something to do during the daytime...

I drove by the Rotary Park here yesterday, some had busted holes in the ice around the edges and were fishing from them, about 20 people fishing out of 6 holes. You are not allowed to go out on the ice and fish, you can only fish from the bank.

[eric1978]

I think me and eric went around and around about it earlier this winter but, all is good with me. I see he is enjoying the program by the reports and pics he post.

I'm always willing to admit when I'm wrong, and this is one of those times. I was totally against the program before I got a fly rod, and while I still contend there's no comparison between the Busch Mudpuddles and a running river (call me a snob, I don't care), I have to admit that I do enjoy going out to BW for a couple hours and getting my fix with a few stockers. It's about 15 minutes from home and it's nice to feel the pull of a fish while practicing my casting.

However, if I had a river equidistant from Busch, you'd probably never see me at Busch. But it is a pretty good deal for those of us not fortunate enough to live near one.

[fishinwrench]

What's the bluegill population like at Busch, are there many big ones ?

[eric1978]

What's the bluegill population like at Busch, are there many big ones ?

I've never targeted them specifically, but I've caught a few on accident. I don't think the populations of any species are doing that great out there, but I bet there are some good gills on the C&R only lakes. Nothing like your secret gill hole, though, that much I'm sure of.

[Chief Grey Bear]

However, if I had a river equidistant from Busch, you'd probably never see me at Busch. But it is a pretty good deal for those of us not fortunate enough to live near one.

I totally here what you are saying! I couldn't agree more! Nothing like chasing them in a more natural habitat.

I am glad to hear that you are enjoying the fly rod. They can be and are blast to toss.

I am thinking of seaking up to Bennett sometime this summer or early fall. Think you and OTF can show me around?

[eric1978]

I am thinking of seaking up to Bennett sometime this summer or early fall. Think you and OTF can show me around?

I think you got me confused with someone else, Chief...I don't know squat about Bennett. I'm sure Wrench and PC would be happy to show you around though.

[stlfisher]

And I am all for it. I think it is a great program for others in the same situation like yourself. I was really just kinda playing around with eric and gypsy. If I offened you, it was not my intention.

I think me and eric went around and around about it earlier this winter but, all is good with me. I see he is enjoying the program by the reports and pics he post. It appears to me that the program is operating as designed for all involved.

I am definately not offended so no issues there. I like most others have issues with the way the program is managed. Given my choice I would be a stream any day of the week.

True, the water won't warm enough to kill the trout until later in the season. But the water temperature need only be around 40 degrees to trigger a turnover event. If the water at the bottom of the pond is oxygen-depleted, it can result in serious, even lethal stress for the fish. Nutrient inputs (from fertilizers and goose poo), excacerbates the situation. I've seen bass, bluegill, crappie, golden shiners, catfish, even common carp stressed and killed as a result of low oxygen levels and pond turnover- why wouldn't trout, which have significantly higher dissolved oxygen requirements, not be affected? Like I said, I'd rather see those fish on someone's table than floating belly-up. If that means I don't get to spend another week or two fishing for them, so be it.

Look on the bright side- you no longer have urban trout fishing distracting you from your duties at the tying desk. Caddis are beginning to pop on the Current. In less than a month, the trout parks will open. Muskie will start stirring once the water reaches the 50's. White bass and walleye will soon begin moving towards spawning areas, and the crappie bite ought to pick up shortly. Blue catfish are staging behind wing dykes on the big rivers for their spawning preparations. And in a few days those urban trout ponds will be devoid of the salmonids, just in time for the bass and bluegill and crappies and catfish to begin waking up. Before too long those bass will start getting into their pre-spawning activities. Don't think of this as the end, just as a different sort of beginning

I don't have the secret formula for when dissolved oxygen and water temperature result in a kill and I am sure the MDC has a better idea of it than I do. I would think they could extend the season somewhat. Anwyay, I agree I would rather them be caught than have them floating dead in the water. It seemed like once the ice opened up enough to fish it was time for Catch and Keep.

I like your take on the new beginnings. I think I am suffering from a serious case of cabin fever. As far a fly tying I I have been tying almost every night and running out of storage space. Good problem to have though. Can't wait until the bass start moving.

What's the bluegill population like at Busch, are there many big ones ?

There are some nice ones in lake 16 (C/R) lake and a lot of small bass. Lot's of fun on fly rod with an olive bugger or a Crackleback. Hit that lake when the mosquitoes hatch (if you can stand it) you can catch them one after another. If you go there I have a few spots on that lake that produce well...just pm me if want. Casting is a little tricky, but doable. The MDC site has a good write up regarding Busch and the lakes best for different species. There are some giant Redear sunfish in some of the lakes as well. 34 comes to mind for them.

[eric1978]

There are some nice ones in lake 16 (C/R) lake and a lot of small bass. Lot's of fun on fly rod with an olive bugger or a Crackleback. Hit that lake when the mosquitoes hatch (if you can stand it) you can catch them one after another. If you go there I have a few spots on that lake that produce well...just pm me if want. Casting is a little tricky, but doable. The MDC site has a good write up regarding Busch and the lakes best for different species. There are some giant Redear sunfish in some of the lakes as well. 34 comes to mind for them.

I just wish I could put my canoe in the lakes out there...that would be a game-changer. I don't see why you can't when you're allowed to take their jon boats out with trolling motors.

[duckydoty]

I grew up fishing BW as a kid. When your stuck in the St. Charles/St. Peters area it was a great place to go that was close to home. I actually caught my largest bass ever there.....8 pounds 1 ounce. Not bad for urban fishing. It is a great place to fish for carp on the fly rod. As I got older, I started playing on the Big Rivers a little more. Howell Island was a great place to run some jug and limb lines. When the water comes up and gets in the trees, those 50 and 60 pound flat head and blues are alot of fun trying to wrestle up out of the water in a canoe! The white bass/hybrids would make a good runn up in there in the spring also. Not to mention a good place to catch spoonbill and big head carp. I just wish they did not make it to where you could not drive over the low water bridge. That made it a little harder to get all your gear down there.

[stlfisher]

I just wish I could put my canoe in the lakes out there...that would be a game-changer. I don't see why you can't when you're allowed to take their jon boats out with trolling motors.

Yeah, that would be nice wouldn't it. There are some spots they would

work great in. I also wish they would let you fish after 9pm. If there are any big fish, I bet they put the feed bag on when everyone goes home.