2 Northern Ozark Streams

[creek wader]

I haven't posted any reports, lately. After reading some of my past posts, I found my posts to be a bit boring, even trivial. I fish smaller streams and mainly wade fish. The fish are smaller and less in numbers compared to other peoples' adventures. So, I've just been enjoying reading the posts of others. I thought I'd recap this years fishing, in case anyone was interested.

Out of respect for others, that fish the same streams that I do. I won't mention them by name. Anyone that has read my posts in the past, know what streams that I fish.

Anyway, I started doing well on smallies and some nice largemouth early this spring. Then the rains started. The streams came out of their banks several times this year. If they weren't flooding, it was usually raining. So, I didn't really get going till mid-August. I'm glad that I did. I fished several different accesses that I've never tried before, and a few that I haven't been to in years.

The streams are very low and quite clear right now. The clearest that I've ever fished. I'm having to walk/wade long distances between fish-able spots. I've been catching most fish in 1' to 3' of water. But, the fish are there and very active. I've used a variety of lures from 2" to 6" soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and topwater. The one thing that hasn't worked very well is crankbaits. But, that makes me try them even more. I like the challenge. If I'm catching them on one kind lure, I switch to another to see if I can get them to hit on it. If the fish are small, I'll up-size to go for bigger fish. If they are hitting on soft plastics, after a couple of fish, I'll go to topwater. Something about a smallie crashing the surface.... well you know.

I've been catching mainly smallies. But, have caught some largemouth and Kentuckies. I've caught quite a few Google-eye, this year, too. Every year, I seem to catch more and more.

A 15" smallie is a good fish on these two streams. Most smallies are in the 8" to 14" range. With a few fish up to 18". Last year I caught my first and only 20".

This year, I've landed two 18", and several 16" and 17" smalles.

Everyone likes some fish porn so here's a few pics:

[Chief Grey Bear]

Nice fish there wader! You been holding out on us. It is always good to see some quality fish from region of the state the gets little if any reporting.

[creek wader]

Nice fish there wader! You been holding out on us. It is always good to see some quality fish from region of the state the gets little if any reporting.

Now you know why, Chief.

[Chief Grey Bear]

I hear ya. Reports are enough. Pic's are great. No need for names.

[drew03cmc]

Wader,thank you! That gives me hope that you don't have to go to the spot-ravaged waters to catch quality fish

[Buzz]

BOOOOOOORING!!!! Just kidding you Wader. Nice report and some really nice pics.

It sounds like you need a Rebel Teeny Craw in either deep or shallow to take care of that crank (bait) fix that you need. It will absolutely catch any fish on any creek in any region of this state and probably any other state for that matter. It does need a little lighter line and rod set-up, but it is a great lure and the depths of the creeks that you discribe sound perfect for it.

Next time don't wait so long for another boring report.

[Phil Lilley]

I love the pics- thanks!!

[creek wader]

BOOOOOOORING!!!! Just kidding you Wader. Nice report and some really nice pics.

It sounds like you need a Rebel Teeny Craw in either deep or shallow to take care of that crank (bait) fix that you need. It will absolutely catch any fish on any creek in any region of this state and probably any other state for that matter. It does need a little lighter line and rod set-up, but it is a great lure and the depths of the creeks that you discribe sound perfect for it.

Next time don't wait so long for another boring report.

When I first started fishing the streams for smallies, the Teeny-Craw was my "go to" bait. I slayed them on it. One drawback. I couldn't keep the sunnies off it. Not that it is a bad thing. I just wanted bass. I moved up from my ultra light to a little heavier gear and got away from the Teeny-Craw. Like you said, you need light gear to cast it. Al, talked about it in depth in another post. It is a reaction bite, because it doesn't swim or act like a crawfish. But, boy does it work. I think I'll try it today. I have quite a few of them.