Busch Lakes Iced Up

[Gatorjet]

The word I got yesterday was that the fish are biting and the poachers are catching.

I don't poach the trout I catch and KEEP legally after February 1st in the lakes that are catch and release from November 1st to February 1st. I prefer to fry them Tasts much better!

St. Louis Winter Trout Areas

Trout Water Miles or Area County Area Key Daily Limit Authorized Lures and Baits

Busch Lake 21 6.0 acres St. Charles All d e 4 from Feb. 1–Oct. 31, catch and release from Nov. 1–Jan. 31 All from Feb. 1–Oct. 31, only artificial lures and flies from Nov. 1–Jan. 31

Busch Lake 22 4.1 acres St. Charles All d g 4 All

Busch Lake 23 4.0 acres St. Charles All d g 4 All

Busch Lake 24 3.1 acres St. Charles All d g 4 All

Busch Lake 28 12.0 acres St. Charles All d e 4 from Feb. 1–Oct. 31, catch and release from Nov. 1–Jan. 31 All from Feb. 1–Oct. 31, only artificial lures and flies from Nov. 1–Jan. 31

As found in: http://mdc.mo.gov/fishing/regulations/sport-fish-regulations/trout-regulations-and-permits

[David Unnerstall]

I gotta d-a question: What are the definitions of the letters in the section of the table labeled "Key"?

[Gatorjet]

I gotta d-a question: What are the definitions of the letters in the section of the table labeled "Key"?

My best guess. If you change the following listed as "key" numerically with the corresponding letters it makes sense.

More confusion complements of MDC!!!

Found at the bottom of the page I linked to:

Key

a=1.Regardless of where taken, the head, tail and skin must remain attached to all fish for which length limits are established while on the waters (or banks) to which the length limit apply.

b=2.Additional permits may be required.

c=3.Area regulations, fishing methods and zones vary. Ask for details when you purchase your tag.

d=4.From Nov. 1—Jan. 31, not more than one pole and line may be used by one person at any time and the use of natural and scented baits as chum is prohibited.

e=5.From Feb. 1—Oct. 31, you must stop fishing for all species when you have four trout in possession.

f=6.From Nov. 1—Jan. 31, you must stop fishing for all species when you have four trout in possession.

g=7.You must stop fishing for all species when you have four trout in possession.

[David Unnerstall]

Thanks, Gatorjet. I should have figured that out. Most people say I am smart, but it is hard being smart all the time.

The lake at January Wabash is close to where I live. That would be a good way to cure a little cabin fever for a few hours.

[Gatorjet]

The word I got yesterday was that the fish are biting and the poachers are catching.

Don't get it. WHO are the poachers? People keeping trout from the C&R lakes after February 1st when it becomes legal to do so?

[bikehikefish]

Don't get it. WHO are the poachers? People keeping trout from the C&R lakes after February 1st when it becomes legal to do so?

That brings new meaning to the phrase "Gotta get them before the poachers do".

[eric1978]

Don't get it. WHO are the poachers? People keeping trout from the C&R lakes after February 1st when it becomes legal to do so?

The poachers are the guys who keep 8,12,16,20 fish in a single day. I've seen 'em do it. They get their four, take them to the car, put them in a cooler, have a sandwich, head back for the next round of four...over and over.

Just sayin'.

[snagged in outlet 3]

Exactly Eric!!!

Hopefully the trout have soaked up enough radiation to thin the herd of those guys.

SIO3

[Gatorjet]

The poachers are the guys who keep 8,12,16,20 fish in a single day. I've seen 'em do it. They get their four, take them to the car, put them in a cooler, have a sandwich, head back for the next round of four...over and over.

Just sayin'.

OK, now I understand. Looks like MDC needs some plain clothed agents there.

[ozark trout fisher]

As for the poachers there-I hope they get caught. To put it simply they are selfish SOBs that are stealing from other folks that fish those lakes, especially people that for one reason or another can't fish much anywhere else. They are thieves, plain and simple, no better than shop-lifters, and maybe worse.

But honestly I wouldn't lose any sleep over it. If those fish don't get caught out they'll be dead in not much more than a month anyway- a lot of them will die when the lake turns over here fairly soon and the rest will late April/early May when the water temp gets above 70, except the odd fish that may find a spring-hole at the bottom of one of the lakes or something. I'd rather the agents spend their time patrolling less fisheries that have a shot of outlasting the next couple months.

As a side note, if I ever become so desperate as to be sneaking more than my limit of Busch Wildlife stockers because I just can't get enough of that kind of fishing, then I am in dire straits and should probably take up golf.