12-10 Report - Blue Springs Creek

[mic]

My buddy and I were able to get a way from work and made the drive down to Bourbon from St. Louis. The creek was low and as normal gin clear. We parked at the first spot and worked our way upstream. The first thing I noticed was "where did all the fish go". Holes that had lots of fish in October where completely empty. We didn't get any action until a couple hundred yards upstream of the road crossing. In a small hole below a ripple, both of us caught our first wild trout. They were small but wow...what color. We made it upstream to the "Double L" hole. That was my first time that far upstream. Overall, we got a total of five to hand...the largest being four to five inches. We lost another half dozen, and a had bunch more hits. Overall, a great day for a first and second timer. The best part is my buddy got hooked so I know we will be back. Sorry, forgot the camera so no picks. Got a couple of questions for the regulars...

We noticed the fishing went from nothing to better as we moved up stream. Is this because of the spawn? Is that were all the fish from downstream went?

If yes, how long will the spawn last and the fish move back downstream?

Is the "Double L" hole the last great hole or are there more upstream?

How much farther upstream can one go from the "Double L" before you hit private property?

And if Ted from the fly shop is reading this, the furled leader worked great.

Thanks In Advance,

Mic

[Flyflinger]

My buddy and I were able to get a way from work and made the drive down to Bourbon from St. Louis. The creek was low and as normal gin clear. We parked at the first spot and worked our way upstream. The first thing I noticed was "where did all the fish go". Holes that had lots of fish in October where completely empty. We didn't get any action until a couple hundred yards upstream of the road crossing. In a small hole below a ripple, both of us caught our first wild trout. They were small but wow...what color. We made it upstream to the "Double L" hole. That was my first time that far upstream. Overall, we got a total of five to hand...the largest being four to five inches. We lost another half dozen, and a had bunch more hits. Overall, a great day for a first and second timer. The best part is my buddy got hooked so I know we will be back. Sorry, forgot the camera so no picks. Got a couple of questions for the regulars...

We noticed the fishing went from nothing to better as we moved up stream. Is this because of the spawn? Is that were all the fish from downstream went?

If yes, how long will the spawn last and the fish move back downstream?

Is the "Double L" hole the last great hole or are there more upstream?

How much farther upstream can one go from the "Double L" before you hit private property?

And if Ted from the fly shop is reading this, the furled leader worked great.

Thanks In Advance,

Mic

I'm not sure what your calling the double L hole???

The fish closer to te spring itself are going to be more active this time of year due to te water temprature being warmer.

[mic]

I'm not sure what your calling the double L hole???

The fish closer to te spring itself are going to be more active this time of year due to te water temprature being warmer.

Above the road, the creek for the most part is straight maybe 1/4 mile. At the end of the run, the creek had a long deep straight pool that made a hard right turn, goes up a ripple maybe 15 yards. It then makes a hard left turn. At the bottom of the left turn wood and creek trash have piled upped and the water slightly under cuts it. I called it the double L because of the two 90 degree turns instead of corners.

[flyfishmaster]

mic,

That is all the futher i have gone as well. My next trip down I what to do as far up the creek as possible, just to see what I have missed.

Also, the last time I was down there I ran into a fellow fisherman at the "Double L". He was sitting down reading a book. He told me since the fish are very skidish, it is best to let the hole rest before casting for the first time. He said he starts fishing after sitting by the hole for about 10-15 minutes. He said the fish will come back out the root wad after a period of time.

Since he was fishing that hole, I do not have evidence this is a fact.

But still those 5" fish are cool!!!!

later,

FFM

[ColdWaterFshr]

I was there yesterday too with a couple buddies. We fished from about 10 a.m. - 12:30 pm. I'm still not sure about where you are saying this Double L place is. I almost always fish at the red gate (first pull-over on the right side of Hwy N) and fish between the bridge and up to about the sewage lagoon (near Salvation Army Camp).

Caught about a dozen yesterday, 7 to 8 inches and smaller. They were nailing big cracklebacks with reckless abandon. Didn't work on the bigger fish in the slower, calmer water. Those fish are nearly impossible in clear, low-water conditions. Yes, you have to rest a hole for a good 15 minutes, especially if you've already pulled 4 or 5 out of it. A book isn't a bad idea!

Long, long leaders of mostly tippet. Stay out of the water. Don't crunch gravel.

[mic]

I was there yesterday too with a couple buddies. We fished from about 10 a.m. - 12:30 pm. I'm still not sure about where you are saying this Double L place is. I almost always fish at the red gate (first pull-over on the right side of Hwy N) and fish between the bridge and up to about the sewage lagoon (near Salvation Army Camp).

Caught about a dozen yesterday, 7 to 8 inches and smaller. They were nailing big cracklebacks with reckless abandon. Didn't work on the bigger fish in the slower, calmer water. Those fish are nearly impossible in clear, low-water conditions. Yes, you have to rest a hole for a good 15 minutes, especially if you've already pulled 4 or 5 out of it. A book isn't a bad idea!

Long, long leaders of mostly tippet. Stay out of the water. Don't crunch gravel.

I saw your vehicle when we came in. The "L" was down stream of where you were. I'll have to try from the gate. Do you just walk down the hill?

[ColdWaterFshr]

Yes, just walk down the hill, about 50 yards, and pick up one of the trails.

[Flyflinger]

Above the road, the creek for the most part is straight maybe 1/4 mile. At the end of the run, the creek had a long deep straight pool that made a hard right turn, goes up a ripple maybe 15 yards. It then makes a hard left turn. At the bottom of the left turn wood and creek trash have piled upped and the water slightly under cuts it. I called it the double L because of the two 90 degree turns instead of corners.

If I've got your location correct....if you would have went a little further you would have ran into a great pool with some big fish. Its the largest pool I have seen in BS. past that is a nice little waterfall right under a low canopy...challegeing but I've pulled 10-15 fish from that spot in a sitting. I've walked up from the waterfall quite a ways...never been to the spring itself...would love to see it but I think its on private land.

Glad you guys had some fun.

[ozark trout fisher]

The spring is on Camp Mihaska property. I have long wondered if maybe they would grant permission to fish.

Has anyone tried?

In any case, there's plenty of good public water there. I learned to fly fish on that creek-talk about trial by fire.... I caught 15 or 20 trees for every little rainbow.

[mic]

The spring is on Camp Mihaska property. I have long wondered if maybe they would grant permission to fish.

Has anyone tried?

In any case, there's plenty of good public water there. I learned to fly fish on that creek-talk about trial by fire.... I caught 15 or 20 trees for every little rainbow.

I haven't tried, but might as well try. There was one thing I left out of the report... five fish with no lost flies. That is a big accomplishment for someone who loses flies at Bennett all the time.