"wondrin' Aloud"

[snagged in outlet 3]

That's classic Gavin!!!!

[ness]

GPS coordinates anyone, anyone?

I suppose I can trust you guys to keep a secret. There are multiple, big fish at N37° 27.0058' W91° 39.6599'

[snagged in outlet 3]

You just can't get this kind of entertainment any ole place.....

What would I do without you guys???

[ozark trout fisher]

I really don't understand all the complaining about the crowds on the Current and the reports/pictures on here that may be playing some tiny part in them. The Current has all the blessings and the curses that go with a truly great trout water. It has great numbers of fish, very large fish for the size of the stream, the best hatches in the state,and some of the most heart-breakingly beautiful pools and runs that you will find on any trout stream anywhere in the world. Not to mention excellent access. I honestly believe that as a trout stream it is not very much inferior to rivers like the South Platte in Colorado or the Henry's Fork in Idaho, with the exception of the fact that most of the trout are stocked. This means it will be a famous fishery. It's just inescapable with a river like the Current and there's no use getting frustrated about it. If you want solitude then there is plenty of good trout water in Missouri where you can find that.

[Nortrad]

Well said...let's all try to preserve it by picking up the trash and reminding those who are not following reg's to follow them so the fishery lasts.

[OKFlyFisher44]

After reading all 3 pages of this thread, I must say, points are made on both sides of the issue. There is no solution to the issue though. So IMO, enjoy the resource we have, take care of it, and support it however u can so that we can enjoy it for years to come.

I started fishing the Current 3 years ago after planning a big trout trip for the crew and myself. I have fished it numerous times in the past 3 years and have always had great success. Maybe it depends on what u are calling a good day? Are you going to have a 40-60 fish day like u can on Taney, Norfork, or the White? I dont believe so. What I love about the Current is that its the "total package" as far as trout streams go in the Ozarks. With the exception of a few wild trout creeks, NFOW, and the 11 pt...there isnt another place like the Current in the Ozarks, IMO. Its a freestone river with TONS of beautiful browns and rainbows. Even the stupid stockers that wander downstream of the park will grow their fins back, regain their amazing colors, and fight similiar to a wild fish after they have spent some time in the stream. The scenery of the river is amazing, I truly feel like I am not in Missouri when I go to the Current.

As far as crowds go, I can honestly say that I have never had an issue with "crowding" on the Current. The very 1st day I ever fished it, was when I saw the most people while I was fishing. Since then...almost solitude nearly everytime I've been on the water. I will say that there have been a few times that I have walked to the Tan Vat access from Eagles Park where we camp or pulled up to Baptist to find several cars in the parking lot, which is frustrating. Here is the thing, if you will spend a little time and energy to do some hiking upstream or downstream....those other fisherman disappear quickly. There is plenty of water in the trout section of the Current...and plenty of trout, just gotta do a little walking.

As far as big fish go, I probably shouldnt comment because as I havent fished the river very long like Gavin and a few others, but there are plenty of them there. We went to the Current last september, the river was VERY low and clear. I'll just say this...there are plenty of big browns AND rainbows in that river. We saw them and caught a few of them...

The stream is no secret. Just gonna have to accept it and go on.

I love this river...

[Scudz Rule]

Dunno...the last couple of years have been great, IMO. I've seen more 20"+ fish caught on that river in the past two years than I have in the previous five.

You have to have realistic expectations though. Are the crowds are bad? Spring through fall they are. No worries though......Most of those anglers will never have more than a random chance at any of the better fish down there. Most dont have a clue about how to fish for them, others have different objectives, and many wont expend the effort.

I'd say that 24" is about the upper end of the range though...which isnt bad for a small freestone river anywhere in the US of A..Cheers.

I guess your just special Gavin:-) I just happen to disagree with your opinion. Gavin says, "Most of those anglers will never have more than a random chance at any of the better fish down there." Who are "those" Anglers Gavin? All of us? If what you say then is true, The Currents larger fish can only be caught by you, and your gang. Perhaps you can help us? To be like you. I'm just grateful we have the Current River to fish.

[OKFlyFisher44]

I guess your just special Gavin:-) I just happen to disagree with your opinion. Gavin says, "Most of those anglers will never have more than a random chance at any of the better fish down there." Who are "those" Anglers Gavin? All of us? If what you say then is true, The Currents larger fish can only be caught by you, and your gang. Perhaps you can help us? To be like you. I'm just grateful we have the Current River to fish.

I think what Gavin means is most trout fisherman won't spend the time or use the techniques required to catch big fish. In my experience, that means fishing a bigger rod with big streamers with only a few bites all day or taking ur time to spot big fish and sight fish to them. Your normal every day angler either doesn't have the gear to chuck big nasty streamers all day or has the patience to take ur time to scan a piece of water looking for big fish and then spend the time to fish to those monsters. Most anglers just wanna cover as much water as they can, enjoy the scenery, and catch some trout.

[jah]

I think what Gavin means is most trout fisherman won't spend the time or use the techniques required to catch big fish. In my experience, that means fishing a bigger rod with big streamers with only a few bites all day or taking ur time to spot big fish and sight fish to them. Your normal every day angler either doesn't have the gear to chuck big nasty streamers all day or has the patience to take ur time to scan a piece of water looking for big fish and then spend the time to fish to those monsters. Most anglers just wanna cover as much water as they can, enjoy the scenery, and catch some trout.

Exactly! Well stated! I agree with Gavin. He didn't say people could NOT catch big browns---he said that it would be by accident for many. I fish the River once a month at least, and I include myself in this group, and I'm not ashamed. If I do catch a big brown on the Current (and I have a few 4 pounders, which is big for me), it's just icing on the cake. I drive 2+ hours to enjoy a beautiful river and to catch as many fish as possible. Targeting big browns doesn't help me catch as many fish as possible, so if I do get one, it is by chance, just as Gavin said. I use egg patterns a lot, and not many big browns fall for them. The majority of the people that I speak to on the river focus on quantity, not quality. That doesn't equate to big browns in most situations.

What a great river, though!

[Nortrad]

True that, slinging streamers is 'labor intensive' and will get a few follows, a few chases, a few short strikes,some attacks and hook up's. With that said, my best fish two landed on the Current were with a big, black Bugger on one, and a little #16 Rick Fox Poopah on the other. My fishing bud, the Jedi, who got me back into this obsession/sport, hooked 4 18-20" browns on midges last year. It's game of opportunity, skill, luck, technique, etc. It's not a 'wild' fishery like many in the West, but it's still a great stream. We are so lucky to be able to fish year-round, the 'premier' streams in MT, CO, UT etc. are frozen or running off when we are fishing, except for a few tailwaters of course. So, Chance, we are lucky to have the Current. Again, pick up the litter and don't do yourself, report the reg violations.