Diving Missouri's Springs...swimming With Trout

[Buzz]

Very cool. Thanks for posting the great pics.

[Greasy B]

Cool pictures, It’s interesting to see the spring world from the opposite view point.

[ColdWaterFshr]

I enjoyed that as well. Many hours spent fishing that spring hole as a kid, wondering in awe of it. I find it interesting that trout are that deep in it - 30 feet did you say? - and what available food source is down that deep.

[HighPlainsFlyFisher]

ColdWaterFisher - I'm sure that those fish aren't feeding down in that section of the spring...just hanging out in the slack current areas. The only other life we see down in the spring hole is sculpins , and these fish are just stockers that are too small (and stupid) to eat sculpins.

[snagged in outlet 3]

So I've got a question- can you wade out to the sand bars, or is it too deep? Those photos almost make me want to head back to Bennett with a full-sink line and some flashy streamers. They also make me wanna get cave certified, and a dry suit.

Rob

I thought the same thing years ago when I talked to the divers who installed the original rope. Only problem is the water pressure forcing your line up and downstream at the same time. A heavy marabou jig with extra split shot works pretty good though. You can walk around to the far side of the spring hole from the parking area and walk right out on the edge and drop your jig right down the chute. Still, it will only go so far as water pressure will hold it up. Black and yella works pretty good.

Pete