Mike's Creek At Big Horn Ranch

[2manyhobbys]

I had the opportunity to fish Mike's Creek at Big Horn Ranch a few weeks ago. I went with Walt Fulps Http://missouritrouthunter.com who is thinking about doing a fly fishing school for the Ranch. (Walt has taken me to several places on scouting trips that are off the beaten track. I like to go for free!)

Big Horn Ranch was the game preserve for JB Hunt west of Cassville.

We left Rolla stinking early in the morn so we made it to the Ranch about mid morn. After touring the lodge, which I might add was awesome especially with the world class mounts, we headed for the water. The stream flows right in front of the lodge. It is a small stream. It has been tested and will support trout year around. They stock it somewhat. But the bad news is that I think they fish it with whatever so since it is so small they fish it out or something else gets the fish. No Rules. Treble hooks, Power bait, etc...

Walt and I saw a couple trout.

Walt hooked into a trout in front of the cliff. I said to him, "let me video tape." So as I got the camera out he let his fly line out. When I got the camera ready I said, "Okay." He made a show of acting like he just caught the fish and tightened the line..... at which point something gave lose and it broke! The look on Walt's face was classic. I'd show you but I accidentally deleted the video later.

That's the only trout we caught.

The water is shallow and there are long stretches of ankle deep water over gravel. There are a few pools but none deep enough for me. Walt thought maybe if they took care they could raise some stream bred managed trout. I think the water is too shallow with a lack of cover.

The fishing wasn't anything to want to go back for but, it is very pretty and made some nice pictures. I saw a bunch of bald eagles and other wild life.

If you went right after they stocked I bet it would be fun!

Well I can check this stream off of my list. Thanks Walt for a fun day!

You can check out Big Horn Ranch at http://thebighornranch.com I think it would be a great place to stay... Like to hunt?? Check it out!

I also have a few pictures on my blog at http://blog.2manyhobbys.com

[ollie]

I don't mean to sound like a smart- #$%, but I could have told you about the fishing! I have property up the road from there and would have advised you to fish closer to Big Sugar. It is very beautiful down there and once you leave the ranch property the rest is all private and you have to seek permission. The ranch back in the 70's use to have Elk on the property until they tore down the fences! lol Then everyone round was shooting them.

[2manyhobbys]

Thanks! So are there trout closer to Big Sugar or is it small mouth or ??? It WAS a small creek/river at the Ranch. Kind of a long journey from Rolla.

Did go up to Jolly Mill for a little while. Hadn't been there is a long time. Isn't there a few private streams around Stella with trout??

They have some fences up for hunting Red Deer I think is what they said.

[chub minnow]

Mainly smallmouth down by Big Sugar, but I've seen a few nice bows in Mike's Creek just above the confluence (accessed from Creekside camp). Either way you win because those 12"-14" smallies are a blast on the 4wt!