Hey Al - Is Creek Fishing Done

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Some of you know Al's 60 degree rule for creek smallmouth. Being in St. Louis I have no idea where we are at in the cycle. Is creek fishing done, and if not, how much longer do we have?

[Greasy B]

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Guess that means its time to focus on the trout for me...

[Greasy B]

Guess that means its time to focus on the trout for me...

Switching to trout this time of the year is what I've always done. Utill I got on this forum I had no idea where the creek smallies went when the water cooled. This year will be different, I have my first cool weather trip to a main stem river planned for later this month.

[drew03cmc]

Why worry about what someone else's rules are for creek fishing? Go out there, throw some plastics at them and see what you get. I don't quit bass fishing until there is ice on our lakes up here. You can catch bass in creeks and streams all year.

[fishinSWMO]

What's that, water temp + air temp formula? I go when I can go period.

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Drew,

I'm with you, but... I have a two hour drive and $50 to $80 in gas each trip. I need to make them as productive as possible.

SWMO,

The theory is that when the water temp highs are "consistently" below 60 degrees, smallmouth start heading for wintering grounds in deep holes or big rivers.

[exiledguide]

I have to agree with Drew, the only time to quit stream fishing is when it's too cold for me to be out there............................. unless my waders leak. But I do tend to throw Mepps type spinners or small Bettle Spin type lures or hair jigs, if the plastics are not producing.

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Exiled,

First, define stream... do you mean creek like the Huzzah or river. Second, what is your approach to winter fishing. I love the Ozarks in the winter, but like I said, long drive so I want to improve my odds.

[Guest]

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