Crane Creek Redemption

[Johnsfolly]

I went back out to Crane Creek on Friday the 29th to seek redemption for the two lost rainbows from my last visit in March. I was again using my spinning rod with 2 lb fluoroclear P-line. With the tight quarters on this small wild trout stream, I was not comfortable with my fly casting ability to accurately present a fly to these spooky fish. With the fish being so spooky, I was in full head to toe camo. I wanted to get more distance on the small flies, that I went with a #10 hopper dry fly and a #14 copper john nymph dropper. Through the high weeds I could see several trout with a couple that were >12" in length. I got one hit and broke of the nymph. I made a cast with just the hopper and had a big trout bust the fly. I had to fight the fish and keep the rod and line out of the weeds. Since I was on a high bank, I had to keep the rod up and slide down to the water. I was able to keep the pressure on the fish and landed my first McCloud river rainbow. The fish measured just over 13" in length. I took the picture as I started to revive the fish. Since I may be back to Crane to fish for these wild fish, I won't say what hole I was fishing. Here is a picture and if you fish this stream you might recognize it.

I was successful with the hopper dropper combo later on down stream and caught a 5" rainbow. I finally ended up at the hole where I lost a big fish on my last visit. Without any weeds along the bank, I set up a trout blind that I knelt behind to make my casts (talk about being sneaky). I caught a 6" rainbow on a 1/132 oz white micro jig that still had some parr marks. Unfortunately the picture didn't do the fishes coloration any real justice. this was a trip of redemption and it was successful with fish in the net. This is such a wonderful resource that even without catching a fish it would be a successful trip.

[Johnsfolly]

I did see a monster trout in the city park water near the walking bridge. It had to have been 18 to 20" in length. I did not try to catch this fish, but just admired it swimming away as I was walking along the stream.

[Buzz]

Nice fish and great post. The pic with the blind looks familiar ; ) I always catch a few from that spot and sometimes a good fish or 2. I'm glad you got your redemption.

[Johnsfolly]

What I didn't mention was that due to circumstances that morning I was not able to get onto the creek until just after noon and fished until 3 pm. I saw a lot of trout and other fish in feeding lanes in most of the runs and holes that I fished. There were many more visible trout than when I was there last time. It's possible that I spooked less due to the high vegetation.

[2sheds]

A great spot indeed. If I am seeing this correctly, the 1st hole used to be guarded by two giant snapping turtles when the root wad hole was deeper.

Beautiful fish, all. Congrats on some excellent stealth !

[Lancer09]

I did see a monster trout in the city park water near the walking bridge. It had to have been 18 to 20" in length. I did not try to catch this fish, but just admired it swimming away as I was walking along the stream.

Nobody catches those fish.

[Johnsfolly]

I would figure that the park fish are pretty well educated or spooky especially one that size.

2Sheds I wonder if MAD outdoors would provide royalties if I introduce their products to trout fishermen as trout blinds.

[Big Brown Trout]

i was going to ask about the trout blind, give us some more info John.