Trout Fishing MO Rivers - Need Help - Reading the River

[fishinwrench]

On one of the rivers I frequent it has been during the first week of firearms deer season in the past.  Not sure if that is the norm.  

I sat and watched as 500 browns all headed upstream in a big school.  Every single one of them.   

[Gavin]

They don't post when they stock trout in the SMA's, but you can always email MDC Fisheries and ask. The might even let you come along as a volunteer for a stock or shock trip. You just have to ask and show up.

 

 

 

[joeD]

Follow a stocking truck for fishing success. Hmm.

[Gavin]

Dubious success at best if you need to follow the stock truck. Fishing good water is key, then finding the great spots in the good water. Fish whatever looks good regardless. Your fish reading ability will improve overtime, and the outliers will surprise you some time.... Largemouth in heavy current? Toad rainbow sitting under a log in slack water?

[trythisonemv]

Reading the stream has taken me while to get good at. However once you learn to fish every stretch of water with same fervor your numbers and comprehension how the fish feed in a particular body of water will greatly improve. The first time I went to crane I caught one fish , then I watched a bunch of videos on how to read a stream and wild trout holding  patterns and now I catch way more. Had fifteen plus day down there even. Same with trout parks and Capps. Study the fish then the water and you will get there quick 

[trythisonemv]

Watch bubble lines and current seams. Look for anything breaking the current, like big rocks or tree roots. The fish like to hide in the pockets they create. Also, try fishing from down stream of your target areas. This helps a lot to prevent spooking  selective trout. Be thorough. My two cents anyway