Fished Friday, March 2nd

[Flysmallie]

I got to fish Crane for a couple of hours on Friday. Fished the lower section and only caught two 8 or 9 inch fish. I was suprised at what a mess it was down there. Lot's of beer bottle's, old tires and an old campfire. By the looks of the wood that was stacked up they were getting ready to have another one soon. I carried out as much as I could.

I did not see as many fish as what I have seen in the past. They have posted up a new sign that says that the daily limit is 1 fish, I thought Crane was catch and release only. That may be part of it. And I spent some time sitting on a log watching a couple otters play. They looked like they have been eating well.

The water was flowing really good and very clear. This has to be the best I have ever seen it. But the fish sure didn't cooperate, if they are still there.

[vonreed]

I'm not much of a trout fisherman, and don't keep them unless I can get them smoked, but why would they have a limit of 1 fish? One isn't enough for a meal, I would bet that almost everyone caught is wasted with a limit like that. IMO Hopefully next year I can get down the stretch of the James where Crane Creek comes out and I can catch them next trapping season.

[Flysmallie]

If you want to trap some otters on the James I can show you where a couple live there also. I've seen them probably a dozen times over the last couple of years. They are fun to watch, but I sure wish they would quit eating all the smallies.

[vonreed]

do tell, do tell Flysmallie

[Flysmallie]

The place that I always see them is almost exactly (by my gps anyways) 1 mile downstream of Kerr access. Go git those little fish eaters.

[vonreed]

thanks,lol. When I'm fishing this summer I'll scout it out a little.

[chub minnow]

I think that the intent of the one fish limit (>18") is to allow the taking of a trophy, although I doubt many fish over 18" ever come out of this little creek. The biggest fish I have caught there was about 14" and that made my month.

[Arkamo Traveler]

Vonreed, I didn't write the blue ribbon regulations about keeping one fish, but here is how I look at it--It is to make an allowance to keep that trophy fish of a lifetime in an areas that used to be catch and release. The red and white ribbon sections are the place to collect your smoked trout.

[Flysmallie]

Trophy Fish??? Get a replica. Or how about just taking a picture. Especially on a special place like Crane.

I'm not very fond of fish hanging on walls.

[Arkamo Traveler]

Fly smallie--I totally agree with you, but MDC has to try and keep everyone happy, I was just trying to explain my take on that to vonreed.