Help identifying fish.

[microjackson]

Hi, not sure if this is the right area to post these type of questions.  

I was out fishing the lake at Young Conservation with a buddy, walking back we decided to explore the creek we crossed.  I believe this is labarque creek.

Was quite surprised to find this fella under some branches.  This was my first non largemouth bass, and I was hoping someone might be able to identify what he is.

Thanks!

Dennis

 

[MOPanfisher]

That would be a smallmouth bass

 

[DownStream]

I've always wanted to try that creek, but the water always seems too small. Looks like I was wrong. Probably best during high water.

[marcus]

its hard to catch smallies that close to st.louis thats a rare catch in my book

 

[Daryk Campbell Sr]

So how was the upper lake?  I have fishes the lower one with no results.  The creek surely looked way to skinny to hold fish that large. Been a while.  Used to hunt squirrel there.  

[snagged in outlet 3]

Could've come up from the Meramec?

[microjackson]

A few medium sized largemouth from the lake, I like it more than the smaller lake.

[drew03cmc]

Nice fish!

[moguy1973]

5 hours ago, DownStream said:

I've always wanted to try that creek, but the water always seems too small. Looks like I was wrong. Probably best during high water.

Every time I've been to labarque the creek has been small enough to jump across most parts of it.  Caught some spots out of it before but that fish is a great find in that creek!

[Mitch f]

Small creeks are very susceptible to over use.