Little Piney & Mill Creek - June 12-14

[2sheds]

Interesting to see the changes imposed by recent high water events on both creeks.  Significant changes to landmarks along LP downstream from the Lane Springs Campground caused Jason and I to mis-judge our location at several points.  Some spots on LP were still higher than normal for this far into the summer.  Mill was down to normal level, but had filled in some of the historically-productive holes.  Visually saw far fewer trout than normally observed on both creeks.  Fishing was slower than some prior years, but still productive enough to be plenty of fun.  As usual, Jason out-caught me by the standard 3:1 ratio.  My best fly was a mid-size PTN thrown without a indicator.  Caught fish at all times of day.  No fingerlings, almost all at the 10-13" range.  Don't recall any larger.  Campsites are in good condition and the springs look healthy.  Great nights for exploration, stargazing, and guitars.

 

[Johnsfolly]

2sheds

Great report and photos as always! Glad that you got back to MO to fish the wild trout streams!

[ColdWaterFshr]

LP is in great shape. Fished and floated the LP in 2 sections a couple weeks ago.  63 bridge to Vida for trout, and then Newburg to Gasconade for bass.

Fair warning about Vida Slab -- no longer can be considered an access.  MO Hwy Patrol was giving warnings to people parked along the side of the road there.

[Krazo]

What happened to Vida access ?

[bkbying89]

I fished Mill Creek and the LP at 63 on Thursday. I think I was a little turned around about where I was on Mill Creek. I parked near a low water bridge that was heading towards the Caintuck trailhead(?). I fished downstream from there. I thought that after the rain we had that the creek would have been a bit murky but it was surprisingly clear. The trout were a bit reluctant to bite at first. After watching a bit I noticed a bit of surfaced activity. Some of that activity was a 10 0r 12-inch trout coming completely out of the creek after some bug on top. Not seeing any kind of hatch I tied on a 16 Adams and on the third cast I had an 8-inch trout. I caught another smaller fish and then switched over to a nymph and finished out the day with about six fish. I wanted to fish the LP so I headed over to Lane but forgot the day use fee and didn't have the 2 bucks to use the area so I went to the 63 access and wet waded downstream but only caught a couple small bluegill. It was a good day but next time it will be in the fall, this heat and humidity just take the fun out of it.