Crane in May

[KC Angler]

I attempted to fish Crane Creek a few years back while traveling through the area, but arrived late in the day and ran out of daylight before I located fishable water However, I will be staying at Table Rock Lake in early May and plan to make a return trip to Crane since it will only be a 45 minute drive from my location.

My question for those of you who fish the stream regularly: what would be an ideal rod length and weight?  I have several options, including a 7'3 3wt, 8' 4wt, and 8.5' 5wt. I'm thinking the 4wt would allow for a light presentation while also being able to keep larger fish out of structure, if one would be so gracious as to accept my fly.  I also have a tenkara rod which is very effective and great fun on small streams, but the 10.5' length can be limiting in areas where there is tree overhang and tight spaces for casting.

I'm also curious about must-have patterns in the fly box when fishing Crane in the spring. I normally carry an assortment of prince and hare's ear nymphs, copper johns, zebra midges, mini-jigs, and woolies. I'm guessing a dry-dropper rig would be effective at Crane Creek?

Any tips on fishing this stream are much appreciated. Thanks!

[ness]

I always bring a gillie, so I’m not limited to one rod. 😄

Seriously, any of those rods are fine, but personally I’d favor the lighter weight and shorter length. Your fly box has all you need. Success there is more about not screwing up than it is the right fly or rod weight. So, just don’t screw up!😄

[Krazo]

ness is spot on.  

i prefer shorter & lighter. your fly box will work just fine.  focus more on presentation and less on what fly & you'll catch fish.  oh & dont walk thru the stream. 

[trythisonemv]

On 4/8/2018 at 12:27 PM, KC Angler said:

I attempted to fish Crane Creek a few years back while traveling through the area, but arrived late in the day and ran out of daylight before I located fishable water However, I will be staying at Table Rock Lake in early May and plan to make a return trip to Crane since it will only be a 45 minute drive from my location.

My question for those of you who fish the stream regularly: what would be an ideal rod length and weight?  I have several options, including a 7'3 3wt, 8' 4wt, and 8.5' 5wt. I'm thinking the 4wt would allow for a light presentation while also being able to keep larger fish out of structure, if one would be so gracious as to accept my fly.  I also have a tenkara rod which is very effective and great fun on small streams, but the 10.5' length can be limiting in areas where there is tree overhang and tight spaces for casting.

I'm also curious about must-have patterns in the fly box when fishing Crane in the spring. I normally carry an assortment of prince and hare's ear nymphs, copper johns, zebra midges, mini-jigs, and woolies. I'm guessing a dry-dropper rig would be effective at Crane Creek?

Any tips on fishing this stream are much appreciated. Thanks!

Bigger flys are best.  Bugger patterns with beadhead and Prince nymph are good. Weight is important it is a lot of deep holes now with heavy current. When the water reaches summer levels it will be less critical. I went today and had good luck with Czech style nymphing a bugger and a stonefly. Saw lots of midges and little black caddis. Some tan caddis as well. Few taking the stones but most subsurface. By may the caddis bite will be good. 

[KC Angler]

Thanks for the advice, fellas. It sounds like a short 3wt or 4wt is preferable, and presentation over patterns is key (as is often the case).

I plan to dedicate an entire day to fishing Crane Creek, so I can take my time and  cover several sections of the stream. I'm a large, lumbering guy but will do my best to be stealthy. 

 

Anyone fish a dry-dropper there? I assume that would be preferable to a nymph and indicator rig, which is more likely to spook the fish? 

 

[ness]

18 minutes ago, KC Angler said:

Thanks for the advice, fellas. It sounds like a short 3wt or 4wt is preferable, and presentation over patterns is key (as is often the case).

I plan to dedicate an entire day to fishing Crane Creek, so I can take my time and  cover several sections of the stream. I'm a large, lumbering guy but will do my best to be stealthy. 

 

Anyone fish a dry-dropper there? I assume that would be preferable to a nymph and indicator rig, which is more likely to spook the fish? 

 

Sounds like a good plan. 

I fish a dry and dropper in all smaller water. 

[tjm]

 I have never fished it, but  the afternoon I spent looking and watching fish, they seemed very shadow shy. When a songbird flew over the hole the fish hid. If I held a stick over the hole the fish hid. I wondered if it was a leader only place to fish.

[KC Angler]

On 4/9/2018 at 5:37 PM, trythisonemv said:

Bigger flys are best.  Bugger patterns with beadhead and Prince nymph are good. Weight is important it is a lot of deep holes now with heavy current. When the water reaches summer levels it will be less critical. I went today and had good luck with Czech style nymphing a bugger and a stonefly. Saw lots of midges and little black caddis. Some tan caddis as well. Few taking the stones but most subsurface. By may the caddis bite will be good. 

Nice fish!

It's good to know many of the flies in my trout park fly box will work at Crane. I'll make sure to have plenty of larger beadhead and buggers on hand for fishing deeper holes and runs.. 

[2sheds]

All advice here is spot on.  Just to reiterate a few themes important from my perspective:

A short rod ( not just lightweight) can be helpful to avoid hang ups.  

Stealth is more important than fly selection.  I select from what I have more on demands of the current and depth, rather than anything else.

each different section has its own charm.  Enjoy it all.

dont get too bummed if your initial outing is less than stellar.  This is a challenging venture.  I enjoy this creek just because I know it exists.  Let us know what you find from your first time out.

PS - Realize this has the potential to ruin trout parks for you.