Big Sugar Creek fishing report

[chub minnow]

I did an overnight float from Powell to Pineville a couple of weeks ago while all of the smallies were on their beds. I saw some chunks but didn't fish too much, I'm trying to do everything possible to help preserve this creek. Beyond the fishing it has some absolutely beautiful stretches to float, especially around the state park. I have seen several instances of poaching that have led me to adopt a catch and release only policy on the Sugar. Enjoy it, but let 'em go, some of those fatties are my buddies!

[catman]

I also let them go.......back

[turkeyhawk2005]

yep the smallies are the best ....but watch em some are still in the spawn .go for the shores to deep lots of google eyes but the are the challange ...fly fishermen what is working on them ?

[ollie]

Glad to see some of you letting them go! I love that stream, but have seen a lot of pressure on there in the last few years. A lot of people don't practice C&R out there.

[chub minnow]

Not only do they not practice C&R, some people are regularly baitfishing the deep holes until there are no fish left. I was flyfishing near the state park, having little luck, when I encountered a family in a flat bottom boat. when he asked if I was having any luck, I replied "not much" at which point he lifted his stringer holding probably 12 kentuckies or LM and about 8 or 9 smallies, most over the length limit with some shorts for good measure. At this point he informed me that "They're biting pretty good on minnows!". Yeah I guess they are.

I don't begrudge people the right to baitfish or take home some fish to eat, but does this family of three really need 25+ fish for one weekend? I just really wish the MDC would show a greater presence down there. Electrofishing recently showed this creek to hold one of the highest fish per mile populations in Missouri, but I fear without some enforcement we could lose this wonderful little fishery.

It can be a little scary down there, but I try to "remind" people who are poaching what the length and creel limits are down there. If people would just stick to the limits and the goggleye for what they take home I think everything would be all right.

[chub minnow]

BTW Turkeyhawk, I've had some luck on wooly buggers, streamers, and crawdad patterns. At daybreak and sunset hoppers and crickets can work near the shoals, now that's fun.