1st timer to Crane Creek

[LuvToFish]

BTW, This was my largest fish on Saturday morning. About 9 or 10”. 
Caught on a parachute Adam’s cast up stream along a run.  

[Johnsfolly]

37 minutes ago, LuvToFish said:

BTW, This was my largest fish on Saturday morning. About 9 or 10”. 
Caught on a parachute Adam’s cast up stream along a run.  

Very nice. Congrats!

[Johnsfolly]

42 minutes ago, LuvToFish said:

Great advice! They are definitely easily spooked. I need to practice the bow and arrow cast since long casts are difficult when you find that perfect run and the trees are crowding in. 😆

Back in 2013 I made it a goal to catch a trout in every designated trout water in Missouri. After getting skunked on my first trip I had to figure something out for those skittish fish or else I would have to make that 8 hr round trip again and again. My wife is only so understanding. After fishing there and Barren Fork creek I learned to be a lot stealthier.

[LuvToFish]

I’ve never fished Barren Fork. Is it similar to Crane Creek in size and features?

[Johnsfolly]

4 minutes ago, LuvToFish said:

I’ve never fished Barren Fork. Is it similar to Crane Creek in size and features?

Yes but more remote.

[trythisonemv]

I have fished crane a lot and have only seen one cottonmouth . this was in July . plenty of watersnakes though. Also. Summer fishing crane can be fun after a big rain or during. But the best time  are october through May and the bite is surprisingly good in the afternoon in the cooler months. Big bugs work great 

[bassman1308]

I've seen two cottonmouths , that I know were cottonmouths.  One near dry creek branch on lower Flat creek and one 30 yds from the playground equipment at the C & R area at RR.    Both were huge. body bigger than my arm. White mouth/fangs very intimidating.  Both were nearly stepped on so I'll not forget them.  Several copperheads but no rattlers.  

[JestersHK]

I saw no snakes, although the terrain would def conceal them well... we were wadered up so I wasn't too concerned.

As for Barren fork I hope you like hill climbing... and pro tip don't try it in the snow it's super sketchy going down that hill on your posterior.

Did I mention its a climb.  My knees were trashed by the time I got back up. Bring water and a snack, and a hiking staff too if your knees are shot like mine.  Took longer to go down and come up than it did to catch a barren fork trout.  

[LuvToFish]

It’s on my list but didn’t know how hard the access was. I may have to bag on it, lol

[JestersHK]

18 hours ago, LuvToFish said:

It’s on my list but didn’t know how hard the access was. I may have to bag on it, lol

There is another access right by the road, but we saw zero trout in that section... pretty sure it gets hit hard.   The spot I'm taking about is a little tiny stretch in between 2 sections of private property that's at the bottom of the hill.