Took the Grandkids to the Park

[Foghorn]

Susie and I had the 4 youngest grandkids last weekend for a couple of nights. They had never been to Maramec Springs so off we go. This isn't a fishing report as the "Park" can be tough enough to fish for experienced fishermen and not with 4 kids from 6 to 11. We did the usual tourist thing visiting the museum, hatchery, playground and walking the stream. While in the museum, I read a small article about one of the early school teachers for the children of the men who worked there. This lady was originally from St. Clair , Missouri and met a slightly older man who had visited this state to see his sick mother. They later married and had a son named, William Randolph Hearst. I bet she had an interesting life. While this isn't a fishing report, I had to comment on the brown trout in their hatchery. We estimated 3-400 browns swimming around in the main spring that were 3# and up. They weren't in any raceways or holding pens. Several in the group were considerably bigger. Now if a few of them washed out and went down into the park. 

[fishinwrench]

My fisheries biologist friend is working with Meramec now.   He listens to my rants.....and seldom denies anything about them 😅 

He's a big bearded redheaded peckerwood. If you see him loafing about, tell him that Fishinwrench said "GET BACK TO WORK"! 

[Foghorn]

I was wondering where they got that many browns. I didn't see anyone matching that description but did flag one of the workers driving a truck down. There were 4 guys with fly rods around the old green "power station" building and one was stripping line off his reel. Not sure if he was playing or getting ready to fish. Worker decided to remind the 4 it was illegal to fish there and would result in a hefty fine.

[fishinwrench]

[Foghorn]

I did see 4 in the park that looked in the 15-18" range. I just don't remember seeing such quality numbers in any of the trout park or Sheperd of the Hills rearing pools. 

 

[Mitch f]

I’ve caught several nice smallmouth inside the spring up to 18”