A Learning Experience

[basska]

Well - a bit of a disastrous day. That's ok though! It was my fault becoming too stupid and ambitious...

Started off driving to Caplinger - got there around 10, probably fished a little over an hour. Started off using a 1/8 oz rooster tail. Caught one below average Crappie and couldn't find anything else. Switched to a Red Eye Shad and still nothing. It looked a little low, I fished below the dam and explored a little further downstream. Decided I should keep moving and exploring. 

Made it to Taylor Bridge around noon. It looked low, and I met a couple other people fishing who said no one was having any luck yet. Was told there were reports of action up at Orleans Bridge. The water was clear and beautiful and it really stimulated the bug for Ozark Bass fishing. I fished a Flicker Shad, Roadrunner with a nightcrawler, Rooster Tail again, and Fluke on a jig. Nothing and zero fish spotted. Explored downstream some with a Rebel Wee Craw - nothing. 

At this point I hit a crossroads in my adventure. Do I start heading home and hit some obscure spots on the way back? Or do I commit to a true Ozark journey? I was thinking of going down to Springfield, looking around Turnback, Finley and the James. I also thought about booking it down to SW MO. Fishing the Elk river basin for the first time... I drove out of Aldrich and at a crossroads I decided stupidly to switch objectives - I was going to catch some March Neosho Bass!

I fished the Indian Creek in Anderson with a Nikko Hellgrammite and caught fish... the problem here was that they were suckers - or some sort of fish in that family. I couldn't believe it - cast after cast.  Where are the Smallmouth?!?! Moved down to Lanagan City Park. Too low. I get down to Mt. Shira access, and by this point it is at least 4. I give myself one hour to fish around the deep pools with current. Absolutely nothing. 

So I leave, a little dejected, but still happy I explored all of this land in SW MO. I saw a lot of beautiful country in the Elk River Hills and the Stockton Lake plains. I think to myself, at least I'm coming with some new knowledge and appreciation for these waters. Well, half way back on 71 hwy, my jalopy 2004 Camry stops accelerating... Oh, no. Engine is shot, unidentified coolant leak killed it. My phone has just died. This is a nightmare scenario!

Thankfully, some local mechanic off the next exit had a tow truck, and offered to tow me home for 200 bucks. I agreed. Looks like I gotta focus on my money going to a car rather than fishing gear for a little while....

I guess this is an example of being young and dumb and in love with exploration... stupidly in love with fishing. I knew that car was in rough shape - I did it anyway. I knew the streams were a little low - I did it anyway. For a Crappie and a pile of Sucker-like fish, probably not worth it, but hey, that's learning.

[BilletHead]

It is learning and a fishing report to boot. Thanks for sharing. 

[Ham]

5 hours ago, basska said:

 

I fished the Indian Creek in Anderson with a Nikko Hellgrammite and caught fish... the problem here was that they were suckers - or some sort of fish in that family. I couldn't believe it - cast after cast.  Where are the Smallmouth?!?! Moved down to Lanagan City Park. Too low. I get down to Mt. Shira access, and by this point it is at least 4. I give myself one hour to fish around the deep pools with current. Absolutely nothing. 

Other than your car problems, you had a good day. You caught fish. You learned stuff. You found out on your own rather than second hand.

Take a picture of those “sucker like” fish you caught next time. I’d love to know what you caught. 

[basska]

1 hour ago, Ham said:

Other than your car problems, you had a good day. You caught fish. You learned stuff. You found out on your own rather than second hand.

Take a picture of those “sucker like” fish you caught next time. I’d love to know what you caught. 

Yes I was actually having a great time - especially in the earlier part of the day driving all around Stockton. Beautiful country.

The car did turn it sour for me, but with spring and a new car coming, it certainly won't be the last time I do a journey like this. It beats partying for weekend fun. Well, at least most of the time lol.

[Flysmallie]

Outside of the car death it sounds like a good day to me. I love exploring and seeing new places. 
 

The fishing? You just got a little too eager beaver. Used to do it all the time. We need some warm water flowing in these creeks to get things going. Get your wheels lined out and be ready for some warmer, more productive water. 
 

Keep posting and show us some pics. 

[basska]

12 minutes ago, Flysmallie said:

Outside of the car death it sounds like a good day to me. I love exploring and seeing new places. 
 

The fishing? You just got a little too eager beaver. Used to do it all the time. We need some warm water flowing in these creeks to get things going. Get your wheels lined out and be ready for some warmer, more productive water. 
 

Keep posting and show us some pics. 

I can't wait for the trees to leaf out. At that point, I will explore new waters without ceasing. 

I got my fix. Today I got lucky enough to borrow my father's car and went to James A. Reed and caught 7 stocker rainbows in an hour or so. Easy, but always a good time.