Roaring River and Crane Creek

[dainw]

Late report here. Made the trip up to roaring river and crane creek over the holiday weekend. Roaring river is cool, if you're not familiar with the trout parks in Missouri. I think by the way, interesting model for regulations. March-October, park is open every day, but thee is an opening and closing horn. Times vary based on available daylight. Trout are stocked every day from on-site hatcheries based on the number of tags sold. You can keep up to 4 fish per day. Within the park, there are fly fishing only zones, catch and kill zones and catch and release zones. During the winter, the park shuts down during the week, and opens Friday-Monday, 8 am to 4 pm for catch and release, fly fishing only. By the way, where do we come down on the wild fish debate for a hatchery fish raised in a hatchery that's actually on site using spring fed water? Anyway, it's a fun place to fish, especially in the winter. Can get croweded, reminds me a lot of the old spillway creek. Lots and Lots of fish. They can get super picky at times but friday wasn't one of those times. Fished a mega worm almost exclusively and caught fish consistently all day. Nothing huge but a couple decent ones. Saw some really big fish but couldn't make them eat. Not gonna lie though, there's something a little slimy about it 

Second day ventured over to Crane Creek and fished the section running right through the town of crane. Maybe the last surviving strain of genetically pure mccloud rainbows in the world. Fish haven't been stocked here since the late 1800s. Creek was really low and you had to be a ninja. Saw lots of fish and spooked lots of fish. Did manage a couple though, my best on a pheasant tail. Will definitely be back when the water is higher. First pic is the roaring river fish second is a ten inch McCloud from Crane, which I'm pretty proud of. Maybe the prettiest fish I've personally caught. 

[todd13]

Not sure this constitutes a 'fishing report' but I went to Roaring River last week. I chose to go there to visit my daughter who is graduating from U of Ark just an hour away. Total fish caught = 0. It's ok, I am new and still learning, but the guy I was with is not new and he only caught one, so I don't feel so bad. It actually snowed a little on me and the high on day 2 was 34 degrees with nice wind ( I opted to go explore the Pea Ridge Battlefield instead of fish ).

I concur with the 'slimy' feeling. We fished near the hatchery where there is a semblance of a natural creek, but the lower pools seemed more like a carnival - you see plenty of fish and each pool had plenty of folks casting ultra light rigs. I abandoned that quickly and went down to the campground area which was more 'real' and nice. I eventually waded into the area where it was the most natural and missed a couple, but was sight casting to a few. That was fun.

If you go, I highly recommend you stay at the lodge in the park - good restarant on site with a great breakfast. I will only fish the wading section next time. Maybe by then I will be a little better than I am today.

[dainw]

The trout parks can be tough man, especially during catch and keep season, March-October. Those fish get absolutely hammered. I wouldn't feel bad about no fish either. Those parks see so much pressure in season that you can almost stand on fish but can't get them to eat. I like to go from November-February during catch and release, fly only season. Especially November and December before the fish have a chance to wise up. You can have some stupid days there, especially after a big rain when the water has some color to it. Next time you go, make sure and stock up on mega worms. Next time you head to Arkansas though PM me. Lots of good fishing in the ozarks I can point you to.

[todd13]

I sure will, thanks. I read the other tip about using a white, mushy worm fly thing. I will follow up with you in the fall.

[slim]

Don't give up todd, you will catch some trout.