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Fishing

Missouri Blue Ribbon Trout Streams

· By Billy McCaslin ·

  • Paul McCaslin
  • Fishing
  • Apr 25, 2020
Wild rainbow trout caught from Missouri blue ribbon trout stream measured against a Cabela’s fly rod on the stream bank

In the past six months, I have begun exploring the Blue Ribbon trout streams of Missouri. The Missouri Department of Conservation classifies Blue Ribbon Streams as, “excellent trout habitat and smaller streams that support naturally reproducing Rainbow Trout.” These streams include; Crane Creek, Spring Creek, Mill Creek, Blue Springs Creek, Little Piney Creek, Barren Fork…

Missouri Blue Ribbon Trout Slam – Little Piney Creek

· A beautiful Ozark stream near Lane Spring Recreation Area ·

  • Paul McCaslin
  • Fishing
  • Feb 28, 2020
Brilliantly colored wild Missouri rainbow trout caught on fly

I’m always a big fan of lists and an even bigger fan of competition. When I heard about the Missouri Blue Ribbon Trout Slam, I was immediately hooked. Finding ourselves with an open Saturday in February, Billy and I set out for Little Piney Creek to chase some wild Missouri rainbow trout and get to…

St. Louis Winter Trout fishing

· Tips and locations for catching St. Louis winter trout ·

  • Paul McCaslin
  • Fishing
  • Jan 25, 2020
St. Louis winter trout fishing rainbow trout on sparkle jig

When you think of trout fishing, often your thoughts lead to some winding stream rushing through a mountain valley. While that may be accurate and something worth day dreaming about, we have some great angling for trout close to home. The St. Louis winter trout fishing program provides ample opportunities to catch beautiful trout in…

Fishing the Mineral Fork

· Washington County, MO ·

  • Paul McCaslin
  • Fishing
  • Jan 18, 2020
Small bluegill with Mineral Fork in background

If you enjoy chasing smallmouth bass and sunfish on small creeks, then carve out some time to try your luck fishing the Mineral Fork. This small, clear Ozark stream is located in Washington County, MO. The lower portion of the creek is located on state-owned land with one public access that I am aware of….

Current River Float Trip

· Pulltite to Round Spring ·

  • Paul McCaslin
  • Fishing
  • Jul 7, 2019
Cliff along side the Current River

Again this year the family vacation found us settling in for a long weekend in the cabins at Echo Bluff State Park. And again we opted for a Friday Current River float trip. This year, however, we decided on the next traditional leg and launched from Pulltite Access and ended the float at Round Spring….

Fishing Bennett Spring

· Winter catch-and-release trout fishing ·

  • Paul McCaslin
  • Fishing
  • Jan 22, 2019
Pretty rainbow trout from Bennett Spring

January can be a slow time for a tree guy. This is especially true when its been colder with more snow than we have had the past few years. So, once I caught wind that Billy had a Friday off from school I knew that I would be taking a day off from work for…

Urban Winter trout fishing

· By Billy McCaslin ·

  • Paul McCaslin
  • Fishing
  • Nov 25, 2018
Billy holding trout at Walker lake

Every winter the Missouri Department of Conservation stocks Rainbow Trout in several ponds in the St. Louis area for the urban winter trout program.  The first stocking is usually around November 1st, and they continue to make supplemental stockings in some lakes until February 1st.  After February 1st all lakes become open to catch-and-keep fishing. From…