Blue Spring Creek
Blue Ribbon Trout Area Fishing Reports This page was updated 7/2/08
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This report was submitted by John Tymony of St. Louis on 6/8/08
Date of trip: 6/8/08 Times fished: 11am - 1:30pm Air Temperature: Hell on Earth Weather: Sunny Water Level: Very Low Water quality: Slightly Clouded What worked: BH Pheasant Tail #16
This was my first time fishing Blue Spring Creek. Took my wife out just to get away and
to see the stream. Fished from the first MDC parking lot about 1/2 mile downstream then
went back upstream 1/4 mile past the lot. Caught a feisty 5 inch creek chub, but it was not
our target fish. Stream flow was fast and the water level varied between a few inches to
maybe 3 feet at the most. Beautiful area but hard to believe the creek holds fish. Still had
a great time even though it was extremely hot and we did not catch any trout. Would
appreciate any pointers for my next trip down.
The heat was certainly working against you. Other than that, successfully
fishing a little wild trout creek is mostly about technique. In small water,
there is almost no place to hide from otters and herons and such, so they
get real nervous and take off at the first sign of danger. Move slow and quiet,
make the longest most delicate cast you can (usually straight upstream, due
to limited bank-side casting room), and make the assumption that every little
teeny tiny set of riffles has a decent fish sitting right below it. And, of
course, keep reading these fishing reports! Thanks John.
This report was submitted by Jason Rudolph of Wildwood on 5/19/08
Date of trip: 5/13/08 Times fished: 10:00am - 3:00pm Air Temperature: Comfy Weather: Overcast Water Level: Average Water quality: Gin Clear What worked: Buckskin nymph & Elk Hair Caddis
This is the third time that I have fished this gem of a wild trout area this year. I started out at the resort
and worked my way upstream. I cast in a number of spots that I have fished the pasted two times with little
success. I only caught one 6" trout the first two hours or so. I decided to hit the section above the N
bridge. This was a great move on my part. Just upstream I started to catch trout. Within one hour or so
I caught 5 that had a size range of 5" to 9". In one hole I lost a trout that was about 14" and could not
get him to bite again for me. But it was great to have him on while it lasted. At the end if the day I walked
back to that same spot and caught two wild trout that must of been twins. Both being 10" in length. I was
solo on this trip and loved the peace and quite.
Sounds like you're getting the hang of the place! Thanks again Jason.
This report was submitted by Jason Rudolph of Wildwood on 4/14/08
Date of trip: 4/13/08 Times fished: 11:00am - 4:00pm Air Temperature: Chilly Weather: Rainy Water Level: Above Average Water quality: Slightly Clouded What worked: Hare's Ear Nymph
It was my first time fishing Blue Springs Creek, and I have to say that this area is a wonderful place.
The rain was on and off, and at times it would sleet for a few minutes at a time, but still was a good
day of flyfishing. I fished the deeper holes from the lowest bridge up to N bridge. I had good luck
with a beaded hares ear nymph (standard color) size 16, and an olive beaded nymph. I had a slow
start, but it picked up the last two hours of fishing. The largest that I caught was 12 inches, but it was
a first time trip in my opinion. This creek is productive and I have only fished a small portion at this
point. I will return soon, you can bet on that.
Don't short-change yourself on that fish. A 12" wild trout is 3 years old. By
way of comparison, a 3-year old whitetail deer usually sports 8 or 10 points on his
head, and a 3-year old wild turkey is usually 22-23 pounds. So congrats. Nice fish.
Next time, go for a 4-year old! Thanks Jason.
This report was submitted by Bruno Greco of St. Louis on 3/28/08
Date of trip: 3/28/08 Times fished: 12:00pm - 3:00pm Air Temperature: Comfy Weather: Rainy Water Level: Average Water quality: Slightly Clouded What worked: Parachute Adams and BH Pheasant Tail
Only got to fish for a few hours before the rain set in. Caught about eight typical blue spring rainbows (4-5 inch).
Managed one about eight inches right before the rain. I always fish a Parachute Adams with a dropper on Blue
Springs. Seems to work well. Caught fish on both that day.
Sounds like a good formula for success on all of our little wild trout streams.
Thanks for the report Bruno.
This report was submitted by Preston ________ of Sesser on 3/26/08
Date of trip: 3/25/08 Times fished: 11:00am - 3:00pm Air Temperature: Comfy Weather: Partly Cloudy Water Level: Above Average Water quality: Slightly Clouded What worked: #14 Parachute Adams
I love this small little creek. Had a pretty good day catching fish. The water was a little high and a little
off color which helped me a lot sneaking up on this trout. I never did spot any trout but I knew they were
there. I just fished the FISHY water. Had lots of trout bust my fly out of the water and finally hooked one
of those little guys. it was a little 3 inch fish. had 5 more that were all small. Then made it up to the camp
and caught two nice fish (for the stream) a 9 inch fish and one a little smaller. All in all i think i had a better
time here than any trout park i could ever go to. I will be back... just be quiet and watch out for the trees
behind you...
And no matter where you are on the creek, there are trees behind you! Thanks again
for the help Preston.
This report was submitted by Mark ________ of St. Louis on 1/22/08
Date of trip: 1/5/08 Times fished: Daybreak - 3:00pm Air Temperature: Comfy Weather: Sunny Water Level: Very low Water quality: Gin Clear What worked: none
VERY WINDY, sunny, almost 70 degrees. Started out at the Meramec and was immediately found by a water
dog that proceeded to run through the entire lower portion of the creek. Abandoned that area to lose the dog
and started working our way up from the first bridge. Saw one trout, spooked of course. Didn't see or hook
into any other trout the whole day. Worked up to almost the next big road bridge with no success or sightings.
Did however catch a few small carp, and a couple of rock bass on peach globalls and marabou streamers.
Tried everything else as well. Seemed more like we didn't find any fish more than anything.
Don't be fooled. You found them. They just saw you first. Hearing that you used
glo-bugs and marabou streamers gives me the idea that you fish stocked waters more
commonly than wild waters. Fishing the wild waters is not actually all that
complicated, but it does require a different tactic and a different skill set.
Work upstream very slowly and quietly. Use a long and flimsy leader/tippet (i.e.
6x or smaller & 12ft or longer) and cast smallish natural-looking nymphs or largish
natural looking dries. Many times you'll have to cast straight upstream through the
tunnel of overhanging branches -- the longest casts you're capable of doing. Drop the
flies gently and allow them to drift back to you before picking them up. For
strike indicators, use a bit of yarn or a tiny bit of bio-strike -- no corks. The
plop of the cork can ruin the fishing. Make a few gentle casts, then slowly move
upstream about 5 feet. Repeat. The best advice I can give, though, is to cast to
spots where your intuition tells you there will be a fish... WAAAY before you
actually get there to inspect the spot. Even little tiny spots will often hold
good fish. Thanks for the report Mark.
This report was submitted by Jack Muhrline of St. Louis on 11/14/07
Date of trip: 11/12/07 Times fished: 5:30am - 3:00pm Air Temperature: Comfy Weather: Rainy Water Level: Average Water quality: Gin Clear What worked: Brown and Cream Crackleback
I discovered this little creek about 15 years ago and it's such a challenge I can't quit coming back.
I've come to only fish it in the fall and winter. The cooler/colder ambient temperatures help fishing a
lot here. Having Vets Day off from work I decided it was time to make my first fall outing on our little
jewel. The weather the day before was mild and sunny and I'd hoped for the same, but as the daylight
began to break I saw it wasn't going to be. The temp was somewhere in the mid 50's and rain off and
on all day.
I fished the little pool in front of the slab bridge on Blue Springs Road just as you reach Blue Springs
Ranch property. Tried a #16 gray and a cream midge, and a #16 copper john, all without success.
Then I tied on a #14 cream color crackleback and finally got some action. The fingerlings were all over
it as soon as it would hit the water so I kept working it from just in front of the bridge and letting it drift
into the deeper part of the pool. Finally hooked into a nice little rainbow of about 10 inches. Aggressive
little fish for only 10 inches long. Of course, I was using a 7' #3 weight rod and reel which makes it a little
more fun catching these small fish.
I then moved upstream and fished from the slab bridge at Hwy N where Blue Springs Road comes in and
fished up to where public access land ends. Hooked into another small 10 incher behind a rock in what was
really a rather shallow section of the creek, and I finally, caught the third and final fish of the day. This one
was closer to 12 inches and found him in a good size hole right at the end of public access land where the
river makes a sharp bend. The bend's sharp enough that you can sneak up almost undetected and cast from
a spot where the fish really can't see you. I think next time I'm going to start at this spot. I think it has some
real potential.
All in all, for this little creek it was a great day. One of these days I'm going to figure out just how to sneak up
on these wily fish and hook into one of the big guys that I know are hiding in there.
It is certainly a tough creek, but tons of fish. The best stealth technique I have
for these little snag-monster creeks is slowly moving up the middle of the creek and tunnel
casting straight up with a long leader. There may be better techniques, but that's
generally how I catch all my decent-sized trickle water trout. Thanks Jack.
This report was submitted by Rob Johnston of Washington on 10/23/07
Date of trip: 10/20/07 Times fished: Daylight - 11:00am Air Temperature: Comfy Weather: Sunny Water Level: Very Low Water quality: Gin Clear What worked: Ran out of time
I started at the mouth of the creek and fished upstream from there. Fished the usual starters;
crackleback, #16 hares ear, #16 pheasant tail, #14 caddis dry-- no takers. I didn't see many fish, maybe
a doz. fingerlings. Fished up past the bridge a ways then I found them. Several nice (16-18") fish in one of
the bigger holes. Problem is the alarm on my watch went off. Previous engagement, time to go alarm!
Gave the crackleback a few casts but I HAD to go. I will definately be back next weekend! The schedule
has been cleared. Hopefully the fish are still in the same area. Any one of those fish I saw would make up
for all the slow, low, hot water, lockjaw days I've had this year!
It's good to hear the fish are moving back up. Thanks for the report Rob.
This report was submitted by Aaron Crawley of St. Louis on 9/26/07
Date of trip: 9/22/07 Times fished: 2:00-5:00pm Air Temperature: Steamy Weather: Sunny Water Level: Very Low Water quality: Gin Clear What worked: I wish!
I just moved to St. Louis from Arkansas 2 weeks ago, so I'm brand new to Missouri. I heard
that Blue Springs was the closest trout stream to the loo so i tried it out. I'm used to fishing big
rivers like the white and little red, so I need some help. I tried numerous dries such as elk hair
caddis, BWO, PMD, etc. and some nymphs like hare's ears, prince, and even put on a wooly
bugger under the conduits. I caught one tiny fingerling on the BWO the size of a sardine and
had another one much bigger hit it once. I fished from the access across from the farm up to the
conduits. Am I in the right spot? And, if so, am I doing the right things? I plan on going back
this weekend and many to come....absolutely beautiful stream!
Blue Springs Creek is absolutely a great stream, but definitely a big
change from the White River, I imagine! Two bits of advice: (1) Fly
selection is not terribly important on our little wild streams, but
there two basic rules of thumb. First, use flies that represent generic
naturally occuring insects rather than trying to match the food source
specifically. Matching the hatch will certainly work, but it's not the
worth the effort -- these trout are not that picky. Stick with adams,
elk hair caddis, and pheasant tails, and you'll do fine. Second, go
slightly slightly larger than normal on dries. In other words, if you
see a little hatch of #16 mayflies, tie on a #14 adams. (2) To find the
fish, keep these two things in mind. First, warm water loses dissolved
oxygen. Second, when dissolved oxygen is low, trout get pushed
downstream. In other words, this time of year, a lot of the Blue
Springs trout are downstream -- maybe even in the Meramec River. Once
dissolved oxygen levels improves, they'll start heading back up. Thanks
for the report Aaron.
This report was submitted by Milo B. of Bourbon on 8/4/07
Date of trip: 8/4 Times fished: 1:30-7:30pm Air Temperature: Hell on Earth Weather: Sunny Water Level: Very Low Water quality: Gin Clear What worked: #18 Deer Hair Caddis
I have officially found the worst weather and time of year to fish for trout and the creek for which they
are worst suited. And yet it was an awesome fishing day. I fished from the last easy access before the
Meramec river access to the river and back to the bridge. After I consigned myself to smallmouth, I
had a blast. It was multiple-bass-in-every-hole fishing.
I finally reached the last hole before the river which looked to be by far the best. I hooked one bass
and when I saw a second swim out of the shadows I cast to it. Without warning a large trout swam
out and mouthed the fly before lazing off. I missed the trout but the bass hit
I tied on a brown deer hair caddis and began blind casting to likely spots. The fourth cast landed
right in front of the trout and he took it.
The fight was surprising for the water temp but I tried to land it quickly. The fish was sixteen inches
long. I released it carefully and walked back up the river fishing again for smallmouth with much the
same effect.
It was a surprising result for my second trip to this pretty little stream.
Surprising is right! Thanks Milo.
This report was submitted by Milo B. of Sullivan on 5/13/07
Date of trip: 5/3/07 Times fished: 4:00pm - 6:00pm Air Temperature: Balmy Weather: Sunny Water Level: Average Water quality: Gin Clear What worked: #20 Sowbug
I got on the creek at the last access point before Blue Spring Road and
fished upstream from there. I caught two 8" fish on a sow bug. I had checked
the aquatic life with a fine net and found primarily small (#22 and smaller) scuds
and caddis larvie. Both were light tan/grey. I continued fishing upstream but had
no more luck. My bigest problem was my 8'6" rod which was certainly to long for
comfortable casting.
This is a beautiful creek. I have driven by it numerous times, but I've always been
going somewhere else. I can't wait to go back with more and smaller flies.
A good rule of thumb on our little wild trout creeks is little nymphs,
medium-sized wet flies, and larger dry flies. The fish are generally
not too picky on the specific fly pattern, but size and shape do seem
to be important. So, I generally fish nymphs in 16-18, wets in 14-16,
and dries in 12-14. And, yes, they will tear up the scud at times.
Thanks Milo.
This report was submitted by Tony _________ of St. Louis on 1/6/07
Date of trip: 1/5/07 Times fished: 11:00am - 2:00pm Air Temperature: Comfy Weather: Overcast Water Level: Very Low Water quality: Gin Clear What worked: Mayflies, caddis, griffiths, scud
This is the first time I've attempted to fish this little creek. It provided great solitude
and good practice casting to very specific areas. I caught 10 rainbows 7 inches or
under but the larger Blue Springs lunkers avoided my flies. I used a 3wt rod with a
9 ft leader. Casted from downstream to interesting pools and cutbanks. I'm curious,
is the area where the creek goes under Hwy N is the more productive area? Can
you fish above hwy N? Seems like a fun place to fish if your expectations are in line
with what the water can provide.
Good comments and questions Tony. Blue Springs Creek Conservation Area
continues for about 3/4 mile upstream from the Highway N bridge (click
HERE for a map. This time of year,
the trout are moving upstream for pre-spawn, so the section above N
should theoretically be holding more fish than the waters downstream.
In reality, the downstream section generally has better fish habitat,
though, as the water gets bigger as it approaches the Meramec River.
If I were to fish it between now and April 1st, I'd probably fish from
N upstream until the creek proves me wrong. I'd then start working
downstream from N until I find the fish.
This report was submitted by Ron Metts of Bourbon on 12/30/06
Date of trip: 12/29/06 Times fished: 8:30am - 12:00pm Air Temperature: Comfy Weather: Partly Cloudy Water Level: Average Water quality: Gin Clear What worked: Prince Nymph
I fished the lower half of Blue Springs and didn't really have much luck. At about
10:00 I hooked in to an 8" with good color. That was the only fish I saw the whole
day. I talked to two guys already there, and they said they hadn't done anything
either. This creek can get frustrating sometimes, but I'm not going to complain.
Any time I can catch one out of Blue Springs I'm happy.
Thanks again for the help Ron. Here's a quick tip for anyone
interested in fishing our wild trout streams. Starting in
December, the fish start moving upstream in pre-spawn preparations.
So, over the next few months, you'll find fewer and fewer fish in the lower
sections more and more crowds of fish in the upper sections. Once
the water starts warming back up (i.e. late April), they'll start
spreading back out along the length of the river.
This report was submitted by Ron Metts of Bourbon on 12/10/06
Date of trip: 12/10/06 Times fished: 1030am - 1200pm Air Temperature: Chilly Weather: Overcast Water Level: Average Water quality: Gin Clear What worked: Prince Nymph, Clouser Minnow
We haven't had many nice days lately, so today I made a trip to the creek. The
first fish I caught was on a prince nymph (about 7".) About ten minutes later I
came to a hole that was full of fish. They didn't want anything to do with the prince,
so I tried a clouser. For the second trip in a row I caught a really nice fish on it.
The fish measured 16". I caught two more small fish after that. Again the
clouser produced very well for me. I finally feel I'm getting the feel of Blue Springs.
The Clouser is certainly a miracle fly, sometimes. And a 16"
wild trout is a real trophy, no matter where in the world
you're fishing. Thanks, Ron.
This report was submitted by JW of Bridgeton on 10/25/06 Name withheld by request to protect his reputation as a fisherman :-)
Date of trip: 10/23/06 Times fished: 100pm - 430pm Air Temperature: Chilly Weather: Sunny Water Level: Very Low Water quality: Gin Clear What worked: Zippo Nymph (as in nothin')
I think I'm gonna need some help. I wanted to give this water a shot since it's so close to St. Louis, but man is it different. Fished from
the first parking lot south of the "N" conduits up to the conduits and from the conduits about halfway to the boundary. Attempted to
fish the section where the creek meets the river, but couldn't gain access to the river due to the drop off to the water surface (mostly
a 12 foot cliff).
I 'believe' I saw a few fingerlings. I saw one other trout, maybe 8-10" wedged between a log, a tree, and four or five branches (fishable only
with hand grenades - which I've stopped using). Couldn't get the fingerlings interested in my zebra midge, floated under a #16 crackleback.
Spent more time looking for larger fish than trying to get fingerlings to bite, so I got skunked. Big time.
I'm not sure if I was fishing the wrong section of the river or what. I was very quiet when moving, so I don't think I was spooking anything.
The water was very low. Holes that could have held fish were empty (either that or the fish are wearing tree limb camo). 'Not sure I'll go back,
but I'd love to figure this one out.
DON'T GIVE UP!! The tricky thing about our teeny little creeks like Blue Springs is this. If you get into a
position where you can see the fish, they saw you 2 minutes ago and have probably already left the building.
It's a good idea to fish from the downstream side and tunnel cast upstream under the canapy to "fishy spots".
Unfortunately, they're generally almost invisible from where you're standing. You don't have to make country-
mile long casts, but you do need to drop the fly in front of them while keeping your line behind them, all while
moving quietly enough that they don't know you're sneaking up on them. Now that you've actually seen the holes
and riffles with your own two eyes, just commit their location to memory and cast to them before you get to them.
You'll find that most every fishy looking spot will be holding fish. Other than that, just think bigger dries
(#14-16) and smaller nymphs (#16-18) and you'll do fine! Thanks for the report, JW (if that is your real name).
Hope to get another Blue Springs report from you real soon.
This report was submitted by Chuck ________ of Bourbon on 9/26/06
Date of trip: 9/24/06 Times fished: 3:00pm - 6:00pm Air Temperature: Comfy Weather: Sunny Water Level: Average Water quality: Slightly Clouded What worked: small olive beadhead pattern, hare's ear
Caught 6 fish total (a new personal best for this creek) none more than 8", but still a good time on a fast 3wt. Fished from the ranch upcreek
to the conduits under highway "N". Took 2 of the fish from under the conduit inflow. Others were mainly in scattered holes up tight against cover
Thanks for the report, Chuck. Blue Springs Creek has shown great resilience to the lower than normal rain
we've had over the last few years -- moreso than our other wild creeks. You don't hear much about 20 fish
days anymore, but the creek has continued to produce year 'round.
This report was submitted by Ron Metts of Bourbon on 9/26/06
Date of trip: 9/21/06 Times fished: 8:30am - 11:30pm Air Temperature: Comfy Weather: Cloudy Water Level: Average Water quality: Gin Clear What worked: Clouser Minnow
I got to the stream ready to go. I have never done extremely well here. After taking a few minutes to read the water I noticed a decent hole.
As soon as my fly hit the water a fish took it in. It was 7 in. long. About two hours later I hooked into the biggest trout ive ever caught from
the creek. It was 15" long. This is the best I've ever done here.
Nice. Regarding streamers, rainbows do feed on minnows and such, of course. However, on our wild trout streams,
most of the immature fish are just too small, so they spend their lives eating bugs. HOWEVER, if you want a good
chance at a big wild trout, streamers are definitely a good option. The trade off to streamer fishing a little
wild trout creek is that you may fish all day and only get a few hits. The payoff is that those hits are generally
from full-grown adult fish. A 15" fish from blue springs creek is similar to catching a 25" fish on the Meramec.
Congrats, Ron.
This report was submitted by Steve Fleischli of Labadie on 9/15/06
Date of trip: 8/26/06 Times fished: 500pm - 730pm Air Temperature: Balmy Weather: Sunny Water Level: Very Low Water quality: Gin Clear What worked: Small Beadheads
Well this was my first trip to this location, as I have tried up and down the Meramec, outside of the Park. I was prety unfortunate this trip,
with exception of some small bluegill and suckers. Given the beauty and serenity, no doubt I will be back. After reading the last report
from this past weekend, I am very encouraged. I will be heading out again this weekend to try and swap my luck. I am curious if the
fishing is any good starting at where the creek dumps into the Meramec and working your way up? I have seen a few nice pools about
1/2 mile up, but have not tried closer to the river. Any guidance would be great. Also, as I am still learning this area, after you pass Camp
Mihaska, there looks to be an access point on the right. I parked on the shoulder where the CA signs were and walked for what seems to
be days, but could not find where the creek was. Probably did not follow the trail correctly. All in all I have very high hopes for this beautiful
little stream. Patience seems to be key.
P.S. I just picked Fly Fishing back up after a 10+ year hiatus. Don't know what the hell I was thinking....and moved from California.
Thanks all!
Here's a link to the Missouri Department of Conservation's map of the
Blue Springs Conservation Area.
That should help with access points. As to where on the river you'll find the fish, the best answer is
"it depends". This time of the year, they're pretty much scattered all along the entire length of the
river. As the weather gets cooler, you may even see some wild trout in the Meramec River around the mouth
of Blue Springs. Thanks for the report.
This report was submitted by KRA of Waterloo on 9/11/06
Date of trip: 9/9/06 Times fished: 7:00am - 1:30pm Air Temperature: Comfy Weather: Sunny Water Level: Very Low Water quality: Gin Clear What worked: Many (see report)
Well this is my first ever report for Missouri Trout Hunter and it will not be my last one. I did another first for me; I tried out
Blue Spring creek on Sat Sept 9, 2006. The weather was great with a clear sky and little wind. Before going I read a few
reports from past months, plus for years I have been told, don't go there you will be wasting your time . Well like most
things I do in life, I didn't listen to anything I was told, plus the reports sound like it would be a challenge to fish this stream.
When I arrived I first drove Route N to find all the access points. I ended up stopping at the small lot before you get to Blue
Springs Ranch. I stepped out and took my first look. My first thoughts were %$#&^* the stream is small (you insert your own
words). But since I was there I'm going to fish. The stream is very small over all and in many spots you can take 2 steps to cross
the stream. The water is vodka clear and the water temp was 58 degrees. Oh, if you can't tell by now I m a very serious fly
fisherman. I rigged a double-fly setup with a yarn indicator (the yarn does not spook the fish as much as foam indicators) plus
a bit of soft lead. I walked just 50 ft downstream and saw a big tree root and a nice pool. Since this is a small stream, wait a
minute or two after you arrive at a pool before casting. After my wait, the fish started to come out of hiding. There were at least
10 fish over 12", so I started casting. After 5 casts I have landed 3 fish already. My thoughts at this point have now changed
about this little stream.
I then moved upstream, there is nothing to talk about until you cross Route N. There are a lot of little riffles as you go upstream
from here and a pool or two. If you walk for a while there is a real nice pool and I saw a really big fish for this size of stream.
On the first cast I was able to get a tight-line on that big dog. After a few minutes of fighting because I was using 7x tippet,
I ended up land an 18 ½ bow. I landed a few more out of that hole as well.
Summary of my trip. I ended up catching 9 fish between 10 & 18 ½ , plus 25+ fingerlings (they are every where in the riffles and
hungry) upstream from Route N.
Tips and Tricks. Think small and smaller!! Use a small rod 6-7 , long tippet 6x or 7x at least 10'. Always use a yarn indicator.
Finally the flies. I usually don't tell people what I use, but I'd like to see more people utilizing this stream. I did not use anything
over size 18. I had the most success using a Fresh Water shrimp pattern, size 20 with a glass bead. Other flies that caught fish
were Buckskins, Mercury RS2, WD40, Hares Ear, Mercury Pheasant tail, Brown Adams, BWO & Trico. Remember smaller is better.
Give this stream a chance; I ll go back again.
Outstanding trip. Obviously, your tips are right on the money. For subsurface, size 16 is the absolutely largest
size you should even consider. However, you can also have a great time dry fly fishing here, but the
size issue is often the opposite, with various #14-16 dun flies (they're usually not picky on pattern in this
regard) often working best. In the summer, big ant patterns can also be hot. Not to mention it's also quite
entertaining watching the fingerlings bang the the big dries up in the air. Thanks for the report K. Looking
forward to the next one.
This report was submitted by Ryan _________ of St. Charles on 8/25/06
Date of trip: 8/19/06 Times fished: 7:00am - noon Air Temperature: Sultry Weather: Rainy Water Level: Average Water quality: Gin Clear What worked: Elk Hair Caddis #14 & #16
Probably the most rain they've seen in Crawford Co. this summer. Steady and hard. Caught mostly fingerlings up to 6".
Was very glad to see such active fish and #'s of trout. All very vigorous. Finally left as I could not see my flies anymore.
Of our wild trout streams, Blue Springs and Little Piney seem to have suffered the least
from the lack of rain. Even though trout numbers are down, the catch rates remain at least
fair and sometimes downright good. Everyone keep praying for rain, so those fingerlings will
stick around to become grown-ups. Thanks, Ryan.
This report was submitted by Zach Luechtefeld of Beaufort on 6/16/06
Date of trip: 6/9/06 Times fished: All Day Air Temperature: Comfy Weather: Sunny Water Level: Average Water quality: Gin Clear What worked: Lightening Bug, Bead Head Hare's Ear
Got on the stream pretty early, not quite sure when. Me and my dad went upstream from the highway N access. There
was this one little eddy by a stump where we probably caught all the trout out of the hole.The biggest one was 9 inches. We
kept going upstream and there was this one riffle where we caught 3 fingerlings. Overall it was a pretty good day. For anyone
going to Blue Springs I would suggest fishing the riffles if you are having a hard time catching fish.
Our thanks to Zach for continuing to help us out with reports.
This report was submitted by Ron Metts of Bourbon on 6/5/06
Date of trip: 6/3/06 Times fished: 3:00-4:30pm Air Temperature: Sultry Weather: Sunny Water Level: Average Water quality: Gin Clear What worked: Globug
I started fishing on the access on Blue Springs RD. I caught one about 4 in. long. I saw one other trout probably 8 in.
The other fish I caught were ten bluegill. I have never had much luck here. Do you have any bait recomendations? Are
there any guides that offer trips at blue springs around?
All of the little wild trout streams tend to run hot & cold, to be honest. Plan on smaller nymphs
and larger dries. For example, #16 in mayfly nymph patterns (pheasant tails, copper johns), #18 in midge
nymph patterns (little wire-bodied flies), and #12-14 in mayfly & caddis dries (adams, elk hair, duns, etc.).
Wade upstream as you fish. When you see riffles ahead, work the pool below the riffles with dries. Then work
the tailout of the riffles with nymphs. Move slow and plan on having to make 20-30 ft casts, if possible.
If you'd like a guide, give me a yell. I don't normally guide on Blue Springs,
but I know it pretty well.
This report was submitted by Zack B_______ of Mt. Olive, IL on 5/29/06
Date of trip: 5/26 Times fished: 7:30am to 11:30am Air Temperature: Steamy Weather: Sunny Water Level: Average Water quality: Gin Clear What worked: Copper John, Tan Bisto
Started from conservation access across from the farm fishing a #18 copper john. Caught one rainbow
about 5 inches and had anouther pretty nice fish hooked, but he pulled the hook. Walked upstream to the road and
caught one by a downed tree. Crossed the road and fished the small riffle -- caught another about 7 inches. Walked
passed the used-to-be beaver dam and found a deep hole with four nice fish but couldn't hook up. All in all a great
day on the creak and will be back. There is something about catching a trout that was not put there that was born there.
Also went to Maramec Spring so check out that report.
Good outing, Zack. Remember that 4-fish hole for your next trip. The tricky thing about these
wild trout, is that you can't really sight fish for them. When you can see them, they already
saw you about 10 feet ago. Next trip, cast to them from about 20 feet downstream, and you've
got a great shot as seeing one up close. Thanks for the report.
This report was submitted by Zach ________ of Beaufort on 5/22/06
Date of trip: 5/21/06 Times fished: 11:00am to 3:00pm Air Temperature: Balmy Weather: Sunny Water Level: Average Water quality: Gin Clear What worked: Scud, Lightening Bug, Orange Stimulator
Went fishing Sunday -- got on the stream a little after 11:00. Started at the first access past the Salvation Army Camp. Caught one little 8 incher on like the 6
cast. We went upstream a little further and had no success, but saw plenty of fish. We then went down to the access on Blue Springs Road. Fished at the first
hole upstream of the bridge. I caught nothing at that hole, but my dad caught one little 5-6 incher. And a little later he caught a Blue Springs "lunker". A
rainbow of about 16 inches. I got mad and went upstream and caught one more little rainbow on a size 14 stimulator! Ya it suprised me to. Oh, and the beaver
dam got washed out.
That 16 incher is a fish worth bragging about on Blue Spring Creek. Tell your dad Congrats from Trout Hunter on a
fine catch. Hope you got a picture. Thanks a bunch for the report.
This report was submitted by Frank ________ of High Ridge on 4/15/06
Date of trip: 4/15/06 Times fished: 8:30am - 1:00pm Air Temperature: Comfy Weather: Cloudy Water Level: Below Average Water quality: Gin Clear What worked: Scud
I fished from Blue Spring Rd. upstream to the beaver dam about a 1/4 mile upstream from highway N. I hooked in to 7
trout but only landed 4, all were in the 5 to 7 inch range and all were caught on a scud. My buddy fished the same section
but with dry flies and caught 0 trout. We both could hardly keep the creek chubs off our flies. This was my first trip here, but
it wont be the last. If you go bring a short rod casting room is in short supply alot of times.
Sounds like a pretty good trip. It also sounds like the fish you caught were likely all from the
Spring '05 spawning season. With water levels being so low across the state, a big worry is
ongoing survival. Wild trout will generally grow 1/3 to 1/2" per month, so the 2-year old trout
should be in the 9-12" range by now. Hopefully we'll see a few more of those "lunkers" as the summer
progresses. Thanks for the report.
This report was submitted by Andrew Schrader of Fenton on 2/16/06
Date of trip: 2/11/06 Times fished: 6:30am - 1:30pm Air Temperature: Frigid Weather: Snowy Water Level: Below Average Water quality: Gin Clear What worked: Olive Hares Ear, Black/Yellow Spinner'd Minner
I got there at about 6:30 and fished upstream from highway N. I got up about half a mile and saw a couple
small trout. I caught one on an olive hares ear nymph below a fallen log, about 5". Then I ran into a guy
who could have been the previous reporter and said hi -- he went up, I went down. The last trout of the day I
caught was around 150 yds upstream from the highway, I caught it on a spinner'd minner, which is a #4
aberdeen hook, with a #1 inline spinner blade, a metal bead, and then artificial fur tied on. This particular one
was black/yellow. After that, I fished all the way down the last bridge, which is 1.5 miles from the First Blue
Springs Rd. bridge. I had another fisherman tailing me the whole way and was consequently rushed. It was
the most crowded I've ever seen Blue springs. I counted 3 other cars and saw two other people, quite a
crowd for such a small creek.
Especially for February! Thanks for the report, Andrew.
This report was submitted by Tony Arend of St. Louis on 2/11/06
Date of trip: 2/11/06 Times fished: 7:30am - 11:30am Air Temperature: Frigid Weather: Snowy Water Level: Very Low Water quality: Gin Clear What worked: Pheasant Tail
I decided to brave the ominous skies and drive the short trip down I-44 to Blue Springs Creek. Hit
a pretty significant snow squall at mile marker 240. By the time I got to Bourbon, the weather settled a bit.
I fished the beaver dam area near Mihaska Camp. The only action was a couple small rainbows approximately
the size of a gerkin after you take your first bite. (I caught them on a pheasant tail if anyone cares). I saw one fish
which looked like it could have been 12" or so. Unfortunately it saw me too. I then decided to try downstream a
bit at the pull off before the turn to blue springs ranch. No Luck, however, I did discover something interesting
which I am hoping someone can provide some insight into. At a fairly good size hole I noticed approximately 15
carcasses of what appeared to be carp. They were huge. Huge for that size creek anyway. I took a picture of one
next to my rod. Its head was three times the size of my reel. It reminded me of all the washed up salmon carcasses
I saw when going after steelhead in the feather river (CA) in February. Were the Carp spawning? Isn't it way too
early for carp to spawn? I was under the impression that they spawned when the water warms up a little.
Thanks again for the help, Tony. Blue Springs has been very frustrating, recently.
One thing to keep in mind is that the Missouri wild trout are in the midst of either
pre-spawn or are actual spawning. What this means for us is that the lower reaches
of wild trout waters are going to be pretty empty, as the fish are moving upstream.
Water temperature does play a role in when this happens, but the length of the days
is the primary factor. An exceptionally warm winter, like we've had, might push spawning
earlier, but only by a couple of weeks at most. Regarding you're question about the carcases, here y'ar:
From Mark Frederick: ...We saw the carcuses when we went there, I believe they were catfish. It looked like someone just
cleaned them there for whatever reason. There is no way they came from that Babbling brook.
And from a guy named Joe:
There is a guy that lives right at that access. He fishes the Meramec and puts the carcasses in that hole. I called the MDC about it
and was told that the guy was a little mad about a parking area being put so close to his house. So he dumps the carcasses there.
The interesting thing about it is I actually caught a few fish in that hole with those carcasses there. I think they were feeding off of it.
They were stacked up there and I caught the fattest rainbow I have ever caught. Not the biggest just the fattest especially for its size.
Thanks, guys.
This report was submitted by Tony Arend of St. Louis on 1/31/06
Date of trip: 1/29/06 Times fished: 7:30am - 11:00am Air Temperature: Comfy Weather: Cloudy Water Level: Average Water quality: Slightly clouded What worked: Pheasant Tail, Various Olive Colored Nymphs
For the first time since I began fishing in Missouri, I slept in on a Sunday. I decided to travel the short trip to Blue Springs
Creek from St. Louis. I didn't leave until 6:30am! I parked at the first Blue Springs access point traveling south on highway N.
Following a little trickling creek down to its junction at blue springs creek, I was psyched to fish the mellow, tranquil waters
of such a delightful, natural hidden jewel. The fishing was great. I traveled upstream to the beaver dam and hooked a little 10"
rainbow on the second cast. It was a gorgeous little fish with superb coloring far superior than the hatchery rainbows in the Current.
Throughout the next 2 hours I caught approximately 7 fish ranging in size from 6" to 10". Despite the lack of size it was a blast to
catch all of these small fish on little nymphs. What was unfortunate, was the fact that when I hooked into a Blue Springs "lunker"
probably like 16" or so, I didn't set the hook well enough and lost it. Then I saw it breach the surface with its dorsal fin.
Thanks for the report, Tony. The tale of "the one that got away" always gets a skeptical
response from the uninitiated, but it is amazing how often it truly happens in reality on
wild trout streams. I fish Little Piney Creek (wild) and the
Meramec River (stocked) a great deal, and I've always been
amazed that big fish on the Meramec don't get off nearly as often as the wild ones on Little
Piney.
This report was submitted by Scott Stevener of Kirkwood on 1/16/06
Date of trip: 1/16/06 Times fished: 8:00am - 1:00pm Air Temperature: Comfy Weather: Cloudy Water Level: Average Water quality: Gin clear What worked: Olive Scud Variant
Couldn't have been a better day to fish. Fished the upper half of the creek today (first parking lot upstream to the
private property). Not sure how long it's been there, but there is a beaver dam about 1/4 of a mile upstream from
where Highway N passes over the creek. The dam is about four feet high, and I would guess holding back hundreds
of thousands of gallons of water. The surrounding forestland is flooded also. I caught two 12-13 inchers on the
downstream side of a log across the creek. I was using a self-tied Olive Scud Variant (that's always a bonus).
Thanks for the report, Scott. Beaver Dams are definitely frustrating, especially when they
flood our favorite fishing spots. Sometimes, though, you can pick up some big ones on the
upstream side of the dam using dry flies, streamers, spinners & little crankbaits.
This report was submitted by Ron Metts of Bourbon on 1/16/06
Date of trip: 1/16/06 Times fished: 3:00-4:30pm Air Temperature: Comfy Weather: Rainy Water Level: Below Average Water quality: Gin clear What worked: Nothing
I had nothing to do today so I decided to take a short drive down to the stream. I waded upstream to
a small hole by a stump. There were a lot of tiny trout and a few in the 10-12" range. They were holding near
the bottom of the hole and I immediately thought of a #16 copper john. I quickly got bites but the fish were to
small to even to even fit a fly in their mouth. The bigger fish didn't want anything to do with my presentation.
I then switched to an orange glo-bug that I drifted by a stump. After a few follows the fish were done. I went
upstream to find no fish worth trying for. After fishing the hole again with my flys and only getting a few bites
I packed up and went home. I will probably come back soon to give you another report.
Thanks for the report, Ron. Hope to hear from you again, soon.
This report was submitted by Mark Frederick St. Louis on 11/27/05
Date of trip: 11/21/05 Times fished: All day Air Temperature: Chilly Weather: Cloudy Water Level: Below Average Water quality: Gin clear What worked: Orange Glo-bugs What didn't work: Hare's Ear, Beadhead Zug Bug
Fished from the first parking lot to the Meramec River. Fished all day, and only caught two trout. We didn't even see
any fish in the water. The sun was out most of the day, and I believe the fish were holding hard to the cover and brush.
Very nice stream, but we had little luck. The two we caught were right when the sun was going back down. I hope to try the
upper part of the creek next time. I will have pics for you to. Incredible colors on these rainbows.
Thanks again, Mark. Right now, it seems the only Missouri wild trout stream that's producing any
real action is Little Piney Creek. The other creeks have such low
water levels right now, it's making fishing darn near impossible.
This report was submitted by Jason Kelly of Lake Saint Louis on 11/17/05
Date of trip: 11/12/05 Times fished: midday Air Temperature: Comfy Weather: Sunny Water Level: Very Low Water quality: Gin clear What worked: nothing
I fished blue springs creek for about 3 hours last saturday. I did not catch or see any trout, but managed to see a couple of deer,
and a coyote! Water was very low compared to last time I was there. Started out nymphing, and later switching to dries. Had
one taker in a small run on a #20 bh prince. However, he quickly got off. It was still a fun day, doing something I love. One thing
I am concerned about is the existance of a beaver dam, just upstream from the second highway n crossing. It has the stream
completely dammed and choked off. Two of my favorite holes are now non existant. Hopefully we will get some rain, and
good flows will wash it away!
Thanks for the report, Jason. There are a lot of us concerned about our little wild trout streams due to
continued low flow. Hope to hear from you again real soon.
This report was submitted by Jim Bevins of Ohio on 7/4/05
Visited friends and family in the St. Louis area over the July Fourth holiday and visited Blue Springs Creek --
lovely little stream. Arrived at about 5:45AM to a partly cloudy 55 degree morning at one of the access sites
listed on your Web page. Caught three Rainbows, spectacular Color! All fish caught were in a two hour period up to 12 inches.
Being from Ohio, I was excited to learn of a great place to fish close to Wildwood, where we were staying.
Thanks for the report, Jim. Hope you come back to visit us real soon.
This report was posted by Matthew Magoc of St. Louis, MO on 2/15/05
Went to Blue Springs on the 12th of Febuary. The weather conditions were 54 degrees with a steady gust of
wind at times. Caught one fish, little 8 incher on a beaded hares nymph. Floated it under the fallen trees and
overhanging rock bluffs. Water was shallow at spots with a decent current running through the stream.
Thanks for the report, Matt.
This report was posted by Walt Fulps of Rolla, MO on 1/31/05
I knew I was going to be in the area, so I made sure to take my rod with
me just in case. Managed to get to the water around 4:00pm and fished
until 5:30 or so. It was overcast and the temperature was in the upper 30's.
The water looked very nice. Fished in the area just downstream from where
Blue Springs Rd. crosses the creek. There are some small shut-ins there that
housed some fish. Caught two on a "glitter bug" -- a basic nymph pattern of my own
tied with tinsel and a white tail. Both were little, but still fun. Looking forward
to going back and spending the day.
If you go to Blue Springs Creek to do some fishing, please be sure to
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