Crane Creek Fishing Reports This page was updated 5/17/08
The following report was submitted by John West of Springfield on 3/8/08
Date of Trip: 3/8/08 Times Fished: 12:30pm - 3:00pm Air Temperature: Comfy Weather: Sunny Water Level: Above Average Water Clarity: Slightly Clouded Successful Baits: Fox Squirrel Nymph, Dry Flies
I started by the dairy farm and worked my way on down. The bends in the river produced a few strikes on the
Fox Squirrel Nymphs, mainly on the swing. On down I saw several little McLoud's rising to take flies off of the
water. An Elk Hair Caddis worked very well. The only problem was that the water was so high it was hard to
find spots to cross the creek. Where I was throwing dries I had to stand on the bank about 2 feet above the water.
If I could have gotten to the other side it would have been outstanding. That's my first successful trip to Crane Creek.
None of the McLoud's had any size, but catching ANYTHING on Crane Creek is a great day!
My son makes fun of me for getting excited about catching a 9" wild trout. Once he has
the experience, though, he'll get it. Glad you get it, too! Thanks John.
The following report was submitted by Kyle Buzzard of Diamond on 1/20/08
Date of Trip: 1/20/08 Times Fished: 8:00am - 1:00pm Air Temperature: Frigid Weather: Sunny Water Level: Above Average Water Clarity: Gin Clear Successful Baits: Weighted wooly worm, hares ear nymph with and w/out beadhead
I have never caught a trout out of Crane Creek before let alone seen one up close, so I had a good day.
I started at the park and worked my way downstream to the bridge. Above the bridge there is a pretty
good spot with current and depth, so I tied on a weighted wooly worm with a BH Hares ear nymph.
After a few casts I hooked up with what I thought it was a Chub, but to my surprise it was a pretty
little rainbow of about 6 in. Caught two more there and went on downstream and caught four more of
about the same size 6 to 8 inches. Left there and went to the Wire Road Access across from the dairy
farm that I've read about. I headed upstream from the bridge and started to fish a good looking hole
after changing the BH to # 10 Hares Ear Nymph. Missed a good 12 inch fish so I flipped it back out
and let it drift back to me. I saw a nice fish come in and take my wooly worm. When I set the hook I
knew it was a very nice rainbow worthy of a photo and measure. He went 16.5 inches and put up a great
fight. After returning him safely I cast back to the same and had another nice fish of about the same size
take my nymph and head straight for a downed tree. I tried to turn him and the hook came undone. I
caught four more little ones with the biggest about 10 inches.
Wow! Way to break the drought Kyle. Thanks for the report.
The following report was submitted by Daniel _________ of Springfield on 12/30/07
Date of Trip: 12/30/07 Times Fished: 11:45am - 2:00pm Air Temperature: Comfy Weather: Sunny Water Level: Average Water Clarity: Gin Clear Successful Baits: None
I am new to fly fishing for trout, but not new to small stream fishing. I thought I would give Crane Creek a try.
I had a wonderful time out there all alone, however I found very few fish worth mentioning. Most were
fingerlings up to about the length of my hand. There may have been more fish out there that I probably
scared off. I started the morning off at the south parking lot of the main tract but could not find water. I
went up to the north parking lot and worked my way back down. I was using small jigs and a bead head
prince nymph, I think. Haven't figured out all the names for the flies yet. I wanted to go try the area south
of town, but by the time I found it I did not have much time. I'll save that area for next time.
Crane Creek has a knack for humbling fishermen. I always had my best luck there
using smallish natural nymphs (i.e. #16 pheasant tails, hare's ears, etc.),
largish natural looking dries (i.e. #14 adams, elk hair caddis, etc.), and black
ants in the summer were also usually a hit. Aside from
that, if you can see the fish, it's already gone. Long delicate casts to decent
looking spots way before you get to the spot is the key. After fishing it a few
times, you'll get the hang of that. And once you start consistently catching
wild trout, it will hard to go back to stocked areas. Thanks Daniel.
The following report was submitted by John Venter of Joplin on 11/29/07
Date of Trip: 11/25/07 Times Fished: 10:00am - 3:30pm Air Temperature: Chilly Weather: Rainy Water Level: Below Average Water Clarity: Slightly clouded Successful Baits: Wooly Bugger, Cressbug
Fished the lower access on Sunday. No other people were fishing that day. Weather was light rain and drizzle with
air temp of 36 F. I caught one 14 inch fish on an olive # 10 woolybugger bounced of the bottom of a deep run. and
3 others in the 8-10 inch range on a cress bug. Watch where you step while wading as I did encounter a steel trap
that I nearly stepped on. Fortunately it was in shallow water.
That's a good day of fishing. A hatchery can raise a 14" inch fish in about 14 months,
but in the wild it takes 3-4 years. The smaller fish were probably 2-3 years old. It
worries me a bit that you didn't catch any 4-inchers. I hope that doesn't say something
bad about last spring's spawning efforts. And, yes, everyone watch for traps. Trout streams
are prime habitat for trapping otters, and at a $150+ per pelt, you'll find traps out
year 'round -- yes, that means poaching for dollars. Watch your toes.
The following report was submitted by Beck of Broken Arrow, OK on 12/3/07
Date of Trip: 11/17/07 Times Fished: 12:00 - 3:45pm Air Temperature: Freezing Weather: Rainy Water Level: Above Average Water Clarity: Gin Clear Successful Baits: None
Tried my hand at Crane Creek for the first time yesterday...what a BEAUTIFUL place! I had a
great time scouting it out, but had no luck with the trout. The flow seemed pretty strong compared with
what I'd seen on the previous posts here. I fished south of town near the dairy farm... wading downstream.
The weather was very cold, cloudy, and raining for much of the day, so I had trouble seeing many fish.
All I had was a 5wt rod that was too long for all of the brush... next time I'm definitely bringing the right
tools for the job! Anyway, just wanted to comment on a great stream and an awesome posting board here. Thanks.
Dont' mention it. For the record, NOBODY enjoys any real success their first time
to Crane Creek. The first trip is just getting your ready for your next trip.
Thanks for the report Beck.
The following report was submitted by Jonathan of Webb City on 12/15/07
Date of Trip: 9/17/07 Times Fished: 7:00am - 1:00pm Air Temperature: Sultry Weather: Sunny Water Level: Very Low Water Clarity: Gin Clearn Successful Baits: None
I went to crane creek with my dad and brother never having fished the creek before. We started at the first
parking lot heading east towards crane; we walked down the creek fishing the shallow creek and looking
for any signs of trout but never saw any fish. So, we packed up and headed to the parking lot by the springs
and fished the stream in this area having similar luck. Because this was my first time fishing the creek I'm not
to distraught about the trip but I plan on heading back soon. If you have any advice on where to fish and
some tatics when fishing for the McCloud Rainbows I would appreciate the input.
Crane Creek has certainly humbled it's share of fishermen over the years. The best
advice I can give is this. First, don't expect to see the fish. Wild fish are extremely
nervous and will take off the moment anything seems abnormal -- they'll usually be gone
before you can get into a position to spot them. Your best bet is to work upstream,
read the water from a distance, and cast to where your instincts tell you a fish should
be. Long leaders and delicate casts are a must. They need to see the fly before they
have any notion that there are people there. The fact that there were three of you
fishing together is probably a big reason you didn't have any luck -- solo fishermen
usually do better. Last thought is to head further downstream where the water is bigger.
The headwaters have been EXTREMELY low for several years now, but there are reports that
the fishing downstream from town has been pretty good. Many thanks Jonathan.
The following report was submitted by Mike Grube of Shawnee, KS on 8/31/07
Date of Trip: 8/30/07 Times Fished: 8:30am - 12:30pm Air Temperature: Comfy Weather: Partly Cloudy Water Level: Below Average Water Clarity: Gin clear Successful Baits: Hopper, Yellow Humpy
I fished the creek down by the dairy farm. The last time I fished Crane Creek was September
of last year. I thought the water level of the creek was higher and had a stronger current this year.
Hopefully, this is good news for the stream and rainbows. I caught eight fish, the two biggest fish
were about 12 inches. The larger fish are difficult to keep out of the brush/sunken trees/etc. It was
amazing how high those two fish jumped out of the water trying to throw the hook. Don't see that
at the trout parks.
Ain't that a fact! Wild fish are certainly something special. Thanks Mike.
The following report was submitted by Todd Holt of Monett on 8/3/07
Date of Trip: "two July afternoons" Times Fished: 100pm - 5:00pm Air Temperature: Steamy Weather: Partly Cloudy Water Level: Below Average Water Clarity: Gin clear Successful Baits: Red San Juan Worm, BH Pheasant Tail were the best!
I parked at the first parking lot off of 413. I had to hike quite a ways (probably a mile and a half or so)
which was fine going, horrible coming back in waders. EXHAUSTING!
I hadn't fished Crane Creek in quite a while and decided that I would go out and, if nothing else,
enjoy the hike and being alone (sometimes we have to do that).
As I walked the creek bank I watched for deep holes that I could see fish in. I saw several small
trout in some faster running shallow pools hiding under the bank and picked up one that may have
been 8 inches. I walked on farther to a hole I have fished before and that I knew would hold fish.
There is some current at the top of the hole and then it spreads out, goes deep (5-7 ft) and runs
under a big tree with some cut bank on one side. I waded in down from it, crossed over (QUIETLY)
and got to where I could make somewhat of a cast. I had a red san juan worm on and immediately
caught the largest Crane Creek Rainbow I have ever caught. I notched my pole so could measure
when I got home. He ended up being about 14 1/2 inches. I fished the hole for about 3 hours taking
10-15 minute breaks now and then. I ended up catching 6 total. Some on the San Juan worm, some
on a tiny (18-20) BH Pheasant Tail.
Now on a personal note . . . . those that fish Crane Creek will know what I am saying . . .there is
something almost mystical about catching one of those fish. They are truly unlike anything we catch
at one of the parks. They are beautiful and then when you think that they are truly wild, well that
makes it all the more special!
Yep, they are completely different from our other Missouri trout. In fact,
they are a strain of redband trout, which is one reason that their coloration
can be so shocking at certain times of the year. Congrats on your 14 incher.
That's a real trophy. Thanks Todd.
The following report was submitted by Rodney Holland of Springfield on 5/23/07
Date of Trip: 5/23/07 Times Fished: 8:00pm Air Temperature: Sultry Weather: Partly Cloudy Water Level: Very Low Water Clarity: Gin clear Successful Baits: None
The ice storm has really played havoc on the creek. There are trees down everywhere,
and it was very difficult to walk the stream without getting out and walking around on the
bank. I fished from the 2 springs down to the second bridge. Only saw one trout, and
the stream was really low.
Yes, Crane Creek is certainly struggling right now. The best luck
is apparently happening further downstream where there is bigger
water. I haven't been in several years, but it sounds like some
of my favorite spots are now pretty much dry. Hopefully, we'll
continue to get decent rain to recharge the spring pool, but this
will take several years, at best. Thanks Rodney.
The following report was submitted by Jarod Jones of Bolivar on 2/21/07
Date of Trip: 2/21/07 Times Fished: 7:45am - 1:45pm Air Temperature: Comfy Weather: Sunny Water Level: Average Water Clarity: Gin clear Successful Baits: John Deer Jig, Glo-ball (flesh colored), Marabou
It was a great day to be out. It was deceiving to cross the creekbed after
the railroad tracks and see no water, but take a right on Roundhouse Rd. and
go to second parking lot. Only found one good holding spot about 1/2 mile
from parking lot, but it had 8-12 good rainbows, three 20"+. Caught one nice
13" and two 8" out of same whole. Saw probably 20+ fish on the day. Definitely
worth the trip.
Talk about finding a honey hole. Nice job Jarod, and thanks
for the report.
The following report was submitted by Jeff Harper of Rogersville on 6/28/06
Date of Trip: 6/24/06 Times Fished: not listed Air Temperature: Sultry Weather: Partly Cloudy Water Level: Very low Water Clarity: Gin clear Successful Baits: Doll Flies
First time I have visited Crane for a couple of years.
The Creek is in a dire situation as far as I'm concerned.
Crane has always been known to me as a losing stream, meaning
a portion of the flow disappears into the stream bed,
reappearing further downstream. When I first began fishing
the area about 20 years ago there was a stretch of about a
quarter of a mile that would go dry during the parch of
summer or dry spells, with one particular hole being the
terminus of the upper flow. About 3 or for years ago a large
slough off of the creek became the terminus as the floor of
the slough collapsed and the water flowed in. This extended
the the dry portion of the stream to perhaps one-half to
two-thirds of a mile. This trip revealed the dry portion
has extended another couple of hundred yards upstream,
further detaching the upper and lower flows of the stream.
The extended dry spell in southern Missouri has made this
losing stream scenario particularly difficult for the trout.
I also believe aquifer depletion may be depriving the stream
of flow from the springs on the old Leake property. Pools
that at times would support over 100 trout in the late 80s
and early 90s are now bone dry. My hope is that some rainfall
that is at least average for the area will restore some of
the flow and the trout can recover. Back in the 80s and 90s
the creek supported an amazing population of the trout and
I would commonly see fish over three pounds. A few individuals
I kept track of for several years I estimated would weigh
7-10 pounds! I do not have the time to fish the creek as
much as a I did back in those halcyon days, but I have not
seen a fish over three pounds for years now. I believe there
are some bigger fish still there, but the population is now
maybe 15 or 20 percent of what it was 10 years ago. I caught
no fish this trip, but I mostly spent my time observing the
fish and trying to photograph some of them. Some of my most
memorable catches and hook-ups have come on Crane. I hope I
can take my children there in the future and have them
experience the joy of catching some of the most beautiful
rainbows in the world.
Thanks for the report, Jeff. The creek is definitely as
low as anyone can remember. MDC fisheries department has
assured us, though, that the trout population is not in any
real danger. Numbers are down due to weaker spawning results
due to the low water. This is completely normal, as every
body of water can only support a specific amount of pounds
of fish per volume measure of water. When the water levels
return (hopefully someday), so will the numbers and size of
fish. However, it will likely be some time before we'll
see the return of 10-pounders. And, yes, to those of you
who are skeptical. They really did exist.
The following report was submitted by Brian Moeller of Kansas City on 2/27/06
Date of Trip: 2/26/06 Times Fished: 7:30am - 2:00pm Air Temperature: Chilly Weather: Sunny Water Level: Very low Water Clarity: Gin clear Successful Baits: #18 Beadhead Olive Midge, #12 Beadhead Fox Squirrel Nymph
The water is dangerously low and clear. The fish were concentrated in the pools and what runs are
still flowing. Went to the lower access. You're not gonna believe this, but I caught a 19" rainbow
on the midge. Appeared spawned out, big head and skinny body. Got pics but not digital. Also a 15"
with hook jaw on the midge. Fish are laying low in the pools. Cast without spooking, and let it sink.
The fish will come slowly and suck it in. Upper access and the city park basically all gravel.
NO WATER!!!
Thanks for the report Brian. A 19" catch on Crane Creek is a true trophy.
For that matter, a 15" fish is nothing to sneeze at either. We're all praying for a wet spring to
recharge Crane Creek's water table. Missouri Department of Conservation has probably obtained
brood fish from the creek to prepare for the possibility of having to reseed the creek, should the
low water result in a significant trout decline.
BY THE WAY, the city of Crane has scheduled a Crane Creek trash pick-up day for Saturday 3/18/06, and
they'd love to have some trout-fishing volunteers to help with the effort.
Give us a yell if you're interested, and we'll get you set up to help.
The following report was submitted by Bob Andrews of Springfield on 1/21/06
Date of Trip: 01-20-06 Times Fished: 10:00am - 2:00pm Air Temperature: Comfy Weather: Partly Cloudy Water Level: Very low Water Clarity: Gin clear Successful Baits: GB Hare ear #14
I fished from just below the railroad bridge south of town to the 413 bridge. The water was ultra
low. I caught and released a few very small rainbows. I used a 7.5' Fenwick rod, no vest or net, just
what I had in my pockets. I honestly would not reccomend fishing this area right now as in some places
the creek was just a small trickle. Above town at the conversation area the creek was dry. There was plenty
of small fry. If the rains come the McCloud rainbows will survive. I suspect this hardy strain has seen
worse.
Thanks again for the help, Bob. Water levels across the state are very
worrisome, but especially how they are affecting our little babbling brooks like this one.
The following comment was submitted by "Joe" on 11/8/05
I just read the report on Crane Creek (see below). I don't think the creek suffers due to the
fact you can keep one fish over 18". It has suffered due to low flow. Keeping one fish over 18"
will only help in my opinion. You have to realize how long it takes one of those fish to grow to
18" and most likely it is at the end of it's life. By taking it you may be freeing up a spot for
a slightly smaller fish to take over the older ones territory and grow big itself. I have fished
Crane 3-4 times in the last 2 years and I have yet to see a fish over 15-16" anyway. I do accept
the fact there are fish that big in there though.
Thanks for the comment, Joe.
You are probably correct in your statements (low water and otters are probably doing 100x more
damage than angler harvest). However, most fishermen we've heard from say they wish the MDC
had left the creek's regulations unchanged. This desire is likely tied to our emotional attachment
to this fishery, our pride in having one of only three remaining wild McCloud populations, and our
fear that it will be exploited. I too wish it would remain catch and release, although removing
a few dominant fish would strengthen the gene pool -- smaller fish are better able to compete with
each other rather than with the resident big bruiser. My own fear is that the new regulation might
make a bit of "harmless" poaching seem more acceptable to some less reputable anglers.
This report was submitted by David Pettit on 10/9/05
Fished Crane Creek on Oct. 8. The weather was sunny and warm considering it
started with frost that morning. I arrived and started fishing around 10:00.
The water is way down and the fish are "holed up" in the deep holes. I didn't
see many fish. There was some caddis activity but I saw no signs of trout taking
topwater. I started by parking across from the dairy (downstream from Crane) and
walked downstream and worked my way back. Had a couple of strikes by small fish
but couldn't even tell if they were trout or not. I got hungry about noon and
went to the truck for some lunch. I decided it might be a good time to move so I
left and stopped at a fishing/hunting shop across from the baseball fields in town.
Sorry, I don't remember the name of it but they were helpful with info and even
let me park on their lot while I fished by the ballfields. Here is where I found
some nice fish. I stood in the pool with them some 10-20' away. They didn't seem
as "spooky" as the fish downstream. I worked them and hooked two over 15". One on
a white glowbug and the other on a small Clouser minnow. They were feisty and both
broke me off in the brush. I worked downstream but didn't have any more luck.
Not a bad day but am still disappointed with Crane Creek being designated a
"Blue Ribbon" stream and the ability to keep a fish. I'm afraid it will (or already has)
taken a toll on the amount of wild McCloud River rainbows in the stream. I think
it would be better served to remain catch and release only.
Amen to that, brother! We can only hope that only serious conservation-minded
fishermen are looking at Crane Creek, so it will remain mostly catch and release.
Thanks for the report, David. Welcome aboard.
This report was submitted by Wes Carillo on 5/5/05
Fished Crane Creek Saturday April 30th from 2:15 until 4:30. The water was flowing pretty good and
it was still very very CLEAR!!! I was only able to fish there in the city park as I wanted to try out my
new 9’ 6wt G Loomis IMX rod. There were TONS of bugs coming off. I saw black caddis, blue winged
olives, and some other bigger mayfly, but they were coming off like I’d never seen ‘em come off on a
Missouri stream. However, there were NO risers to speak of, but the nymphs were probably the key.
I fished all of the deep fast water I could find as those seem to be the typical hiding spots. I got several
bites on my sz 10 olive cone head wooly bugger. I missed the first several fish that hit the fly. I found
a good little spot and drifted my fly down and started to strip it back up stream. I saw a FLASH and felt
a little tug. The fish looked to be of GOOD McCloud size from what all I had heard. But I missed him.
But I tried again! It took several casts, but I finally made a good one. The fish shot out and missed the
fly...at this point on was on the verge of cussing. But he shot back in and hammered my fly hooking
himself solidly in the side of the mouth. My heart started pounding, especially whenever it turned and I
saw the big silver side flash in the sun. I had to walk up stream to find a place to get to the water, the
whole time praying the fly didn’t come loose. I finally pulled the fish to hand and measured him on my
rod...he’s right at 15” and I take the hook out and send him on his merry way. I had to have a seat after
that...my heart was racing. I have caught a Greenback Cutthroat and Wild Brookies in Colorado and even
some Wild Rainbows in Alaska, but none took the beauty of this fish. My first fish on the fly rod I helped
to build and he was a nice McCloud Rainbow.
I was completely satisfied with my trip at this point and
I’d only been there a short while, but I continued to fish. I went up stream to a bridge but had no luck,
except for falling and losing some flies, I guess I had bad luck. So, I came back downstream and fished
below the walking bridge and then below the highway bridge. I managed to get several fish to rise to a
dry, but no hookups. So I tied on an olive leech, got a hit no hookup. So I then tied on a sz 14 bead
headed prince nymph, and got several good strikes and hookups, but didn’t manage to bring any to hand.
All in all, it was a wonderful fishing trip. I can’t wait to get back down there with more time and a short rod.
However, if you go, make sure to wear your waders because I got pretty friendly with several water
moccasins and in one case friendly with about 5 or 6 at one time. They were in the tall grass on the
horse shoe pit side downstream of the walking bridge.
That is one gorgeous place.
Thanks, Wes, and congratulations on your first McCloud! They are beauties,
but you should see them in January and February -- spawning season on Crane
Creek. That time of year, their colors are breathtaking.
This report was submitted by Brandon Sieckman on 5/1/05
Fished from 2:00pm to 4:30 pm today (5/1/05). Weather was partly cloudy, about 63 degrees.
Water was high, but very clear. Fished the south end of the stream, by the dairy farm. This seems
to be the only place to fish Crane now as the upper area has apparetly been overtaken by otter.
There was a hatch coming off the stream and in certain holes trout were indeed rising. Threw on a
size 16 caddis stimulator. In our first hole I had a few looks, but no strikes. My dad got a few stirkes
in a hole downstream with a size 12 Muddler Minnow. Didn’t catch any at Crane this trip, but in many
holes along the strech we fished the water was a tad too high. My dad was using double weights
with his muddler to get all the way down.
Thanks for the report, Brandon. Welcome aboard.
This report was submitted by Tim Homesley from Cassville on 2/9/05
Fished crane creek today, caught 7 trout all on a black woolybugger, # 8 conehead, fished my
6'10" scott 4 wt, 5X flurocarbon, frog hair, fishing was good, I should have had 5 or 6 more fish,
but some I pulled the fly away from them and the others just got me in some bottom stuff and got
off the fly. Fished the lower section east of town, the dairy farm area.
Thanks for the report, Tim. It's good to know that there is still
some streamer water on Crane Creek. Tim is the owner/operator of Tim's Fly Shop, in Cassville.
Be sure to stop in for a visit when you're down near Roaring River.
Tim's Fly Shop Route 4 Box 4088 Cassville, MO 65625
If you go fishing on Crane Creek, please be sure to send us a
report about how you did.
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