Maramec Spring Park
Fishing Report This page was updated 7/2/08
This report was submitted by Ryan Clark of St. Charles on 6/13/08
Date of trip: 6/12/08 Times fished: 8:00am - 4:00pm Air Temperature: Steamy Weather: Sunny Water Level: Above Average Water quality: Milky What worked:Stonefly nymph #12, Brown marabou jig
Water was so milky, couldn't see more than a couple feet. And higher than I've ever seen it.
If youdidn't already know the lay of the bottom, you'd be lost. Only landed one rainbow,
hooked a couple heavy ones that got off. Had a lot chasing, especially the bigger flies.
Saw a lot of spin fishermen with above-average sized fish. I knew the river would be almost
more than I could handl,e so I didn't get out there at all. On account of the lack of water
clarity, all the "falls" were packed with folks. That left most of the rest of the place quiet.
Oh well, I'll wait till it's drier and head back.
At least it wasn't boring! Thanks Ryan.
Good to hear from you again Dave. Thanks for the report.
This report was submitted by Dave Aussieker of Chesterfield on 6/12/08
Date of trip: 6/9/08 Times fished: 9:00 - 4:00pm Air Temperature: Comfy Weather: Overcast Water Level: Above Average Water quality: Slightly Clouded What worked:Homemade Fly
Fished all day around the headwaters pool down to where it runs into the main stream.
I have been fly fishing in Missouri for over 55 years and I have never caught so many large
trout. I caught a total of 25 to 30 fish and 12 where 16" to 18" long. I don't normally take
any fish but I kept one , which will make a nice meal for my wife and I. My buddy thought
that maybe a number of these fish where washed out of the hatchery area during the floods
earlier this year. Is that possible?
If you're talking about the whoppers that hang out in the spring pool, it's possible,
but probably not the main reason for the larger fish. The rainbows raised in
our hatcheries represent two different species: the Arlee strain and the
Missouri Arlee strain. One spawns in the spring and the other in the fall.
When hatchery personel stock the rivers, they stock from the largest collection
of fish available. So, the fish they're stocking now are probably from the same
group of fish that were stocked March 1st. Everyday, those fish get a little
bigger, so the average size of fish caught gets bigger day by day. As soon as
they run out of those fish, though, they'll move to the next group of fish that were
born the following season. So, one day you'll be catching 16" fish, and the next you'll
suddenly be catching 11" fish, and everyone will start complaining!
Good to hear from you again Dave. Thanks for the report.
This report was submitted by John P. of Columbia, IL on 5/27/08
Date of trip: 5/25/08 Times fished: 1:00pm - 7:00pm Air Temperature: Sultry Weather: Sunny Water Level: Above Average Water quality: Slightly Clouded What worked:dough bait, white and pink jigs, globalls,
Olive BH Woolly Bugger
Many fish in the park. The fish are fatter since beginning of March. Caught a lot of fish under the tree
at beginning of fishing hole. Good Day For Fishing
Glad you had a good trip. Thanks John.
This report was submitted by Roy F. of O'Fallon on 4/23/08
Date of trip: 4/18/08 Times fished: 7:00am - 10:00am Air Temperature: Comfy Weather: Overcast Water Level: Above Average Water quality: Slightly Clouded What worked:Jigs
When I arrived at the stream, there seemed to be very few fishermen -- maybe the forecast, water levels
or gas prices. Well the water and gas were both up, but the rain held off. And while the spring was up, the
fishing was good by the bridge and bathroom hole. I caught close to twenty fish before calling it quits and
returning home before the weather hit.
Thanks for the help Roy. Good to hear from you again.
This report was submitted by Thomas Heidbrier of St. Louis on 4/11/08
Date of trip: 4/11/08 Times fished: 10:30am - 3:30pm Air Temperature: Chilly Weather: Partly Cloudy Water Level: Flood Stage Water quality: Slightly Clouded What worked:Brink Pink & White Powerbait, Yellow Jig
The spring was putting out a lot of water this morning, but the fishing was pretty good for most folks.
The spring was way over its bank. There was water running through the field flooding the parking lot.
There were probably a dozen cars or so at even given time. The level was dropping quick and making
things a bit of a challenge, but lots of people were catching fish. Lots of good size fish on almost everyones
stringer. I fished below the bridge sitting on top of a bench. I hooked into a real nice fish using pink and
white power bait, but it snapped my line. My buddy was using white power bait and landed a fat 16inch
rainbow. A guy to our right was knocking them dead on a neon yellow jig. He said the live worms were
not working. The wind picked up and we were cold, so back home we went. Even though it was flooding,
cold and windy it was nice to be out.
Glad you had a good trip in spite of the weather. Thanks Thomas.
This report was submitted by John P. of Columbia, IL on 3/2/08
Date of trip: 3/1/08 Times fished: Siren - 10:30am Air Temperature: Chilly Weather: Overcast Water Level: Above Average Water quality: Gin Clear What worked:Got Get 'em Trout Bait
Fished Maramec Springs opening day. Succesful in the first part of the spring. Used go get em trout bait
with split shot above it and let it float downstream. There weren't as many big fish caught on opening day
at Maramec as last year. But had lots of fun!
Thanks for the report John.
This report was submitted by Chris Barron of Farmington on 2/9/08
Date of trip: 2/8/08 Times fished: 10:30am - 2:15pm Air Temperature: Comfy Weather: Overcast Water Level: Very High Water quality: Slightly Clouded What worked:#8 Weighted Olive Wooly Bugger
A very nice Friday to be out on the water. It wasn't raining, wasn't snowing, wasn't freezing cold.
There was about 120 people in the park, so you had all the space you needed to yourself. Started
at the far end of the spring branch and moved up it toward the fish sanctuary. had a 1/80th pink
marabou jig on to begin with and had a few bites in the lower end -- just didn't hook 'em. Switched
to the wooly bugger just below the hole by the bathrooms and had bites. Finally hooked into about a
13" brownie -- a good healthy fish. Couple more casts, caught a nice healthy goggle-eye. Kinda surprised
me, but still fun. Worked my way farther up, switching up my baits. A few more bites, but no hookups.
Took off towards home when my hands got too cold. Had a great time just being able to get out. Ready
to be on the water again real soon, march 1st ain't that far away!!
Good to hear from you Chris.
Sounds like they were hitting short, getting feathers but no hook. A good way
to adapt to this is to shorten the tail of your jig or fly by breaking off the
feather tips a bit. Sometimes that will work wonders.
This report was submitted by Mike __________ of Belleville, IL on 1/27/08
Date of trip: 1/26/08 Times fished: 9:00am - 4:00pm Air Temperature: Comfy Weather: Partly Cloudy Water Level: Above average Water quality: Milky What worked:Copper John, Hare's Ear Nymph, Peach Globall
Arrived at the park and found about a 1/2-dozen cars scattered throughout the park. An immature
bald eagle greated me as I stepped out of my vehicle before flying upstream to perch in a large tree.
Temperature was hovering around 30-degrees, however it felt warm after freezing my buns off the
previous weekend. I Started stripping streamers directly accross from the lower parking lot and
quickly hooked and just as quickly lost a fish. Managed three more hits in the next hour, but came
up empty on each strike. By 10:30am it had warmed enough that I went back to my car, removed
my jacket and the sweat pants I had over my jeans and under my waders.
As the area up by the wire had become quite crowded I headed downstream and stopped at the
second waterfall. It was the first empty spot I found, so I moved in quickly as the stream was getting
crowded. If you're careful, you can manuver your self into a position that allows you to get a natural
float in the multitude of currents below the falls. This requires standing in fast water and on the edge of
fast deep water. Benefit is, you will most likely catch fish, and I did. I manage to land 7-fish from the
spot, and I lost a nice fish on a hookset when he ran directly away from me. I am seriously thinking
about getting a shock absorber for between my fly line and leader. I know RIO makes one, do you
have any reccomendations Trout Hunter?
A buddy showed up,so I moved downstream and let him try his luck at the falls. By now the place
had filled up with fisherman, so I walked down to the river. I noticed that the water from the park was
quite discolored and you could see a definte line as it flowed into the river. My first thought was to fish
this line, and I did catch one fish doing that, but I had better luck fishing the darker water. I had a fish
on about 75% of my casts for the next twenty minutes. I did not keep track of how many I caught in that
time, however two were over 15" and one of them was around 18". Unfortunately, I took it's picture
with my cell phone, and I'm not sure how to transfer it to my computer.
My buddy caught up to me, and we started hollering back and forth, and I think it spooked the fish. We
caught about a half dozen more, but nothing like it had been previously. By now it was 3pm, and I headed
upstream to see if the area below the wire had thinned out. Thankfully it had, and I was able to catch a few
more fish before the whistle. Copper johns where the fly of the day, and I was fishing them about 6-10"
below a peach globall. A hares ear nymph also caught a few fish. One of my best days ever at the park!
Nice! Sounds like a great day on the river. Regarding the shock absorber,
I've never used one and haven't heard any reviews. If you do try it out,
be sure to let me know what you think. Thanks again Mike.
This report was submitted by Mike __________ of Belleville, IL on 1/23/08
Date of trip: 1/20/08 Times fished: 12:00 - 3:45pm Air Temperature: Frigid Weather: Sunny Water Level: Above average Water quality: Slightly clouded What worked:#16 Grey Scud
I Spent the better part of Saturday night/Sunday morning doing store inventory, but after catching a
couple hours sleep I headed west. Arrived a little after noon on a very cold day, even for January.
The water level was the highest I have seen at the park in a while, maybe just a little bit over normal.
Started the day with a 1/80-ounce ginger jig-of-death and hooked one small rainbow and did an
extended release. Which was okay with me as it kept my hands out of the water. Only saw two
other guys on the stream, and of course they came up and fished right next to me. After moving
downstream I tied on a peach globall with a gray scud dropper and found exactly what they were
looking for on that day. Caught, lost, and broke-off many fish before I lost my last gray scud.
Only one fish took the globall all afternoon. Tied on a #14 pheasant tail nymph and caught one last
fish before heading home. Great day, although quite cold. A quarter of my time was spent melting the
ice in my guides, a quarter of the time warming my hands and the other half fishing.
Think about how cold you would've felt if you weren't catching anything!
Thanks Mike. Good to hear from you.
This report was submitted by Bradley Tutt of St. Louis on 1/9/08
Date of trip: 1/7/08 Times fished: 8:00am - 4:00pm Air Temperature: Comfy Weather: Partly Cloudy Water Level: Average Water quality: Gin Clear What worked:Nothing Really
Not too much to report except this winter fishing thing is really tuff. Started out at the end of the park using
several different colors of marabou jigs -- mainly pink, pink with crystal hair, black, black with crystal hair.
You name it, I used the color with no luck. Then switched up and used rooster tail and same story. I started
upstream and found a couple schools of fish and switched to a light pink glo ball and had several bites but
they were just nipping the fly, changed colors and nothing happend so I moved upstream again. The one
thing I noticed was that they were all just under the surface, and at times you could see their backs sticking
out of the water, so I figured they might be feeding at the surface.
I went and got my fly rod and put on a #20 caddis in tan color on and had the same results. Here it is high
noon and after a 1-1/2 hour drive and four hours of fishing, still no fish. I then put on one of my goto flys that
when I baught it 2 years ago looked like a pale morning dun but now looks like a size 20 hunk of matted thread
all but non existent hackle with two wings that look like hackle tips without the fibers on it. I casted it out with
the lightest cast I could do and out of know where something took it. I never even saw the fish that took it.
Ten seconds into the fight I dropped my rod tip, the fish straight lined me and I never saw my goto fly again :(
I then went upstream to the chute that dumps into the deep hole up by the hacthery and tried a tan colored
scud. That's where the day changed.
On my first cast with a new fly, I let it swing downstream right under the tree branchs there that hang over
the stream. I noticed my indicater was under but not moving. Thought it was a snag, but boy I was wrong.
I lifted my tip just slightly to try and free it and thats when I saw my tip bend in a way I've never seen it bend
before. In fear the my knot wasn't going to hold, I played the fish a little thinking it was just a little stocker
using the current to his advantage. Then I got a glimpse of what was going to turn out to be the biggest trout
that I ever had on the end of my line. I fought for about five minutes when I decided it was time to land this
big guy and get him back in the stream to fight another day. The fish measured out at 26 inches and must
have weighed about 3-4 lbs. This is the one time that I didn't have my cam to photo him, so I guess this one
is just going to have to be a memory. I gave her a kiss and wished her farewell and put her back in the stream
to fight another day. It wasn't the best fishing that I have had -- only one fish in eight hours of fishing -- but
it was by far the biggest fish I had ever caught.
Well, here's a little something to make you feel even better about life. Most 26" trout
will weight at least 5 pounds, and they're usually closer to 6. Congrats Brad!
This report was submitted by Kevin __________ of St. Louis on 1/7/08
Date of trip: 1/7/08 Times fished: 9:00am - 3:00pm Air Temperature: Comfy Weather: Partly Cloudy Water Level: Average Water quality: Gin Clear What worked:Zebra Midge, Gold Lightening Bug Nymphs
Absolutely amazing day! When I arrived at 9am the temperature was about 60 degrees and it was very sunny.
I spent most of the day fishing the top end of the park. I know there is usually at lot of fish moving into the upper
end this time of year, but today there was more fish than I had ever seen! To top things off, no one was there!
I was fishing with a Gold Lightning Bug Nymph pattern (size 14) with a size 18 black and silver Zebra Midge
as a dropper. The fish were eating the Gold Lightning bug the most, but all the large fish I landed took the Zebra
Midge very ferociously. I don't really remember how many I caught, but it was so nice outside that I didn't even
care! But that upper end seems to fishing extraordinarily well! Happy New Year!
Now that you mention it, Mondays are probably good days to find the park empty during
the winter season. May have to give that a go. Thanks again Kevin.
This report was submitted by Charles Lueker of O'Fallon, IL on 1/16/08
Date of trip: 12/27/07 Times fished: 8:00am - 4:30pm Air Temperature: Chilly Weather: Overcast Water Level: Average Water quality: Gin Clear What worked:Small brown gnats
This was my first trip to Meramec Spring and I came underprepared. I expected to be able to buy the
flies I needed when I got there, but only the gas station down the road was selling them, and they were
out of what I wanted. Also, the store at the park was closed so I had to make due with what I had.
I tried jigs, cracklebacks, and gnats, experimenting with wooly buggers and muddler minnows from
time to time, since that was I came with. At 1230 I caught two 'bows in a row at the second bend on a
small brown gnat. I noticed everyone else was using strike indicators and having better luck. I'm going
again this Sunday, but I'm stocking up on flies beforehand - lesson learned.
I fished hard all day and was trying my new salt water rod for when I fished the TX and Louisiana coasts
this year for Redfish. That leads into another problem I had, I lost several of my best flies early in the
overhanging branches. It took me a while to get used to the 9' rod. Thats another factor contributing to
my lack of fly availability.
In short, I like Meramec Spring. I'm going back Sunday, but I'll take plenty of flies and supplies, and I'll
use a shorter rod.
Yes, the lack of a decent fly shop in the area is certainly frustrating. There
are 9 trout streams within 1:15 of Rolla, but the nearest decent fly shop is at
Montauk or Bennett Spring. Anyone wanna lend me a hundred grand or so to get a
shop going? :-) Thanks for the report Charles.
This report was submitted by Chris ____________ of DeSoto on 10/26/07
Date of trip: 10/25/07 Times fished: 10:00am - 1:00pm Air Temperature: Chilly Weather: Overcast Water Level: Average Water quality: Slightly Clouded What worked:Curly-tailed Jig, Road Runner,
Tube Jigs, Trout Worms, all in white or pink & white
I finally got a week of vacation and spent it at Meramec Springs. There were only a handful of people
fishing today, and the rainbows were going crazy. Caught an 18" Rainbow on a small white Road Runner
with curly tail by the bridge around 1000 Hrs., 1010 Hrs. I hooked a large Brown Trout on the same, but
broke my line -- my drag was set too high for 4lbs. test, and zi busted the tip of my pole (Quantum
Under - Spincast Ultra). At about 1220 Hrs. I used a pink and white Trout Worm and caught a 15"
Rainbow after switching to an ultra lite spinning setup and 2lbs. test. 1239 Hrs. I switched to a very small
light pink and white tube jig and hooked a 19" Brown Trout by the old bathroom. Overall the fish were
biting slow. Most of the other's fishing were wading using fly rods with wooly buggers. I guess I'll have to
try fly fishing sometime.
Everyone should try fly fishing at some time in their lives. Don't do it unless
you can afford another obsession, though! Thanks for the report, Chris.
This report was submitted by Mike ____________ of Barnhart on 10/17/07
Date of trip: 10/17/07 Times fished: 8:00am - 2:00pm Air Temperature: Chilly Weather: Rainy Water Level: Below Average Water quality: Gin Clear What worked:In report
Decided to go down to the park hoping it wouldn't be crowded on a rainy weekday. I was very
surprised how many people decided to do the same. The fishing was fairly slow. I switched flies a
lot and fished pretty much the whole park but never found the money spot or fly. I caught fish on
red #16 zebra midge, brown and black woolly buggers, a #14 black soft hackle and... drumroll
please... a chernobyl ant. I caught 5 on the midge and one apiece on the other flies. The fish on
the chernobyl ant is actually the only trout I've ever caught on a dry at Meramec Springs. By
2PM I was sick of the moss they were cutting and packed up. If the fishing wasn't so slow I
never would have tied on the ant so I guess there was a silver lining. Despite the rain, crowds,
moss and slow fishing I consider it a successful trip.
Pulling a fish on a dry always makes the trip worthwhile. Thanks Mike.
This report was submitted by John P. of columbia, IL on 10/18/07
Date of trip: 10/14/07 Times fished: 1:30pm - bell Air Temperature: Comfy Weather: Sunny Water Level: Above Average Water quality: Gin Clear What worked:#16 Scuds, Gren/White Rubber Bank Jigs
Caught many fish today! Mostly caught on green size 16 scuds but the biggest trout a 16 1/2 incher
was caught sight fishing with a green white rubberband jig with a small bobber above. First time having
much luck with scuds but they didn't seem to bite on the grey scuds only the green ones. The trout are
bigger than the ones I was catching last time I was here! Cant wait til' the big-uns come in during the
catch and release season! Thanks for all the help!
Pulling a fish on a dry always makes the trip worthwhile. Thanks Mike.
This report was submitted by John P. of Columbia, IL on 9/4/07
Date of trip: 9/2/07 Times fished: 1:00pm - Bell Air Temperature: Comfy Weather: Sunny Water Level: Below Average Water quality: Gin Clear What worked:Wooly Buggers, Gulp Red Worms, Go Get'Em Trout Bait
Caught a lot of trout in the park and out on the water fall right out of the park. Mostly caught
the fish on Go Get Em Trout Bait with a split shot about a foot ahead of it. Talked to a guy about
a jig that he ties that he says works really well (green headed blue tinsel jig which turns into a
metallic purple in the water) so I'm gonna try that next time I go out to Maramac Springs! Good
Luck and Tight Lines!
Thanks again for the help John. The guy you mentioned sells his jigs through his website at
www.TroutJig.com. The jigs don't look all that impressive,
but more and more folks are reporting that they have been really tearing 'em up. Hopefully,
he'll sell a ton of them.
This report was submitted by TC Jennings of Farmington on 8/18/07
Date of trip: 8/18/07 Times fished: 700am - 100pm Air Temperature: Sultry Weather: Sunny Water Level: Below Average Water quality: Gin Clear What worked:Ginger and skunk jigs
Went back down to the park today, six days was just to much time away. Started out throwing a
1/64th ginger jig just above the bridge working my way to the bathroom hole and caught around 20
trout. After I worked my way back up to the truck, my buddy (who was using homemade dough
bait) and I started at the handicap hole and waded back down to the bridge using a 1/64th skunk
jig and I caught around 10 to 12 trout down and 5 or so on the way back up. Even though I caught
a good amount of trout, the fishing was a little tougher than normal and the trout were smaller. Alot
in the 8-12 inch range. My friend with the doughbait caught 10 or so fish in the day but was getting
busted by the fish seeing his 4 pound line in the water. I on the other hand was using 2 pound line
and was having no problem with the fish seeing my line.
Thanks again for the help TC.
This report was submitted by TC Jennings of Farmington on 8/12/07
Date of trip: 8/2/07 Times fished: 700am - 1200pm Air Temperature: Steamy Weather: Sunny Water Level: Below Average Water quality: Gin Clear What worked:Gold and Black/Yellow Jigs
Arrived at the park early and went down to the last hole of the park below the bridge. My first ten
or so casts all resulted in a fish. After that it got slow until 8:30 or so when I transfered to a 128th
ounce black/yellow jig. I put that on with a cork about 12 inches above it and let in float down in the
fish's face. This was hot for a long time resulting in probably another 15 trout. When it was about time
to leave I put on an ole' custom jig a man gave me at roaring river state park, and that put my four on
the stringer in no time. I don't have any lunkers to bring in the shop from this trip although I did catch
one 17 inch trout and alot in the 14 to 16 inch range. I do have two to bring you from roaring river
that will go nice with the two that you are already working on.
Guys, I'm telling you -- this kid can flat out catch some big fish. Thanks
for the help TC. Leave a few lunkers for the rest of us!
This report was submitted by Alex _________ of St. Louis on 8/1/07
Date of trip: 8/1/07 Times fished: 6:30am - 1:00pm Air Temperature: Hell on Earth Weather: Sunny Water Level: Average Water quality: Gin Clear What worked:Streamer
A few friends and I went out today to try our hand at this park for the first time. I did like the number
of holes that were available to fish but it was a bit crowded for my taste. The fishing was very slow,
my friends were using jig's and powerbaits with no success but everyone around us seemed to be
tearing them up. Around 8:00 I tied on a streamer pattern that I made last night and it was inhaled
by a nice 18 in rainbow. For the next five hours none of us saw any good action. No dry flies were
drawing strikes and the fish just seemed to get lockjaw. Just before 1:00 I tied that streamer back
on and got the same result, a really nice bow that exploded out of the water. Those were the only
fish all four of us caught the whole day but overall we had a good time.
Yeah, Maramec Spring can be moody. When the temperature is up that high,
you pretty much have to drift your fly right to the fish's nose. The fact
that you caught a couple on a streamer is actually pretty impressive.
Thanks for the report Alex. Welcome aboard.
This report was submitted by Bond of St. James on 7/29/07
Date of trip: 7/26 Times fished: Morning Air Temperature: Sultry Weather: Sunny Water Level: Below Average Water quality: Gin Clear What worked:Hoppers, ants, copper johns
I started in the hole just outside the park and caught two keepers on a hopper. Walking through
the park, I stopped at the second jetty up from the bridge and caught an 18 inch rainbow on a
14 black ant. I stopped again at the bathroom hole, which was wicked crowded, hot, sunny....
awful. I tied on a 16 copper john and flipped it out beyween a half dozen other lines and caught
lunker male rainbow. It was a miracle I was able to get him netted. After fishing in the Rockies
recently, I was kinda glad to be back where a feller can cast and catch something big enough to
eat. The Ozarks must be the most underrated fishery in the US.
I agree. On my trips to the Rockies, I was always surprised to hear from
local trout fishermen that they wanted to plan a fishing trip to Missouri
and Arkansas. I guess the grass is always greener on the other bank! Thanks
Bond.
This report was submitted by Roy F. of O'Fallon on 7/26/07
Date of trip: 7/21 Times fished: 6:30-10:00am Air Temperature: Comfy Weather: Sunny Water Level: Very Low Water quality: Gin Clear What worked:Trout Magnets & Jigs
It was picture perfect weather to be fishing. A friend and I fished using mostly jigs and had
reasonable success. In just over 3 hours we landed about 10-12. The fish are nice size and
a lot of them in the stream. It appears that MDC has not depleted their larger fish for stocking
yet. I had a question - I am going to Montauk in a couple of weeks and was wondering if the
same techniques work there as Maramec. In the past sight fishing there is more difficult and
they do not appear to be congregated i.e. (Step Hole @ Maramec). Thanks and keep up the
good work!!!
There is definitely a BIG difference between Maramec and Montauk. The
fish are very spread out at Montauk as compared to Maramec, mainly because
Montauk is more open to fish migration up and down the river. However,
if you're looking for areas where the fish will congrate, just look for
places where the fishermen are congegating -- the hole above the bridge and
the spillway by the campground, for example. In those settings, the trout
should act the same. In the other areas, you'll be fishing for trout that
are in the process of becoming more wild, so more textbook Western tactics
will need to be used. Good to hear from you again Roy. Thanks for the report.
This report was submitted by Mark F. of St. Louis on 7/20/07
Date of trip: 7/19 Times fished: 7:00am - 1:30pm Air Temperature: Sultry Weather: Partly Cloudy Water Level: Average Water quality: Slightly clouded What worked:White Jigs, the smaller the better
Weed cutting day, of course. I haven't got out all summer, and it had to be weed cutting day.
Oh Well. I fished above the weed cutting area and got 4 or 5 on white jig, then after the cutting
team moved up, I positioned my self mid stream just ahead of one of the rapids. Ever time I
saw a break in the action I made a short cast into the gap and nailed a fish. I guess the grass
spit out some bugs. I was killing them. Probably caught 20 trout in in the last 2hrs I fished.
All nice looking fish. Hardest part was keeping the fish and my line out of the weeds that were
drifting downstream. For as hot as it was, and the weeds I made a killing. I might just make
my next journey on weed cutting day.
That's definitely something to think about. The river is full of gray scud,
so I imagine there was quite a feeding frenzy going on, as clouds of
scud floated downstream. Thanks Mark. Good to hear from you again.
This report was submitted by John P. of Columbia, IL on 7/16/07
Date of trip: 7/15 Times fished: 2:30 - 6:45pm Air Temperature: Balmy Weather: Partly Cloudy Water Level: Above Average Water quality: Gin Clear What worked:Nothing
Tell Me About It: Tried dough bait and spinners without luck. Missed about 3-4 fish on cat food.
Some guys were catching a lot of fish on cat food so I asked for some. I guess they were spooked
from the people the day before. And weren't as many fish either!
It's definitely tougher fishing at the parks when you start in the afternoon.
Thanks for the catfood tip. That's definitely an interesting idea.
This report was submitted by Mike Tobin on 7/14/07
Date of trip: 7/13/07 Times fished: 12:30 - 4:00pm Air Temperature: Sultry Weather: Sunny Water Level: Average Water quality: Slightly Clouded What worked:Spoons, Red Worms
Have not fished Meramec in a while, very enjoyable - good crowd for a Friday. Threw a
lot of spoons of different colors and varieties. A bit slow for me, probably should have
moved to a jig (but I am a bit hard headed). Caught one on a silver/lime little cleo spoon.
Very interesting, not much of a fight until it got in the light -- then it literally charged the
other direction, shook its head, and tore the line. So, if you are looking for a bonus, fish
about the middle of the park. You may get a really nice spoon to add to your tackle box
as well as a trout! Here is something I did notice. The fish that were being caught, including
mine, appeared to be above average in size from what I have seen in the last couple of months.
I was talking with another fisherman before I left, and he said they had a big kids fishing event
a couple of weeks ago - maybe that explains it? Also got a hit on a red trout worm with a drop
shot ring later in the day.
Fish On!
Good to hear from you again Mike. The average size of the stocked fish will
vary throughout the season. They will basically have three sizes in the hatchery
raceways, and they'll stock from the largest group until they run out. They then
move to the next largest group of fish that were born 6 months (or so) earlier. So,
when they stock the last of the fish from the oldest group, you get the biggest fish
of the year in the river -- 15 inches or better. Right after that, you get the
smallest fish of the year. When they move to the group that's 6 months younger, 11
inch fish become more common. Each day's stocking, though, includes fish that are 1 day
older and 1 day bigger. Thanks for the report Mike.
This report was submitted by Brian Yost of St. Louis on 7/2/07
Date of trip: 6/29/07 Times fished: All Day Air Temperature: Comfy Weather: Rainy Water Level: Above Average Water quality: Slightly Clouded What worked:Crackleback, Scud
The weather was, in my opinion, awesome. During the morning to early afternoon, it would
downpour every hour or so for about 10 to 15 minutes. Soon as the rain let up, the fish became
active. I have never seen so many fish jump out of the water. In the first hole when you enter the
park, most of the fish were very visable toward the surface. The fish anglers were pulling out
were all nice size fish. I caught my largest rainbow as well. It was tough competing with all of
the power baiters but it was still fun.
That's a common complaint at Maramec Spring. Bottom fishing, retrieve
fishing and drift fishing are just not compatible with one another, and it's
frustrating for everyone. For example, it's tough for bottom fishermen
to find a hole where they don't have to worry about spin fishermen pulling
lures across their lines. If everyone in a group is fishing using the same
basic technique, it works out much better. This just ain't gonna happen at
Maramec, though. I'm going to be working on the proposal for regulation and
trout management changes for the park and river over the next few weeks.
I'll post it for all to see when it's ready, so be sure to check back from
time to time.
This report was submitted by Paul B. of Granite City, IL on 6/20/07
Date of trip: 6/16/07 Times fished: 7:30am - 7:00pm Air Temperature: Balmy Weather: Sunny Water Level: Average Water quality: Gin Clear What worked:Nymphs & Cracklebacks
Don't normally go to Maramec Springs because of the crowds with so few holes. But
it was a last minute outing and didn't feel like driving the extra hour to Montauk. I was
surprised, however by the quality of the fish. Caught my first fish where the "chute" from
the sanctuary meets the other branch. First fish 3+ lbs. After that of couse, all the fishermen
needed to fish that spot so I went downstream to find another hole with plenty of room.
(9' flyrod). Found my 2nd favorite hole with nobody fishing it (just below 1st waterfall).
Caught approximatly 20 more fish from that hole several in the 14-16" range. It was great.
Tan nymphs w/out beadhead and grey nymphs made from my dogs winter shed were the
flies of choice. Also an ex-white crackleback (mixed with another fly which turned it light
blue) also brought out a few fish. Biggest fish 4-5 lbs was on for about 2 minutes before
diving to bottom and jarring fly loose. So he/she is still in there for next fisherperson.
That's about it. Have a great day
Fantastic! I'm always amazed that so few people fish below the rock dams,
but there's always a crowd just above it where the fish are easier to see.
Folks, the biggest fish in the park are always taken just below the dams.
You just need to get your bait or fly down DEEP.
This report was submitted by Roy F. of O'Fallon on 5/21/07
Date of trip: 5/18/07 Times fished: 6:30am - 9:30am Air Temperature: Comfy Weather: Sunny Water Level: Average Water quality: Gin Clear What worked:Trout Magnets and Dough Bait
My brother, nephew and I fished for three hours on Friday and caught 11
fish in just at three hours. There were quite a few fishermen in the first hole before
the spring splits, where I have fishing on my trips. Everyone was catching fish, although
I observed two things: (1)The fish are down deeper, and (2) the average size has
decreased. They were not extremely small but not the average size that I previous
was catching (spoiled I guess). Have you by chance heard that the Montauk
Hatchery keeps the larger fish for that stream as the season progresses? I happened
upon a gentleman from Rolla who shared that back in April. Thanks and keep up the
good work.
That's just an ugly rumor. Montauk only supplies Maramec Spring
with fingerling trout. The Maramec hatchery personnel then raise
these fingerlings as their own. The varying sizes of fish you see
at different times of the year is simply due to the nature of our
hatchery system. Missouri stocks two strains of trout: the
Missouri strain and the Missouri-Arlee strain. One spawns in the
Spring and the other in the Fall (I can never remember which is
which). It takes them about 15 months to grow to about 12 inches
in length. The parks all stock the rivers from the largest stock
of fish they have on hand at the time. For example, this spring
they were stocking fish born in the Fall of 2005. Up until the
point that they ran out of these fish, the fish size gradually
increased (each day's stocking introduced fish that were one day
older). Once the Fall '05 fish are gone, they have to stock fish
born in spring '07, and these fish will simply be smaller, because
they're younger. Assuming they have fish from this age group
left over at the end of the season, they'll generally stock
them for the winter catch & release season, and the whole cycle
will repeat again starting March 1st.
This report was submitted by John P. of Columbia, IL on 5/19/07
Date of trip: 5/13/07 Times fished: 11:00am - 7:00pm Air Temperature: Comfy Weather: Sunny Water Level: Above Average Water quality: Gin Clear What worked:Go Get 'Em Trout Bait
Tried a gold ribbed hare's ear nymph and a prince nymph but nothing.
Most fly fisherman at the park didn't catch many if any. I got my spinning
rod with a bobber and a small size treble hook two feet down from the
bobber with 2 pound test and caught over 10 fish. Biggest one being about
close to 2 pounds. Started at beginning of the trout fishing area and caught
many fish. Fished around the rocks and riffles and they were packed up.
Caught a bunch there too! Good luck out on the stream!
Maramec Spring doesn't generally give up too many trout to
traditional nymphs like hare's ears, but scud patterns have
been known to work fairly well. Other than that, most
of the successful fly fishermen will be using attractor
patterns (i.e. wooly worms, san juans, glo-bugs, etc.) or streamers.
The secret of Go Get 'Em bait isn't the flavor. It's simply
that the bait is visible to the trout, and it's soft enough
that the fish doesn't spit it out immediatetly, giving you
some extra time to set the hook. If you fish a glo-bug the
same way, you'll have similar results. Thanks again for the
help John.
This report was submitted by John Corrao on 5/8/07
Date of trip: 5/4/07 Times fished: 7:00 - ?? Air Temperature: Chilly Weather: Cloudy Water Level: Above Average Water quality: Slightly Clouded What worked:Brightly colored rooster tails
I and a friend fished the park on May 4, 2007. Arrived at 6:00 and saw less than 10 cars at the
park. Started to fish the upper spillway at the joining of the fork by the parking lot and quickly
got action from numerous fish. Caught approx 8-10 in first 1/2 hour and lost 6 or so. They
seemed to like brightly colored rooster tails. Well, as most of us already know and have
experienced, once you start catching fish, the other fishermen move in. I still resent how some
fishermen don't have a clue about stream-fishing etiquette. No less than two moved in between
me and the spillway and literally pushed me out of the spot I was fishing. Disgusted, my friend and
I moved downstream and eventually settled on other areas. By this time the park had more
people there and most were doing ok with the catch. The river was up, murky and fast and thus
made sight fishing a bit harder. Overall, the fishing was pretty good and I can't wait to get back.
Thanks John. I feel your pain re: crowding. I don't generally fish the
parks unless I'm taking my son fishing, but adults will even try to crowd
him out when he's catching fish -- and he's 8. What's worked for me is
this: "DO YOU MIND?????" with a gentle gesture toward my shrinking
territory. It usually draws a quick apology and quick retreat.
This report was submitted by Dave B of St. Charles on 4/17/07
Date of trip: 4/13/07 Times fished: 7:00 - 1:00pm Air Temperature: Freezing Weather: Rainy Water Level: Average Water quality: Slightly Clouded What worked:Small Jigs, Beaded Nymphs
A buddy and I decided to brave the weather on Friday the 13th and we
were rewarded with a very empty park/stream. When we walked into the
stream at 6:50 we where the only ones there, and only 1 more joined us for
the first couple of hours. I have commented before on the crowding of fish
in only a couple of small areas on the stream, and I thought like others here
that was a function of the stream itself. That was not the case today, and it
makes me wonder if it is not the stream but the crowds of fisherman squeezing
the fish.
With no waders in the stream the fish seemed to be more spread out, and
seemed to roam freely up and down the stream. In fact I seen many fish in the
shallower rocks at the back of the deep holes where waders usually stand to
cast up into the holes. And the deep holes seemed to be relatively empty
compared to the more crowded days.
The fishing was tougher than usual. Lots of casts and frequently changing
lures/colors trying to find something that worked. Still managed to catch
a good number of fish, 16 rainbows. But the best part was they have started
to stock bigger fish again this year. 3 of my first 4 fish were in the 1.5 to 2 lb
range and my stringer of 4 fish weighed just over 7.5 lbs.
Only consistent pattern I found they wanted was small lures near the surface.
One exception is I caught a nice rainbow on a white beaded head nymph
fished thru the rocks at the bathroom hole. I pulled out 2 nice size, but I
was aiming for a larger one camped out behind a boulder. I finally got it to
drift right to him, I don't know if he took it because he was hungry or
because it was going to poke him in the eye? I played him for a little
while but he got in the fast water close to the falls and I tried to horse
him out before he went over the rocks. Unfortunately the hook pulled
out of his mouth. I guess he was hooked in the skin in the mouth and not
lip or bone. The small fly doesn't seem to have enough gap to grab more
than just the mouth. I don't usually have this problem with the jigs I tie.
Do you have any recommendations on how to get better hookups with
these small beaded flies and ultra-mini jigs?
Thanks for the report Dave.
While trout in the wilder waters will definitely move in
response to foot traffic, park fish are generally pretty
immune to such things. While in the hatchery, footsteps
actually make them happy -- means they're going to be fed.
You'll also often see park fish follow wading fishermen,
eating scud kicked up while walking. So, I'd say there
was another reason. The spots where the fish normally
crowd usually have a crowd of fishermen within 5 feet
of the fish. I would think that would push the fish
out of that area, but it doesn't. Regarding better
hookups on smaller hooks, there's no real secret. A
narrower gap is simply going to give you lip hookups.
The only way to catch more fish is to set the hook more
softly and keep your drag ultra loose. When the fish runs,
just let him take all the line he wants. Then gently pull
up the rod tip to bring him closer, and reel in slack as you
lower the rod tip. That's about the best you can do.
This report was submitted by Roy ___________ of O'Fallon on 4/2/07
Date of trip: 3/31/07 Times fished: 7:30am - 1:00pm Air Temperature: Comfy Weather: Overcast Water Level: Average Water quality: Slightly Clouded What worked:Marabou Jigs, Secret Bait
My friend and I arrived at the park @ 6:25A -- surprisingly very few fishermen.
I guess they watched the weather forecast and were scared away. I read the
stocking report from Friday (500) and Saturday's was approximately 1000+.
Needless to say there were a lot of fish for the fishermen. I reported on 3/23
for the first time on your site and I thought the fishing was great - Saturday 3/31
was better. The size of the fish in Maramec Spring are very impressive. I fished
Montauk opening day and the fish on average were smaller. I was drift fishing
jigs just under a float in the first hole past the handicap access and was did quite
well. After cathing my limit and cleaning my fish I walked the length of the park
and was somewhat envious of the fishermen having fun cathing trout on fly
rods. Thanks again. You have a great site both informative and entertaining.
Thanks for the report and the kind words. Most folks will
agree with your statement about the size of the fish at
Maramec Spring. That's the trade-off when you come.
The fishing environment may not be as wild or aesthetically
pleasing as Montauk, but you will catch bigger fish.
This report was submitted by Dave B. of St. Charles on 3/30/07
Date of trip: 3/24/07 Times fished: 7:30am - 12:30pm Air Temperature: Balmy Weather: Overcast Water Level: Average Water quality: Gin Clear What worked:Mini-jigs, BH Pheasant Tail
Unfortunately, the park was very crowded, and, even more unfortunately, the fish
were crowded too. The trout seemed to school up real tight in a couple of holes,
which resulted in the usual shoulder to shoulder packing of fishermen. I tried early
to fish off away from the crowds hoping to avoid the inevitable tangles of lines. But
after 45 minutes of nothing, I decided a few tangles would be worth a couple of fish.
SO I moved in and tried to time my casts to avoid the worst messes. I managed to
catch 8 nice size ones (and kept 2) at the hole above the fallen log. I then moved
down to the bathroom hole since my success drew even more folks into the crowd.
I found the situation there even worse. But I didn't feel like walking further just to find
the same crowds. I used several colors of jigs and caught 1 or 2 on each before they
stopped having any interest. I went back up to the fallen log and found a spot where
I could drift a bead head pheasant tail into the crowd of trout and I caught a couple more.
Your observations represent one of the most common complaints about
Maramec Spring Park. I'm sure it will never happen, but it would
be facinating to see what would happen if every bit of man-made
structure were removed from the fishery -- every rock dam and paved
bank-side walkway. My guess would be that the spring branch would
adjust itself to the normal riffle-pool-run type of structure, and
I bet the fishing would be great. Thanks Dave.
This report was submitted by Roy F. of O'Fallon on 3/23/07
Date of trip: 3/23/07 Times fished: 7:30am - 10:00am Air Temperature: Comfy Weather: Rainy Water Level: Average Water quality: Gin Clear What worked:Trout Magnets, Secret Bait
There were very few fishermen. My friend and I caught our 4 fish limits by 10:00A.
Two fish were nice -- approximately 2+ pounds. Is there any reason the entire
stretch of the spring does not get stocked? I read at Montauk that they stock 20+
holes daily and 30 on weekends. Is this correct? I believe I read that all the fish in
Meramec gets stacked up in two holes without any help on fishing other holes. Thanks,
and keep up the good work.
Actually, that's what you call a riverside legend. The Maramec hatchery
staff stock fish at pretty much every location they can drive up to.
The problem with Maramec as a fishery is that the trout are naturally
drawn to certain types of structure that provide oxygen, cover, and
changes in temperature and current. There are only a handful of spots
like that at Maramec Spring. Adding the boulders has helped spread out
the fish somewhat, but they will still eventually make their way to
the four or five primary holding spots. Regarding Montauk stocking
procedures, I can't say. I would say the accuracy of the statement
would have to be based on who printed it. If it's on an MDC flyer,
then its golden. If it's printed elsewhere, you have to take it with
a grain of salt. Thanks for the report Roy.
This report was submitted by Bond of St. James on 3/23/07
Date of trip: 3/18/07 Times fished: 7:30am - Noon Air Temperature: Frigid Weather: Sunny Water Level: Average Water quality: Slightly Clouded What worked:Cracklebacks & Bombers
I started at the spillway past the Bathroom Hole with a bomber. That's on a #10 hook,
gold tinsel body, white hair underwing, peacock thorax, maribou tail, large partridge
hackle behind the head and strips of mylar. Looks like chicken and dumplings to a
trout then I drop the bomb on them. Got really crowded as the fish bunch up in this cold
weather.
Mmmmm.... Chicken & dumplings.... Thanks again Bond.
This report was submitted by Chris Wilson of Winfield on 3/19/07
Date of trip: 3/17/07 Times fished: 10:30am - 2:00pm Air Temperature: Freezing Weather: Snowy Water Level: Average Water quality: Gin Clear What worked:Nothing worked!
This was our first time trout fishing and we had a blast, especially fishing in the
snow. We did not catch anything but it seems everyone around us was having fun.
We were trying powerbait and marabous, but nothing. We still had fun fishing in
the snow and the park was beautiful. We are green horns at this and we will get it
right after practice!
Don't give up! Thanks for the report Chris.
This report was submitted by Dave Tannehill of Fenton on 3/11/07
Date of trip: 3/10/07 Times fished: 6:30am - 2:00pm Air Temperature: Chilly Weather: Sunny Water Level: Above Average Water quality: Slightly Clouded What worked:Peach/Pink Egg Pattern, Scud, Gold Spinner
Crowded and slow. That about sums it up. Real crowded in the AM, so I opted for the
spinning rod -- flyrod ain't worth the aggravation when it's shoulder-to-shoulder. Tried
different color/weight jigs -- no luck. Didn't fish any plastics or crankbaits. Switched to
a mepps gold spinner/wooly fished below the falls at the two big holes and hooked a couple,
netted one. Took a short break and switched to the flyrod. Fished just down from the bridge
at the beginning of the stream, and I'll tell you the newly added rocks do make great fishing.
Caught a couple with a scud before my tippet broke off, then tried a peach and then pink
egg pattern. Both egg patterns produced aggressive strikes right next to those rocks. Fish
this area -- you'll snag the rocks and lose a fly or two, but it should pay off. I bet there'll be
fish there most every day. Moved on down the stream and things got real slow again.
Heading to Montauk for a long weekend next weekend--how are things there? What's
been successful?
Thanks for the report Dave.
Sorry for not giving any tips in time for your Montauk trip -- didn't actually
read your report until Monday morning. Haven't had a ton of news from
Montauk yet, which generally means that folks haven't exactly been tearing them up.
I hope people DO send in fishing reports when they struggle, but I suppose
it's human nature not to. Yes, the boulders in the riffles is definitely a
good thing. The riffles below the bridge have a very high oxygen content,
tons of aquatic bugs, and the water temperature is generally 55-58 degrees year
'round. As long as there's room for the fish to hold their position, they
should be in a good mood. Another bonus to the boulders, is that they will
slow the migration of trout into the "trout sanctuary".
This report was submitted by Bond of St. James on 3/14/07
Date of trip: 3/9/07 Times fished: 1:30pm - 3:00pm Air Temperature: Comfy Weather: Rainy Water Level: Average Water quality: Slightly Clouded What worked:Zebra Midge
When I arrived at the park, it began to rain, and that chased a few people
off the creek. I stopped at the Bathroom Hole because it wasn't too crowded.
There were three guys across the creek and two on my side - all fishing with
power bait. There was a lot of action at the surface even though it was raining,
so I tied on a #16 soft hackle zebra midge. I began catching them on every cast.
Once I got tangled with a guy across from me who was fishing a marble-sized glob
of cheese with a fly rod. As soon as he dropped my fly back into the water I had
another fish. I was putting them on the stringer so fast I didn't notice that two
were 18 inches and one was 20. It was great. The week before I went to Bennett
and froze in the cold wind and never really got to a good spot because of the
crowds and high water. I guess the Trout God owed me one.
Good to hear from you Bond. Fishing natural flies to fish
feeding naturally is always the best way to catch resident
fish. And the nice thing about resident fish is that they're
usually bigger than average!
This report was submitted by Mike Noll of St. Louis on 3/9/07
Date of trip: 3/8/07 Times fished: 10:00am - 3:00pm Air Temperature: Comfy Weather: Sunny Water Level: Average Water quality: Gin Clear What worked:Scud, Blue Wing Olive, Wooly Bugger
Had a great day on the river today, fish were stacked in the two main pools
(popular hole and the one below). I still have a hard time fishing around all
the bait fisherman. Did take a walk down to the trophy water and caught a
couple of small ones down there on nymphs. Back in the park about 1pm
and fished my way back to the car. The fish are just stacked in schools in
the pools. Used a #20 bead head scud with flash back (green) about 3
inches below my indicator and almost every cast had a hit. I guess the
are tired of looking at cheese worms and marshmallows.
That last statement about sums it up. If a trout can survive
the first morning's siren, it won't be long before he starts
eating scud -- the spring branch and the river downstream are
rotten with the little boogers. And, given the choice of shrimp
or a ball of cheese for lunch, I'd choose the shrimp! Good to hear
from you again Mike. Thanks for the report.
This report was submitted by Ron Metts of Bourbon on 3/4/07
Date of trip: 3/4/07 Times fished: 8:00am - 2:00pm Air Temperature: Chilly Weather: Cloudy Water Level: Average Water quality: Gin Clear What worked:Small Crankbait, Rooster Tail
I started fishing this morning at 8:00 and caught five in the riffles on small
crankbaits. At 8:30 I moved to the waterfall by the bathrooms and caught
eight more there on the crankbait. From 9:30-12:30 I had no action.
Nice! Flies & lures that run away account for the vast
majority of trophy trout catches, and mini-crankbaits are
very much under-utilized by Missouri trout fishermen.
Thanks Ron.
This report was submitted by Matt B. of St. Louis on 2/11/07
Date of trip: 2/11/07 Times fished: 11:00am - 2:00pm Air Temperature: Chilly Weather: Cloudy Water Level: Above Average Water quality: Slightly Clouded What worked:Nothing
Started @ Suicide hill and worked upstream for a while with #20 midge nymph,
#18 beadhead prince, #18 flashback nymph, then finally a glo-ball... no hits. As a
matter of fact, I didn't even so much as SEE a trout. I worked downstream for a short
while with a #18 green caddis nymph; no luck. As I was leaving, and since no one
else was around, I walked the high bank at the foot of suicide hill to see if I could spot
any fish cruising or just suspending in the chunk rock... nothing, just a few suckers rolling
occasionally on the bottom at the tail of the pool. Guess I picked the wrong spot at the
wrong time. At least I got to watch a bald eagle doing his thing for a few minutes.
Thanks for the report Matt. I sincerely wish more people would
tell us about their unsuccessful trips. People learn just as
much from that info as they do from the old "caught 20 fish today"
reports.
This report was submitted by Dave Tannehill of Fenton on 2/7/07
Date of trip: 2/6/07 Times fished: 11:00am - 3:00pm Air Temperature: Chilly Weather: Sunny Water Level: Above Average Water quality: Slightly Clouded What worked:White Wooly, Olive Jig, Olive Leech, Orange Globall
Had to get in a trip for the catch and release season -- can't believe I almost missed it
this year, b/c it was great fishing! Caught several. Mostly at the hole by the bathrooms
and the next hole downriver as well as the runs past the falls for each of those holes.
The "in-between" areas were much less productive--only one. Didn't fish above the
bathroom.
Best fish was the first -- 20 INCHER -- caught him in the rocks just before falls. Big,
beautiful fish, great color (sorry, no picture -- left the cameraphone in the car. Doh!)
What a fight. Caught two more above the rocks and then I started letting my white
wooly drift thru the rocks, into the falls and on past, and about 15 yards out from the
falls I felt a thunderous strike on the end of the line and a helluva fight. Unfortunately,
it didn't last long. The work-horse wooly that had served me well and the knot holding
it had had enough. That monster broke me off. I'd like to think that maybe the 7x wasn't
enough for that beast.
The rest of the day's catch were all larger than average, but definitely all less than 15" at
most. There are some big fish in there. If you fish the remaining few days, or that first
week of March, you'll catch some beauties.
By the way, I didn't fish 'em, but the boulders that were put in will be a nice addition, I think.
My first regular season trip will be to Montauk--anybody know if there's been any changes
to the river? I usually fish it a couple times in the winter, but not this year.
Thanks Dave. You are right, there are some beasts in the park this year,
and a bunch will be caught the first week of open season. As a taxidermist,
I'm very excited to pay down my credit cards :-) but also a bit jealous
that I'll be sitting in the shop all week. I agree the boulders should
dramatically help the park's fishery. They've been in all winter, and
they're each building a nice fishing hole just downstream. Maremac is
the only park in Missouri to get this type of improvement. The other
parks spent their improvement money on hatchery renovations -- also a
good thing!
This report was submitted by Mike __________ of Belleville, IL on 1/21/07
Date of trip: 1/20/07 Times fished: 8:45am - 2:30pm Air Temperature: Chilly Weather: Overcast Water Level: Very High Water quality: Milky What worked:Wooly Buggers, Glo-ball, Shrimp Imitation
The weather was cold in the morning, cold enough that you needed to occasionally dip
your rod tip into the water to melt the ice, but it warmed into the upper 30's. When I
got to the park there were only a few cars to be seen, however by noon it was pretty
crowded.
Fishing was great early and good in the afternoon. I never kept a count on how many,
more than one and less than a hundred. Did manage to catch a one very nice rainbow
before I headed for home. Sorry, I did not have my camera with me.
We've certainly been seeing some hawgs pulled from the park this
winter. Thanks again for the help Mike.
This report was submitted by Kevin __________ of St. Louis on 1/14/07
Date of trip: 1/9/07 Times fished: 10:00am - 3:30pm Air Temperature: Chilly Weather: Sunny Water Level: Average Water quality: Gin Clear What worked:Caddis, Black Midge, Olive Wooly Bugger
A few friends and I camped at Suicide Hill for the night and had no success there, so
we decided to take a short drive to the park to catch some fish before we left. My buddies
started out with olive wooly buggers and caught about 2 fish each on that. I wasn't having
any success with that, so I decided to tie on an olive caddis and also dropped a black midge
underneath. To my surprise, I caught quite a few on the caddis in fast moving water, but in
the slow water, the fish were hammering the black midge. It was also nice that the temperature
warmed up so it wasn't as cold as it had been that night!
Winter time camping on the bank of trout stream -- brisk but awesome.
Thanks for the report Kevin.
This report was submitted by George Magyar of Newburg on 1/4/07
Date of trip: 1/3/07 Times fished: 1:30pm - buzzer Air Temperature: Chilly Weather: Sunny Water Level: Average Water quality: Gin Clear What worked:Brown Wooly Bugger, Pink & White 1/32oz Jigs
I arrived at the park about 1:00 pm and hit the water a half an hour later. The air temp
was about 52 degrees, and the sky was sunny. I fished a brown wooly bugger in the
fast water just below the stone bridge and caught one trout about 10" long. I tried the
wooly bugger in the "granny hole" and had several trout follow, but no takers. I
switched from a fly rod to my spinning outfit and tried a pink and white 1/32 oz
maribou jig. This seemed to be the ticket. I fished the hole just before the merger
of the two branches and saw many HUGE trout in the hole. One trout was the
"JAWS" of the hole, he was a very large brown trout with a massive body and
the classic hook jaw. I would guess he was about 10 lbs., maybe more. I caught
a pretty good sized trout on the jig, but it appeared the trout where hitting a
sub-surface fly of some sort because they would only hit the jig if you skimmed
it just under the surface and reeling it fast. I didn't have a banner day, but managed
three trout in 2 and 1/2 hours of fishing, not a bad way to spend a winter afternoon.
Ain't that the truth? Good to hear from you again, George.
Thanks for the report.
This report was submitted by John P. of Columbia, IL on 12/31/06
Date of trip: 12/30/06 Times fished: 1:15pm - 4:00pm Air Temperature: Comfy Weather: Partly Cloudy Water Level: Above Average Water quality: Slightly Clouded What worked:#10 Wooly Buggers, #14 Griffith's Gnat
Arrived at the park around 1:15. Caught one fish total. The fish were a little sluggish.
Caught one fish on Wooly Bugger. Many, many bites on griffith's gnat. I talked to a
guy about what he was using and he showed me a picture of a trout they caught and
released today and it was HUGE!!! It was about 4-5 pounds. I'm glad I caught one
(14inch). The fish were in huge schools though! All you had to do to get a bite was
cast into the middle of the school. It was a very fun day.
Thanks John. Opening day should certainly be interesting. There
are a just a ton of lunker trout out there this winter.
This report was submitted by Kevin _________ of St. Louis on 1/5/07
Date of trip: 12/28/06 Times fished: 9:30am - 4:00pm Air Temperature: Chilly Weather: Sunny Water Level: Above Average Water quality: Slightly Clouded What worked:Olive Wooly Buggers, Black Jig Buggers, Copper Johns
My little brother and I got to the park around 9 a.m. and started fishing right away.
The water was still a little murky, but not as bad as it has been. We Caught most
of our fish in the first hole below the rope that keeps you from fishing under the car
bridge. The flies that worked the best were olive wooly buggers and a little black
wooly bugger. We both caught about seven in the eddies behind those new rocks
they threw in, and then we both caught a few at the first waterfall on copper johns.
I'm still not a big fan of the boulders they have thrown throughout the park. I think
they are making that hole behind the rope too shallow and spread out. But thats just
me.
Thanks for the report, Kevin. The reasoning behind the boulders
being added is in response to the most common complaint about
Maramec Spring Park: lack of structure caused by channelizing
the spring branch. Before the boulders, there were only a
handful of decent fishing spots, and they were generally
shoulder-to-shoulder fishing. How the boulders work out still
remains to be seen, but MDC is hoping they will spread out
the fish as well as the fishermen.
This report was submitted by Mike _________ of Belleville, IL on 12/25/06
Date of trip: 12/22/06 Times fished: 900am - 115pm Air Temperature: Chilly Weather: Cloudy Water Level: Above Average Water quality: Milky What worked:#16 Beadhead Pheasant Tail, Globalls
I took my time heading to the stream this morning. I arrived about 9:00AM after stopping for a
bite to eat in Bourbon and a few globalls at the local bait shop/convenience store in Saint James.
I had seen a couple fly fisherman on a previous trip to Maramec Springs doing quite well on a
globall with a pheasant tail dropper. The water level was high and the water had a definite tinge
from previous precipitation. I started just below the wire, but success did not come as quick as
I had hoped. However, I was able to find five willing fish interested enough to strike. The fifth
fish escaped with everything below my fly line. Two had struck the globall and two had struck
the pheasant tail. I did not have the fifth long enough to tell which it had taken. After a retie I
tied on a second globall with a scud dropper and was able to catch another fish before a second
broke off on the hookset.
I then headed downstream and fished the area above and below the first little waterfall you come
to downstream. I foul hooked one fish in the back below the falls. After an hour I gave up and
headed back to my car. Before I left I landed one more fish in the hole by the over hanging tree
just below below the wire.
Thanks again, Mike.
This report was submitted by Andy Webb of Independence on 12/24/06
Date of trip: 12/22/06 Times fished: 800am - 215pm Air Temperature: Chilly Weather: Cloudy Water Level: Average Water quality: Slightly Clouded What worked:Gray Scud, Griffith’s Gnat
I got there about 730, and this being my first trip here, I had no idea where to
go, what to toss. I started in the pool below the waterfall with the slough away from
the parking area with a #18 Adams and had nothing happen, even though fish were
rising to something I could not see. I deduced they must be feeding just below the surface
(although they repeatedly cleared the water's surface while feeding). I changed to a gray
scud and indicator and had numerous hits on that, I hooked one fish that felt really really
good, but he broke me off. Then, grasping at straws, I put on a Griffith's gnat and caught
four fish in quick succession while missing numerous strikes. I missed a strike from a fish
I would say went five pounds, but that's fishing. I walked through the trophy area and used
everything in my box with no strikes there even though the other two gentlemen there were
catching fish every other cast. Then I went back where I started the day and used a gray
scud again and caught three pretty quickly including the big fish of the day for me a 14"
rainbow. I drove home, and come to find out that two days prior, there was a 30" rainbow
caught from the park. That made me feel better knowing that there are big fish there, and
for that reason I will be back before C&R season is over. I had more fun than at any other parks.
Good to hear from you again Andy. The hatchery seriously loaded the
park with trophy fish just before the winter season started, and there
have been dozens of fish in the 2-foot & longer catagory caught. Your
best chance at a trophy lik that is to visually find the fish and cast
directly to it. Thanks for the report.
This report was submitted by Matt T_______ of O’Fallon on 12/17/06
Date of trip: 12/15/06 Times fished: 830am Air Temperature: Comfy Weather: Sunny Water Level: Average Water quality: Gin Clear What worked: Wooly Buggers, Elk Hair Caddis
Started fishing around 8:30 and the first fish I caught was a bass. I was quite suprised. We sight
fished to a bunch of fish throughout the park that seemed to be sitting up in the water. I nailed
a couple with the ehc and couple with the bugger. I caught a couple of more fish just above the
first little water fall just drifting the bugger. I was impressed with the park....I haven’t been there
since I was about 10. I am pretty sure I was more into wading at that point. I am excited for my
guided trip to the Red Ribbon area!!! All in all the trip was a success, both my brother and I got
into at least 5 fish each.
And I’m looking forward to getting you out there! Thanks for the report,
Matt.
This report was submitted by Matt R_______ of Morse Hill on 12/15/06
Date of trip: 12/15/06 Times fished: 800am - 130pm Air Temperature: Comfy Weather: Sunny Water Level: Above Average Water quality: Brown What worked: Glo-ball, Red Wooly Bugger, Gold Copper John
Started at about 8 am with the red wooly bugger, was getting several strikes, lost that fly on a
big fish. Switched to a glo ball with a copper john tied to the shank of the glo ball. Had a ton
of strikes with that combo but only hooked up with three. The fish were biting very light and
it was hard to get hookups. Overall the fish were biting, but the warm weather seemed to bring
out a pretty big crowd.
Yet another testimonial about the success of tandem rigs! Thanks for the
report Matt.
This report was submitted by George _______ of Newburg on 12/19/06
Date of trip: 12/14/06 Times fished: 11:00am - 4:00pm Air Temperature: Comfy Weather: Cloudy Water Level: Above Average Water quality: Slightly Clouded What worked: Tan “Montauk Special” Wooly Spinner, 1/32oz White Marabou Jig
I got down to the park about 11:00am. The stream was slightly off-color and high due to
the run off from the ice storm the week before. There were several people fly-fishing the
"granny hole" and the "step hole" but they were not catching anything. My wife and I were
using ultra-lite spinning outfits with 1 lb. test sewing thread. My wife was using a tan wooly
worm and spinner combination with a small split shot to get it down quickly. Most fish were
suspended about 4 ft. under the surface, but the really big lunkers were a bit deeper. My
wife's first fish was a two pound smallmouth bass! After that she caught four trout in the 12"
to 18" range. She continued to catch small trout, smallmouth bass and goggle-eye on the
wooly spinner all day long. I used a brown wooly spinner for awhile with little success,
then switched to a white 1/32 maribou jig. I started catching trout in the 12" to 18" range
also, but I absolutely tore up the google-eye! I caught about 15 of these little guys on that
white maribou. To top off the trip I caught a 15" Largemouth bass on the white maribou.
The secret to our success seemed to be to fish DEEP and FISH SLOWLY. When we
hit the magic "zone" we almost always caught some kind of fish. Most of our fish were
caught in the area of the "Step Hole" About 3:00pm some kind of midge was hatching
and the trout starting feeding on top, but I stayed with the jig and still caught fish. My
wife never took off the wooly spinner, I guess she knew a good bait when she saw it!
Totals for the day: 1 15" smallmouth, 1 15" Largemouth, 8 trout 12" to 18" in size, and
20 goggle-eye about hand size, what a day!
Sounds like a great day! The presence of smallmouth in the park is
a good indicator that the water was up enough to allow migration
from the river over the earthen dam at the bottom of the park.
So, those of you who have wondered where the brown trout have
been, we may have some crusing around the park right now. Thanks
for the report George.
This report was submitted by Matt B_______ of St. Louis on 12/12/06
Date of trip: 12/10/06 Times fished: 1100am - 400pm Air Temperature: Chilly Weather: Overcast Water Level: Average Water quality: Slightly Clouded What worked: Midges, Midge Nymphs, GloBalls
Very enjoyable afternoon. Few people, and almost all were very courteous,
each giving the others plenty of room (although I think I received a little "extra"
room due to my outrageously sloppy backcast... sorry, fellas). Lots of hits,
and managed to land around 8 (all between 10" and 16"). Midges started
coming off in the sporadic sunshine/mild warm-up in the early afternoon.
Looking forward to returning soon.
Winter fishing with teeny midge emergers can be an
absolute blast, although a bit tough on the eyes.
Thanks Matt.
This report was submitted by Mike _________ of Belleville on 12/11/06
Date of trip: 12/10/06 Times fished: Late Afternoon Air Temperature: Chilly Weather: Overcast Water Level: Above Average Water quality: Milky What worked: Scud, Jigs
We got on the stream with a couple hours left to fish. I saw quite a few folks, maybe
a dozen, on the upper end of the park. My partner on the other hand said there were
stretches downstream were no one was in sight in either direction. I was able to
catch and release two fish, however I saw others doing quite well. Well enough
that after one of them struck up a conversation, I asked what was working so
well for him. He was quite friendly and was more than willing to share. He was
fishing a #16 pheasant tail below a globall. All his strikes came on the nymph,
but the combination seemed to be the key. I have seen this work before and
have reported it in other stream reports. Until now I have resisted this set up, but
there comes a time when you reach the "shame on you or me" tipping point and
you just have to adapt. I am not sure why this method is so effective, but it is.
My friend was a fish or two better than I while fishing downstream. He likes
fishing jigs and spinners, usually with considerable success, however on this
day they were inneffective. We headed back home after the whistle and after
another great day of fishing with a good friend.
I'm like you, Mike. The tandem rigs (aka "droppers”) can
be very effective, but I just don’t like using them. I
suppose it feels like cheating, to me. Everyone’s got
their thing, I suppose. I have no problem tying on a
glo-bug, for example, but many fishermen just absolutely
refuse to go that route. Thanks again for your help.
This report was submitted by Tony _________ of St. Louis on 12/8/06
Date of trip: 12/8/06 Times fished: 900am - 100pm Air Temperature: Freezing Weather: Sunny Water Level: Average Water quality: Slightly Clouded What worked: Mayfly, Blue Wing Olive, Soft Hackle
It was 9 degress, but the fish didn't seem to mind the cold. I was pleasantly surprised to
see the fish near the surface feeding on bugs in the film. I had about two hours of great
dry fly action! It was so fun to see them acting like real trout. They took #16 mayflies
trailed by a soft hackle. I caught 13 on this rig in the same hole. I moved around and
caught several on a scud dropped off a stimulator. Good way to spend a very cold
morning. I think they do well in the cold for some reason.
Thanks, Tony. It's nice to hear the winter season continues to produce.
This report was submitted by John P. of Columbia, IL on 11/27/06
Date of trip: 11/26/06 Times fished: 12:30pm - 4:00pm Air Temperature: Balmy Weather: Partly Cloudy Water Level: Below Average Water quality: Gin Clear What worked: None
Non Sucessful baits- woolly buggers, mohair leechs, scuds, pheasent tails, cracklebacks,
egg flies, Blue Winged Olive
Started fishing about 12:30. 5 bites total but no fish. I was pretty disappointed. Everyone
else that I talked to weren't doing too good either. I fished the whole park. There was a
hatch of some sort at the siren. I don't know what they were. Got bites on egg flies (yellow)
and cracklebacks. Anybody have any suggestions for fishing in the winter time?
Thanks for the report, John. We've been trying to convince folks to submit reports
even when the fishing is tough, because it's just as important to know when the
fish are NOT cooperating. As you can see from the other recent recent reports on
this page, the fishing has varied from poor to pretty decent. No one is catching
a huge quantity of fish, but some are catching some impressive lunkers. I'd say
you fell victim to the fish reacting to weekend pressure. The spring branch had a
decent crowd of fishermen both Friday and Saturday, and folks were catching fish.
By the time Sunday rolled around, they were probably just a bit shell-shocked.
A few days off, and they should be back in the swing of things.
As far as tactics,
Maramec Spring has a good gray scud population, so be sure to bring a supply is sizes
14 through 18. Other than that, plan on using attractor patterns (i.e. glo-bugs, wooly
worms & buggers, marabou streamers, cracklebacks, mini-jigs, etc.) and some generic dries
in sizes 12 through 20 (i.e. adams, duns, elk hair caddis, wulffs, etc.). Other than
that, either sight fish by trying to drift your flies to a specific fish's nose, or fish
DEEEEEP and use your strike indicator as well as your psychic intuition to tell you when
you have a hit.
This report was submitted by Jeff G. of St. Louis on 11/27/06
Date of trip: 11/25/06 Times fished: 11:00am - 4:00pm Air Temperature: Comfy Weather: Sunny Water Level: Average Water quality: Gin Clear What worked: Crackleback, Olive & Blue Wooly, Prince Nymph, Royal Coachman, White Mini-jig
Saturday morning my brother, his 7 yr. old son and I decided to drive down to do a little
catch and release fishing. The weather and the water were perfect especially for November.
Fish were stacked up in the usual places but the new structure has definitely improved the whole
stretch of the spring branch. My first fish was a really nice 16-18 Bow caught in the first deep
pool on a Crackleback pulled just under the surface film. I then moved around to the other side
of the spring worked my way downstream to the first major bend. There I caught a 10" bow
on a Olive and Blue Wooly. Even though there were some hogs in that hole I decided to move,
since the trees had claimed a few of my flies. I went back around to the handicapped fishing
area where my nephew had just caught a large trout on a white mini-jig. We are not sure how
big since the line broke after the second or third attempt to land it in the net. Apparently, according
to the net man (his dad), it was too big to fit in the net. Sure would have been nice to get a picture
of that one, being that it was his first trout. I hooked a couple others on a Prince Nymph but quickly
lost them...I think it is time to go buy a hook sharpener. My nephew caught his second fish of the day
but it wasn't a trout...he caught an 8" Smallmouth! Surely they don't stock Smallmouth in the spring.
Must have migrated up the spring during high water. My brother ended the day by landing a nice
trout casting slightly downstream and slowly stripping a Royal Coachman. All in all, it was a pretty
good day. We weren't fishing too hard and all caught fish.
Those are certainly the days to remember. Hope the boy wasn't too upset about
losing that fish. I tell my son that we fish using rodeo rules -- if you ride him
for 8 seconds, it counts! Good to hear from you again, Jeff.
This report was submitted by Ron Metts of Bourbon on 11/24/06
Date of trip: 11/24/06 Times fished: 12:30pm - 3:00pm Air Temperature: Comfy Weather: Sunny Water Level: Average Water quality: Gin Clear What worked: Adams, Pheasant Tail, Glo-bug
The temperature was very nice today so I decided to try some catch and release. When I first got there
the fish were biting really well on adams in size #12. At about 1:30 I switched to a #16 pheasants tail. I
only caught one on it. The last hour I was there I fished glo-bugs. I caught one fish that I would say was
24 inches long. Overall it was a very good day. I was amazed at the size of some of these fish.
Yeah, the state really stocked some hogs for the park and city winter trout
season this year. Fishing bigger trout waters, you never know what you're going
to get, but the winter season this year is giving everyone a real strong chance
at catching a true trophy. Thanks, Ron.
This report was submitted by Dave Aussieker of Chesterfield on 11/21/06
Date of trip: 11/20/06 Times fished: 8:30am - 2:30pm Air Temperature: Chilly Weather: Sunny Water Level: Average Water quality: Gin Clear What worked: Maribou Streamer
I fished at Maramec Springs on Monday 11/20/06. It was a beautiful sunny day but quite cold in the
morning. I was fishing in the park using a fly rod with a maribou streamer. Around 10 AM I hooked a
large fish . Without a net and using very light tippet material I played the fish for 45 minutes finally
beaching him on a shallow gravel bar about 100 yards downstream. The fish measured 27 1/2 inches
long and had 18 3/4 inches girth. I did not have a scale and wanted to get him back in the stream so
I took a couple of pictures one of which is attached. This was the largest rainbow trout I have ever caught.
That is truly a hog of a fish. Here's simple calculation to estimate trout weight:
(Length x Girth x Girth) / 740. Using that calculation, your fish weighed about 13
pounds. Congratulations on a true trophy, and thanks for the report.
This report was submitted by John P. of Columbia, IL on 11/12/06
Date of trip: 11/11/06 Times fished: 2:30pm - 4:00pm Air Temperature: Chilly Weather: Sunny Water Level: Below Average Water quality: Gin Clear What worked: Olive Wooly Bugger
Went fishing on 11-11-06 for a couple hours. Wasn't doing too good until I put on a Olive Wooly Bugger.
I caught 3 fish, first two between 12-14 inches and the last fish was a real nice one which was between 15-16
inches. For the hour and a half I fished at Maramec, I did well! Good Luck out their guys, make sure you
have some olive wooly buggers in your fly box though! See ya at the stream!
Welcome aboard, John. Many thanks for the report.
This report was submitted by Mike __________ of Belleville on 11/11/06
Date of trip: 11/10/06 Times fished: 8:00am - 3:15pm Air Temperature: Comfy Weather: Sunny Water Level: Average Water quality: Gin Clear What worked: Western shrimp imitation, BH Olive Flash-a-bugger
Arrived shortly before the whistle and was pleasantly suprised to see a that they have been dredging the stream. Got in the
water about 8:10. In addition to the dredging of the stream many new 1/2-ton boulders have been added throughout the entire
stream. I really like the changes that they are making in the park. Fishing was good in the morning, slowed around mid-day and
improved again for the last hour before the rain moved in. Fish seemed to be abundant, and I saw many lunkers caught in the AM.
Another great day on the stream with an old friend and a new one, life does not get much better than that.
I was there the day they stocked the brood fish for the winter season. It was truly bizarre
watching sooooo many 2-foot long fish just swimming around the stream without a care in the world.
The boulders should definitely improve the fishing experience, providing more fish magnets other
than just the rock dams. Thanks for the helping out, Mike.
This report was submitted by Jeff G. of St. Louis on 10/26/06
Date of trip: 10/25/06 Times fished: 9:30am - 2:30pm Air Temperature: Chilly Weather: Rainy Water Level: Average Water quality: Gin Clear What worked: Nothing
The park was more crowded than I expected, and the stream didn't have as many fish as I expected.
The fact that I didn't catch anything is not too surprising, since I haven't fished the park too much and
never with a fly rod before. I started my day all the way up by the spring branch and had a couple of hits
on a crackleback but no real strong takes. Then I moved downstream to the bridge with cracklebacks
and various nymphs and I didn't get a single hit. I decided to go outside the park and went straight to the
Piles. I only saw one small trout in one of the narrow runs in between the trees. Unfortunately, with the
water so low he saw me too and took off. So, back to the park. I worked my way back through the park
hitting the deeper pools with woolies and weighted leeches and nothing. Then a last ditch effort with a
griffiths gnat, red ass and crackleback up in the spring branch again. Seemed like the bait and spin fishermen
were doing okay but nothing spectacular. Left waterlogged and frustrated. I should have stuck with my gut
and fished below Cardiac Hill access. What is the winter C&R season like in the park?
Winter Catch & Release in the park is hit and miss, but that's how it is in all
the parks. The upside is that the fish start behaving more naturally. The downside
at Maramec is that the spring branch itself screws up the winter fishing. The park
fish begin migrating into the fish sanctuary. And with the rock dam at the bottom of
the park, there is no migration into the park from the Red Ribbon section to fill the
newly emptied fishing spots. That means much of the fishable park water will eventually
begin to look pretty darn empty as the winter wears on. Scud and attractor wet flies
(i.e. small woolies, soft hackles, etc.) can work well, and fish can also be taken on
dries at times. Just below the dams and obstructions, you can often find the fish
jammed up and acting a bit competitive with one another, but the current makes it
difficult to reach them. Not trying to discourage you from trying, but if you want decent
wintertime action at Maramec Spring, plan on fishing November and December. Starting in
January, the results start really dropping off. Thanks for the report, Jeff.
This report was submitted by Andrew Maienschein of Jefferson City on 10/25/06
Date of trip: 10/19/06 Times fished: 230pm - 600pm Air Temperature: Chilly Weather: Overcast Water Level: Average Water quality: Milky What worked: Go Get'm Trout Dough
Slow and light were the key words for that day. It had taken me over an hour to get my first hook up. But, I guess good things
come to people who wait or are patient, because it was a four pounder, female full of eggs. I did release it, and it swimmed off, but if
I'd known it was a female, I would have reeled it in quicker. It was the most active fish I have caught in a long time. Drag after drag it
took on my reel. I missed over 20 hookups and only landed five total, three of which were in the jaw, one being the 4 pounder.
Nice fish. Maramec Springs is actually seeing some spawning activity this year, with several big fish
being taken off redds. What IS this world coming to?! Thanks again for the help, Andrew.
This report was submitted by Ron Metts of Bourbon on 10/2/06
Date of trip: 10/1/06 Times fished: 830 - 1130am Air Temperature: Balmy Weather: Partly Cloudy Water Level: Below Average Water quality: Gin Clear What worked: Globug, Blue Winged Olive
I spent the morning fishing the park with my fly rod. My first fish came at 9:00 on a globug. At 10:00 I caught a couple more
on a blue winged olive. The park wasnt very crowded but there werent many fish in the stream.
Thanks again for the help, Ron. Hope to see you at Old Iron Works Days the weekend of the 14th!
This report was submitted by Andrew Maienschein of Jefferson City on 10/10/06
Date of trip: 9/30/06 Times fished: 1000am - 330pm Air Temperature: Balmy Weather: Cloudy Water Level: Average Water quality: Slightly Clouded What worked:Rooster Tails, Go Get'm Bait, Trout Magnets
It it was a exciting famly outing. That day, my son, his friend and my fiancee had a picnic plus a day of trout fishing. The stream
was very populated with people, though it was a Saturday. We all caught fish, an my son's friend landed a 3 to 4 pounder by the
break where the restrooms are located. It was our first time going to the museum and up to feed the fish at the hatchery/fish sanctury.
The park was rollin that day, expecially at the area with all the park activeties.
You ought to try to get down here the weekend of the 14th. Old Iron Works Days will keep the place
truly thumping all weekend. Lots of activities, craft booths, food, etc. Hope to see you (and
everyone else) there. Thanks again for the help with reports, Andrew.
This report was submitted by Andrew Maienschein of Jefferson City on 9/20/06
Date of trip: 9/20/06 Times fished: 400pm - 630pm Air Temperature: Comfy Weather: Sunny Water Level: Average Water quality: Milky What worked: White Go get'm trout bait, Green Plastic Worms
Above average crowd for the middle of the week. The only hole where they
seemed stacked was the first hole at the bend then forms the striaght away.
Other than that they seemed more spread out than usual, maybe more natural
than fishing out of a barrel at every hole. Saw a lot of very nice to decent
trout. A lot of the fish I saw seemed maybe they have been in the water than
just a day, meaning they had rich,dark color to them, not the common pale,sickly
color, the ones they put in the day before. Also, a lot of them crusing the very
shallows.
Thanks again for the help, Andrew.
This report was submitted by Andrew Maienschein of Jefferson City on 9/8/06
Date of trip: 9/6/06 Times fished: 300pm - 630pm Air Temperature: Comfy Weather: Cloudy Water Level: Average Water quality: Slightly Clouded What worked: White Go get'm trout bait, Bumblebee Rooster Tail, a local jig from DJ's
Park was near empty, although more fly fisherman than normal. Helped a flyfisherman out in netting what is to date the biggest rainbow I
have seen alive. And I thought they stocked some real lunkers in the winter lakes. And definitely not those so-called 2 pounders that are
on various boards. Weighed in at nearly 6-1/2 pounds, barely fit into a large bass/catfish-size net. Not to mention a four pounder landed
Monday, by the way both caught on the other side of the handicap hole, where it split into two parts. Lots of fish in the water, lost track
of the number of fish I caught after 20 or so. The office said their #'s of fisherman for labor day "all 3 days" were over 700 tags sold each
day, not to mention sight seeing tag #' were huge.
It's sure nice to hear good reports from Maramec Spring, recently. They've had more than their fair
share of complaints over the last few months i.e. "did they even stock last night?", and so on.
Thanks again for all the help, Andrew.
This report was submitted by Andrew Maienschein on 8/30/06
Date of trip: 8/29/06 Times fished: 4:00pm to 7:30pm Air Temperature: Comfy Weather: Overcast Water Level: Average Water quality: Slightly Clouded What worked: Go get'm trout bait, power eggs, power worms
A perfect day for fishing. The park was empty and the spring was decently stocked. Caught tons of trout at the break
before the bridge. Maybe in preperation for this weekend. Oh by the way, did I mention nicely stocked all throughout
the park, and as always,at least this year, the size of the fish is above average. And so far the trout have been bigger than
those stocked at Bennett.
Thanks again for the help Andrew.
This report was submitted by Bond of St. James on 8/13/06
Date of trip: 8/12 Times fished: 7:00am - 9:00am Air Temperature: Comfy Weather: Sunny Water Level: Very Low Water quality: Gin Clear What worked: Caddis Hoppers
I don't usually fish the park on Saturdays but I didn't have much time this week. It was crowded, but there
seemed to be more fly fishers than usual, and the spring branch had actually been stocked. I found three
great holes that I had to myself because everyone was stacked at the Bathroom Hole and the Bridge. I make
a simple hopper that has been really fun to fish lately. I start with a 2x long size 8 hook and put a dozen wraps
of lead wire around it. I tie on brown or green chenile at the back and wrap it forward, stopping about 3/16 of
an inch from the eye. I tie two hackles feathers in front of the yarn so they lie like the wing on a Mickey Finn. I
add four strips if gold mylar and dub over that to make a thorax. That gives me 1/8 of an inch to put on a clump
of elk hair. I then add a couple of pieces of striped silly legs. This fly really puffs out in the water and pulses
when gently stripped. You can make this pattern look like terrestrials or muddlers, crawdads, or sculpins with
minor modifications. I would suspect that large flies like this would be effective in September and October, but it
seems like the parade of trout food is a month ahead of schedule.
That's one crazy sounding fly, Bond. May have to give it a try on this fall's brown run.
Sounds like something they'd really go for. Thanks again for the help.
This report was submitted by Ron Metts of Bourbon on 8/5/06
Date of trip: 8/2 Times fished: 9:00am to 12:30pm Air Temperature: Steamy Weather: Sunny Water Level: Below Average Water quality: Gin Clear What worked: Rubber Worms
Went fishing with some friends. We all did well on rubber worms. There wasnt many fish in the stream though.
Thanks again, Ron.
This report was submitted by Ron Metts of Bourbon on 7/27/06
Date of trip: 7/27/06 Times fished: 9:00am to 12:30pm Air Temperature: Balmy Weather: Rainy Water Level: Average Water quality: Gin Clear What worked: WD40, Powerworms
Got up to the park around 9:00. It seemed almost too crouded for a rainy day. On my second drift I
hooked in to a 14 inch rainbow on a WD40 pattern. I also caught two 12 inch bows on powerworms.
Thanks for keeping us updated, Ron.
This report was submitted by Ron Metts of Bourbon on 7/14/06
Date of trip: 7/15/06 Times fished: 8:30am - 11:30am Air Temperature: Balmy Weather: Overcast Water Level: Below Average Water quality: Gin Clear What worked: Prince Nymph
Got to the park and on my first cast caught a 17 in. rainbow on a prince nymph. The fishing slowed down after
a while. I ended up with a few more bites but for some reason couldn't get good hooksets. It was a nice day.
Thanks again, Ron.
This report was submitted by Steve Haven of Imperial on 6/22/06
Date of trip: 6/19/06 Times fished: 6:30am - 2:00pm Air Temperature: Steamy Weather: Sunny Water Level: Average Water quality: Gin Clear What worked: Olive Leech & Crackleback
Early morning started with an olive leech. Caught a couple nice size ones. By mid-morning seen a few trout raising. Switched
to a crackleback and was catching fish about every third or fourth cast. Stop fishing the hole were the fish was raising due to
three other fishermen pushed me out. By afternoon switched back to the olive leech and caught one really nice fish.
Doesn't it drive you crazy when people have no manners? To all our visitors, if you've ever wondered
if you're crowding a fellow fisherman, you probably are! See our Manners page
for a quick rundown of basic stream rules of conduct. Thanks for the report, Steve.
This report was submitted by Ron Metts of Bourbon on 6/11/06
Date of trip: 6/9/06 Times fished: 10:00am - 12:00pm Air Temperature: Sultry Weather: Sunny Water Level: Average Water quality: Gin Clear What worked: Powerworms, Adams
I got to the park to see no more than twenty-five or so cars. The fishing was not crowded and very enjoyable.
Started out fishing with powerworms and caught five. There was plenty of room so I got out my flyrod and caught two
more on an adams. My largest fish was about 16 in.
