St. Louis
Winter Trout Lakes
Fishing Reports This page was updated 2/23/08
PLEASE NOTE: It's been pointed out
by a few visitors that we've had some reports posted on this page that document that
folks are using bait and soft plastics during the catch & release season. I've
removed those reports, and I just want to remind everyone that the catch & release
seasons include a restriction to only using flies and hard-bodied lures. These
restrictions are in place on Busch Lakes #21 & #28, Jefferson Park, Tilles Park, Walker
Lake, Wild Acres Lake, and Koeneman Park Lake.
This report was submitted by Mike Tobin of St. Charles on 12/30/07
Date of trip: 12/29/07 Times fished: 12:00 - 4:45pm Air Temperature: Chilly Weather: Partly Cloudy Water Level: Below Average Water quality: Slightly Clouded What worked: Little Cleo Spoons
Busch Wildlife:
Fished one of my favorite lakes at Busch Wildlife CA (my "home" waters). Was there about a
month ago with no success. The water level sure is low still. We need some more snow and rain for all these lakes -- I think
it effects some of the trout behavior. The bait guys were catching their fair share. I was not at first.
I started to second guess my strategy (I am pretty much a spoon/rooster tail/fly-jig person). Then
I found them. Limited out within 1/2 an hour on a gold little cleo spoon (my favorite lure). Came
out with more fish than most of the bait fishermen (even though they had a bit more "steady" action).
Really good time. My lesson learned was not to "second guess" my fishing strategy. If you have a
proven system you know works, sometimes it is just a matter of finding the fish. Goes to show how
fishing, like any sport, has a huge mental aspect in regards to success.
Thank you for leaving the kind words on my fishing blog. I have your site linked to mine.
No problem, and many thanks for helping with the fishing reports. You can read
Mike's blog at www.fishmissouri.blogspot.com.
This report was submitted by Lesh ______ from Foristell 12/19/07
Date of trip: 12/18/07 Times fished: 11:00am Air Temperature: Freezing Weather: Partly Cloudy Water Level: Below Average Water quality: Gin Clear What worked: Gold Bead Black Wooly Bugger
Busch Lake #28:
I've fly fished at Bush wildlife before when there was "no" ice or snow on the ground
or on the lake. But today on Lake # 28 the ice had melted just enough to be able to get
some practice casting in. The wind was gusting pretty strong at times for me. But for the
amount of time I had to fish I hooked three 12"- 15" and two really nice 17"-19" ( I
did'nt take the time to get a ruler out). I used a gold beaded blk woolly the whole time.
Even though I only fished for about a hour. It was a blast, and I hope I have time to hit
the rest of the trout lakes at Busch wildlife. From the look of the tire tracks in the snow
a few people are braving the weather to get and have some fun.
Walt, thanks for this trout website service, it has helped me decide as a new fly fisher where to fly fish.
Merry Christmas
My pleasure! This site wouldn't be worth a whole bunch without guys like
you sending in fishing reports, so you have my thanks as well.
This report was submitted by Jim __________ on 12/8/07
Date of trip: 12/1/07 Times fished: Afternoon Air Temperature: Chilly Weather: Overcast Water Level: Below Average Water quality: Slightly clouded What worked: Sinking doughbait
Busch Lake #22:
Tried Powerbait for a few hours and didnt have a bite. Then I put some sinking doughbait under
a float next to a tree and caught my limit in 30 minutes. Missed plenty more.
Thanks Jim.
This report was submitted by Jake Dunlap of St. Louis on 12/2/07
Date of trip: 11/30/07 Times fished: 11:00am - 2:00pm Air Temperature: Chilly Weather: Sunny Water Level: Below Average Water quality: Milky What worked: White Trout Magnet
Slow at first. Used a white trout worm slow on the bottom -- only one bite. Switched to a white trout
magnet jig after one trip around the lake then had great success. Caught about 6 and lost 2 but all-in-all
had a good day.
I guess they don't call them trout magnets for nothing! Thanks Jake.
This report was submitted by John _________ of Clayton on 11/10/07
Date of trip: 11/10/07 Times fished: 6:30am - 9:00am Air Temperature: Frigid Weather: Sunny Water Level: Average Water quality: Slightly Clouded What worked: Midges, Black or dark green wooly buggers
Jefferson Lake in Forest Park:
Use 2lb leader -- no hits on 4lb, but at least one hit per cast on 2lb. Caught a fish on nearly every
cast. Great morning. Spin fisherman were having success with a bubble and a black jig fished about
at about 3ft deep.
Thanks for the help John.
This report was submitted by Mark F. of St. Louis on 11/9/07
Date of trip: 11/8 & 11/9/07 Times fished: 7:00am - 8:30am Air Temperature: Chilly Weather: Sunny Water Level: Average Water quality: Slightly Clouded What worked: Olive Jigs
Jefferson Lake in Forest Park:
St. Louis Trout fishing is back, and so am I. I fished Forest Park the last two days for a couple
of hours each day. Olive jigs under indicators seem to be producing real well. I have caught a buch.
Also, the trout that were stocked this year are some big boys (or girls). They are about 12 inches
but are almost over weight for thier size. I plan on getting a real full day of fishing in next week. I'll
let you know.
Good to hear from you Mark.
This report was submitted by Chris Bueltmann of South St. Louis on 11/4/07
Date of trip: 11/4/07 Times fished: 9:00am - 11:00am Air Temperature: Chilly Weather: Sunny Water Level: Average Water quality: Slightly Clouded What worked: Peach Egg
Boathouse Lake in Carondelet Park:
On the second cast I caught a sunfish on a peach colored egg pattern. There were a lot of
people fishing, mostly bait fisherman, and that sunfish was the only fish I saw come out of the
water. I guess it is possible that all 300 or so that they stocked were harvested in a few days.
It still was nice to get a chance at a trout that close to home.
Hopefully not! Thanks Chris.
This report was submitted by Sam Hargrove of St. Louis on 11/3/07
Date of trip: 11/2/07 Times fished: 11:00am - 3:30pm Air Temperature: Comfy Weather: Sunny Water Level: Below Average Water quality: Milky What worked: none for me
Busch Wildlife #23:
This is my first post on this website. I grew up fishing rooster tails for trout in Northern California, but have been
transplanted to the midwest. Now I usually fish down on the White and the Norfork tailwater in Arkansas, but I found
this website and decided to skip out of work on Friday to try out the busch conservation lake #23.
I used several rooster tails (black and silver bodies got the most hits) as well as some plastic worms. The lake was not
too crowded, there were 6-8 people there all day, and there was plenty of space to fish compared to the Missouri trout
parks. I was getting hits just often enough to keep me there, but never had one hooked for longer than a few seconds.
Some guys caught close to a limit on cheese and marshmallows from what I overheard, and a few guys caught one or
two on small dark jigs. One fly fisherman hooked a couple of panfish on a fly he didn't change all day.
I think I prefer wading in a river when trout fishing, but my first trip fishing the Busch was very enjoyable. Any tips for
fishing the Busch lakes (or any St. Louis Winter Trout Lakes) would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for the report Sam. It sounds like your only problem was short strikes. This is
a common problem when the water is off-color. A simple solution would be to add a stinger
hook onto the end of your rooster tail. Just pop the eye of the stinger over the barb of
the fly's hook. You can actually buy little rubber stoppers to keep the stinger in place,
if needed, or you can cut a piece of rubber band and tie it onto the fly's hook next to
the stinger's eye. Instead of hooking those fish in the tip of the lip, you'll get more
mouth hookups.
This report was submitted by Chris Wilson of Winfield on 3/19/07
Date of trip: 3/18/07 Times fished: 11:00am - 3:00pm Air Temperature: Chilly Weather: Sunny Water Level: Above Average Water quality: Milky What worked: Nothing Worked!
Busch Wildlife #21 & #24:
It was extremely windy so it felt colder than what it actually was. We had a glimmer
of hope when we got to lake #21, we spoke to some guys who had caught their limit
on power bait and were headed home. We set up right were they were and used the
same bait, but still did not get a single bite! I am starting to think we are cursed! Oh
well, we will not stop trying and we always have fun!
I appreciate your tenacity. Just keep trying a variety of different
baits & lures, different depths, different speeds of movement, different
action, etc. You'll get it! Thanks again Chris.
This report was submitted by Mike Tobin of St. Charles on 2/25/07
Date of trip: 2/25/07 Times fished: 11:30am - 1:30pm Air Temperature: Frigid Weather: Snowy Water Level: Very high Water quality: Milky What worked: Spoons (L'il Cleos, Super Dupers)
Busch Wildlife #22:
Felt great to get out and fish, even as cold and windy as it was. Lakes have
been frozen over for the last month. Had SUPER success- limited out- will
be smoking these babys real soon. I am glad the lake levels are high- they
have been low for the last 2 years. This should enable the area to have a
great spawn with other species this year. Really hit hard on Silver/lime green
Lil Cleo Spoons and a Copper/red tip Super Duper on (2) 7' spinning rods,
4# test. The first one hit within 2' of shore, so I wandered toward the shallow
area w/ structure instead of moving toward the dam. One of the fish measured
out at 16". Still have not caught a Brownie out there - I wonder if it is just a
sick rumor? I will go back out in a couple of days.
It's no rumor. They did put a few browns in -- not a lot though. Problem
with browns is that the water temp really has to be between 54 & 68 before
they'll feed. Rainbows will feed between 45 & 75, so they're more suited
to the winter lake environment. Thanks for the report Mike.
This report was submitted by Mike Hunsicker of St. Charles on 1/6/07
Date of trip: 1/6/07 Times fished: 4:30 - 5:30pm Air Temperature: Chilly Weather: Sunny Water Level: Average Water quality: Slightly Clouded What worked: Bedspread (sort of)
Busch Wildlife #21:
Dead calm today. Didn't catch a thing, three takes but they spit the hook before
I could set the hook. Did get some good casting practice in.
Thanks again Mike.
This report was submitted by John P. of Columbia, IL on 1/2/07
Date of trip: 1/2/07 Times fished: 2:30 - 5:00pm Air Temperature: Chilly Weather: Sunny Water Level: Average Water quality: Slightly Clouded What worked: Rainbow colored spinner &
San Juan Worm w/split shots 2 feet above
Jefferson Lake, Forest Park:
Caught one fish total. People were catching some giants! And I saw some big fish
jumping. Fish caught on san juan worm dragged along the bottom with split shots
two feet above it. Lost one brown trout. Talked to a man who I was fishing next to,
and he said San Juan type worms were working AWESOME for the last two
months! When he said that, a cast later a caught a rainbow about almost a pound.
Had a lot of bites! Happy Holidays!
Good to hear from you, John. Thanks for the report.
This report was submitted by David _________ of St. Louis on 1/2/07
Date of trip: 1/1/07 Times fished: 4:00pm - 6:00pm Air Temperature: Chilly Weather: Partly Cloudy Water Level: Above Average Water quality: Brown What worked: None
Busch Lake #23:
I used Orange powerbait under a cork and didn't catch a single trout. I possibly
had one bite but had no success in setting the hook. Only saw one other person
bring in a fish the whole time I was there. The fishing was tough but it was worth it,
as I fished facing an amazing sunset.
Thanks for the report, David. My tip would be to adjust your
technique as follows. Use powerbait on the bottom. Start with a
sinker about 6" from the bait. If no bites, increase it to 12",
then 18", then 24", etc. until you find the depth where the fish
are cruising. If you fish under a cork, either use salmon eggs or
make some homemade (aka "non-floating") dough bait using bread
crumbs, either cream cheese or velveta, salt, sugar, and maybe
some garlic juice. Adjust the depth of the cork the same way,
starting shallow and gradually going deeper until you find the
fish. By fishing a floating bait under a cork, the fish have
to move the bait a good distance before the line tightens, so
you may have had some bites without even knowing it.
This report was submitted by Mike Hunsicker of St. Charles on 1/1/07
Date of trip: 1/1/07 Times fished: 4:00pm til dark Air Temperature: Chilly Weather: Sunny Water Level: Above Average Water quality: Slightly Clouded What worked: Red Brassie w/Peacock Head
Busch Lake #21:
WINDY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Fishing was slow until about 30 minutes before dark when the wind calmed
down and the water smoothed out. Fish started getting active on top so I
replaced the old Bedspread with a Crackleback/Brassie dropper and tried
casting to active areas. Caught two Rainbows before I had to quit. Not a lot
of action but satisfying.
Couple guys were picking up nice crappies that looked to be better than 10".
Crappie fishing on January 1? Isn't that one of the
signs of the Apocalypse? I don't care what Rush Limbaugh says.
Global warming is real! Thanks again for the help Mike.
This report was submitted by Scott Bay of St. Charles of 1/6/07
Date of trip: 12/29/06 & 12/31/06 Times fished: 7:30am - noon Air Temperature: Chilly Weather: Overcast Water Level: Average Water quality: Gin Clear What worked: Anything Orange
Busch Lake #29: 12/29/06: caught four fish. Three were between 10-12 inches
and one was about 19-20 inches. First time I went
trout fishing and was fishing 4lb test with jig set
about 5 feet below a bobber. Trout sure are quick
little buggers.
12/31/06: I'm hooked. Caught eight fish today.
Average size was 12-13 inches. My buddy caught about
the same amount of fish with one being a brown. It was
very windy, and when the wind died down, if helped with
jigging. Going to Meramec in two weeks.
Welcome to trout hunting, Scott. Be careful. You might get addicted
to trout and give up on those nasty warm-water fish.
Thanks for the report.
This report was submitted by Mike Hunsicker of St. Charles of 12/29/06
Date of trip: 12/28/06 Times fished: 12:00 - 4:00pm Air Temperature: Chilly Weather: Partly Cloudy Water Level: Average Water quality: Slightly Clouded What worked: 1/120th oz Beadspread, #16 BH Pheasant Tail Nymph, #16 BH Fox Squirrel Nymph
Busch Lake #21:
Little windy today -- 10 to 15 mph. Started out partly cloudy and slow, finished
up overcast and hot. First two hours were very slow for catching but I did
catch a couple and lost a dozen more. The last two hours were more satisfying
with more landed than were lost. Caught several of the 600 browns that were
released last week. Biggest fish of the day was a 15" Rainbow. Shared the lake with
about ten other well behaved fishermen including several small kids. What a
great day. No luck with the ultralight spinning rig. All fish were caught using a
9' 5wt fly rod. DT5F line, 5x 7 1/2' leader and 2 pound fluorocarbon tippet.
Thanks for continuing to help us out, Mike.
This report was submitted by Mike Tobin of St. Louis on 12/28/06
Date of trip: 12/27 & 12/28/07 Times fished: 12:00 - 4:30pm Air Temperature: Comfy Weather: Partly Cloudy Water Level: Below Average Water quality: Slightly Clouded What worked: Little Cleo Brass, Silver Super Dupers
Busch Lake #22:
Tore it up -- literally could watch trout chasing the spoons & hit them hard! Brass
and Silver seemed to work well. Bait fishers catching them on green power bait
paste- rumour had it white was hot, but who knows. Caught close to 6 in about
2 1/2 hour period (released all). Good looking fish! A little larger than the normal
stockers - not as "silvery" looking, good and green with solid dots and rainbows.
Started earlier in the afternoon at 28, caught (1) on spoon. Not as hot at this lake,
but who knows if I would have stayed longer or changed it up. Went back to
22 the next day and did not have as much luck. It was worth it to see a kid
tearing them up on a "Scooby Doo" rod (seems like any fishing trip we take,
the Scooby Doo rod always catches the most fish- maybe I need to trade in
my Spinning and Fly rods for a Scooby Doo rod!) Would like to know if
anyone is catching Brownies- rumour has it that they are out there, but I
have not seen anyone catch any yet.
The rumors are true -- there are 10-11" browns in some of the
winter trout fishing lakes. The rumor has been that
Shepherd of the Hill Hatchery simply had too many browns
and so stocked them in some of the lakes. I have a different
theory. Since browns can survive in warmer water
than rainbows, my guess is the MDC is testing to see if
they can establish some resident brown trout that will
survive the summer and continue to grow from year to year.
If this is not the case, then I would question their
rationale for stocking browns at all. Brownies have to
be 15" to keep regardless of the trout water, so stocking
11" browns that won't survive the summer just wouldn't
make sense. Besides, there are several rivers much
closer to the hatchery (Branson) that could definitely
use an additional brown trout stocking. Thanks Mike.
This report was submitted by Mel Freeman of St. Louis on 1/5/07
Date of trip: 12/21/06 Times fished: 11:30am - 2:30pm Air Temperature: Comfy Weather: Sunny Water Level: Average Water quality: Brown What worked: White Wooly Bugger, Crackleback, Hare's Ear
Tillis Park Lake:
I had just finished helping a friend get started with buying some fly tying supplies at feather-craft,
and figured since it was a nice day, warm and breezy I would head over to Tillis Park to do a little
fishing. I started with a size 8 white wooly bugger tied in with a loop knot. After about 10 casts
or so I got a hit and missed the setup. I cast back to the same spot and hit a small brown about
11 inches or so. The next backcast caught a tree behind me that stole my fly. Of course that was
my last white bugger, so I tied on a crackleback and 2 casts later caught that browns twin brother.
Tired of stripping, I tied on a size 10 Hare's Ear, tied onto a scud style hook. I fished this pattern
very slow under an indicator. After about 20 min the indicator was taken under very gently I set
the hook and was floored by the swirl that immedeatly followed. Rushing to gather loose line the
fish swam straight towards me and put me into a state of panic from slack line. After four runs
back and forth the fish turned on her side and came to hand. I'd guess this rainbow was a solid
20 to 22 inch fish taken on a 3wt rod NICE. One more small rainbow came to hand from the
Hare's Ear and I called it quits.
I love the fact that the hatcheries are starting to add some of the bigger fish to the lakes, makes it
a bit more fun for us all. Thanks Mo state conservation dept.
We all second that emotion! Thanks Mel.
This report was submitted by Mike Hunsicker of St. Charles on 12/16/06
Date of trip: 12/16/06 Times fished: 12:00pm - 3:30pm Air Temperature: Comfy Weather: Partly Cloudy Water Level: Average Water quality: Slightly Clouded What worked: Gold Kastmaster and Beadspread Mini-jig
Busch Wildlife Lake #21:
WINDY!!!!! Caught my first fish on my third cast using my spinning rod with the
Kastmaster. I then switched to my fly rod since apperetly the fish were biting. I
was picking up a fish about every twenty minutes using the bedspread mini-jig. Would
have been faster if it weren't for the wind knots and constant re-rigging. Had several
good fish break off as well.
Thanks for continuing to help us out, Mike.
This report was submitted by Mike B__________ of St. Louis on 12/18/06
Date of trip: 12/16/06 Times fished: 10:00am - 4:00pm Air Temperature: Comfy Weather: Cloudy Water Level: Average Water quality: Milky What worked: 1/16oz White Marabou Jig
Busch Wildlife Lakes #21 & #23:
Caught fish pretty consistently all day with the white jig. I also tried ginger,
black & yellow, and olive green with no luck. I'd stay away from lake 23
if you're a fly fisherman, lots of bait fisherman to make you feel not welcome!
It's the star-bellied sneetches all over again! While I do hear
from bait fishermen that fly fishermen are "snooty", I also feel
the hard stares at the back of my head when I'm fly fishing in or
near traditional bait fishing waters. It's crazy how people
get sometimes. Thanks for the report Mike.
This report was submitted by Mark Frederick of St. Louis on 12/11/06
Date of trip: 12/11/06 Times fished: 100pm - 400pm Air Temperature: Comfy Weather: Overcast Water Level: Average Water quality: Gin Clear What worked: Green Mini Jigs
Forest Park, Jefferson Lake:
Very Very Very Very Windy. I had quite the adventure with the fly rod today. I tired
wooleys, with no luck, but found a mini-jig under an indicator at about 1 to 2 ft deep
to really pay off. I used the excessively choppy water to aid in my "jigging". I "cast"
where ever the wind would let me and let the indicator ride the waves with a few jerks
and strips. Fish were hitting soft, but I landed 6 or 7 with 1 being a brown. The lake
just thawed out last night, so I hope to get back out sometime this week with better
conditions. Good Luck.
Thanks again for all the help, Mark.
This report was submitted by Chris Todtenhausen on 12/10/06
Date of trip: 12/10/06 Times fished: Noon Air Temperature: Comfy Weather: Sunny Water Level: Average Water quality: Gin Clear What worked: Did not fish
Busch Wildlife Lake #21, 22 & 23:
Drove 30 minutes to Busch Wildlife lakes 21, 22 and 23. All frozen over. Not
much of a report, but hopefully someone can update us when the lakes are fishable again.
Thanks Chris.
This report was submitted by Mike Hunsicker of St. Charles on 11/28/06
Date of trip: 11/27/06 Times fished: 8:00am - noon Air Temperature: Comfy Weather: Cloudy Water Level: Average Water quality: Slightly Clouded What worked: Nuthin!
Busch Wildlife Lake #21:
Just one of those days. Nobody was hooking up. I did get a few hits and lost one on the hook set (bad knot).
The good news is there are lots of fish! They were very active but just not interested in feeding.
Doesn't that just make you want to pull your hair out? Better luck next time. Thanks Mike.
This report was submitted by John Huggins of St. Louis on 11/27/06
Date of trip: 11/26/06 Times fished: 4:00pm - 5:00pm Air Temperature: Comfy Weather: Partly Cloudy Water Level: Average Water quality: Slightly Clouded What worked: None
Walker Lake:
Fished Walker Lake in Kirkwood along with six other people spread around the lake. In the
hour I was there the only thing I caught was a three inch bluegill. I did not see anyone else
catch anything.
Thanks for the report, John. We've been trying to get more people to submit
reports even when the fishing isn't very good, because that information is
just as important as the reports of 30-fish days. Your's is the first
report from Walker Lake this year. If anyone has any insider information on
Walker (i.e. when/if it was stocked, what's been working, etc.), please let us know.
This report was submitted by Chris Todtenhausen of University City on 11/28/06
Date of trip: 11/23/06 Times fished: morning Air Temperature: Chilly Weather: Sunny Water Level: Average Water quality: Slightly Clouded What worked: BH Pheasant Tail, Rooster Tail, Spoon
Jefferson Lake:
I've been a long time reader, but haven't submitted before. This site has helped me tremendously.
I've been fishing at Jefferson Lake a lot lately. Lots of 10 to 15 inch trout. Thanksgiving morning
started out like a typical visit. Used the fly rod for the first 5 fish then switched to my ultralight.
The brown rooster tail, 1/4 oz. was working around the entire lake. Decided to finish up with a
slightly heavier spoon. First cast went out further and my retreive was slower. HUGE STRIKE!
I felt the head shake a couple of times and knew this wasn't a 15 incher. 30 minutes later I landed
the largest trout I have ever caught. 28 1/2 inches, I estimated 12 lbs. Thanks again to Walt and
everyone else for your reports, especially on the Meremac... I love that place.
NICE! I hope we don't have to wait for your next 28" fish to get another
report! BTW, I think your weight estimate is pretty accurate. I'd guess an
18" girth which would put the weight at about 12-1/2 pounds. Thanks, Chris.
This report was submitted by George Vick of St. Charles on 11/22/06
Date of trip: 11/21/06 Times fished: 9am - noon, 2pm-4pm Air Temperature: Chilly Weather: Sunny Water Level: Average Water quality: Slightly Clouded What worked: Gold/Silver Kastmaster
Busch Lake #21:
27.5" Rainbow out of lake 21. My taxidermist estimates this beauty at 8.5-10lbs. I landed her after about 20
minutes of finessing on my 2lb test. When I returned in the evening I landed another 6lb trophy (brought my
scale the 2nd time).
Holy cow, man. You're tempting me to abandon my rivers and head to the city!
By the way, I have to disagree with your taxidermist. You can estimate
the weight with the following formula: (length x girth x girth) / 740.
Judging from the picture and the length measurement you provided, I'd guess your
fish has a 17" girth. If I'm right, your fish probably weighs about 10-3/4 pounds.
Congrats!
This report was submitted by George Vick of St. Charles on 11/15/06
Date of trip: 11/14/06 Times fished: 2:00pm - 5:00pm Air Temperature: Chilly Weather: Overcast Water Level: Average Water quality: Slightly Clouded What worked: Small Spoon/Silver Kastmaster
Busch Lake #21:
Another 1000 or so browns and rainbows were stocked into Busch lake 21 today. Fish were
jumping all over the place. There were only about 5 guys on the entire lake when I arrived. I
was having mild success with my silver Kastmaster, but there was a guy next to me with a fly
rod using a glo-bug that was getting a hit almost every cast. Light colored jigs were also working.
We had to chase off a few guys trying to use powerbait. Catch and release only fellas! About
80% of the 15 or so fish I landed were browns. See you this weekend!
Doesn't that just drive you nuts? If someone is aware that there are trout in
these lakes, then doesn't it make sense that they'd also be aware of the rules?
Go to our Handling Poachers and download the
Gamethief Posse cards. When you say hi to other fishermen, hand
them a card with the regulations circled or written in right off the bat. MDC
just does not have enough agents to go around. It's eventually going to fall
to us conservation-minded sportsmen to patrol our own waters. Thanks for the
report, George.
This report was submitted by Mark __________ of St. Louis on 11/13/06
Date of trip: 11/11 & 11/12/06 Times fished: 3:00pm - 4:30pm Air Temperature: Chilly Weather: Cloudy Water Level: Average Water quality: Slightly Clouded What worked: Mini-jigs & trout worms
Jefferson Lake, Forest Park:
A friend met me after work at Forest Park's Jefferson Lake. We tore them up. Caught at
least 20 fish each day. I fished a mini-jig really really slow just off the bottom and tore them up,
and my friend fished an orange trout worm very slow on the bottom. The lake is literally jumping
with fish. I am going to take some more traditional flies with me next time and let you all know how it goes.
Thanks Mark. Try some deep running streamers. Bet you'll have a blast!
This report was submitted by Ben Kandy of St. Louis on 11/11/06
Date of trip: 11/11/06 Times fished: 2:30pm - 4:30pm Air Temperature: Chilly Weather: Partly Cloudy Water Level: Below Average Water quality: Slightly Clouded What worked: In-line Spinner
Jefferson Lake, Forest Park:
Stocking has just begun in Jefferson Lake at Forest Park. Caught a nice 10"-12" rainbow on a black and
white spotted 1/16 oz inline spinner. Only fish of the afternoon because I lost the spinner due to high winds
(snagged in some branches). Tried a white and yellow maribou jig and got some nibbles but no other fish.
Had to pack it up due to wind. Gear: 5'6" Shimano Scimitar UL rod, Quantum optix 10 4lb line.
I love spinner fishing almost as much as streamer fishing -- just don't get to do it very often.
When they're hitting, they'll pull your arm right out of its socket. Thanks for the report, Ben.
This report was submitted by Mike Hunsicker on 11/4/06
Date of trip: 11/4/06 Times fished: 11:30am - 1:30pm Air Temperature: Chilly Weather: Overcast Water Level: Average Water quality: Slightly Clouded What worked: 1/100th Cream Mini Jig
Busch Wildlife Conservation Area Lake #21
Lake #21 was stocked with about 1200 trout on Thursday. Catch and release only through the end of January.
Scorecard; 8 bites 6 Hooked and three landed. Two were 11" to 12" and the third was a little over 10". Best trout
fishing 20 minutes from my house in St. Charles!
Thanks for the report, Mike. Welcome aboard.
This report was submitted by Mark _________ of St. Louis on 11/2/06
Date of trip: 11/2/06 Times fished: 10:00am - 1:00pm Air Temperature: Chilly Weather: Sunny Water Level: Average Water quality: Milky What worked: Mini Jig
Boathouse Lake
First day of winter trout fishing in the city. Not much action, fish have only been in the water for about a day. I caught
one and lost one, but I am waiting for the Catch and Release lakes to be stocked. Forest Park Jefferson Lake has yet to
be stocked. I will keep you all informed.
Thanks again Mark.
This report was submitted by Bradley Tutt of Affton on 11/1/06
Date of trip: 11/1/06 Times fished: 2:00pm Air Temperature: Chilly Weather: Sunny Water Level: Average Water quality: Milky What worked: Don't have one yet
I just would like everyone to know in the St. Louis area that are done fishing the parks but still want to fish for trout,
the St Louis lakes that take part in the Urban Trout Program have been stocked. They stocked Suson Park today
11/1/2006 around 1:00 this afternoon. So the trout are in St Louis. I would also like to let everyone in on a little secret
of mine. You call the Missouri Fishing Stocking Hotline to find out when the trout have been stocked the number is
636-300-9651, but please don't keep the trout unless you plan on eating them. I would also like to let everyone know
that if you plan to catch and release, please use jigs or lures to ensure they don't swallow the hook. I will have a full
fishing report soon. Happy fishing
Thanks Bradley. Welcome back.
This report was submitted by Mark __________ of St. Louis on 10/25/06
Rainbows Migrate to St. Louis in 5 days. Anyone else excited??? I am standing by with my rod and flies ready for the action. I'll keep you posted.
Good to hear from you again Mark. Considering the number of emails we're getting asking about the winter trout
lakes, it's safe to say you're not alone!
This report was submitted by Mark Silva of Maryland Heights on 2/1/06
Date of trip: 2/1/06 Times fished: Afternoon Air Temperature: Chilly Weather: Cloudy Water Level: Average Water quality: Slightly Clouded What worked: Powerbait, Homemade Dough Bait
Busch Memorial Conservation Area:
This place is loaded with trout of very good size.
Thanks, Mark.
This report was submitted by Mark Frederick of St. Louis on 12/25/05
Date of trip: 12-25-05 <-- That's right, Christmas Times fished: Mid-day Air Temperature: Chilly Weather: Overcast Water Level: Average Water quality: Slightly Clouded What worked: Mini-jig
Forest Park Jefferson Lake: The rumors are true. MDC stocked some lunkers. I caught one
at least 24 inches long and 4+ pounds. It was the biggest trout I have ever caught, and it was in the heart of St. Louis.
I love the Winter Fishing Program. Don't tell anyone I know, but that was the best Christmas present ever. My family
was borrowing my camera, so I was unable to snap a shot -- just my luck. Happy Holidays All.
IT'S A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE!! :-)
This report was submitted by Mark Frederick of St. Louis on 12/24/05
Date of trip: 12-21-05 Times fished: Mid-day Air Temperature: Comfy Weather: Cloudy Water Level: Average Water quality: Slightly Clouded What worked: Mini-jig w/Trout Worm, White Glo-bug What DIDN'T work: In-line Spinners
Forest Park Jefferson Lake: Lake still a bit frozen, but with the warm weather, I think that
will soon change. Fish are hitting real soft. Fish mini-jigs around bubblers. Most trout picked it up on the fall with 2
on the retrieve. Fly-Fisherman have been having alot of trouble because the fish are holding deep. I caught 10
today, and I thought the fly guys were going to put me in the lake. They were not impressed with my jigs and
glo-bugs on the fly rod. Sorry Guys, but I just want to hone my skills while I still can.
Thanks again, Mark.
This report was submitted by Mark Frederick of St. Louis on 12/8/05
Date of trip: 12-8-05 Times fished: Morning Air Temperature: Frigid Weather: Snowy Water Level: Average Water quality: Slightly Clouded What worked: Chartreuse Mini-Jig w/Trout Worm Trailer What DIDN'T work: White Spinner & White Mini-Jog
Forest Park Jefferson Lake: Snow started at 8:30am today. I went out soon as it started.
Caught 4 lost two. The lake is starting to freeze over, but there is some limited access. Fish were hitting
hard on the fall. It was a great day to skip class and fish till I was frozen.
Brrrrr.... Hope you're not wading!
This report was submitted by Mark Frederick of St. Louis on 12/5/05
Date of trip: December 5, 2005 Times fished: Afternoon Air Temperature: Frigid Weather: Sunny Water Level: Average Water quality: Milky What worked: Green Jig w/Orange Trout Worm What DIDN'T work: Spinners & Mini-jigs
Had one on today, but couldn't hold on. Lots of fisherman out, but I didn't see anyone catching anything. We fished
for about two hrs. Ice is starting to form at one end of the lake. I hope it hold off longer so I can get a few more
tries in before it freezes over.
Thanks again, Mark. Keep warm out there.
This report was submitted by Mark Frederick of St. Louis on 11/14/05
Date of trip: 11-14-05 Times fished: Mid-day Air Temperature: Chilly Weather: Rainy Water Level: Average Water quality: Milky What worked: In-Line Spinners in Black/White (skunk)
Jefferson Lake at Forest Park: Remember people -- catch and release only! Went out at about
12:00 noon today, fished for about 2 hours in the rain. Caught 4 trout on spinners. I
caught my first fish on my first cast (I love when that happens). The fish were great
fighters and jumpers. The water has finally cooled down, and the trout were hitting,
but hitting short. A slow retrieve was neccessary to get the fish on. It seemed that
when the rain would pick up, the fishing would too. The parks department guys said they
dumped two huge truckloads of trout into the lake, so they are out there. Good luck, and
remember: Catch and Release = no powerbait.
Thanks for the report, Mark. We share your frustration that people are
poaching at the urban lakes. If the department of
conservation cannot afford to provide the fish required to make urban lakes productive
fisheries, I'd be afraid they'd phase out the program. So, I hope everyone will take
the catch and release rules seriously and fish with integrity.
This report was submitted by Bradley Tutt of Affton on 11/8/05
Date of trip: 11-7-05 Times fished: Mid-day Air Temperature: Chilly Weather: Overcast Water Level: Average Water quality: Milky What worked: 1/16 rainbow rooster tail, white wooley worm with spinner What DIDN'T work: don't know!
Suson Park: THE TROUT ARE BITING at Suson park they are about five feet off the bank on the north
shore the bass are also biting. I caught seven 12-15 inch bows all day.
Sorry we missed it! Thanks, Brad.
This report was submitted by Mark Frederick of St. Louis on 11/7/05
Date of trip: 11-7-05 Times fished: Afternoon Air Temperature: Chilly Weather: Partly Cloudy Water Level: Average Water quality: Brown What worked: Wax Worms What DIDN'T work: In-line spinner (skunk and pink)
Boathouse Lake: Went out for about three hours today. I walked around the entire lake with a spinner and didn't get
a bite. With the warm water I think the fish are holding deep off the dock. I fished with wax worms under a float 3 to 5 ft deep
and as far out as I could get it. I caught 4 trout, 1 channel cat, and a bluegill. Not many fisherman out, I think the nice weekend
left the lake fished out. Either way, I had fun.
Our thanks to Mark for continuing to help us out with reports.
This report was submitted by Bradley Tutt of Affton on 11/6/05
Date of trip: Sunday November 6th Times fished: Afternoon Air Temperature: Comfy Weather: Sunny Water Level: Below average Water quality: Milky What worked: Chartuese Marabou tinsel jig, Rainbow colored rooster tail What DIDN'T work: Power Bait
This report is for Suson Park in South County. I started off using power bait of all colors and had no luck, so I
changed up to a rainbow colored rooster tail and caught one about 12 inch. I switched to a chartrues marabou jig and
caught one that was at least 18 inches. For the most part it was slow fishing all day becuse of the bad storm we had
Saturday night. I am also looking for someone that has a cabin for opening day at Montauk that would like to split
accomodations. If so let me know at btutt63123@yahoo.com
Thanks again for your help, Brad.
This report was submitted by Mark Frederick of St. Louis on 11/3/05
Date of trip: 11-2-05 Location: Carondelet Boat House Lake Times fished: Afternoon Air Temperature: Comfy Weather: Sunny Water Level: Average Water quality: Milky What worked: In-line spinners, Pink, White, Yellow What DIDN'T work: Mini Jig under a float
Fished for about 2 hrs, hooked 3 landed one. Many people we sucessful with power baits, but this isn't my style. I like
walking around and using my spinners. Water is still warm, and lots of people are out on the nice days. I will have another
report next week.
We were beginning to wonder if our city dwellers were getting any fishing done! Hey Kansas City
trout hunters! Are you going to let St. Louis beat you in the fishing report arena, or what?
Thanks a bunch for the report, Mark. Welcome aboard.
If you visit any of St. Louis' 16 trout lakes, please be sure to
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