SPRING CREEK
Blue Ribbon Trout Area This page was updated 5/15/06
Flies and artificial lures only,
soft plastics specifically prohibited, daily limit is one trout 18" or longer. All
other trout must be released unharmed immediately.
Spring Creek is another of the Northern Ozarks babbling brooks, very similar to
Blue Spring Creek, Little
Piney Creek, and Mill Creek. It is fed by smaller
springs, and the water quality and flow are very dependent upon periodic rainfall
to recharge the spring.
This stream is truly lovely and qualifies as the type of destination that you might
seek out first for the solitude, second for the trout. The trout management area
begins at Relfe Spring and stretches to the Big Piney River -- a little more than
six miles. The upstream half of the creek is on private property, so be respectful.
You'll have to do some wading, but you'll find fish almost every place the stream narrows
into riffles and drops into a little pool. You'll need to adjust the general locations you
fish, dependent upon seasonal migration -- upstream during spawning season, for example.
The only other rule you need to know is to fish little when fishing nymphs (i.e. size 16-18)
and big when fishing dries (i.e. size 12-14). Of course, if the fish are rising to a hatch,
match it if you can.
The fish are opportunistic feeders, and your success depends on your approach and your
presentation more so than your fly. After a good rain, the water will come up a bit and become
just a bit murky. This water quality will actually help you. With decreased visibility, the
fish become more aggressive feeders and a clunky approach and poor presentation are more
readily forgiven. In the heat of the summer when the water is low and warm, only the experts
will get hook-ups. They'll do this by concentrating on deeper pools, careful approaches,
delicate casts from a good distance away, and controlling their line properly.
Spring Creek Rainbow
It's not too difficult to get here. If you're stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, the creek is
basically across the street from the East entrance to post. From Eastgate Road, turn left
on Highway J and right on the dirt road to ride alongside the creek. If you're like most,
however, you'll take I-44 toward the Fort Leonard Wood area (half-way between Rolla and Lebanon).
Take exit #169 and head south on Highway J. In about 8 miles, you'll see a little convenience
store on your left at the intersection with Highway M. You'll then cross Spring Creek and turn left
down the dirt road.
The regulations give permission to harvest 1 fish 18" or longer, but don't expect that to happen.
You'll generally catch fish in the 4-11" range with the occasional 13-incher thrown in to add some
excitement. Even so, catching a 13-inch fish here deserves as much admiration as catching a true
trophy on big waters.
Call (573) 468-3335 for more information on Spring Creek
All content and images on this website are under copyright protection 2004. Reprinting is permitted with
written permission. Please contact us if you see something you'd like to use.
