Trout fishing in area Lakes

I know that they do stock trout in the winter time in our area lakes, but do they stock all year long? I have fished Bush’s wild life lakes in winter without much luck, not sure if I’m using the wrong technique or what. Truth is I’m not having much luck no matter where I fish. I watch videos and read articles and still not much success. I keep thinking it will all fall in place someday so I’ll keep trying. Has there been anymore thoughts on the mentoring program that was mentioned in our last membership meeting?

Thanks and any suggestions would be great.
Steve Baker

We have few lakes in Missouri that can sustain trout all year long which is why you only find them in the winter after the Conservation department stocks lakes across the state. You can still fish for Bluegill and Bass if it’s close to your home. Your lightest rod like the Five weights most of us have work fine and if your lucky and you find a motherload of “GILLS’ your in for a treat and if a nice size bass grabs hold of your fly on that light rod it will get your heart thumping. We should try to do more warm water fishing. it is readily available to us and close to home.

Bill

Grasshoppers:

Yes, fishing at home in ponds you find can be rewarding and a way to sharpen your skills. Trout need water temperatures below 70 degrees or they will “die”. Understand I do know that some of your local lakes are stocked with trout but only in late fall through winter when water temperatures are lower. But happiness I can tell you that fishing for bluegills and bass are well underway in the Spring and Summer. Different flies you must use (poppers/streamers) for these species. Local ponds in subdivisions can bring many surprises. Spring is good time throughout the day but when summer arrives try before sunset (or early morning) for bass/gills with poppers along shore line. Excellent practice this can be for casting, setting hook and bringing in fish. Fishing for all kinds of fish on the fly rod makes one better in all situations.

Hey Sensei,

They will be stocking trout soon at Busch. Do I need a sinking fly line or would a sinking leader on a 5wt floating line work? Do you have any recommendations regarding indicator nymph fishing,  streamers or dry flies on lakes  this time of year.

Seito

Oh Grasshopper,

Plenty would be the poor man’s sinking tip line (as in a sinking leader). Fish buggers should you do also. Nymphing is fine but make sure it is moving so a slow pull of your indicator would work or try a little swinging or stripping of nymph.

Have fun but neglect the rivers you should not!

Oh mighty Sensei, whose wisdom reaches from the Smokey Mountains to the great Yukon River, could you be so kind as to share <span style=”text-decoration: underline;”>more</span> of your wisdom surrounding fishing for trout in lakes?  Since the Missouri Department of Conservation has started to stock trout in many lakes in St. Louis County and City, it provides many of us an opportunity to go out for a couple of hours, instead of a full day.  Can you expand on various flies to try, which times of the day might be best, use of a bobber/indicator, etc???

You are so kind in your gracious sharing of your voluminous wisdom.  May your days be long and your trout heavy.

P.S. The hotline to call for trout stocking is 636.300.9651…

Oh My Grasshoppers;

The lakes you worry about now.  Flattery I see you use to get answers!  Correct you are to say that opportunities await he who pursues the “Oncorhynchus mykiss” in the winter lakes of Missouri.  The mykiss may roam the shorelines which would allow for use of an “indicator” but not my preference. The mighty mykiss will chase his food so the Woolybugger I highly recommend.  Make him chase his next meal and feel the tug.  A leech pattern can cause the mykiss to smile. More important is your casting you will be able to practice!