Spring Creek Missouri Trout Fishing

Spring Creek in Southern Missouri is an interesting wild trout stream. It is nothing special really, but it is a very nice wild trout creek in close proximity to others you may want to fish. As a matter of fact, it rises in the same spring complex that brings to life many other slightly better known trout streams including Little Piney, Mill, and Roubidoux Creek.

Trout fishing begins on Spring Creek at Relfe Spring. Unfortunately, the land surrounding the first few miles of stream is private (and strictly patrolled). Fisherman should head south from Highway 44 on Highway J until they cross the creek. Just past the bridge, there is a small gravel road that follows the creek for a distance, and anglers can find access in several areas here. Trout populations in the publicly accessible portion of the stream vary wildly throughout the year. During the late winter and early spring, trout populations can be very low. This is due to the fact that many fish migrate upstream during this time period into the private water. The fishing isn't a total loss at this time of year however, because fish that are too small or large to take part in the spawning run remain in the public water. The fishing usually picks up markedly sometime in mid-April, when a good number of fish move back downstream into the public water. From this time until about the middle of June, the creek can fish extremely well. As the summer progresses, the water often becomes low and somewhat warm. This can hamper fishing opportunities in mid-summer. Still, skillful fisherman can catch fish during this time by fishing early and late in the day-when the water temperatures are lowest. Usually some time in September water temperatures will become cool enough to spur better feeding activity. Fall and early winter fishing can be some of the best of the year, and it usually lasts until late December or early January, when the fish begin to move back upstream, out of the public water.

These seasonal migrations are probably the most difficult aspect of the fishing on Spring Creek. At the wrong time of year, even the most inviting stretches of water can hold only small fish. Still if you can time your visit right, there are some very nice trout to be had. Since this is a wild trout stream, fish of any and all sizes can be found. They range from tiny fry all the way to 18", although such fish are rare. According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, fish average 13" inches in size, although it seems like the smaller fish are more eager and easier to catch. All of the trout in the creek are wild rainbows. The minimum length limit is 18", and the daily limit is 1.

Small flies and lures are the rule on Spring Creek. Pheasant Tail, Hare's Ear, and Prince Nymphs in #16 all are almost always a good bet. Dry flies including Adams, Hare's Ears, Royal Wullf's (as well as other general patterns) also work in the warm months. Tiny spinners (1/24 ounce or smaller) in silver and gold catch also catch fish. Bait isn't allowed.

If you want to fish for wild trout in an equally wild setting, Spring Creek is a good choice. While the fishing is somewhat seasonal in nature, if you know the patterns of these wild trout, you can have a great day on this little creek.