Non-yak, non-CA: St Louis MO area 6/2-4

Well, I hit Creve Coeur lake in the evenings on 6/2 and 6/3. What a waste of time. A couple dink panfish for a couple hours of fishing each night. These were just regular ole Crappie and Bluegill. After the first two nights, I was at about $5 per fish in license costs. Not happy. However,  I wasn't the only one experiencing a slow bite. The folks that were fishing bait were also remarking on how uncooperative the fish were being. There wasn't a soul out on the lake fishing from any sort of watercraft. Maybe due to the 15 mph winds The winds did die right before sunset though, and then the dragon boats and rowing crews would come out. A kayak would kick butt here, but I'd really want to rinse off after every outing. Supposedly there are Gar in the lake, which if you targeted them could mean a lot of fun.

Today, I hit the Bass Pro Shop in St Charles to see if they had a better idea of where to go than the folks at Cabela's did. Sure enough, I was routed to a nearby lake just off Hwy 370 that was supposed to fish ok. Well, the "lake" turned out to be a triangular reed lind pond of about an acre in size, fed by the local storm drain. I've fished farm ponds that were larger. And the Industrial Park ambiance was rather lacking as well. Did I mention I parked in the back of the Shell station? So anyway, I started out with even more misgivings than with Creve Coeur, but the Bluegill and Green Sunfish bite was pretty good. About a dozen fish to 8" on tiny grubs in 45 minutes or so.  I also caught the smallest largemouth bass of my entire life. It hit a 1/32 oz Panther Martin, and was the length of my right index finger - three inches or so. Eventually, a rather short Green Sunfish hit a grub, and I decided to go bait fishing. About 10 minutes later, the float disappears for good after several sessions of rather nervous behavior, and I'm thinking a bass got 'em. But the fish didn't really fight worth a hoot, and turned out to be a catfish of about a pound or so. A Bullhead maybe? With that, I called it an afternoon, and headed off to the airport. I'm now in O'Hare, about three hours after my original connection was supposed to leave. Travel definitely has its good and bad sides.

Stay tuned for a report from the Clinton River outside of Auburn Hills! I've got a line on some good Smallie water.

Regards,
Scott


P.S. As usual, no pix from me. Let my eloquent prose take you there . If that fails, send me money, and I'll use it for a new 850SW

P.P.S. For the Imaginationally challenged:


Bluegill


Green Sunfish


White Crappie


Yellow Bullhead

those are some nice drawings you made! 

do you offer sketch lessons? abking suggests I take some!

Scott - If you'll accept it and wear it on your outings I'll send a t-shirt that reads "Please post a photo on NCKA.ORG" - maybe on the back we could have "My kid stashed my camera!"  

Airey - your shirt can read "Abking made me do it!"   

St Louis has got some killer blues clubs, maybe cause of the lack of fish??? I didnt look it up but the state record for lmb is under 10lbs I think. I your heading to NY, try the Hudson, big stripers right in the city, up to 50 lbs. I have lots of fishing family there.