Ozarks on the Fly | EP 2 | PURE McCLOUD

The second installment of OZARKS ON THE FLY takes you to a small, unassuming creek in Crane, Missouri. Back at the turn of the 20th Century, McCloud-strain rainbow trout were brought via railroad all the way from northern California. Surprisingly enough, these beautiful fish survived in this little spring-fed creek and have thrived there ever since. We visited with Kevin Skibiski of Walnut Bend Lodge, and fished with Zayne Aldrich of Mozark Fly Guides in PURE MCCLOUD: Wild Rainbows of Crane Creek. #BluffLineMedia #OzarksontheFly
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[@hislairdship8961]

I'm a local and fish Crane, at least, once a week. Was even featured on the local news for it. Crane Creek is an absolute treasure, and a pleasure to fish. I agree that the litter is a serious problem. Message me, if you like, and I'll show you some of my spots and tricks. Awesome video.

[@BluffLINEMedia]

Very cool! You have a beautiful backyard. Thanks!

[@betrickey]

I love your videos! I live in KCMO and have recently discovered the gems we have in the south part of the state. I really appreciate how you're not shy about naming the streams and rivers you fish.

[@josephcurry9642]

Miss fishing and hanging out there with my buddy Ray Krouscup. Fish a #10 Prince nymph there in his memory.

[@alexhendrick8288]

This fishery harbors some monsters. They prefer much larger flies and a very stealthy approach. I have fished it for about six years regularly and catch a lot of fish. Buggers yield the best fish when presented properly. After a good rain the creek comes alive with fish that have no reservations about eating anything

[@BluffLINEMedia]

Thanks! It definitely isn’t a creek you can figure out in a few days!

[@showmemotion]

haven't caught any there, but it's a really nice place to fish

[@brianmoeller6839]

Its been quite awhile since I've been there. Awesome creek. Best is a 19". Hooked bigger tho

[@jaydonpayment1649]

If anyone decides to try this creek PLEASE be respectful to the creek and the fish. The creek already has littering problems from the town and the fish need to be taken care of. This is one of the last places on earth to catch McCloud rainbows

[@BluffLINEMedia]

Thank you for saying this. We wholeheartedly agree, and hope these videos do not contribute to the issue! Quite the contrary!

[@ajw1989]

Definitely not rare in California... or anywhere else for that matter. The McCloud strain of rainbows has been planted all over the world. Probably more than any other particular subspecies of trout.

[@jaydonpayment1649]

AJ Windham The owner of the lodge even says in the video they’re rare out west. And other than Cali and crane you can’t catch them anywhere else

[@ajw1989]

@@jaydonpayment1649 Maybe do a little research before you respond lol Just Google McCloud River rainbow trout. Then next time maybe don't speak if you know not what you speak of. 👌

[@jaydonpayment1649]

@@ajw1989 www.orvis.com/s/orvis-conservation-help-save-the-redband-trout-of-californias-mccloud-river/2434 Direct article from Orvis saying how threatened they are. I can also post multiple articles from both news sources and professional fly fisherman saying the same thing. I know Arlee trout are all over. That is the strain that the Department of Conservation uses in hatcheries

[@alexhendrick8288]

Personal best down on crane is 21 inches. The idea that smaller nymphs are the best is not accurate. Throwing buggers in 12 to 8 and prince nymphs in the same size will yield the bigger fish. For aggressive top water bites try muddler or big crickets patterns as well.