Brown Trout

While Purdy, Missouri, might not be the first place that comes to mind for trophy Brown Trout, the area's spring-fed streams and tailwaters offer surprisingly good opportunities. These Browns aren't stocked giants, but wild and holdover fish that can reach respectable sizes in the cooler, oxygenated waters. Focus your efforts on the Crane Creek system. Spring and fall are prime times, as the Browns become more active with the cooler water temperatures and pre-spawn urges. Wading is the most common approach, so be prepared to get your feet wet. A local tip: pay attention to water levels after rainfall, as Crane Creek can become turbid quickly, impacting visibility. Also, be aware of private property lines – many stretches are privately owned, so always obtain permission before fishing. These Browns are often opportunistic feeders, so try small streamers and nymphs imitating the local forage.