Spring Creeks & Spring Break: Chasing Missouri Trout in Wet Wading Weather

There’s something about those first warm pockets of spring that shake off the winter haze and wake you up—especially if you’re a trout angler in Missouri. The creeks run a little clearer, the sun hits the water just right, and before you know it, you’re rolling up your waders or ditching them entirely.

We managed to sneak in a few perfect wet wading days before a cold front and some classic Midwest downpours rolled through. But that’s spring in Missouri: unpredictable, fleeting, and full of surprises.

Knowing the weather could turn on a dime, we made the most of every warm-up. Missouri’s spring-fed creeks were in prime shape before the storms—crystal clear water, hungry trout, and just enough sun to make you forget it’s still early in the season. These trout don’t give it up easy, but with a careful approach and the right flies, they’ll reward your effort.

We used the stretch of nice weather as an excuse to hit the water with the kids during spring break. Montauk State Park, nestled along the Current River, along with a quick trip to Westover Farms, is hard to beat this time of year. Cool, clear water winds through the hills, and there’s just enough trout action to keep young anglers hooked. It was a quintessential Missouri spring day: jackets in the morning, t-shirts by lunch, and rising fish by mid-afternoon.

Watching the kids find their rhythm—casting, untangling lines (mine included), and lighting up when they landed their first fish—those are the kinds of days that stick with you. One of them even started flipping through the Feather-Craft fly tin and calling her own shots like a little guide-in-training. At one point, the fishing got so good it felt like you could reach down and grab a trout with your bare hands. And somehow, my son did exactly that. We may have just witnessed the start of a new sport: trout noodling.

Fly fishing has this quiet way of teaching patience, focus, and problem-solving—without anyone realizing they’re learning anything at all. That’s part of what makes it such a great way to spend time with kids. Of course, fishing with little ones comes with its own kind of chaos: lines get tangled, flies get lost, and someone’s always hungry. It reminded me how much a little organization goes a long way.

Having just what we needed—nothing more, nothing less—made the whole day smoother. A few well-chosen flies, a spare leader, snacks, and a couple of tools all tucked into one small pack. The Bare Fishing Co. Sling Pack kept everything within arm’s reach, which meant less time digging for gear and more time making memories. And that’s really what it’s all about.

Tight lines,

Jason Riley, Owner
Bare Fishing Co.