Little Piney Creek (Blue Ribbon Trout Management Area)

Rainbow trout populations for the Little Piney have remained stable for more than a decade of over 1,000 trout per mile around Lane Springs.  The reproducing population of rainbow trout continues to be dominated by fish under 12 inches, with the majority being 8-12inches; providing a great, fun opportunity for catch and release.  However, anglers should not be surprised if they catch larger fish; trout upwards of 20 inches that are found in the stream's higher quality habitat. Fall 2023 sampling continues to show these same trends.  The section of stream from Hwy 63 flowing north to Vida Slab continues to provide anglers the best chance for quality-size wild rainbow trout.  Anglers continue to be very happy with this section of stream and report great days on the water catching these fish.  Finally, this section of stream has the highest fish per mile number of any of the Blue Ribbon Trout Areas close to Rolla and anglers have reported days when the 5-inch fish are so active they do not give larger fish an opportunity to take a fly.  When wade fishing areas not located on Forest Service property (i.e., Vida Slab Area), please obtain permission from the landowner(s).