fozzie.

I used to fish the Jacks Fork 2-3 times a year, sort of fell off the wagon with the whole trail rides/e. coli issue and watching folks misuse ATVs. It was decent fishing, caught plenty of 10-14 inch fish, and each trip caught one or two fish from 15-18 inches. Fishing always seemed more consistent very early in the morning, and well after sunset, from what I remember. Stow your rods and enjoy the scenery during the day (especially this time of year, with all the trees flowering), and bust them out when you get to the campsite

That's not including some of the poultry operators and other CAFOs in the area. I can't recall the precise statistics offhand, but some of those facilities can produce as much sewer as a decent-sized town.

Sounds like you guys had a great day spending time together. Congratulations!

Not sure how they physically get the mussel off wherever it's attached, but drum have big crushing teeth in their throat and strong mussels to crush the shells.

If it's just during the early and mid spring, it may just be seasonal blooms of algae/diatoms/bryzoans. They tend to grow quickly and produce large, slimy masses for a few months in spring, before the leaves shade them out. Not only are the septic problems an issue, but this is the time of year when everyone's putting down fertilizer, too. When that stuff gets washed into the reservoir, you can expect to see a lot more algae growth.

I dunno, I've heard of folks being labeled sex offenders after public urination on float trips and at St. Louis' Mardi Gras. May just be urban legends, though.

Hey folks, Thinking about heading down toward Poplar Bluff this weekend and fishing Tenmile Creek. Never done it before, was wondering about access. Is it an easily wadeable stream? Anything else I need to know before going down there? Thanks! Tom

As for the immediate future, it's unlikely you'll see much difference. The big issues for now will likely be damage to boats, docks, and beaches. In the long-term though, it's likely the zebra mussels will be competing with gizzard shad and other forage fish. Lower populations of those species (due to zebra mussels), could have a negative effect on bass populations.

I'll be parked in front of the Bennett Spring webcam. I'll wave

That's wild, anyone know how big it was?

Wouldn't the state just have to up the tax rate in order to pay for all the new security equipment? Say...the tax rate on handguns, handgun ammo, and license fees for CCW permits? Seems like they're just.....shooting themselves in the foot! PUN INTENDED! Happy Easter.

Same here, the family farm pond needs thinning

Tough call- to me it looks more like a channel, albeit a helluva big one. Was it in the river, or a smaller impoundment? Most folks don't stock blues in small impoundments as they tend to eat everything else. Either way, I'm sure it was a blast! Last Easter I caught a channel, about six pounds or so, in a family farm pond. I was very confused until I got a good look at it, but man was it fun!

I've gone the expanding foam route before- it works, but it's pretty expensive.

Gorgeous fish! The replica program sounds like a great idea, too. Very cool!