David Unnerstall

The road to it goes through where the picnic tables and fire pits used to be. It about two hundred feet from the old ramp on the north side of the lake. Google Earth shows the lake in the drawn down state but does not show the new ramp.

They used some of those blocks they acquired for the ramp. A boat with average draft should be able to launch.

I have still to see anything published on what decision has been made by the USFS. I had the solo out there last week. The water is up to the new boat ramp. I paddled to the dam, got out and looked down. The dam does have a lot of structural issues. The new road allows access to the dam and I picked up a lot of beer cans. It is getting as bad in rural areas as it is in my neck-of-the-woods up here. Now, that biologist says the redear population has increased because of the oxygen generated by the vegetation. It is just that I do not have a plan for catching them. I started catching bluegill -- better than average. The next day I had a bucket and all I caught were small bass. I got a kick out of it all, though.

JD, my Ouachita had stick steering. I had to remove it and install a console with a wheel when the rod cap on the 55-horse came loose at WOT and I bought a 75-horse and rebuilt it. The stick steering unit was rated for a 35-horse outboard. I came to miss it. Advantages: It takes up no room in the boat where a console, or two, does. When you stop the outboard and decide to fish you don't have to move seats. You have better visibility. Casting decks are overrated -- bending over to lip a fish is a lot of work these days. Disadvantages: A bit of a rougher ride being in front.

I use the cedar-stripper for small lakes around here, it is not a bad experience. I use the bass boat for one trip in the spring for crappie at Wappapello and one for bass at LOZ in the fall.

It is they who should read that book.

That got me laughing.

That is what ran through my mind. Why would you take videos if you weren't planning for this outcome. And then, they post the videos on YouTube.

I would go if I was not out of town for my job. Hopefully, this goes well and you all could schedule another event.

Now that looks like a cool place. I did not know about it.

There is room for more of these boats on that island....'just sayin'.

Congratulations, Kayser, that is so cool.

Well, I did get a chance to get out two afternoons. Once on The Blackfoot river at Scotty Brown bridge and again on Monture Creek. My late father-in-law will be happy to know his gear had a chance to fish in Montana. There were no fish caught -- but I am glad I made the effort. There was a lot of current with the snow melt and it is funny how it is 'work' during the first hour -- but after four hours and it is time to head back you just want to fish that next spot.

Gavin, That would be cool if I could swing it. I was in Hargrove's and Craig Stephens gave me the number of a guide in the Missoula area. It is just that I don't know when and if I am going to have time. Things tend to catch fire in my business. And sometimes what we do requires another to do his part. If that guy is just not 'feeling' it on that day I am left hanging.

Thanks for this, Al. The Blackfoot is nearby and has many access and it is most likely where I will fish. But Craig and Wolf Creek are possible. And I will buy flies at Blackfoot Angler in Ovando.

I am to take a business trip to Montana the first week of April. I will visit banks from Polson to Great Falls. There is a fly shop in Ovando that I plan to visit to ask advice. I cannot make definite plans or hire a guide -- I can only plan on fishing when the opportunity presents itself. I will be out of my element. I don't have a lot of experience with my fly rods but I will never have this opportunity again. I am packing my waders, but have not decided on my river shoes or wading boots -- the boots take up a lot of room in my luggage. And I will carry the rod on the plane. What preparations should I be making? I just saw "A River Runs Through It" so that part is done.

Remember in the nine-ties scientists recognized that acid-rain was killing forests in the north-east. Government enacted laws to reduce its causes. Industry followed those laws and now forests are slowly recovering. Today scientists are telling us the earth is getting warmer because of man-made greenhouse gases. But we choose to believe politicians and talk-radio show personalities. And CarpMan; you wanting to believe that the ozone hole was a hoax when, in fact, it was fixed by following scientists recommendations and changing our behavior tells me all I need to know. What about gravity? Is that a hoax, also?

I am well aware of this now. I just wish I was told this 40 years ago.

Uh... in what it's effect has on the female or the male.....oh.....I guess it is both....isn't it -- dumb-posterior me.

Aren't all fishing shows one contiguous commercial?

They do serve food.

I vote Ferguson Brewery for a happy-hour. I will bring my growler.

I have a blue ray DVD player, a plasma TV and a Marantz surround sound system (Ok I went without cable for five years and that paid for it all). I feel that the experience I get with a blue ray disk is superior to streaming.

Try some other words, just in the name of science.

My dad and his brothers used to make blood sausage. Now, the last time this may have occurred was in the sixties. I liked it and loved the smell of it frying. About ten years ago I noticed blood and tongue sausage in the deli at Schnucks. It was fantastic -- I did not have a red wine on hand that was worthy.