dennis boatman

Confession. Was fishing last week, found a near new jar of green powerbait, smeared a little on a pheasant tail nymph. Didn't help. There goes my "elitist" status. (May try it again)

What is this "powerbait" you speak of. A new fly? Would love to have the pattern so I can tie a few up!! Seems I saw a jar with powerbait on it. They must be some BIG flies!!

Kinda looks like the flies I tie....

Did you fish? And, what access was this? I'm needing a trout report on the river.

I never fish in the park. Since I am new to that area, I havent even gone upstream much yet. Next time I go, I am going to start at or near the bridge. Is there access above the bridge, or do I have to walk up and then wade up? I havent fished the "bugger" much, mostly pheasant tail nymph or something I made myself. Always catch about 1 fish per hour, but my skills are limited. I do enjoy the solitude of the river.

hmmmm...my mistake. You said Striper, not Stripper Fanatic. I'll put my dollars back in my pocket.

I like the lower lake the best. Especially south of it. I always think the dam area will get me some walleye, but never has. I like catching smallmouth, that's another reason I like this area. Just pretty good all around area of the lake.

Thanks for that report. I am new to fishing the Niangua. I was at Barclay in August just looking around and it looked good to me. So, I guess I will get back down there sometime in Nov.

Thinking about Capps Creek. Is it time? Saw that the last post was last April. Anyone been there since?

Fry them suckers up!!!!

44 what?

Well Darn. I thought I had a new Honey Hole. Guess I will spend my time elsewhere. If you get a chance, talk to the head trout and get them back up there. I will be waiting for them. I will give them one more try Wed. morning. I'll let you know if they have left yet..:0)

Funny thing. I'm not real sure what i have been using. Maybe a Copper John? And another similiar with a bead head and tannish in color. Just use what looks good to me. Also have fished a wooly bugger with no success. I guess I should pay closer attention to what I use. Maybe I would have better success. And, no, not related to Jim Boatman that I know of.

I grew up in the Sierra Nevada mountains fly fishing as a kid. I have gotten back to fly fishing. It's good to be back.

Thanks. I guess it's now "our" spot plus everyone else. My favorite place is downstream by the "island". Only caught one up from there. Saw some nice ones about 20 feet up from the boat ramp. They are very suspicious!!!

I have been fishing the Niangua below Bennett a few times the last week or so. Caught a couple of trout each time. How often do the actually stock the river section? Is this the time of year they would stock more often? Headed down again Wednesday morning. It's a fun place to fish. Thanks for your input.

Totally agree with the last two posts. Bigger fish will be wherever they feel safe, and only venture out when necessary. This has been an excellent thread. Keep it up.

So, Barclay is a possible place to expect to catch trout this winter? I drove down there and it looked pretty good. I definetly will be back to the hwy 64 area. The first rainbow i hooked jumped about 3' out of the water! That was fun. Thanks for the info.

I have not fished for trout here in Missouri for about 30 years. Sooooooooo, today i ventured to the Niangua River. Packed up my flyrod, and jumped in the river at the boat launch below Bennett Springs. Headed downstream with no success. Switched flies, and started catching some little fish, maybe chub or something. By an "island", about 200 yard downstream I got my first trout, a beautiful 10"er. A few more casts and another one, this one about 13". Went back upstream toward the bridge and caught no more. I'm afraid I'm hooked. To you guys that know such stuff, how far down the river do the trout go? As far a Barclay? Leadmine? It was a beautiful day on the river.

Was out Monday and had the same result on the Crappie, but in Hawker area. One short Walleye, and lots of 10" bass on the bank with pink worm. Had a great day. Headed out again Wed.

Good Luck on your trip. Let us know how you do.

I fished Castle Creek below Deerfield Lake. It flows through a meadow and is very fishable. You have to stay waaaaaaay back. These fish are very wary, but catchable. Grasshopper patterns should work great right now. I was using them in July with success, and they were just starting. I had no luck in Deerfield Lake. Good fishing.

I was there July 24 of this year. I would stay away from Custer State Park and head to Spearfish Canyon. You may have it to yourself. I did.