mic

For some reason, I don't think it will pay the same. Mama needs a new pair of shoes, and I need a new rod.

I did not last week. However, I did C&R weekend with success and a boat and two bank fisherman were below the park pretty much all day. The water was high enough, I'm sure at least some of the spring branch stockers went down stream.

Maybe I should follow my grandpa's advice for golf... take only one club and your putter. I know that trout eat midges. I know that midges are a primary, if not the primary food source in the winter. Maybe I should just take a box of midges (all three stages) and fish just it all winter.

One of the reasons I posted this was because I really don't know what mine looks like. I think my goal for 2016 is to simplify my fly selection, which is hard for me because I enjoy reading about new patterns, tying them, and trying them out. My problem is, I think, I don't get good enough time with any one of them to get good. So I think this will be my "new" fly box. Simple midge pupa flies (dark colors for winter so grey and black) A mix of zebra midges A mix of disco midges Griffin's knats (for Blue Springs Creek) A mix of wet flies A mix of scuds (for Blue Springs Creek) Now a top water fly... a big and ugly (Indicator) A couple of Clouser minnows (for trout parks) Small selection of Woollys

Yes Al... but in this fantasy you only get one fly box. LOL

Man I need to get a job in Branson.

I'm curious to hear the answer, but I know the stretch at Huzzah valley holds active fish due to the spring branch that enters across. I never caught anything of size.

You should tie some of those up for the winter fly swap and let Phil's team have a crack at them.

Cause you're special DaddyO. Sorry about that.

jtram that looks like a pig sticker.

Is this what your pine squirrel is: http://www.charliesflyboxinc.com/flybox/print.cfm?parentID=162

You got a pic of that soft hackle prince?

Did anyone else notice this comment from Berry's fishing report: Conventional wisdom states that hopper fishing begins in late summer. I reject this idea and fish them all year. I favor shorter leaders (seven and a half foot 4X) and a stiff six weight rod to proper deliver these weighty flies. My favorite flies are Dave’s hoppers (#10) and the western pink lady (#8). To increase hook ups I always use a dropper. I am currently using a ruby or root beer midge in size eighteen on a three foot or longer tippet (depending on the depth of the water I am fishing). Does anyone else fish hoppers in the winter?

Ok... time for some winter talk. You only get one medium size fly box to take for winter fishing for trout in the Ozarks. What do you put in it? Flies, colors, and sizes. http://www.orvis.com/news/fly-fishing/must-have-flies-winter-edition/

Yes, but... any fly that you invent or modify with your ideas.

What do you know, my life didn't get in the way, and I was able to make it down to the park for a little more C&R. The spring is flowing hard and the branch is up at least two feet maybe more and had some color. Most if not all of the little walk outs were covered in water. Fishing, for me anyway, was tough. I was there all day and only brought three (trout) to hand, but one of them was a really nice size. I caught two on a Hare's Ear nymph, one nymphing and one on a swing. Caught the other one on a midge, but was a foul hook so I'm not sure if that counts. I tried a little bit of everything, but most everyone I talked to had a rough go of it. I'm sure the water had something to due with it, but the fish have "turned native" and were following a standard winter pattern. So if you go, I would stick with standard winter fair midges, scuds, and streamers. Wets should work, but they didn't for me (probably the water... or my skill LOL). I ran into rFisherk on the way out. Is it bad or good I didn't recognize him, but I did his dog. Anyway, he had more luck then me (as is the norm) with midges on a greased leader. He also said something about catching some on a hand retrieve of the line. I need to get more on that. One gent, did well but only in one spot, a log to be exact. Finally, one gent did really good on top using what he called a purple scatter (supposedly a western fly). It was some what big for a trout fly, image a mix between a purple madam x and a stimulator with a ton of white mouse/dear hair on top. I did some searching when I got home, but didn't find anything that looked like what he had. Ron if you read this, please detail your midge magic: sizes, colors, and techniques.

Kayser... I'm going to say trout for now.

I'm heading down early Sunday morning.... Wish me luck.

You thinking about making a run down. If yes, when?

Man.. I wish I could make it down. Can't wait to read about how it goes.

Sean... you do what he did. Buy a home in each area. Duh Your point if very valid, but man I sure loved my trip up there some years ago.

I realized it after I posted, but I see a bunch of them on you tube. As normal... ask Dr. Google.

Ron agree with Ham. If you don't want other flies, let me know, but I really liked the wet fly you let me use. Tie some up and share. Either way... understand.

Ron... that's enough from you. I believe you should sign up for the Winter fly swap (Hint Hint). Awesome flies.

That looks like a lure, not a fly. Looks pretty fishy. Do you fly fish for smallies in the winter?