HighPlainsFlyFisher

They were generating the whole time , appeared to me to be a pretty good amount of generation. I don't doubt that the fish were there and I just wasn't doing everything right to connect with any of them. Just gives me a good reason to go back and try again.....jeff

Too nice to sit at home and didn't have time to take out a loan to fill up the gas tank so I stayed closer to home and tried my luck at catching a wiper below Truman. Lots of folks fishing but didn't see much caught except some small crappie and a white bass or two , I'd say it was slow for the amount of people that I could see. I only managed two small crappie, but still had a good time hanging out with my fishing partner and just enjoying the beautiful weather. Saw lots of shad being eaten by the pelicans and gulls so no doubt there's plenty of food around , just have to keep at it I suppose and maybe hit it right one of these times.....Jeff http://highplainsflyfisher.blogspot.com/

There are several places around the country where the trout tend to congregate at fishermans feet to feed and they all seem to have several things in common : 1. Tailwaters with abundant scud / sowbug life that gets dislodged by fishermens feet 2. Sections of water that see large numbers of fisherman on a regular basis so the trout get accustomed to the idea. 3. Rivers with shallow slower moving water as opposed to freestone style water. I would still say that the adage of fishing the water closest to you first and not wading in too deep applies everywhere. Even when streamer fishing I'll tend to stand on shore and make short little casts to swing my fly through the water in front and directly downstream of my shoreline position before wading in. At Taney though it will improve your fishing 100% if you stay out of the water as much as possible , at least for daytime fishing , night fishing is a different ballgame alltogether. You're right about that certain guide XP...I was pretty clueless until he taught me a few things....Jeff http://highplainsflyfisher.blogspot.com/

You guys do realize that there aren't any native trout in the Ozarks..PERIOD. If stocking is discontinued in the region due to these closures every single river and stream that supports a population of trout will suffer greatly along with the folks who make their living from the fisheries. You aren't getting your smallmouth fisheries back below the dams that the federal government built years ago..trout or not. The whole idea behind the National Fish Hatcheries to begin with was to subsidize the fishery and economies that were wiped out when the dams were put in. And the statement that our money would be better put to use some other way...might be a true statement , but do you really have enough faith in our government to think that they will use the extra funds to put back into other fishery projects? Highly unlikely! Letting these hatcheries close is like giving the feds back money that the people already have the right to , if we let them balk on their commitments now ,that moneys gone forever. Oh , and just wait until the folks that are currently fishing for all those previously stocked non-native species turn their attention to your natives like smallmouth once the trout have disappeared. Zach , I agree , I would love for all fish to be wild as well but that will never happen due to the fact that we have destroyed the habitats that once supported these native fish , the damage has already been done and theres no turning back the clock. Simply my opinion , and I don't expect anyone to agree with me. Only hoping that people really think this through because it could have a major effect on our fisheries in the future. This is my only post on this topic..I feel too strongly about it to be convinced otherwise and unfortunately I'm one of those that doesn't always play nice with others when I feel that way....Jeff

My experience exactly Jeremy. Most of my fish were in less than two feet of water right along the shore so you had to stay out of the water and just keep your eyes scanning the shore for cruisers and sippers. Got to be one of my favorite ways to catch fish at Taney , shallow water active fish. It still amazes me at the number of people who think they have to be at least waist deep to fish. 90% of the time they're standing right where the fish would be feeding if they weren't there. Most days on Taney I don't get wet above my ankles unless I'm crossing from one side of the river to the other. Another fly that had good results for me was a simple thread midge with a CDC wing to keep it hanging in the film , black or olive worked great. Thanks for the comments guys....Jeff http://highplainsflyfisher.blogspot.com/

Sounds like Redington makes a pretty good product , which is what I was wondering. I put my waders through some pretty serious abuse over a years time and need something that will stand up to it. I know Simms waders are supposed to be top-notch but I just can't see dropping that kind of cash for a pair of waders , they're only gonna last so long anyway if you ride em hard. For anyone looking for a new pair of wading boots I can tell you that the Korkers Chrome boots are sweet. Got a pair for Christmas and have worn them enough this year to put them to a pretty good test , I'm impressed with the studded Kling-On rubber soles and the Boa Lacing system. For weight and comfort you just can't beat them either. Thanks for the comments guys , it's nice to hear first-hand experiences on a product before dropping several bills....Jeff http://highplainsflyfisher.blogspot.com/

I'm in the market for a new pair of waders and am seriously looking at the new Redington Sonic Pro version. I've decided to get a zippered pair but can't realistically afford the money Simms wants for theirs and these Redingtons look pretty nice. I don't have any experience with Redington waders and can't find many reviews online so I was wondering if anyone had any experiences , good or bad , with them? Doesn't have to be the new ones just any comments on Redington waders in general would be helpful to me in making my decision. Thanks for any advice.....Jeff http://highplainsflyfisher.blogspot.com/

Spent a couple days on Taney this past week during low water and I've never had such quality midge fishing anywhere. Sight fishing to chunky bows that are sipping midges all around you is about as good as it gets this time of year. Fish were caught on drys , soft hackles and zebra midges pretty much anything even resembling a midge was getting eaten. Nothing huge , but lots of fish with several pushing the 18" mark. Best fly for me was a #22 miracle midge. I'm sitting here at work wishing I was there right now...hope some of you are able to get down and take advantage of the great fishing. A couple of full reports with pics posted on my blog if anyones interested......Jeff http://highplainsflyfisher.blogspot.com/

I'm one of the idiots that was proud to participate in the opening day festivities at BSSP. While the high water conditions put a damper on our river fishing the entire trip the spring branch cleared up enough to give us some great fishing. Being a midweek opener the crowds were gone by Wednesday afternoon and we found most of our spots to be pretty empty of people. Good times with good friends , that's what it's all about. I've got a full trip report up on my blog for anyone interested in reading. Jeff http://highplainsflyfisher.blogspot.com/

Appreciate all of the good information. I just need to get down there a little more often so I can get familiar with the area. Every time I drive over the 63 bridge on my way to the Current I think to myself that I should stop but I've usually got that tunnel vision by that point in the drive and continue on my way. Hope to make it down in the next couple weeks....I'll post a report if I do. Thanks again.....Jeff http://highplainsflyfisher.blogspot.com/

Appreciate the information , I've only been there once before but I thought I remembered a house or two down that road. That's not so bad then , I was thinking of the 2 mile walk from the highway. I'm really confused I guess (nothing new there) as I thought the 63 bridge would be downstream from the park itself. Thanks again for the help , obviously I needed it. Jeff http://highplainsflyfisher.blogspot.com/

Nothing gets the blood pumping and the hands shaking like watching a nice brown chase a streamer halfway across a pool only to swipe at it twice and have the guy with the rod in his hand pull it away from him cause he got too excited. Anyway that's how it usually works for me , gotta love that streamer fishing......Jeff http://highplainsflyfisher.blogspot.com/

I was thinking about possibly making a trip down in the next week or so and called the National Forest Service in Rolla to get a definite answer to the question asked here. I was told that the gate will not be open until at least April 1st and possibly later if they have problems finding a new concessionaire for the park. Are there other accesses that put you in the blue ribbon water , can I park at 63 bridge and walk up or is it privately owned? Not looking for anyones secret spot , just a public access where I don't have to walk 2 miles to get to water. I assume the gate right on 63 is the one closed so it's around 1 1/2 miles from there to the park itself. Thanks for any info.....Jeff http://highplainsflyfisher.blogspot.com/

I can't say it compares to a weekend floating a beautiful river like you've got out your backdoor and catching those perfect little wild bows Justin , but it definitely beats sitting home and watching the snow melt. Those fish just aren't quite as photogenic as a NFOW wild rainbow, but the bend they can put in your rod offsets that to some extent. Looking forward to my next opportunity to sneak away and spend a few more days down at your place , hopefully it won't be too long. Jeff http://highplainsflyfisher.blogspot.com/

Drop me a line anytime you want to go chase a few "golden bones" on Hillsdale or clinton later this spring. Most of my fishing partners are from the Springfield area so I'm usually going solo around home. Lakes are starting to melt as we speak....won't be long. Jeff http://highplainsflyfisher.blogspot.com/

Psycho Princes and pats Rubber Legs were my two top producers a few weeks ago. Lots of young fish ,last years I would guess , were taking egg patterns as well. The water was low as I've ever seen it at that time but the snow melt may have raised it some. Caught most of our fish in the riffles or at the head of pools. Good luck and enjoy it , one of Missouri's finest for sure. Jeff http://highplainsflyfisher.blogspot.com/

Good to see that there are a few others on here who like catching roughfish on the fly. As far as eating them...I don't know , it took me 30 minutes just to get the fish smell off my hands at the end of the day. Not much different than a spoonbill I guess and lots of people love them. Last year a buddy of mine asked the local warden what to do with the things , knowing that they are an invasive species , he said take em out obviously but at the same time told him not to dispose of them within sight of anyone because if caught it would still elicit a citation for wanton waste (not a cheap fine I've heard). I'm assuming a warden in a mood that day could also write you up for just ripping out gills and putting them back in the water? Hopefully those laws will change, or already have , it's tough to get people to remove big smelly fish when they have to find a spot to dispose of them. I do my part to thin em out that's for sure , but I can tell you I'm always looking over my shoulder when I do. Soon as the ice is off the lakes around here I'll be out chasing commons around the flats anyway , won't have to worry about what to do with those when I catch em. Jeff http://highplainsflyfisher.blogspot.com/

I can tell you with no uncertain terms that they take flies intentionally. Not only did I fair hook several yesterday but have done so in previous outings as well. They're pretty prevalent in the waters I frequent here in Kansas and Myself and many others target and catch them on flies regularly. You're right though , theres always gonna be a naysayer in the group. I don't know the water temp but considering it's eastern Kansas I can tell you it's still pretty cold. Those fish below that spillway get pretty hungry until they start releasing more water (and therefore food) through the gates , I think it's been a long winter and they're just ready to eat. I know they're a nuisance fish but since I can't change that and they're already here I'm gonna take advantage of it and stick a few whenever I can , trust me it's well worth the effort!

This topic doesn't get much attention so I figured I'd throw up a post for all you rough-fish enthusiasts out there. Landed my biggest fish to date yesterday (on the long-rod) and several others that put a good bend in the rod as well. The full TR with pics is on my blog if you're interested. Jeff http://highplainsflyfisher.blogspot.com/

I bet it's beautiful down there with the fresh snow though Justin. Something about being the first person to leave footprints in the snow along the river gives you a feeling of solitude , even if there were 10 people there just yesterday. I have to say I'm envious , the memories of last weekends trip will have to keep me going for a little longer it appears , from the looks out my window ol man winter is here for a while. Jeff http://highplainsflyfisher.blogspot.com/

Spent three days down on the NFOW at Sunburst Ranch and had a great time. The weather was unbelievable for January and the fish cooperated nicely. Thanks to Justin and Amy at Sunburst for the great hospitality , we'll definitely be back down to stay with them again in the near future. A full report with pics is posted on my blog if anyone's interested. Sorry , just don't have the time to post the pics in both places.....Jeff http://highplainsflyfisher.blogspot.com/

Nice report...and just the kind of thing I wanna hear about the place I'm headed Friday. I can tell you that for your first trip to this river that's one hell of a good days fishing! I still havn't figured that place out after 4 trips in about as many years , I do remember quite well that my first trip ended up in the classic "New River Skunking" and my second one wasn't much better. A few wild bows and the river to yourself...I hope we're half that lucky this weekend.....Jeff http://highplainsflyfisher.blogspot.com/

Ok, now you guys got me ready to turn off my PC here at work and hit the raod this afternoon! Sounds great and I'm definitely looking forward to it. I'll be sure and give a report..good or bad...when we get back. http://highplainsflyfisher.blogspot.com/

Thanks Gavin...that's what we were hoping for. While we definitely spend most of the time floating it's nice to be able to walk down to the river from your campsite and have some decent water to fish. Good to know that they rent toons as well , I've often had buddies that would have made the trip with me if they had a boat to fish from. Appreciate the advice.......Jeff http://highplainsflyfisher.blogspot.com/

Headed down this weekend and thinking about staying at Sunburst (camping). I've stayed at ROLF a couple times but wanting to try somewhere different. My question is about fishing access right there , are there wadeable areas to fish right there or will we have to hit one of the other public accesses? We plan on getting the toons wet and floating at least one day , but one member of our group doesn't have a boat and is thinking he'll just wade fish some spots while we are on the river. Thanks ahead of time for any info.......Jeff http://highplainsflyfisher.blogspot.com/