Jack Jones

That's some real interesting video there. Surprised by the size of some of them. Kinda makes me wanna hit Red Lobster or Joe's Crabshack now.

While I understand the concepts behind having a WF line, and the value that can come from a DT line, the question is, when fishing smaller rods such as a 7'6" or a 8'6" with normal flies (nothing very heavy or buggy)...is there really a big advantage to the WF? I tend to fish mostly trout parks, and flat water lakes from the banks or to the banks. I was thinking about whether there is really a need for the WF. What are others thoughts on this issue?

Thank you very much for that advice. My line is just the one that came with the Dogwood Canyon setup I have. I imagine it's probably the Hobbs Creek line from BPS.

I have never cleaned my fly line. It is about two years old, but has only really seen one good season of use at the trout parks. I did buy a pack of the SA line cleaning pads. So here's my question.....should I also buy a lubricant or dressing? Would I pair it up with the pad (i.e. on the pad while wiping the line)? This part of the sport is new to me. With my spincast rods line was cheap and easily replaceable.

Time to Upgrade-----Max Available Spending Cash $200 (maybe $225.00) I'm in the market for a new rod/reel combo. I'm thinking of either a 7'6 or 8' 3wt or 4wt for trout parks. I currently have a Dogwood Canyon 9' 5wt. That was my starter rod/reel combo.It's not horrible, but not my favorite. I don't find the rod as responsive as I'd like. I also have a 8'6" Cortland Fair Play rod that I like better, and which says it's weighted as a 5/6. Had it for a few years and am probably going to start using it primarily for panfish/bass. Thinking about re-lining my Dogwood Canyon reel with some 6wt floating for the panfish/bass. Too heavy? Thoughts? So all in all...with my current spending limits.....would someone like to suggest a new outfit that will be a good fit for the trout parks/occasionally Taneycomo? My preference is going to be a four piece because I've found that a 57" rod tube is a bitch to put in a compact car, LOL.

Sadly, my spinnerbait proficiency is nil. I'm used to either my fly rod (which I know there won't be room), or plastics. Occasionally a crankbait or two. So.....white and/or chartreuse. Any particular recommendations on size, blades (single/tandem, willow, round, etc...)?

These are really amazing pictures. I had sent this link and the some of the others to my father in Florida. When he was up here visiting last year and we had gone to the hatchery. He was really shocked.

I have fished Lake Springfield before with varying success and have always been curious about the other side of the dam where the James River continues it's flow. How do you access it? Where is a good place to park? There seems to be a parking lot, but it is behind the gates of the power company. I've seen people fishing down there. Do you just walk the banks? Is it private property at some point? Also, what bites there, and what to use? Hopefully someone with some experience on that side of the dam wants to share their experiences.

Led Zep sang a cover. The song is old. Public domain by now and according to Wikipedia: "When the Levee Breaks" is a blues song written and first recorded by husband and wife Kansas Joe McCoy and Memphis Minnie in 1929. The song is in reaction to the upheaval caused by the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927. However, way too appropriate at the present time since it has. Thoughts and prayers all around.

I chime in......with respect to using the fly rod there, were you using a sinking line, sinking tip, or sinking leader? It really sounds like fun to use a fly rod like that and I hope to do so this spring/summer. As stated above, any info is appreciated.

Gordon Lightfoot when I'm feeling real mellow, or some Grateful Dead. Peter Gabriel when I'm pensive. Springsteen when I'm feeling pissed at the government. Or finally, some Iron Maiden, Ozzy, Nightwish, Children of Bodom, Dream Theater, or any European Power Metal when I'm just ragin'...... Like the fishing....it changes with the day, LOL

Haven't been out on it, but from the looks of it at the Hwy 65 bridge it's pretty muddy looking. Guess that storm really churned things up.

I take that to mean the motor got sold. So would that leave the boat as being offered for about $800? Is it at the shop?

Tim, Did you ever sell this porta-bote and/or motor? Was just curious about the status.

Whereabouts on the Niangua were you stepping?

When I finish up while working in Taney, it tends to be the closest. It's rarely occupied or busy. The times I've gone to Shadow Rock, I didn't even fare as well. Also never did well below the Powersite darn (for as much as I've heard about it). It's just a nice little park for some bank fishing. Maybe I'll launch my yak from it some time this summer. It's such peaceful and pretty spot.

So I took a about an hour and a half out of my day to get down to Empire Park and enjoy the sunshine. All I can say was it was darn windy. I pulled out the ultralight and put a bubble float on it, about 2 ft of 6x tippet and a #10 black beadhead wooly. Walked most of the bank just casting and reeling back slow/jerky. There were actually white caps and the choppy water seemed to hide my float's trail. I pulled in plenty of bluegill on it, one google-eye, and the crappie from the photo. Not too bad, and better than being at work.

Care to share a few things Tim? What's your set up (e.g. weight, tippet, etc.)? What size bugger? And for someone who has never fished a micro jig, what's the technique to fishing those? Your wisdom is appreciated sir!

How High? Usually after smoking the whole joint, I'm too high to paddle straight at all. Just kidding........I couldn't resist.

What size spinnerbait were you using? Double or single blade? I've tried Springfield Lake many times from kayak and shore. I've thrown Beetlespins, grubs, wooly worms, and cranks. Never got a darn thing. Only time I caught anything was on worms and then it was gills and a catfish. I'd love to know the secret to cracking this lake and where they're all hiding since it is the closest to me and gas is through the roof. What about maybe a shaky head with a 6in worm? Good old Texas rig? Tips and tricks welcome.....

I've got a Perception Prodigy 10 ft. I've done no mods on it yet, but I am contemplating it this summer. A little nervous about modding it. The first year I had it I went out several times on Lake Springfield. The second year it was garaged because I was sidelined with some med issues. This year, I definitely want to explore it more. At some point I want to consider a motor mount and a trolling motor. But that's in the future a bit. I did take an exploratory driving trip about a week ago to the Kerr Access, Shelvin Rock, Hooten Town, and the Delaware town access. I see that the river flows at different speeds in different areas. Unfortunately, I'm not in a position to have someone pick me up at the next access so I will have to paddle back up river to where I began. Is there one area that's better than another for this?

Nice looking fish. Where did you put in and take out? Other than Springfield Lake, I've never taken my yak out on the James. I'd like to. I love to give fishing it a try. I just never really knew where the best places to do so are since no matter where I put it, I'll have to paddle back there to get out. Also, what size cranks were you using?

Personally, I'd love to see more links or articles on techniques and such that is more regional specific and less general. I'd also consider links to people's blogs, and maybe links to area lodging. Kind of making it a one-stop for someone from outside the area to get a feel for what's available for fishing in the Ozarks without having to delve too heavily into the forum.

The river's condition is cold and wet Just kidding, condition...I do not know. Ultralight set up......I would use a size 10 or 12 aberdeen hook with a half a lucky worm on it. You should also consider a bubble and fly rig. I've found those very effective on ultralight setups. Elk hair caddis is doing well. Last weekend I took quite a few on hare's ears and bead head princes. Don't let the ultralight stop you from using flies. Its really the best way to go. Stop in to Tim's Fly shop about a mile up from the park on 112 heading into the town of Cassville (or towards the park depending on how you come in). He can give you all the dirt on what they're hitting on and what the condition is. When using a bubble and fly rig, I can't say enough about the fish food flies from Tim's. I tie two or three of them on about 18" apart with some bb weight and then fish them in the outflow near the hatchery. Always takes fish. Not too sporting, but I get to eat. If you want sporting, I have had luck on plastic worms (as stated above), bumble bee pattern rooster tails, Rebel crick hoppers (although it may not be hot enough yet), and heavier wooly worms on ultralight.

(1) Start by going to Tim's Fly shop and talking to him. See what he recommends. (2) If you just wanna catch fish, buy the "Al's Fish Food" flies at Tim's fly shop. I fish it on a 2 or 33 fly rig up by the twin falls outlets just below the hatchery. Let them drift out into the outflow and start catching.... I was there yesterday and took about a dozen on them that way. (3) I have always had luck on tan elk hair caddis as well. Blue wing olives work great too. That's my 2 cents.