Jack Jones

Weaver Tackle Shop puts up an online report every week or so. Might be of interest http://www.missouritrout.com/weavers/report.html

Thanks guys. This forum is always such a great source of information. Appreciate it.

I notice Bear creek when I go down 65. As I'm taking 160 into Forsyth, I'm relatively certain that this is the creek I see near Walnut Shade where there is a now closed Mexican Restaurant that looks like it used to be a gas station also. Am I correct? If so, does anyone have any experience with fishing this water, and where would you park/fish from? I've been down 76 and saw where the creek is near the one gas station/trailers. I remember being told there was somewhere to park there, but it looked a little sketchy to leave my car there. Nothing against the people but the area I saw there looked rough and the gas station had full bars on the windows/doors. Not a good sign to me.

I've been there a few times and did some bank fishing. It wasn't very productive for me. They say there are muskie in that water. Who knows? When I get my kayak out this Spring, I'll probably head up there for a few trips this spring/summer to see what I come up with. My understanding from the online maps is there are some nice brush piles and decent fishing, but that a boat is practically required. I agree with you though Fulltilt, I'd like to see more posts about Fellows. I'd especially like tips, tricks, and just general ideas about the best places/times to fish it.

Had to be in Cassville for work today, so I finished up and took the rest of the day off to hit the park for a few hours. I didn't have my fly rod so I was using a bubble float rig. I tied on about 4 flies. Had a BH Prince, followed by Hare's Ear, then a fish food and glo-ball. Spaced them each about 18"-24" apart to cover a full column with some split shot in between. I took it up to Zone 1 on the Twin Falls pond right under the outlet. I didn't cast at all, just let the rig out with a little line. I would say that every 2-3 drops I took a fish in. Some were foul hooked, but most not. Didn't keep any. I got some good size ones from below in the pool. All in all, a nice waste of a few hours and it sure beats working. Thanks Tim for the advice, the flies, and being the best resource in that general area.

As your resident relocated Yankee, I must respectfully say UCONN!!!!!! GO HUSKIES

That is completely not a lame question. I was wondering it myself since I plan on replacing my fly line in the next month or two. I sat there thinking how do you tell which end to tie to the backing, and which end do you attached a loop/leader connection to. Glad to know I'm not the only one out there that ponders such mundane things. Now for the important part, please tell me which brand it is so I can avoid that issue......

Thanks guys. Those maps really put the river in perspective. I may just give it a go this weekend.

I just want to give a big thanks to everyone who provided input on this issue. You all gave me a lot of interesting opinions, options, and things to consider. I think I'm really gonna like this forum. Thanks.

Actually, I've been relatively satisfied with the Dogwood Canyon reel. It does have an adjustable drag, and I've played with that a few times. Does anyone have any input on fly lines to replace what's on their? I'm looking at Cabela's lines since I'm not sure I'm ready to spend $50-60 on line yet.

I'm not too familiar with the James River. I've tried to follow the map on Missouricanoe.org. However, some of your references escape me. What is Blunks? If I wanted to fish the James this coming weekend, and didn't have a boat, is there a particular bank spot that would be good? What about a kayak put-in to fish from? Any help would be appreciated as I familiarize myself with the Missouri waters local to Springfield, now that I live here. Thanks in advance.

Does anyone have any thoughts on the Orvis Streamline Combo?

So...I just got in to fly fishing about a year or so ago. I'm using a starter kit from the dreaded Bass Pro. It's one of their Dogwood Canyon kits. I managed to also dig up a Cortland Fairplay rod that I had as a teenager (when I did not take it seriously). I am looking to upgrade because I do feel the quality is lacking. It's been two years and I'm still using the same fly line on it. I mostly fish for trout at Taneycomo and Roaring River. I'm considering maybe trying for a little panfish and smallmouth as well. That said, I guess a 5/6 wt will probably do me just fine. Can anyone suggest a good upgrade kit, or piecemeal upgrade? I don't always have a ton of disposable income at one time, but tax refunds are a-coming. I was looking at the Temple Fork NXT outfit at Flyshack.com. Anyone have an opinion on that? Your wisdom is appreciated.

I've been there a few times not and got no where close to 20 fish in two hours. I was there for three hours and only caught one. What depth are you setting your tippet at below your float? I've been using scuds, but don't seem to get the same results as what I read. Care you help me with technique?

Only had a few hours today, but went anyway. I pitched pheasant tails and red midges in Zone one up near the hatchery. Caught a few small ones. Didn't do too bad on fish pellet fly and tiny caddis either. I was surprised at the number of tiny little ones. I switched it up after about an hour and a half. Took up my trusty ultralight spin gear. Sadly, my biggest fish today was on spinning gear and a rubber worm rather than a fly.

Whenever I go to Roaring River, I take 248 and cross a body of water called Flat Creek. Off 248, there is a conservation area that appears to link to it as well. Does anyone have any information about this creek? I'd be interested in fishing it, if I knew more about what is in it and where to go.

I'm a huge fan of the ones I've bought at Tim's shop. I always have good luck on them at Roaring River....almost to the point of it being unsportsmanlike. I haven't tried them at Taneycomo yet. I do know that Anglers and Archery sells the foam pellet ones. I haven't tried those yet.

Has anyone used a bubble and fly rig on Taneycomo? If so, what were your results, and what tackle did you use?

One of my goals for this spring/summer is to go on a float and fish trip for a day. I'm not particular to the river I float so I would take recommendations for any of them. For a frame of reference, I do live in Springfield, and would prefer to stay within a 2 1/2 to 3 hr radius. This is something I've never done and I wanted to give it a go. I have spinning gear and fly gear. I haven't decided which to take. I would probably take the spinning gear just because its cheaper to replace when I tip over, LOL So.....since you are all more learned and wiser than I, can I get some recommendations on outfitters and rivers where one with little experience can solo a canoe with little hassle, and fish from it for an afternoon. I'd prefer to find somewhere that is kind to idiots and amateurs (since I will be in that category right there). I would also prefer an outfitter that transports up river and allows you to float back to their site. Any recommendations on what to fish for and what lures to use would also be helpful. As a side note, I also own my own kayak, but don't want to mess with it all the first time out. Typically, I've just taken the yak out on to Lake Springfield to paddle around a bit. I did a little fishing from it on Lake Springfield, but not much. If this trip is successful, I'll look for outfitters that will transport me and the yak, and allow me to float back.

I will try fishing below the darn. I'll probably try the Empire Beach access side. Is there good bank fishing there? I don't have a particular species I like to fish for. If I'm going for trout, I'll break out the fly rod. Any suggestions on flies below the darn? Also, if I'm spinning, I'll be seeking walleye or bass. Suggestions on lures from the bank? I've driven to Shadow Rock park. I've noticed the area that appears to be a tailwater on the left side of the road if you're heading east. Is this Swan's Creek? I'm new to the whole Bull Shoals/Taneycomo fishing area, so I don't know all the names or areas yet.

I frequently work in and near Forsyth. I've gone to Empire Park a few times and just threw in some Power Nuggets. I could use some advise on lures, and places to fish either around Empire, or a little further down 160. I'd love to throw some line after work once in a while, and would be on foot. I can fly rod it also. Any particular place or targets down that way?