rmueller

Trout parks in the summer, especially at the opening whistle are typically free-for-alls. I have had great luck fishing Maramec park during mid-day (fly fishing). It is much more relaxed after the people who are taking fish have gotten their limit. Try the park (during the week if possible) after noon. Often, the fish have taken up holding lies that allow for sight fishing. Also, the winter catch and release (last year it was open 7 days a week) provided good fishing and a lot of solitude. Good luck with the new fly rod.

Some of those monster trout are monster carp...would still be fun to hook one though! Good luck.

Have you read Midge Magic? They present several variations of color, materials, etc. They discuss dying thread to match exact coloration of local (eastern US) midge pupae...that is pretty exotic I guess.

Antron yarn. Cheap and lots of colors. Separate a few strands from the yarn and tie in. MizzouFF, I am also here at mizzou. Do you spend anytime at Clearwater flyshop in Columbia?

I agree with the suggestion of the tioga reel. I own the #2, #4, #6 & #8 all with multiple spools. I got all the reels from the same ebay store (ranchodeluxe) that was mentioneed by depenrod. You can get a #4 with a spare spool for around $130 (this includes shipping). I have found the tiogas to be tough and dependable. They have tons of backing capacity and a great drag system. They are "fully caged" reels and that can get a little anoying when trying to initially retrieve the leader/tippet while stringing up your fly rod...but thats about it. The orvis mid arbor is a nice reel too and a little heavier than the tiogas. Hope this helps.

Hi Seth, I fished the park today and there are a lot of nice smallies. You will have to get deep to get them. I caught a 18" and 14" on a small pine squirrel leech pattern. Lots of goggle eye too. As you mentioned, the smallies in in the calm water just downstream from the pond hole. Good Luck.

Thanks for the clarification. RM

Hi Sam, I enjoy reading your detailed reports. What is your take on "rubber-legged" fly patterns? Is this considered a legal fly per Missouri definition? I often fish rubber-legged nymphs (stones) and dries (hoppers) on the Current with success. My opinion is that the rubber legs are not "soft plastics bait" or "soft plastic lures" and are attached to the fly. Your comment is appreciated. Ryan

Hey bob-o and others, I fished the Current in the park (catch and release) on 11/18 after a similar storm event. The water was up and slightly off-color but fishing was excellent. The recent storms are a welcome relief as the water in the park and blue ribbon section have been very low for the past several months. More rain is still needed. I use the USGS hydrograph that lilley directed you to as an indicator, however, the Akers Ferry gauging station is many river miles downstream from Montauk Park, Tan Vat, Baptist, etc and may be affected by rains "outside" of the headwater recharge area.