Arofishing

I see. So while you were catching brown trout on the NFoW I was: 1) hiking the most grueling 14 mile stretch of my life 2) in the middle of a 30 mile hike 3) being severely dehydrated because we gave our water to the two that turned back and there were no streams 4) with a 60+ pound pack on my back 5) carrying an extra 5 pounds of fishing gear that I didn't even need because there were no fish Yeah, I'd say you made the right decision in not pursuing my little plan for spring break.

Speaking of your third bullet point, I've got a funny story about picking up Crane trash. I was there about 3 weeks ago now and picked up this old can of Natty Light in the upper wire section. Well, I threw it in my car and kind of forgot about it and it got pushed under a seat. Fast forward a week and a half, I take a trip out to California, and my cousin in law, along with my grandfather in law, are nice enough to pick me up at the airport. They bring my car so I don't have to drive back to get it after I eat. Once we're done I get in the vehicle and that Natty Light can is rearing its ugly head in the middle of the passenger side floor. I think to myself, "Oh, crap, they are going to think I drink and drive, that I'm an alcoholic and whatever else." Sure enough, I text my cousin in law and ask if he saw the can and told the story. He says, "No worries, I just assumed you were some white trash back road drunk driver." Something tells me I am going to be hearing about this at family gatherings for awhile...

I might see you there Saturday. Let me know if you want to carpool. Edit: I'll bring the worms .

Did you have any luck? I just got back from California, and with this beautiful weather, I'd think the bass would be out in no time. That water has got to be warming up considerably.

So jealous! You should have told me man, I might have accompanied you (I know, I know, you don't want my bad ju-ju scaring all the fish away). How was driving there and back in a day? I've thought about doing it but I figured I'd be so exhausted it wouldn't be worth it. Seriously, if you want to do another day trip in the coming weeks just let me know, I'll even drive and let you sleep. That is how desparate I am.

When do they come out? What is the magical water temp? My first winter/spring season trying to fish in the Ozarks and I can't find any warmwater fish. I wanted to do something other than trout, so I waded up stream from Sunshine yesterday, but no fish. I knew I was in trouble right when I get in, the water felt reeeeaaaal cold. The river is as high as I've seen it (which isn't long, only last summer until now). I ended up just hiking quite a ways up stream, very enjoyable.

How does one get the legs to come out the back of the popper like that? Did you use thread and then glue over it?

I don't know if there is anything irrational about it. If you care about the fish and care about causing them any unnecessary and additional discomfort then that sounds like a darn good reason to get away from treble hooks. I am the same way.

I use Zap a Gap. It can leave a visible residue (out the sides etc...) so I'd use it conservatively. Actually, that is one reason to glue and then cut, so you can just cut off whatever excess glue comes out the sides.

What a novice...poking yourself. That's something I'd do.

I glue and then cut. Depending on the complexity of the shape I am cutting, and the desire symmetry, this generally works out well. Nothing else comes to mind. Did you look at this thread on here: hoppers ?

I wondered about weight too.

I just started tying some BWOs in size 18 but I only have wet fly hooks. What is the difference between wet and dry, I've assumed it is the shape of the hook? Do I need to make a run to the store to get dry hooks or is it not a big deal?

As others have said, wrap it right on top of the thread you just laid down (or close to it).

I agree. This is mine, it's like a regal knock off from BPS: http://www.basspro.com/White-River-Fly-Shop-Crown-Spring-Tension-Vise/product/10220904/73530 LOL, in looking at the picture I just realized I've been using the base of it upside-down. Maybe less scarring now?

Where abouts are you guys fishing? I take it you're a ways down on the lower James, the Galena area? I stopped fishing the James around Springfield, well, because I couldn't find any darn fish!

You guys caught 100% more fish than me yesterday, looks like a great time.

Interesting. Is it very stable (does it stay upright) with all those feathers?

Pinch down my barbs. I'm not worried about losing a fish, but I am worried about ripping off some of the fish's skin/mouth on account of a barb being a pain in the butt.

Division eventually runs into the James, just follow it and never get off it. I haven't had a ton of success there, but I did catch a nice smallmouth downstream once (there is a video of it on here somehwere, taken this summer).

Oh yeah, I've had the Osprey for some months now. It has served me well but I haven't landed a lunker on it and legitimately "tested" it yet either. I'm planning on picking up a Classic from the outlet center for my other rod and a trip to Canada this summer.

One of my favs too, I haven't used mine as much as I'd like, and that is usually because I've been after smaller bass and panfish. But I still have it and I'm looking forward to the spring!

I fish off 125 brige east of town quite a bit. That is my go to spot. I also fish off of Division St., but there isn't really any parking, so I usually do it with my bike. In other related questions, where do all the fish go in the winter? My last 3 or so trips to my usual spots have been a complete bust. I heard from one source that the fish congregate in underwater caves and springs during the winter. I was also wondering if they migrate down to Lake Springfield or to deeper pools on the lower section? I've also heard they are still there and that I have to do a better job of putting the fly right in front of their face. Anyone know?

I am cognizant of what you're saying, but my thought process is that I'm not going to catch any darn fish anyway . My first trip there I crossed the creek with my foot in the water a total of one time. The second I crossed more like five times, but I was always conscious of where I stepped and avoided the spots Andrew told me about previously. I treat each and every trip as a learning experience and I'm hoping by my fifth trip or so I'd actually be in a position whered I'd be disappointed if I didn't catch one. At this stage I'm having a hard enough time not losing flies and presenting flies in a manner that doesn't scare everything. In sum, I really don't view myself as a threat to the fish. Additionally, we've been blessed with some really nice days recently. Crane is the closest place where I can get outside, enjoy the weather, and do something I really enjoy. If the NFoW was closer I'd have no reservations about going there instead.

I don't know, those photos are pretty darn good. The first one is especially distinct. The second is a little tough to tell whether those are dry patches or beds, but there would be no reason for the water to mysteriously drop right there. Sounds like more tying and even some fishing (possibly) this Saturday!