Gavin

Genetic testing should provide some insight on that, one way or the other. The premises is that an unaltered/very lightly altered legacy population of trout would be very different (genetically) from a population of trout raised in a hatchery where man can select for traits/rush evolution.

I think there is some truth to the story. Spence Turner compiled all the old stocking records from the U.S. Fish Commission when he was one of the trout biologists for MDC. There are records out there, maybe a report, and Chuck Tryon used it for most of the information contained in his Missouri Trout book. I'm sure someone has access to those records in some format. It is cited often, but I've never seen it. There is another book out now about Missouri trout history or something to that effect. Hargrove tried to stuff one in my hand at the shop a couple months ago, but I declined. I really don't give a crap where a trout came from anymore. It's a trout...OK, stop talking, that's enough. Speaking of Chuck T, I did find a box full of BUB Flies that I got from him years ago when packing for the winter float. Gosh he was a horrible tier!

Think the Gateway TU folks are gonna do some genetic testing. The truth is out there.

Wouldn't your tourney be better at a trout park? Put more than two or three out on a creek that size and nobody has a good day.

Poof! And just like that....Fishing went down hill.

Lucky I have more than one, LOL! If the waters low I’d probably fish a moderate action 8-9’ 5wt. If fishing with generation, 10’ 5wt for nymphs and the spinning rod would come out. Fishing giant streamers on a 7-10 wt is just not my kinda fun. You just wear yourself out and catch few fish. Might fish a 2/3/4wt for giggles. Big trout aren’t very hard to land on wide featureless gravel flats.

First for me today. Found my late Aunt’s recipe for cheesecake. Turned out well. Still as good as it was 40 years ago.

Caught a couple brown trout last weekend and the fishing was pretty darn good for those who went after them. Several over 22" caught & released. Best Ice show in awhile.

Great fish and photo! Congrats

If you find some holler. I prefer glass lenses...and they are not cheap. I've had some pairs for years until lost or destoyed. .

I wouldn’t say that STL commercial bbq has a style, and if it does it’s a fusion of Memphis & KC. It’s nothing that I can’t do better in my back yard because they tone the spices down, and meat quality varies so much. Home style STL bbq does have a style. Pork steaks charred, then smothered in vinegar based Maull’s or Open Pit bbq sauce is about as South STL as you can get. Maybe the snoots at Smokie O’s if you want North STL bbq.

What? Figured the brain trust here would have this solved by now! 🤣

You could get a ticket, but the odds of that happening are low. Montauk is closed Monday-Thursday, and closed below the handicapped pier to the wire all winter long, but I see folks fishing it all the time when we camp there in the winter. Not worth my vacation time, I’m not the game warden.

Yes....teach gun safety and marksmanship first! Most people have incredibly poor gun handling skills. Like that Hollywood weasel whom I won't name.

Rewrapping a custom rod should not be free. My custom guy (Tom Hargrove) charges for it, plus costs. Not a big deal on a fly rod since your usually just wrapping one section out of 4. I usually order an extra fly rod tip from the manufacturer when I send a fly rod back for a blank warranty. I wrap my own spinners and casters...The guides get scraped and they into the tomato stake pile when I break one of those...I keep lousy records on that stuff and lose the ugly decals..

If you have information about the fire at the Ranger Station contact the NPS at 888-653-0009

Oxy's make me think funny too.

Did a prime rib last night. Reverse seared it at 250 till it hit 120 (about 3 hrs). Pulled & Rested it on the counter for 45 minutes, then covered with a stick of soft butter and into a 550 degree oven for 15 minutes, pulled at 130 and it was perfect, crusty & rare edge to edge., No need to rest it further, just slice and consume. Poaching gift box of Harry & David pears from the office unwanted pile today. Poached pears, w pecans, & blue cheese to go with leftover beef tonight.

Okra comes from the store. Texas Hot Okra Pickles is all you need to know. Some use it fresh in gumbo as a thickener, but it is not to be combined with file powder. Fried is good for about a minute after it leaves the fryer, but it’s usually served as a lukewarm slimy mess. Jambalaya is another good use.

A dog is more trouble than a boat, so…….Forgetaboutit.

I’m done for ducks, it’s time to switch gears and trout fish.

I’ve seen some underwater video of winter smallmouth resting with their bellies in contact with the bottom of northern lakes. Allot of winter fish have dirty bellies so I figure that they probably do that here too.

My favorite is a 1/8oz black bear hair jig with a rabbit strip tail 4.5” long. Jig is an aspirin head (modify a ball head).. Ned or slider should work too. The Hard part is finding them. Those spots can be small, but you can pound them when you find them. Fish in the afternoon. 6-8’ of water can’t see bottom slack current, fish the sunny side. Jerkbait fishing for trout is more fun.

I'm not sure your talking to the right people. Up here the sheriff deals with the jail & the court system, and the police departments deal with the public, make arrests, write citations, etc. Have you hired an attorney yet? Probably a good idea. Let them chase down the owner for you.

Glad you are have a good season. The east side has birds, but the ducks are very stale. Still lots of gadwall, pintails, and teal around, mallard numbers low.