fishinwrench

I would lean toward relying more on the Paddlers guide than I would CT's book. I get the impression that he hasn't floated much....and prefers to fish within walking distance of the accesses. You may have some "jet boat company" below Rochester rd. And will definately have some below Schlicht if during the weekend. I haven't floated any of those stretches entirely, but have put in (and paddled UP several miles) from some of the accesses you mentioned.

Took a look at it today (Monday), it's still moving alot of mud and I considered it "boderline fishable", we decided to play in the park. Lots of Browns caught today and a massive tan caddis hatch on the lower end began at about 5pm.

Doggonnit....the Niangua can't get a break it seems, soon as it begins to clear up and stabilize...here comes another gully-washer. Then again, maybe this is just "the break" it needs. Ya ever wonder what the floor of lake Niangua looks like? Gotta be covered with bottles, cans, sunglasses and strings of multi-color beads.

Oh you should have seen it Tuesday, The "Wine growers of the World" convention did a float from Bennett to NRO...complete with two (2) jetboat/paramedic escorts. Fishermen were personally asked by the folks from NRO to "get out of the river" while they brought the jetboats in and got them all set up. They were as nice as they could be about it, and apologized afterwards....but still, something about that didn't set too well with me.

I'm trying to imagine what that would taste like.....Sounds alot like douche-pie Sorry....really.

I had a good day Tuesday, and I have a pleasant new attitude about the canoe traffic....when they comes in spurts (ie: groups) ever hour or so....it kinda wakes the fish up and moves them around. Within 10 minutes of a big group passing I experienced some really agressive multiple takes, this happened numerous times throughout the day. Also noticed a definate movment of fish into the shallowest part of the riffles late in the evening...even though it was cloudy all day. All of my fish except 3-4 were caught on a dark-olive soft hackle.

here's a pic of it....I think. blackbird

I don't think those hatches mean much to the trout in the river. It sure turns on the Chubs though. The trout in the Niangua stay so full of snails that they "rattle" when you land them. I'm thinking of experimenting with an epoxy snail pattern of sorts......seen any good ones ? Oh yeah, Prosperine access (Mountain cr.) is about 3-4 miles below Ho-Humm, on the right. Access by road is SW of Eldridge off N....go left @ end of the blacktop. I have plans to visit Barclay and another area Tues.

The trout I've caught below Ho-Humm have been considerably fewer, and usually accidental while fishing for other things. But the ones I have caught further down (as far as Mountain cr.) have been really good sized and looked healthy. For all intents and purposes though, the trout water ends at Prosperine, but there's always a few stragglers down as far as Leadmine.

Am I understanding You HHchub, to include fishing the White bass run, or fishing ANY shallow water area from March-late June ? Crappie along the banks in spring, ect. ect? C'mon now ! --------------------------------------------------------------------------- I knew it, I just KNEW IT, writing letters to the editor is just creating more interest in the article. It was a POS article....best move is to let it die quietly, IMO.

Irresponsible? I dunno, maybe. "Pointless"...for sure. There wasn't any useful information that anybody that fishes rivers in MO. didn't already know. I consider the article simply a vehicle for plugs, intended to bring a little business for a couple of guides and campground/resorts. I see no need for "letters to the editor", however I wouldn't be suprised if a few are being constructed at this very moment. I have confessed to being a bed-fisher before, I don't actually go out "targeting bedding fish", but normally I won't pass up the chance when I notice one......It's exciting to watch the fish react to a bait and I know I've learn alot by doing it. Every good angler has done it, and everyone trying to be a better angler has the right to do it. But I do feel that it is something we just shouldn't talk, or brag about in mixed company. One thing is for sure, if sombody, the right sombody makes a big enough stink about it we'll eventually have a "closed season", and I darn sure don't want that.

I'm paying attention, I just don't want the decision to depend on ME...for fear that something will "come up", as of now any time except May 27th is good for me....but you know how THAT goes. So you guys just make the call, I'll be there if at all possible.

The article in the May issue of Missouri Game&Fish oughta raise some hackles ! Apparently, writer Billie Cooper promotes bed fishin' for Smallmouth in the Meramec, Huzzah, Eleven point.... and giving pointers to help the newly initiated. Isn't Cory Cottrell a member here ?

Ok, I made the determination for myself today. As far as I can tell the sinking leaders negate any need for a second spool and sink-tip line. I especially liked the Rio 7ft./7ips for the fast,waist-to-chest-deep water we fished today. I prefer a nail knot leader connection on my floating lines, but doing the loop thing is a small price to pay, in order to be able to only pack ONE reel, and being able to switch so quickly.

Well, I'm just trying to decide if I actually "NEED" a spare spool and a F/S line for my newly aquired 6wt. outfit, or if I could accomplish the same thing with the sinking leaders. I swing Muddler type flys and leeches on a F/S line quite a bit, and I'm able to effectivly cover holes and runs that are 5-7 ft. deep with a 5wt. sink tip line. I like the "feel" and the depth control I have with the sink tip line, but if I can get the flys down...and keep them down with one of the sinking leaders, I wouldn't need to pack a spare spool in my vest.....which is constantly jabbing me in the kidneys BTW

I use a 10ft. sink tip line (actually trimmed to 8ft.) quite a bit, but I have yet to try any of the sinking leaders. Will they do the job of a sink-tip line...pull down #6-#4 Muddlers ect.?

I like med.arbor reels with silent(or very-very quiet retrieve)and a "decent" drag system. BUT, I won't spend more than 100 bucks on one, ever....well, maybe,someday. Cabela's Prestige (made by Okuma I think. I have 3 of those and like them alot.) And the new Pflueger Medalist Pro (just aquired this one...and I really like it so far).

algae bloom ?

Well, I emailed Pflueger and got a reply this morning. Looks like they are just gonna send me one right away.......no mention of $$$$$. How cool is that ?

I have to sound off on your comment..."raging waters". You are absolutly right, that stretch of the lower Niangua is downright dangerous. Very heavy water and the trickiest/wickedest strainers I have yet to see....and it's one right after the other, in certain stretches. I'm suprised you don't hear of many-many drownings in that area. Two years ago I had a few extremly tense moments paddling solo in my OT Guide 147 just up from Bird Island. We fly-fished a mid-section area Friday and had a really good day troutwise...only one Smallie though. Still can't locate the better Browns.

I'm having trouble finding a spare spool for this reel. The place where I bought it says they CAN get one, but it will be "a while" before the next order goes out........Well, patient I'm not. I want it all, and I want it NOW! LOL Are there any Pflueger dealers out there that can help? BTW, I need a Cortland 444 or 333 WF-6-FS line at the same time.

If dish soap won't cut it you'll have no other choice but to....Go fishin'every chance you get.....the more time you spend on the water, the quicker they'll come clean. And if they don't, you'll at least wear them out sooner so they can be replaced with a prettier pair.

I'm listening ! She got a good flush, oughta be awesome once it stabilizes.

By definition, "used for commerce" should include streams that are (or ever were)...dredged for gravel, and said gravel "sold". Should you ever have to go to court over such a matter, I think that argument would clear you.....although it will cost more in lawyer fees than the trespassing fine would have cost. But it's a principle matter, or should be. You, your kids, and everyone else looses rights to a stream forever if you pay the fine. Once it goes on county record that a person got convicted for Trespass, for being at a "certain place"... then it becomes "THE LAW"...in that county, so from that day forward access to that "certain place", and all "similar places" are lost forever. That's kind of a huge deal to me. Besides, when landowners are allowed to "claim as their own" a section of river/stream....they will routinely do things to harm areas downstream of them. Keeping the rivers/streams public keeps those activitys in check.