walleyed2

I just want to thank everyone for answering this question. I really feel that it could have been answered without the "hidden agenda" on the first call, when I asked a simple question..."Can you tell me why the access is closed"? All That had to be said is that we are building an access to the slope." One call...one answer, but a truthful answer. I just don't get it. I am an OH transplant of over 30 yrs. We don't do the floating on top of the water/non tresspass, then the walking trespass thing there. The bank up to the high water mark is public, but in MO we play these games and in some cases a dangerous game. Our money supports these issues, companies, etc in most cases and still they act as if they need to hide things. Yes we needed a gentler slope, but not a boat launch. But, I do appreciate it all. Just wish that unlike City Utilities in Springfield...where we are owned and operated for the people and by the people, but everything they do is WITHOUT THE PEOPLE, TOTAL CRAP. There was some excavation done on Table Rock and some question about the impact...but our money goes to no answers, poor service, and questionable processes. I am a very flexible guy that just doesn't do well with deceit, and spending my money on things that you say I have no say so/or need to have no knowledge of...sorry...I am my mother's child.

Does anyone know why Shelvin is/was closed? I called the conservation dept and was VERY polite. I was told that the access points are closed when there is structure repair being done. I asked what structure. Then told there was bridge work being done. Then stated there are no bridges on Shelvin (and if there are they are on private property). Then the conservation personnel that I was speaking to hung up on me....I wasn't being argumentative, just inquisitive as I felt that was my right since my/our money goes to pay for access (and her wages)...just totally pissed and still without answers.

Hi SOXPAC. I have an old tub (older deep V) with an old Johnson outboard on it that has never let me down. I too am looking for a fishing partner because it is just too much of a pain to launch/trailer on my own. I also have a 16 foot canoe that I use because it is just easier to handle off of my SUV on my own that I have outfitted with a trolling motor. I am about 20 years older than you by number, but maybe only 10 years older in spirit...w/a good sense of humor. I also have children/grandchildren that I try to spend fishing time with. See my profile and contact me if you are interested.

It is time for me to step out...does that mean I know more.....Heck No....every contribution makes a difference. (as proved by the Springfield activity level.....it sucks) I have had the honor to stay the night at Lilley's....(great place, w/rates that are also great). I am getting up in age and am a OH transplant, who used to watch Field and Stream on TV in the early days. I fished the James River with advice of Fins & Feathers in Springfield years ago, caught a Smallmouth, (actually wading w/o drowning), that jumped between me and the sun. The fish flipping back and forth, the water thrown off of the fish...even some of the colors in the water dropletts...then to land the smallmouth...release it....GOD....I saw everything in it's ever loving glory. I new then that I was really at home. It brought back that feeling deep in my soul, that I felt watching those programs years ago. Outside of my family, this is truly why I live (outside of my grandchildren, and video game every now and then), I had also fell in Love with TECH back in the day before desktop computers....and NO I am not ashamed of my age....as Grandpa Bear would say....mrrijbm irmmrimikm,,,youngins.

Okay guys (and as I have noticed lately....girls...Welcome...I have always admired women who take up the sport)... I have followed the forum for a few years and have not had much to contribute. I need to ask, and it may already be posted already, is there a place for fishermen to go on the forum to find NEW waters to fish? My son and I had started to check out new spots (2 to 5 miles of wading), then he moved to Oregon. So I lost my fishing partner and my inspiration to just travel find a hole and fish it. Plus when fishing solo there are so many other things that can go wrong if you trespass/and w/MO laws being what they are....I am a catch and release fisherman when it comes to Smallmouth. So you wouldn't have to worry about me wrecking your spot like some of the spots. I used to fish on the James years ago, because I eat what I catch,outside of Smallmouth, or give it to someone that needs it after I clean them first and they are never bass. Also looking for scenic spots to float, somewhat close to the Springfield/Ozark/Nixa/Branson areas for my grandchildren (including my granddaughters), other than the standard James River Shelving Rock access to Hootentown. (Not meaning to disparage Hootentown Floats) Also I am looking for a fishing partner, male or female who LOVES to fish....I have a 17 foot canoe w/trolling motor, and a 17 foot V bottom (that I call the TUB), that is very reliable and serviced yearly. Just tired of the 4 step launching/take out issues that comes with fishing a big boat on your own. My next step is a fishing yak this fall. Many Thanks for whatever advice you can give me

First let me say that I am a riverwalker. I learn so much from this forum. I by no means know a tenth of what a lot of the contributors know about the "Rock." But, I want to thank both Bill and Lilley for their input. It starts a conversation that teaches some, challenges others, and hopefully protects what we all LOVE fishing. For whatever species. On one hand there is a question.....unanswered. On the other hand and I thank you Phil, there was a connection to MDC w/an explanation. I volunteer to do water quality tests for the MDC and know that if you have a question they may not answer here, but they will give you answers if you ask. There are a lot of answers.....but, first you have to ask the questions.

When I lived in Springfield I would "dig" down by the stream that runs through Fassnight Park. I used the "" around dig because I used a garden hand trowel to just pick up the dirt/mud along the streambed remove the worms and put the dirt/grass back into place. I would do this EARLY in the mornings because I didn't want other people to destroy the beds/stream banks. I don't own this property, but we all do and I just ask that if anyone here does this that we be careful and try to leave things the way they were. Good Luck and Great Fishin'