Wayne SW/MO

I like. When i got my tarpon I immediately put a rod holder on it, then realized it be more like trolling for a tree. I generally carry 3 in the same area, but loose, and I like your idea better. The biggest problem I have is in snagging the rope I keep in the front handle as a leash. In my solo I can just slide them under the seat and keep the tips in the bow.

There are lampreys in Bull Shoals and I would assume possibly the whole system.

I agree with Flysmallie about the popper and the leader. I fish BS walking the bank and as a rule a small yellow foam spider will keep you busy. I do alright with clousers and crawdad flies like the foxee redd and the claw dad, if you tie. The foam spider though is more fun to me than stocker trout and can be addictive.

Griz I understand what you're saying, I've spent a lot of time on wild rivers in OR, but that's what is available in OR. Here it's the spring branches that can accomodate a lot of people with different styles. My complaint is that every time the concessionaire see's a chance to make more money something is torn down or added. Then a park superintendent comes along and disregards all the traditions and changes more. The end result is always that what little natural experience there is in the park is further diluted. What was done to Bennett in regards to camping and lodging is inexcusable, but probably to be expected from the Missouri DNR. Anyone remember Hillbilly days and the huge crowds that enjoyed it? Too many vendors that didn't kick anything back to Rogers to allow that to continue. If i sound like I'm bitter it's because I am that a few individuals ruined a great place. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

X2

We were there Sunday AM, but crowded and slow. I understand that Saturday was much better, naturally. Crappie fishing in the old channel would have been alright if the wind hadn't been ferocious.

Mine was during the first week of deer season, 18". I agree though that my best numbers of quality fish have come in the fall. I don't think there is a true summer pattern in the streams and that's why everyone just keeps throwing at every little change.

To tell the truth most of the fish have only seen a pellet hatch, so it's often easy to just make your own hatch. Like Wrench said, something cream or celery in the 18-24 will generally always get hit. An EHC in olive 16 will generally always get hit in a fast flow. Sometimes a 16-18 Renegade will do the trick. I should add anything yellow with wiggly legs and not too big, -14.

I agree with Ham. The biggest difference between TR and BS is the number of people, with BS having less. The fish should be on the banks so do what you do best.

And all you have to look forward too is adding some years to the mix that will enhance all those feelings. You are right though it is time, aargggh'

I'm fully aware of it, but in regards to this thread, I don't recall anyone on TR being interviewed about noisy ski boats or extensive discourtesy on TV around here. This did hit the news, maybe it depends on who you know?

My place is always full of seed ticks unless I put down an insecticide. I'm always reluctant to however because it has to be wet and then dry to be safe. We keep the dogs treated for them and it works. One of my dogs is big and hairy and if he lays on something light colored in the summer it will be covered with dead seed ticks when he leaves. I haven't been able to handle them since chemo for some reason and I go the extra mile. I wear gum boots in the yard or woods and when I'm camping I go heavy on the spray. A person can also treat clothing and I have some, but I seldom use it unless I know I'll be exposed for a long period of time. The problem with worrying about deer is that ticks cam go a very long time without a host, not to mention they will go to any warm blooded animal.

Does the MDC have anyone on the lake anymore Bill?

I don't believe they are suppose to swim in the spring branch. They can swim in the creek that enters it, but I believe that's it. The park fishing rules apply down to the whistle bridge below where the lake was.

Funny, no complaints about the big cigar boats or I/O ski boats, the one that spend lots of money. The whole uproar is just an extension of the constant oversight by a few who think if they own a house on the lake they should have more say then the public about what goes on. It's the same mentality that produces some of the signs on some private docks.

It's looking good here, so far.

Then what would the bass eat when the shad go to mid lake?

I'll try to find mine this next week. I don't need flies, I need to lose some.

I agree, I fished it the first time in '59, I believe, and the only things that look the same are the bridge, the dam, and the tower. The spring doesn't even look the same, but the biggest change is that most of the holes are gone. Most of the places that are named as holes, were actually holes, and you couldn't see the bottom, the rest couldn't be waded. The spring has slowed and that has changed the speed of the water. I miss the old CCC store, Henry's, Vogels, the campground above the spring, even Springview, maybe the old Charlie.

Hey Harry, long time no see, you still in Texas? Just had a couple of PM's with JimM.

Actually there are places on TR that are less inhabited, but BP doesn't own a resort in those sections. I suspect that the world won't end if they come back and do it all over next year. I think it's all about promoting bow fishing because Jon Paul is a big fan. There's nothing wrong with it, but they didn't change the biology of the lake and in the end that's a good thing. The people who complain need to remember that the lake also has a secondary goal in providing recreation, and not just theirs.

In the end there isn't much a fellow can do. I had a similar experience at the TR dam about 3 years ago and it was easy for me, I haven't been back. I was near the bottom of the last steps working some fish that were taking midges on top. There were several people out in the flat chasing the resident bow's that are always there. I had about 20 feet of line out and was fishing within a few feet of the banks and parallel, but not blocking any path, when 2 fellows came towards the bank to leave. They saw my line and hesitated and then walked over my line without even a glance at me as they walked pass me to the steps. They could have reached the steps in the same amount of walking by turning before they got to my line.

5.

You might look back over some of the blog, missouriflies.com

You can get to it from a road on the west side of Galena, If you pull up a Google map you can find it.