Greg

Fly Guy I'm a long, long time Taney fisherman. Love Taneycomo but the White is definitely worth a trip. There's just so much more fishing water. And Rim Shoals is one of the most beautiful areas I've ever fished. My standard Taneycomo patterns have always worked well. I would add black and olive #10 wooly buggers or mohair leeches to your list though. Consider the Norfork too. It's in the same general area and I like it as much as the White. Woodchuck I live just north of Nixa and the White is a little over 2 hours (1 way) for me. A little over twice as far as Taney. Not a whole lot else to do there. Mountain Home is a decent little town with some fair restaurants and hotels. Not much else though. Certainly not like Branson (which is both good and bad). Greg

Nice one. Greg

I definitely see what you are saying Michael. I know how much time and effort go into the conclave. I wouldn't want to detract from that. But speaking from personal experience I just have a really difficult time getting to Conclave and the sowbug. Despite wishing to attend every year for the past 9 years - I've made it to exactly 1 conclave and 1 sowbug. Work (mainly WORK) and family just get in the way. If there was an event in Springfield or even Branson I would be much more able to attend. I would be willing to bet there are many, many fly fishers in this area in the same boat that I am. I guess it's all just hypothetical anyway. Greg

Thanks Michael (and DD) Greg

DD - very interesting and informative. I'd like to give it a try. At first when I saw the other members question about 8 or 9 wt it put me off. But you saying it's possible with a 5 or 6 wt makes me want to give it a try. One question though: What's "pencil weight"? I assume just a various sized weight in the shape of a pencil? Where do you get them? Thanks, Greg

I would definitely attend. Is there such a thing as too much fly fishing?? And seriously we need more young people involved in the sport. My 14 year old son doesn't know anyone else his age that fly fishes. The Springfield/Branson area is probably an untapped source of youth to bring into the sport. Greg

CC - I think I can help you. PM sent. Greg

Bredman - no offense but if you are meaning me and my back pain I don't think you read my posts very well. My pain is in the past. My MD referred me to a PT and my pain is mostly non-existent. As long as I do the excercises/stretching 5 or 6 times/week I'm pain free 99.9% of the time. At least in my case PT was the answer. If at some point that stops working then I would consider a chiropractor especially after reading doctaJ's and Phil Lilly's posts here. Greg

DoctaJ - yes I'm afraid I actually have heard at least a few negative comments made by both physicians and PT's regarding chiropractors over the years. So it works both ways. The physical therapist I know has actually said the same thing that you just did - that the 2 professions seem to be moving closer together. But you see in my particular instance the chiropractor I went to just did "adjustments". Period. There was no education on strengthening/stretching exercises, posture, etc. So obviously not all in your profession are as enlightened as you are. As we said good and bad in all fields. I had no idea chiropractors had that much education. But as I stated I know very, very little about your profession. I do think (and I'm sure you agree) that too many people with back pain rush to the knife (surgery) when chiropractic/PT would give them a better long term result. Thanks for your response. Greg

Looks like an interesting book. thanks-Greg

I'm an RN. Just as you stated in your last sentence above - there are good and bad members of all categories of health care professionals - physicians, nurses, chiropractors, physical therapists, etc, etc. There are true horror stories out there about doctors, chiropractors, and yes nurses. But speaking from personal experience pretty much every physician I've worked with over the past 25 years has been dedicated, caring, and competent. I'm not familiar with any in the chiropractic profession but I'm sure its the same. Sorry I just don't like to see the medical profession knocked like that. I've personally had back pain off and on for over 20 years. I did try chiropractic and it didn't work for me. I'm not knocking it or the profession I'm just speaking for myself personally. For the past few years my pain has been pretty much non-existent. Just minor flare ups once in a great while. What worked for me? At the suggestion of my wonderful family PHYSICIAN I went to see a physical therapist (who also happens to be a friend). He showed me a variety of strengthening and stretching exercises. And also talked to me about posture and a proper balance between rest and exercise. When I do those regularly I just don't have much pain at all. And I do wear a back brace at times when I'm going to be fishing/wading all day. I also use ibuprofen when I have a minor flare up. So I guess bottom line is I'm throwing out a physical therapy consult as another option for you. It sure worked for me. I hope it gets better for you as back pain is truly miserable. Greg

Way back in the late 70's my brother and I and some buddies were floating the 11 point. The river was up and at one point on a rather difficult stretch both canoes turned over. Some of our gear floated downstream. Before we could retrieve it some rather odd looking characters ran out and scooped some of it up (coolers, etc) and took off. Kind of creepy and ruined our trip. When we asked the guy we rented the canoes from about it he said that was normal for the area!!! Regardless I'd still like to float/fish the 11 point again. Greg

Thanks Tim Greg

Thinking of driving down on Sunday. Can anyone tell me how fishable (fly rod) RR is with all the rain we've had? Greg

Nice report. Some of the best dry fly fishing I've had has been on the Current. And it's amazing how picky they can be. Particularly regarding the drift. Greg

DRC was a blast as always. My son was a bit disappointed that he didn't catch any 20" + fish. But he probably caught 30 fish in the time we were there so how can you complain about that? That was a pretty decent cutthroat (thanks). The picture really doesn't do it or the brown justice (cheap camera gotta get a better one someday). I know it's been said before but the fish on the Norfork (all 4 species) have some of the most vibrant colors of any fish anywhere. Don't know why that is? Brian - yeah it's hard to believe our youngest is that old. He'll be 15 and driving with a permit this fall. He's almost 6 feet tall. I think he was only 8 or 9 when you and Matt took him out on that guided trip. Enjoy your kids while you can. I can already see the end coming. Greg

Field and stream recently put out their list of the 25 greatest flies of all time. In my opinion it's not a bad list. I was surprised that the Clouser was #1 but considering it is used in both fresh and saltwater I guess I can see it. I've never used a black ghost and was surprised by that as well. My favorite dry fly is the griffith's gnat and I was pleased to see it made the list. Here is the link if you haven't seen it: http://www.fieldandstream.com/fiveflies Other thoughts? Greg

Here are a few pics from my families trip to Arkansas a few weeks ago. The fish are a cutthroat and brown from the Norfork. The other is of my 14 yr old son as we were getting ready to fish dry run creek. The fishing was good for us that weekend (norfork and DRC). Greg

Really?? That's news to me. I think most fisheries biologists would disagree. Catch and release helps everyone - both catch/keep and catch/release anglers. And it's been proven time and again to improve the size and quality of the fish in most any lake or stream. And that most released fish do survive. I know there are a few exceptions (such as bluegills overpopulating and becoming stunted) - but in general it works especially where very popular game fish like trout and bass are concerned. I'm primarily a trout angler although I do occasionally fish for bass. And I do practice catch and release. But I never look down on or chastise anyone keeping legal fish. That's their right. In general I like these discussions and think they are great. But I do get a little upset when someone that keeps fish regularly states catch and release doesn't work or isn't worthwhile. I'm proud of the fact that I haven't kept a trout or bass in years. Greg

Here's a pic of a decent bow caught on 4/15

Snuck off early today from work and fished at Bennett this afternoon. Had a great time. I was worried from all the spring reports of less fish and smaller fish but I sure didn't notice that. Lots of fish and quite a few decent fish in the 15" to 16" range. Got a pic of one nice rainbow I'll post later. Stream is up and flowing fairly fast. Somewhat off color. Used a double tungsten weighted nymph rig to get down to them. Not too many people out. Overall an outstanding afternoon. Some of the bows were beautifully colored almost like wild trout. Didn't catch any browns. Flies used: hares ear, scuds and zebras. Fished both zone 1 and 2. Greg

Have you ever talked to an MDC fisheries biologist? I would bet there are some on staff specializing in small waters such as yours. They could probably give you a lot of good advice. Greg

Jerod I'm not an expert on the White and norfork. Like you I'm much more familiar with Taney. But I do have some experience. I LOVE Rim Shoals. To me it's the most scenic and beautiful access point on either river. The one time I was at Wildkat Shoals the fishing was good and it was very uncrowded. It's just a different atmosphere than Rim. At wildkat bait fishing is allowed. Rim is catch and release. I like them both. I've never been to roundhouse but plan to. When we've made the trip down to Ark I've fished the Norfork much more often than the White simply because of the generation thing. But that's not a bad thing. I love the Norfork and have had some great trips there. I've done well at both accesses (handicap and just below the dam). I've always caught more cutthroat and brook trout from the Norfork than the White too. I've done well with the very same flies and techniques that work at Taneycomo. One thing to keep in mind though: Know where the catch and release areas are. If you are fishing them make sure your flies are barbless or have it smashed down. The Ark wardens do make periodic checks. I've heard of big fines being levied if you are caught or even if your barb is not smashed down sufficiently. Greg

Chief I had exactly the same reaction when I read this thread!! I'm going to be brave and post too though. For years my father had part ownership of a condo in Florida. It was right on the beach in Sand Key (beside clearwater beach). I used to keep a cheap saltwater spinning rig at the condo. Whenever we were there I would generally fish an hour or so daily on the beach right outside the condo. I'd either baitfish with shrimp or throw a big spoon lure. Never caught much to speak of. Occasionally I'd catch a sea trout or 2. Once a decent sized flounder. But mostly those danged ocean catfish. But one evening at sunset maybe 9 or 10 years ago when throwing the spoon - I hooked up with something BIG. It took several long, long runs making the cheap spinning reel scream and buck like it was going to fall apart. Finally got it in or within 5 feet of where I was wading. It was a huge snook. The only one I've ever caught. Maybe 20 lbs? I had intentions of dragging him up on the beach and unhooking him. But as I reached for him he gave one more lunge and the hook came out and he was gone. No witnesses. I told my wife but no one else. Until now. Greg

Thanks Brian. Greg