Greg

Hey I've never worn a skirt in my life!! At least not in public. LOL. But seriously - I certainly wasn't the only one that took offense at your comments. Even Phil (who was as you say doing his best to remain impartial) thought your comments were "in your face" as he put it. Sorry but it wasn't a matter of "reading the story past the headline". It's what was in the story that was a little offensive and factually inaccurate. Sorry but you can't expect to make flippant offhand remarks about a sport I and many others on this forum love and not expect to be called on it. That's what "men" do - stand up for what they believe in. What you did would be like me going on the table rock section of this forum which I would assume is primarily composed of bass fisherman and start spouting off about bass fishing - making fun of the huge boats, tournaments, etc. That's just not the right thing to do nor would I ever even contemplate doing so. Greg

You put that very, very well Dano. Thank you. But I'm also glad to see I wasn't the only one that found those comments at least a little offensive. I was afraid maybe I was getting thin skinned in my old age. Just one other thing - I went fishing on upper Taney today. Not much luck for the 1st hour or so. It wasn't until I switched flies 3 or 4 times finally going down to a #20 and going from 6X to 7X tippet that I started getting some regular hookups. HMMMMMM - pretty selective for stocker "cheese trout". Greg

I'm really just flabbergasted by these statements. I'm just not quite sure what to say. But I will say this: I don't denigrate the way or how you fish so please extend the same courtesy to others. Most of my adult life I fished for everything including bass, crappie and catfish. And I can honestly say that fly fishing for trout is the most challenging type of fishing I have done. Tying your own flies, fly casting, presentation of a nymph, dry fly or streamer - it doesn't get any better (or more challenging)than that in my opinion. Even if the trout in MO are "cheese trout". Just because our trout are stocked doesn't mean they are always easy fare. Take a walk up through the trophy area sometime. You'll see a LOT more "fishing" than "catching" going on. And that also even extends to the trout parks. 10% of the fisherman catch 90% of the fish - just like any other type of fishing. Sometimes I'm lucky enough to be in that 10% - sometimes not. And it's just common sense that a wading fly fisherman (like most of us that fish the upper lake are)is not going to do as well on the lower part of the lake where the water is much deeper and the river/lake is wider. That doesn't mean anything. Greg

Simms Rivertek is the my current boot and the most comfortable I've worn. But I've never tried the Chotas. The only thing I didn't like about the riverteks was the speed lace system. It worked well but it wore out after just a few trips. But I just replaced them with regular laces. The riverteks have also held up better than anything I've had so far too. I don't think Simms makes them anymore? But I think you can still find them some places at closeout prices if you are interested. I purchase mine from Michael at BCO several years ago. Greg

I guess in a sense Taneycomo is a fishbowl where trout are concerned because there is so little reproduction. But what a fishbowl! Taneycomo is just a wonderful place to fish. It has a little of almost everything. And there just are not that many places for trout fisherman to fish in MO. While there are at least a hundred times as many warm-water self-sustaining fisheries as opposed to trout fisheries. So why knock it? Daddy Carp - I'm with jscheetz on the Bennett comparison. I like both areas and fish them both but I find Taneycomo much more challenging. I can honestly say I've never had a day at Bennett that I did not catch multiple fish - at least several times the daily limit (catch and releasing). But even though I have had 40-50 fish days on Taney - I've had other days where the fish just had lockjaw. I think that has to do with Bennett being strictly put and take and Taney being put and grow. Meaning the trout in Taney (especially the upper lake) spend much more time in the lake/river getting acclimated to their habitat. While in Bennett I'll bet close to 90% of the fish are cleaned out in a day or 2. And yes I do catch more big fish at Taney - but I feel that is because there are simply more of them available there as opposed to Bennett. Greg

I really like Phil's idea of widening the slot for rainbows slightly at the upper end and also increasing the minimum brown trout length to 24 or 25". Otherwise - I think think it would be best to leave it alone. Greg

You are right I am primarily a trout fisherman. And proud of it! The # of trout fishing streams/lakes in MO is so limited at least compared to warm water species/opportunities that I think we should only very reluctantly take a chance at screwing up what we have. Greg

Interesting poll. But I'm with JobyKSU - Taney fishes very well and I would not be in favor of anything new. Especially fish that could/would reproduce. Something I would be in favor of is introducing cutthroat and/or brook trout in limited numbers as is done in Arkansas. But that's a whole different ball game. If that had any adverse effects then the MDC could just stop stocking them as they should not be able to reproduce in Taney. Greg

One other rod to consider is the Redington RS3. Cabela's and other retailers have them on close out right now for about $100. You would be getting a wonderful rod for about 1/2 of the regular retail. One of Ross's lower priced reels would be a great starter reel. Good luck, Greg

One other small point regarding these 2 flies is that generally the griffith's gnat is tied in smaller sizes. At least that's how I do it. I tie griffith's gnats in sizes 18 to 22. I tie cracklebacks in size 12 to 16. And like one of the other posters I generally fish the gnat dry but the crackleback is more "dual purpose" - works dry and wet. Greg

Thanks for the info Brian. I'll look a little closer around here and if not Mountain Home is a good option. I'll look at our local Kohl's too. I need something warmer. My standard cotton thermals are not cutting it. I've heard polypropylene is the way to go. Greg

Brian - do you know what walmart is calling their base layer clothing? I haven't seen it. But I'm in the market for something. Greg

Thanks. Greg

This thread jogged my memory about a funny thing that happened to me this spring. I was fishing (wading) down by the old boat ramp on taney. A boat fisherman (NOT a guide) motored by right in front of me (too close IMHO). I had a momentary flash of anger but bit my tongue and as soon as he was by I made a somewhat sloppy cast right into the area the boat had passed. On that first cast I immediately hooked up with a 20+ inch rainbow. Kind of an unintended "prop shuffle" or blind luck? I don't know. But my point is even though a boat invading your space can be a little frustrating - I'm just not sure it bothers the fish that much at all. Greg

Bob I received the fly yesterday. Thanks. That was very generous of you. It's a really nice looking fly as well as looking pretty simple to tie - my favorite kind (LOL). I do have one question though - that barred olive marabou - is that something you obtain locally. I don't recall seeing it at either BCO or bass pro in Springfield. thanks again, Greg

My experience with Jeremy Hunt has been exactly the opposite. I have encountered him multiple times on Taney and he has always been extremely respectful and done his best to keep his distance. There was one time last spring when he did get a little close to me and he immediately apologized saying he just didn't see me. Phil is right that the upper end of the lake is pretty small and it's just very difficult at times to stay out of each others way - especially boaters and waders. Jeremy is also the kind of guy that has always been willing to share favorite patterns, advice, etc whenever I encounter him at BCO or on the river. My overall experience with guides on Taney has been very good - with the one exception being the original subject of this thread. Greg

I'm sorry to tell you I bought that very rod except mine is an 8.5 ft 4 wt. I don't think you can get a better deal for a hundred bucks. Greg

99% of the fisherman and guides you encounter on Taney are great. Very respectful courteous fellow anglers. But that other 1%...... Is just ridiculous. I'm pretty sure that same guide has done similar things to me at various times. And speaking of poor etiquette - a couple of weeks I was fishing at the rock. I was having a fair day. But the guys within shouting distance of me were not catching much for whatever reason. So at one point the older gentleman across the river from me yells at the top of his lungs "WHAT ARE YOU USING?" and it was in a kind of irritated/demanding tone of voice. I almost didn't answer but decided to. So after I answer he yells back "WELL WHAT THE HELL COLOR?". I just walked on downstream. Some people...... Greg

Bob your fly sounds really interesting. I would be interested in seeing a pic too. I'll PM my address to you too. Thanks for sharing. Greg

It sounds like that is a definitive answer. Greg

I think that's awesome. Good for you. It's a shame more divorced couples don't let old hurts and hard feelings go. As the son of parents who were divorced (over 30 years ago) and still barely speak I applaud you. But I'm not judging anyone (including my parents). I know divorce can be a hard and hurtful thing. I've been happily married for 25 years so I just don't know what that is like. Greg

There was another thread on this subject a few months ago. Did you see it? http://ozarkanglers.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=5590 I think the consensus was that they were OK. Greg

I've done really well fishing Bennett in the rain - at least as long as the river isn't too high. I think doing well in the rain has a lot more to do with fewer fellow fisherman on the river than it actually being a better time to fish. Standard patterns always work for me at Bennett rain or shine - scuds, zebra midges, wooly buggers and mohair leeches. Greg

Thanks for the report John. Happy Thanksgiving, Greg

I'd like to add my wishes for a safe and happy Thanksgiving to Michael and everyone else on OAF. Greg