catman70

There's a invasive species that eat many native small game fish and reduce the amount of available food in the food chain - including the endangered hellbender. They're called trout.

A lot of guys just fill coffee cans with concrete and top it off with a piece of bent rebar.

Currently, the only two trophy smallmouth areas that come to mind are on the Big Piney and Jack's Fork rivers. I know there are others, but they've slipped my mind for the moment. Regardless, I'd like to see the program extended to include more waters in the state (specifically, Bryant Creek). I'd also like to see the minimum length limit increased to 14 or 15". However, I assume the current minimum length limits are set to provide the best fishery conditions. I thought when they established the current trophy areas the intention was to expand the number of areas if the change in regulations produced a positive and lasting effect. Can any one speak to the validity of that last statement? What would be the process for lobbying a change in regulation? I think I've read comments posted by Mr. Agnew in the past that addressed this issue. Anyone have any input? Thanks, Tim P.S. I'll be moving back to Springfield from the Chicago area the first half of August to pursue a MS in environmental engineering. If anyone has a lead on possible part-time employment (not necessarily field related), your guidance would be greatly appreciated.

It was when Jesse was with William Quantrell's pro-slavery "border ruffians" in the Kansas border wars. It wasn't Jesse by himself, but that's the most recognizable name.

They turn broadside in that heavy current and it's a fight, no doubt. Makes a 13"er feel almost twice as big! I was down over the 4th for a spell and had a great time. Had one interesting thing happen: We left a couple kayaks by the river overnight. When we came back to them the next day they had leaches in them. You suppose the leaches crawl across the land at night to seek new bodies of water? Maybe I'll put a mop bucket by the river next time to test the theory. They've got to be great bait.

I'm pretty sure that's why Jesse James burned Lawrence to the ground during the Civil War. It's either that or he was just a big MU fan.

Trout are an invasive species stocked in these waters by the Missouri Department of Conservation (not Preservation) for anglers to have the opportunity to enjoy the sport. The historic purpose of the sport is to place meat on the table. Do I think there should be areas where folks can go to have a greater opportunity to catch larger fish? Absolutely. However, there should be no shame in keeping any fish regardless of it's size so long as it exceeds minimum length requirements. Many areas discourage the use of live bait because of increased fish fatalities. By using artificial lures or flies we can decrease the mortality rate. However, some level of mortality still exists. Therefore, I propose that the sportsman who fills his creel and stops fishing is more ethical than the Catch & Release fisherman simply because none of the fish the former kills go to waste. In fact, I think many philosophies would suggest that tormenting an animal simply for the sake of sport is inhumane and wrong on some level. I'm guilty of both, but don't proclaim myself to be of higher ethical standing than any of my fellow law-abiding sportsman. I have a problem with the logic of a blanket C&R policy because if one follows the preservationist philosophy to its end, it will lead to a trout stream where no one is allowed to fish whatsoever lest you risk tampering with the natural environment. That's why we as a people (for the most part) have adopted a philosophy of conservation - utilizing the resource with the help of science to ensure it is available for future enjoyment. There should be areas set aside with different regulations that cater to the type of sporting opportunity individuals seek - kind of like it is now. No one should judge lest they be judged (see fourth sentence, second paragraph).

Back: Stern Front: Bow Middle: Beam Left: Port Right: Starboard Location: Main and secondary points for bass. Try dark jigs and soft plastics.

There's been many leaders in the past who've been very inspirational, but have ended up doing much harm to their courtry and the world. I've been living in the South-Chicago suburbs for a little under a year now, and will be moving back in August. People are stuck on hand-outs here. They expect the government to provide everything they need, and couldn't fathom being responsible for themselves - just like in New Orleans with Katrina. Obama's policies - and Democrat policies by extension - do little to abate this problem. In fact, most of their policies perpetuate it. People dependant on the government are not free. Their well-being is in the hands of the government - inparticular a beauracracy that's not accountable. Government can't give freedom, it can only take it away. It can't create money, it can only redistribute it. (Even if it prints more it's not creating wealth since the additional dollars decrease the value of the dollars that are currently in circulation.) I don't like either choice (I liked Fred Thompson), but I think McCain will do less damage than the O. What's more, I know McCain has stood up for his beliefs against popular opinion (boarder security, supreme court justice filibuster, etc.), and a leader should be able to do that. I can't say the same for Obama. Not that he hasn't, I just don't know about it. Back to guns: Mark my words - the constitution says nothing about a right to ammunition, and that's what's next on the hit list for the anti-gun lobby.

I haven't heard of it, but I'd think a more likely explination is that the flooding washed a lot of stuff into the water – everything for trash to septic waste. Hope I'm wrong, though.

It's probably still quicker to go around to get to Cedar, unless you're already at Parker's. Comes out on the north side of a small white house. Turn right to go to Cedar, but the very next gravel road on your right will take you to the cliff where everyone used to jump off of before the activity was banned. There's a trailer down there (maybe not now after all the rain), but I assume it's public property since it's NSR. Don't remember purple paint, but then again I thought Turner's was on the Current so go figure. Bo's Hollow, that's it. Good stuff. Anybody know if they've started stocking below Akers? They were kicking the idea around a year or two back, but I don't think they ever got started because of lack of funds. Been up in Chicago for the last year and out of touch. Ready to get back. Tim

Spelling's not my strong suit. Should have said "big red map book". You are correct on the "Parker's Ford" bit, but I could have sworn I've heard it referred to as Turner's – or maybe whoever told me that was trying to throw me off... FYI: Parker's is an unmarked access and has no latrene, unless they've added one in the last year or so. There's also a walk-in hunting area there, for what it's worth. After leaving Baptist and heading back to Cedar/Jadwin, it's the first non-private road on the right. In fact, you can stay on that road, drive through Parker's and you'll come out between Cedar and Jadwin. You'll want 4-wheel, though. There's also a "back way" to get to Cedar by going through Montauk and along the South side of the river. If you go that way there's a Model-T garage that sells some awsome beef jerky.

Hopefully that's true – not your statement, but DNR's. We heard that this "guy" (don't know if it's the same guy or just the same company if the company has been bought out) had/has some operations on Spring Creek off the North Fork where he'd dig multiple pits and allow the creek to flood them out and refill them with gravel. Then he'd remove the gravel again. Apparently this method isn't kosher, and doesn't sit well with some govn't agencies.

By road it's probably about the same, if not quicker to get to Tan Vat than to Baptist. I don't know how fast you float. It's about 7 miles from Baptist to Cedar, and another 7 from Cedar to Akers. There is somewhat of a "hidden" access named Turner's Point (I think) about 2/3 of the way between Baptist and Cedar - same with Welsch Spring on the lower half. More than likely, the fishing will be better on the upper half because of the regulation differences, but you might be with wading anglers until you hit Ashley Creek a mile or two below Baptist. I'd probably put in at Tan Vat and take out at Welsch, take my time on the first day. Go by Wal-Mart and get a Missouri Gasiteer (SP?) Atlas. It'll help you find all the access points and will give you a good idea of the mileage between them.

Apparently there's a public hearing in Jefferson City on May 29th to finalize everything. Here's what I've heard about the situation: In this particular instance, the folks who owned the land died. Their son has power of attorney and is the one selling the rights to Spring Creek Materials. Naturally, he doesn't live in the area. The daughter has been kept in the dark (for the most part), and was told the process would help control bank erosion, be good for the environment, etc. I think there's forces at work trying to convince her that it's the wrong thing to do, but even if she's convinced I'm not sure there's anything she can do about it.

There appears to be some discrepancy on the length of the permit being applied for. First I heard it was 10 years, but found the following on GrassRootsOzark.net: Application filed for a 42 year Bryant River gravel mining permit- comments needed by March 25! An application was filed with Missouri DNR, requesting a permit for a gravel mining operation on Bryant Creek until the year 2050! This is in-bed gravel mining, which has been proven to raise stream temperature and turbidity. comments are being accepted until March 25 (next week!) from anyone with a "direct, personal interest" in this situation. I am not sure how the DNR will define "direct, personal interest". Of course Ozark waterways are of interest to everyone in the Ozarks who cares about clean water, tourism, and the environment we share. I consider myself directly affected for many reasons, including my membership in the "freinds of the bryant river". Anyone who might want to speak out about this subject might also want to become a "Friend of the Bryant River" this is a grassroots organization that requires no membership dues and will not send you any "junk mail". If you want to be a friend of the Bryant River, send an email to danieleastwind@hotmail.com and I will put you on the list. HERE IS THE NOTICE FROM THE OZARK COUNTY TIMES THIS WEEK: Spring Creek materials, Inc PO BOX 30 West Plains, MO 65775 has applied for a permit from the Dep. of Natural Resources, Land Reclamation Commission, to mine sand and gravel on 10 acres of land located in Ozark County. Sections 16 & 21 Township 23 N. Range 12W in Bryant Creek (5 acres, flood plain pit 5 acres) This operation will be conducted during the approximate dates of 1-31-2008 to 1-31-2050 Comments or requests for hearing and /or informal meeting may be made by any person with a direct, personal interest in one or more of the factors that the MO land Reclamation Comission may consider in issuing a permit. Larry Coen, Program Director Land Reclamation Program Department of Natural Resources P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, Missouri 65102 Phone: 573-751-4041 Fax: 573-751-0534 E-mail: larry.coen@dnr.mo.gov Mr. Coen, As you are aware, Spring Creek materials, Inc PO BOX 30 West Plains, MO 65775 has applied for a permit from the Dep. of Natural Resources, Land Reclamation Commission, to mine sand and gravel on 10 acres of land located in Ozark County. Sections 16 & 21 Township 23 N. Range 12W in Bryant Creek (5 acres, flood plain pit 5 acres) This permit should not be granted. Bryant Creek has a high value for recreational uses, including canoeing and fishing. It is also an important source of clean water and a fisheries resource for Lake Norfork and surrounding communities. Any increased turbidity from gravel mining will harm all of these existing uses. I have personally enjoyed the beauty, clean waters, and peaceful surroundings of this river on several occasions. Any mining activity near the river would have significant adverse impacts on the quality of the water and surrounding environment. Bryant Creek deserves increased protection as part of the Lake Norfork watershed. Gravel Mining should not be allowed on this river. Sincerely, Shawn Porter This reply to my comment came from DNR Dear Mr. Porter, The Land Reclamation Program appreciates your concerns with the permit expansion for a new sand and gravel mining site sought after by Spring Creek Materials in Ozark County. We encourage the public to take part in the application process of new gravel mining permits or sites. We have your comments of concern on file. The staff director of the Land Reclamation Program will take your comments into consideration when making the decision to grant or deny the permit expansion. The department’s Land Reclamation Program can not simply deny this permit application based on requests. The permit application is in compliance with the provisions of The Land Reclamation Act and an application that meets the standards of the Act must be recommended for approval. As stated in the public notice there is an option for you to request a public meeting or a formal hearing. If either of these requests is desired they must be submitted by the end of the public comment period which is Thursday March 27, 2008. These requests may be submitted by e-mail, facsimile or regular mail. If the company agrees to participate in a public meeting then a meeting will be scheduled. If a hearing is requested, you must provide evidence that the operation of this site will unduly impair your health, safety or livelihood. If no evidence can be provided the permit expansion will be approved. If you believe that you have credible evidence you may submit a request for a hearing. The hearing request would be presented to the Commission at one of their regularly scheduled meetings. The Land Reclamation Commission meets every two months in Jefferson City, Missouri. As the petitioner, the burden of proof would be on you to prove that operation of this site will unduly impair your health, safety or livelihood. If the evidence is conclusive that your health, safety or livelihood will be unduly impaired, the Commission may grant a hearing. If you wish to request a public meeting, formal hearing or have any other questions please feel free to contact me by phone at (573) 751-4041, by e-mail at chris.thiltgen@dnr.mo.gov or by mail at MDNR/DEQ/LRP, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, Missouri 56102-0176. Chris Thiltgen Environmental Specialist Missouri Department of Natural Resources Land Reclamation Program Telephone: (573) 751-4041 Fax: (573) 751-0534 chris.thiltgen@dnr.mo.gov

What about this tact: The Ozark Hellbender only survives in 6 streams between AR and MO – Bryant Creek being one of those streams. How would the inevitable change to the stream affect the livelihood of this endangered species? (Declared endangered by the State, but not by the feds...yet. A petition was filed in 2004 – I think.)

I posted the first topic under Bryant Creek, but suppose it is just as applicable to this topic. Anyway, here it is: We (my family and I) recently became aware that there's a gravel mining company applying for a 10 year permit to mine Bryant Creek for gravel somewhere downstream of Warren Bridge. We were curious to know more about the present situation – exact location, permit process/status, etc.– as well as who to contact to have our voices heard, whether pro or con. If anyone has any input on this topic/situation please reply. (Thanks, Minnow!)

Do you know where along the river? I'd like to do what I can to help ensure our resources are used wisely. I understand the need for gravel, but would like to make sure there's oversight and limitations on what they can do. Suggestions on who to contact?

Anyone hear about the gravel mining permit issued for downstream of Warren Bridge? If so, you know where they're doing it? I've seen folks taking gravel out of Caney Creek, but not out of the Bryant - at least not an any great amount.

Hello all. Had to take a job up north for a little bit and miss all the fun. Working on a little Halloween design, and was wondering if any of you would be kind enough to snap a photo of one of the Tyson farm signs you'll see when driving down various state highways. It looks like a little realty sign with Tyson's logo and the name of the farm (or owners of the farm) under the Tyson logo. Pretty sure that's the design, but not quite sure the dimensions of the sign. A good description would work just as well. Driving back to Montauk this weekend and will be on Bryant Creek & NFWR over the first few days in deer season. I'll report back on how it goes. Thanks for your help!

Can you wade in the trophy area, or is it too deep? Only looking for a couple hours worth. Thought we'd try Hootentown, McCall Bridge or the access off Horsecreek Rd. Any recommendations? Thanks!!

Warm-water fishery. Maybe different in winter.

Sorry, fellas I can't help much. My 34' bass boat has been in the shop all summer and I haven't been able to make it out on the lake much this year. Seriously, though, invest in a topography map of the area you think you'll be fishing. Look for coves with creeks coming into the backs of them to target channel catfish and flatheads. Blues tend to move out into the main lake in the summer. Some guys will try to locate schools of bait fish with large fish below. Those large fish are the blues. Might try targeting structure different from the surrounding area to start - sunken islands, deep holes, etc. Try docks over deeper water (like at marinas) for crappie. Many times the water will be 25-35', but the crappie will suspend about 8-12'. Haven't you fellas read the post about the tailwater? That's were I'm headed during the day. Then I'll probably drift flats or shallow points at night with live shad, bluegill or crawdads (I like the 'dads big) with no weight, letting the fish run and stop before closing the bail and setting the hook. Let us know how it goes. Oh, almost forgot. There was recently an article in Missouri Game & Fish Online about LMB in the State Park area. They said there was one cove where they're always stacked up, but I'm on the 6mm so I don't make it down that way often. P.S. If you figure out how to catch walleye at LOZ consistently please let me know. For years we've trolled the points with shad raps and rapalas near and after dusk and caught all species in the lake. About once a year we'll get a walleye.

That's a "handy" observation.