Bob A

New in box, Simms Freestone Waders, Men's medium, never worn. Sell for $170.00 Call Bob at 417-881-4642

Idylwidle, quite welcome for the flies. Glad I could help in some small way. If any way possible, will try and make it down for a day. Bob A

In my initial post, I mentioned a percieved opinion of a decline in the quaility of fishing at Bennett, when actually, percieved is far too mild a term. There is no doubt the quality of fishing has taken a real nose dive since about 2004-2005, when some new managment took over. To me, anyone who has fished Bennett prior to this change in managemt must certainly also have noticed this. When I first started fly fishing at Bennett, I hardly had an idea of what I was doing and still managed to catch a good number of fish. As things stand today, I feel lucky to land 3 or 4 in a 3 hour period. I feel the real problems at Bennett are not to be resolved anytime in the near future, and my net impression is that this is simply a management problem that has been there for at least the last since the change over, It if hasn't been addressed yet, it is not likely to be. Like all government run functions, things simply aren't going to change until some sort of crisis brings it to a head....and this, also is not likely to happen in my lifetime. In brief, we can complain all we want but if there is no one to listen, we may as well be blowing in the wind. Ideally, I'd like to see some outside talent brought in to take a close look at the operation of the fishery..By that, I mean REAL talent, some some political appointee already beholden to the status quo. I've fished from New England to the Rockies and I know the talent is out there. The experiences speak for themselves. Bennett Spring still has all the potential to again be the jewell in the crown of the park system but it won't happen all by itself. Things just don't happen that way.

In my initial post, I mentioned a percieved opinion of a decline in the quaility of fishing at Bennett, when actually, percieved is far too mild a term. There is no doubt the quality of fishing has taken a real nose dive since about 2004-2005, when some new managment took over. To me, anyone who has fished Bennett prior to this change in managemt must certainly also have noticed this. When I first started fly fishing at Bennett, I hardly had an idea of what I was doing and still managed to catch a good number of fish. As things stand today, I feel lucky to land 3 or 4 in a 3 hour period. I feel the real problems at Bennett are not to be resolved anytime in the near future, and my net impression is that this is simply a management problem that has been there for at least the last since the change over, It if hasn't been addressed yet, it is not likely to be. Like all government run functions, things simply aren't going to change until some sort of crisis brings it to a head....and this, also is not likely to happen in my lifetime. In brief, we can complain all we want but if there is no one to listen, we may as well be blowing in the wind. Ideally, I'd like to see some outside talent brought in to take a close look at the operation of the fishery..By that, I mean REAL talent, some some political appointee already beholden to the status quo. I've fished from New England to the Rockies and I know the talent is out there. The experiences speak for themselves. Bennett Spring still has all the potential to again be the jewell in the crown of the park system but it won't happen all by itself. Things just don't happen that way.

Just seems to me like there hasn't been much activity at all in the B ennett posts, especially when compared to a couple of years ago. Maybe many of the old posters have simply hung up their rods, found alternative fishing locations or simply gave up on Bennett, for lots of reasons....one of which is a percieved decline in fishing quality over the past few years (not saying there is or isn;t". I have seen lots of changes over the years also yet everything changes in some way or the other over time..just the way it is. My wife and I still fish Bennett a lot and especially so when we can't fish Taneycomo. So, it is a good alternative to Taney. And at the same time, I can assure you there are many who travel long distances to fish Bennett and would give anything to have it in their own back yard. I still fish to catch fish! At the same time, I've caught plenty in my life time so if I don't break any records at Bennett, I can still enjoy sitting back, watching the water flow by and simply admiring a great caster and ocassionally cooking up a cup of brew. Bob A Springfield

Quite and interesting and amusing topic. What comes to mind if a flyfisher I used to fish with at Taney and Bennett who swore that never once in his life did he get "skunked." And oddly enough, when the day was done, if I got skunked, he caught 8. If I caught 6 he caught 22. And heaven forbid, if I caught 22, he caught 36...and so it goes on and on. The amazing part is, I never SAW him catch many more than I did. Eventually, it got to be a sort of game with me, and I did get some real chuckles. Oh well....so much for th enumbers game. Bob A

Just like to thank all who replied re: Sand Spring....Always good to have input from those with first hand knowledge. Again, thanks to all. Bob A

Folks, been fishing Bennett and Taney for many years, but always drove back n' forth from Springfield. Thinking of spending a few days at Bennett and like the location of Sand Springs Resort. Just looking for any feedback that mightbe helpful, as the prices seem okay. Overall cleanliness, room quality, etc. Not expecting a Hilton, just somewhere clean and comfortable. Or, any other suggestions? Thanks for any input. Bob A, Springfield

Hi Gwh....Must agree, there seem to be a lot of fish in there now,although I only fish Zone 1...Sometimes, I get the distinct feeling that all the fish are gone but then, I'll watch an angler up or down stream knocking them dead with fish after fish. My conclusion: He knows what he's doing.....and I don't! Amd to clarify, these guys are legal.......no stinky stuff, no live bait... Bob A, Springfield

As far as stripping, wife and I both on ocassion will strip a crackleback OR a griffith's gnat on either a sink tip or full sinking line. 9 times out of 10, this has been very productive. Worth a try...works for us. We always fish Zone 1. Bob A

Nice day at Bennett, cloudy, warm, some late afternoon light sprinkles of rain. Water high, running fast snd muddy. Gonna be awhile before this clears up to any real degree. Surprised at the number of visitors, not crowded however, far more than one might expect. Fished zone 1 for about an hour, just for the *(&*% of it and only one dink. Saw very few fish caught, maybe 3 or 4 in that hour time, all dinks! But nice to be out anyhow...be patient folks, this water is gonna' be messed up for at least another couple of weeks. Bob A Springfield

Hi Danioark, Thanks for the post. Mrs and I both fished Rocking Chair, and I think you were right across and down stream from us. For the most part, it was very slow for most of us with many catching very few. For me, nothing but a bunch of dinks on partridge & red soft hackles. For some reason, dinks is about all the majority were catching today. Anyhow, couldnt help but notice who I suspect was you, upstream from the MDC ramp, north bank, catching the )*&%$@$ out of them, casting upstream, striping downstream and hooking up with some nice bowa. Will add that you were the only one I observed all afternoon doing so. Was a pleasure watchng you.(I think this was you) You give lessons? Bob A, Springfield

Good topic for lots of laughs! Personally, I hate a bobber. Maybe because when I first started fly fishing, I was frustrated by that thing swinging around on my line. Another reason, I catch plenty of fish without it. As an aside, I've seen many flyfishers who would be lost without their bobber to tell them when they had a "take". Take away their bobber and may as wel take away their rod and reel. Bob A

Been trying for several days to get the real time generation recording. Is the 417-336-5083 number not functioning anymore or has it been changed. Thanks Bob A

Snagged, wife and I have both used Simms Freestones for a number of years and for the money, a great buy. Not only have then held up well (we do a lot of fishing), but should they spring a leak, you can count on their lifttime warranty. We have returned a few pair and have always received a new pair back in less than a 7 day turnaround. Great customer service that can't be beat. Bob A, Springfield

No, Fly Guy, I am NOT out of my skull. Now, just take a deep breath, calm down, relax and pull up your big girl panties before you choke on your indignation. My post was specifically pointed toward some benefits of having sensible enforcements at Bennett. We've all seen perfect examples of "fishermen" who violate the most basic rules and regs designed to maintain some form of quality in maintaining the park fishery. Now if this bothers you, so be it. Just calm down, my friend. Bob A

OK...back up time! Spent some time at Bennett today and park staff told me that there was NOT a CA placed at Bennett with quarters there as reported earlier. Information I got was that it was a new Park Ranger and not a CA. Seems as if somebody got some bad information. Proves if something sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Bob A, Sprinfield

Personally, think it's great having a CA dedicated to BSSP. Something I've wanted to see for a long time...BUT....know there are a few who will find some reason to object to keeping folks "legal". (Can't imagine why.) Wish all our trout parks could or would have a resident CA. A big welcome to him! Bob A, Springfield

Interesting in that only within the last few days has there been any meaningful posts re: Bennett. Maybe the frustration of fishing what was once an excellent site is showing its face. I typically fish Bennett 3 times a week, primarily because of the generation at Taneycome makes it almost impossible to wade fish there. Also, been fishing Bennett for at least 10 yrs and from my observations, this year has been about as bad as it can get in comparison to prior years, with a real quality nose-dive with the latest management change. Not sure how many visititors I've met on the stream, the vast majority of whom scratch their heads, and ask what ever happened to Bennett. All I can do is simply smile and ask the same thing. And I cant tell you how many out of towners who fished Bennett in the past years swore they'd not be coming back.....just costs too much for such poor fishing quality. No, its not the economy! Nor is it the price of gas. Bennett is about fishing....short and simply. And if the fish are not there in sufficient quantities, Bennett may as well close its doors. I too see that, on most days I visit, the stream (primarily zone 1) if almost deserted.....seen more fisherman there in December than I do on most days now. Not sure what this is going to take. Am sure the higher-up at the DOC know about the declining numbers of visitors but not sure they really care too much....I just wish there were some way to bring in some outside consultants who really know their business and have proven track records in stream management....free of political influences and "good o'l boy" attitudes. Its going to take something drastic to turn this around, but nothing will happen until the wheels start squeaking enough to get some grease. Just seems such a sad thing to see the decline that has taken place over the last few years. What was once a gem in the Missouri troug park system isn't much more now than a pretty picnic area. Bob A, Springfield

Fished trophy area (Rocking Chair) also and had a great day. Over 40 fish, nothing really big but still nice. Took them mostly on cracklebacks, soft hackles and green maribou leech. Waiting all year for this day! Bob A Springfield

Tgard, have to agree with you 100 percent. Have fished Bennett since about 2000 and starting about 4 yrs ago, seems like its gone totally downhill for the more traditional fly fisherman. Not talking about live bait or those who stand in the outlet, as that's a different story. Not a world class fly guy but I've caught my share of fish over the years and I know when a fishery has gone to pot. Bennett certainly has. I don't even bother anymore and really feel sorry fof those who drive many miles from out of state. Wont argue the point....wont even discuss it anymore.....maybe its time to bring in some real talent from elsewhere, bring some better management/experience in and return it to what it used to be. Bob A

Odds are, gonna' be too high and fast for any kind of decent fishing and could be awhile before it gets in better shape. Not to throw a damper on your plans, but you could be wasting a lot of time and money until the stream settles down some. But good luck. Bob A

Dave, fished there for a few hours today. Water was up and pretty fast flow with a green/grey stain. As seems pretty typical lately, didn't see many fish caught with most anglers getting skunked in Zone 1. Not likely to get any better by the weekend but wish you good luck anyhow. Bob A Springfield

As a follow-up, fished zone 1 for a couple of hours today, Jan 3rd (Sat) 12:00-2:00 PM. Very light crowd, water nicely off-color, good drift and temps about 74 degrees. Really tough fishing with the water a little bit high. Managed to pick up six on a black wooly, but had to work for them. Observed very few being caught by other anglers. Slow fishing to be sure but to be on the water with 74 degrees, nice breeze and lots of sunshine : priceless. Bob A Springfield

Think that's a great award for outstanding community service. I haven't seen one thing about this in the Springfield News Leader or on any of the local TV broadcast stations. Just wish these kids had more kudos coming from the Ozarks communities. Bob A Springfield