Phil Lilley

<object width="660" height="405"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYygca1wRCo?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;rel=0&amp;color1=0x2b405b&amp;color2=0x6b8ab6&amp;border=1"></param><param'>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYygca1wRCo?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;rel=0&amp;color1=0x2b405b&amp;color2=0x6b8ab6&amp;border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYygca1wRCo?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;rel=0&amp;color1=0x2b405b&amp;color2=0x6b8ab6&amp;border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="660" height="405"></embed></object> I have a couple more that aren't done yet but will be shortly. They're off my minidv camera.

Gosh that's a pretty rainbow. We might have to print and hang that picture on our wall

taney_2010.pdf These numbers are interesting. I wasn't surprised at the numbers, size and quality of rainbows but the size and quality of browns was a surprise... and the numbers. The numbers are down for browns which is expected, for me anyhow. Shane was happy with what he saw. I think I am too.

There's a banner ad at the top of each OAF page... click it and it will take you to their page. Oct 9. I think I can get group rates if we get enough to go.

Not sure what you mean... they start showing up about now and they really start pouring in in October and linger into December. I'd say the peak is the last week in October, first week in November. It's early BUT we still don't know what our numbers are after 2008's high water.

Yakov Smirnoff told me about this event - he put it together. It's something he has a passion for... helping relationships through laughter. Anyhow, I told him I'd post it on the site cause I know there's allot of guys who may want to do something fun with their wives. If you're interested in going... I can get a block of seats and we can all sit together. Let me know if you're interested.

Been home a week and still playing catchup. Spent most of the day on a Wapsi and jig order. Moved all my hooks out of the cabinet to make room for big streamers and articulated monster flies that Leonard and Jeremy are tying for me. Lots of other stuff... resort and personal stuff. I can tell you night crawler fishing is pretty good above Short Creek. I took a family out for a couple of hours yesterday late morning and they almost caught their limit. The rainbows were small though - nothing over 12 inches. Some larger ones were eating the tails of the worms I was chucking over the side but when the dad tried to fool them with a tail with a hook in it, they'd turn their nose up at it. Funny to watch. I also get out for an hour on Saturday afternoon and fished the flats above Fall Creek. #14 grey scud was doing real good, fished on the bottom and dragging it a bit. That almost always works. Again, one about 16 inches and the rest about 12 inches. I have heard there's still some good ones up there but the summer I'm sure has taken it's toll on the nicer rainbows. I need to get up below the dam when their running 3 units and see if there's any browns holding in back water and pockets. I usually see them this time in September. Sometimes they'll take a big dry but usually I'm just looking and watching. Did get my Kelly River Alaska report done. It's waiting for my editor to correct all my grammar errors (my wife).

Advise to those who post reports... put a date in the subject line of your posts. "last night" or "yesterday's" doesn't tell us it's an old or new report. Thanks.

Here ya go! If you want, just find a picture that shows spawning redds if you have one. Gearing up for the annual brown trout run on Lake Taneycomo, the White River and the Norfork Tailwater It’s getting to be that time of year again when fly fishers are counting the days until the brown trout run starts in earnest on the White, Norfork and Lake Taneycomo. I never encourage fishing for trout that are actively spawning, but there are ways to ethically take advantage of this annual event without compromising one’s ethics, and this particular topic will be covered in the “guides tips” section later on in this newsletter. Currently, scores of big browns are starting to move upstream to stage on Taneycomo and the Norfork, but it will be at least another month before pre-spawn activities start on the White. When the brown trout on the Norfork and Taneycomo start to move upstream as a part of their “procreation process”, anglers are privy to unique opportunities to go after these behemoths in a setting that is void of the typical crowding that goes along with any opportunity where big fish are susceptible. Pounding actively spawning fish is not representative of anglers who take the wild trout potential of these rivers seriously, and most ‘true’ fly fishermen would rather forgo the chance at catching a big, beat up brown amongst the masses in lieu of having some water to themselves. That said, there are methods and techniques that are not detrimental to our beloved fisheries when wetting a line during the spawn – the issues arise when groups of fishermen hoard certain spots and basically harass trout that are in shallow water. Please feel free to contact me jeremy@flysandguides.com if you have any questions about fishing the runs on the Norfork and Lake Taneycomo, and I am more than eager to share some of the knowledge I’ve amassed over the course of fishing these rivers for many years. The Norfork is already loaded with browns, and they are also starting to move into the lower trophy area on Taneycomo. This year promises to be one of the best in recent memory, and if the region doesn’t see any more significant rainfall over the next month, there should be plenty of low-water opportunities for those who prefer to wade. 　 　 Guide Tips: How to fish during the spawn without damaging a trout fishery It is no secret that it is hard for anyone to pass up the opportunity to cast at a 25-inch brown that is stationary in shallow water, but this is exactly the type of behavior that needs to be discouraged by ethical anglers of all types. When spawning, many huge trout will congregate on and around redds (spawning beds), and at these times, feeding is the last thing on these fish’s minds. Instinct dictates almost all animal behavior, and there is absolutely no reason that any “educated” fish would put themselves in a compromising position unless it is for the greater good of their species. White River Basin trout are subject to pressure 365 days a year, and as sportsmen, it is important to realize that fishing over spawning trout does not constitute a “fair chase”. Many of the fish hooked on redds are often snagged, and when they do bite a fly or lure, it is often to protect the nest or out of aggression. I can see how this practice could be deemed acceptable in situations where salmonoids ascend the rivers of their birth from a huge body of water, but as mentioned, trout in the Ozarks never get a break, and fishermen (and their techniques) keep getting more proficient with each passing year. During their runs, White River Basin trout throw caution to the wind in an effort to pass on their superior genetics to the next generation, and this is why most of the REALLY big trout (over 12 pounds) found in Arkansas and Missouri are completely wild. Over-fighting or harvesting a spawning fish is not only narcissistic; if that fish dies of exhaustion, a part of the river’s prolific history is lost forever. I don’t expect anglers to put up their gear just because there is spawning activity going on, but with a little bit of observation and diligence, it is possible to fish at these times without potentially damaging a fishery. The first step is to avoid the redds at all costs. This means being exceedingly aware of where you are walking. Spawning beds are cleared out areas that range from the size of a car’s hood to the size of an SUV, and eggs will remain in these spots for over seven weeks before they hatch, so avoiding the redds is important long after the last fish has spawned. On Lake Taneycomo, hoards of fishermen fish elbow to elbow in the hatchery outlets, and this practice epitomizes everything that is wrong with fishing during the spawn. Greed, egos and hoarding have no place in the world of trout fishing, and only the most insecure of anglers would even think of fishing the outlets during the brown run on Lake Taneycomo. 　 Keep in mind that just because one can see big fish on redds and in hatchery outlets does not mean that these are the only trophies in the river. Fishing in deep water below the spawning beds is not only ethical, it also offers up the chance at catching a “fresh” fish that doesn’t have egg patterns stuck in their tails and backs. I won’t pretend to be an expert in coldwater biology, but from what I’ve gathered, trout spend far more time staging below the beds than they spend actually spawning – this means that the majority of big fish are NOT on the redds or in shallow water at any given time. Another way to target big browns during the spawn is to fish key areas during high water. Although releases tend to be on the lighter side in October and November, there are still days when the dams will run water all day, and this provides a prime opportunity to fish ‘blind’. Personally, this is my favorite scenario for fishing during the runs because you never know what you might hook into. There is nothing quite like the feel of a big fish that takes a fly in an area where you know they are stacked up. Finally, fishing at night is a blast when it comes to working water where big trout are holding, and because browns are primarily nocturnal feeders, there is no better time to target these fish because they are not as spooky. 　 Fishing the brown trout runs on the White River Basin is not about pounding browns in shallow water. In fact, this type of fishing should not be encouraged if you are at all concerned with the possibility of increased numbers of wild fish in the system. The tips and techniques listed above can be an absolute blast, and I remember one particular day when I caught one brown after another on small dry flies just downstream of a mob of anglers fighting to get a drift in outlet #1 at Taneycomo. Spawning trout deserve to “do the deed” with as little disruption as possible, and by thinking outside of the box, it’s possible to catch a fish of a lifetime while having no significant negative impact on the fisheries. Guide Secrets: Hot spots for ethically fishing the brown runs on Taneycomo and Norfork It’s one thing to talk about ethically fly fishing during the brown runs on Lake Taneycomo and the Norfork Tailwater, but without a little “inside” information, it’s easy to revert back to the temptation to drift egg patterns over the redds. In this section, I am going to specifically describe the techniques and spots that I like to fish during the brown runs. It’s doubtful that any other guide would publish this type of information, but I think the world of my subscribers, so I want to give you all the best chance at having a successful day on the water if you make it to the Ozarks this fall. The Norfork Honestly, there really aren’t any places to wade in Quarry Park (Norfork Dam) during low water without possibly stepping on spawning beds, so I would skip this area all together and leave those fish for the ‘amateurs’. Instead, focus on the deep water below the small island, and there are always loads of staging browns from the downstream boundary of Quarry Park to the bottom of Gene’s Hole. Egg patterns do work well in this spot, but for whatever reason, Zebra Midges in a variety of colors seem to appeal to these slow-water fish when the river is dead low. I like to use tungsten patterns because they stay down more effectively than those tied with regular beads. Do not wade past Gene’s dock unless you have a way to get back to the park if the water comes up, and the rest of the river is inaccessible until you get to the Handicapped/Ackerman Access. If you do have a boat, focus on areas like the Long Hole, the area where McClellen’s Shoal slows down, and all around the island below the waterfall/plunge pool. I would avoid Gulley’s Shoal, but the deep water below there is another prime spot for staging browns. When walking into the Handicapped/Ackerman Access, head upstream towards the islands. There is a great spot below the island where a huge rock sticks out of the middle of the river, but do not expect these fish to be pushovers. Tiny egg patterns and nymphs are the ticket in this area due to the fact that this is the ‘smallest’ water on the Norfork and it also receives a ton of pressure. Avoid the narrow (Charlie Cooke’s) side of the island, as there is no way to fish ethically in the flat water below the short riffle. There is nothing wrong with hitting the main channel on the other side, though, and there are some great sight-fishing areas where the water starts to slow down. The majority of fish are going to be around the upstream islands, and there are very few spots downstream of the access/parking areas that are worth the effort of getting into position due to the lack of accessibility. Lake Taneycomo For those unaware, the brown run at Lake Taneycomo is a little different than what transpires in Arkansas. Part of this has to do with the fact that this tailrace is comprised of very slow water from Table Rock Dam all the way down to Powersite Dam when there is no power being generated. This means that conditions are not exactly ideal from a low-flow perspective for trout to spawn successfully on this stretch of water. This doesn’t mean that the fish don’t try, and with the help of hatchery personnel who collect spawning browns from outlet #3, the “Taneycomo Strain” is a ‘virtually’ wild fish with the potential to grow very large. Please try and avoid fishing near any of the outlets during the run, and instead focus on the area downstream of outlet #3 down to the Point. Although this information is hardly a secret, most fishermen cannot avoid the temptation to slam the resting and ‘spawning’ browns near the dam. Another strategy when fishing Taneycomo during the brown run is to “let ‘em have it”. What I mean by this is that even though the majority of browns are going to be congregated from the Point up to the dam, that is also where there are hoards of people. Sometimes, I like to take the “road less travelled” and fish from the Rocking Chair Hole down to Point Royale. I still catch the occasional brown, but my intention is to find some solitude and have fun with some less-pressured, fat rainbows. The derby mentality of fishing the reaches of upper Taneycomo gets old, but if you’ve never seen it before, it’s worth checking out just to witness the spectacle of it all. In Conclusion… Be assured that I will be out scouting our local waters virtually every day, and I promise to keep everyone updated regarding the latest conditions. The browns are starting to move around and stack up on the Norfork and at Lake Taneycomo, but I expect that this activity will increase exponentially over the next couple of weeks. Be sure to check out my latest report on the Web site where I will rehash my adventures of a nighttime float in Arkansas in search of some really big browns. This type of experience is available to my clients, so if you are interested, just drop me a line. I hope that everyone gets to experience the thrill of Ozark fly fishing in the fall this year with all the beautiful fish, gorgeous scenery and near-perfect weather. Big fish should not only be caught once!! Jeremy Hunt 417-294-0759 www.taneycomotrout.com jeremy@flysandguides.com

And here, we're praying for a breath of wind...

Super- thanks for posting!!! See when you get home.

We had frost the first morning, otherwise mid 40's. Day was in the 50's.

<a href=" title="PICT0003 by phillilley, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4147/4999443035_f2ee8620cf.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="PICT0003" /></a> I just opened this Flickr account and haven't mastered how it works yet but you can click the image, go to the site and see the rest of 105 pictures from the trip.

Not sure what that book would have been. There's a book that's out of print that may be it - Ozark Trout Tales by Steve Wright.

A gentleman from St Louis said he left a Powell 9' 4/5 wt fly rod against his vehicle today mid day by accident and when he returned the rod was gone. Now someone may have taken the rod someplace and turned it in to keep someone from stealing it - hope that's what happened. The rod wasn't worth that much, but to this angler it does. It has sentimental. Call our office at 417-334-6380 if you have any info. Thanks

Thanks guys. I tried to capture our trip on video and images the best I could to bring home and share the experience. I truly understand not many people can do such a trip although it wasn't real expensive. I couldn't have done it without Bill, his knowledge and experience and his camping equipment. That's where most of the costs come from - buying good quality equipment that won't fail in the bush. Thanks

I thought we weren't supposed to do politics... I'm not going to read all this - I've read Al's last statement and that's all I need to close this thread. There are other threads that step over the line too. And basically it's the same crowd that keeps pushing the limits further and further. It's like kids seeing how far they can push the parent's limits, although I'm NOT the daddy. Actually, sometimes I'd like to shut the whole thing down but there's still alot of good things being posted on this forum so I'll keep on keeping on. If you can't control your fingers, don't post. Go find another forum that allows bashing and leave us alone. If anyone takes this personally, don't. I'm just trying to keeps lines in place. BTW - good post, Al.

I didn't get to do everything I wanted on these but it's close. Still have some video that I can't get to till I get home. <object width="800" height="470"><param name="movie" value="?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&hd=1&border=1"'> ?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&hd=1&border=1"></param><param'>?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&hd=1&border=1"'> ?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&hd=1&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&hd=1&border=1"'> ?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&hd=1&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="800" height="470"></embed></object> Link to Video #1 - <object width="800" height="470"><param name="movie" value="?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&hd=1&border=1"'> ?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&hd=1&border=1"></param><param'>?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&hd=1&border=1"'> ?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&hd=1&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&hd=1&border=1"'> ?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&hd=1&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="800" height="470"></embed></object> Link to Video #2 - <object width="800" height="470"><param name="movie" value="?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&hd=1&border=1"'> ?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&hd=1&border=1"></param><param'>?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&hd=1&border=1"'> ?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&hd=1&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&hd=1&border=1"'> ?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&hd=1&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="800" height="470"></embed></object> Link to Video #3 - <object width="800" height="470"><param name="movie" value="?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&hd=1&border=1"'> ?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&hd=1&border=1"></param><param'>?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&hd=1&border=1"'> ?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&hd=1&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&hd=1&border=1"'> ?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&hd=1&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="800" height="470"></embed></object> Link to Video #4 -

Fogged in Kodiak all day yesterday. No planes in or out including ours. So far it's cost us 24 hours and $400 each - another day on the car rental, lodging one night and extra airfare. Leaving Anchorage tonight and getting in Fayetteville in the morning. I guess it's not uncommon to get fogged in at Kodiak. Sometimes for days we've been told. So we're grateful to be out of there and sitting in Anc airport.

We stayed at the Olds River Inn here on Kodiak. If you come, you should consider staying here. Nice cabins and they're building a brand new restaurant and bar. There's NOTHING within 25 minutes to buy anything out this way- not even a coke machine so their place will be the center of activity. Fred and Mary are great hosts, fun to visit with and will help you in whatever way they can to make your stay a nice one. Fred felt bad about the fishing conditions- he took Bill and I over the pass on his ATV's to the Saltery River which has a good run of silvers. Quite a ride- beautiful views. Anyhow their restaurant will be done and opened next spring.

Well- we head back to Missouri tomorrow. Our Kodiak week was a learning experience. We leave with 3 silvers plus whatever we buy in Kodiak before we leave tomorrow. It's hard to put a finger on this place. It's like Colorado with a seascape and salmon. Because of the improvement of the road coming out this way, there's more people fishing at the bridges than there used to be and because we couldn't fish above the bridges, it crowded everyone up real bad. Plus low water and low fish count, everyone was beating on the same fish... and I mean beating. Most throw big spinners and they snagged fish on every cast. They seemed to find pleasure in this, kicking the decaying pinks and chums back in the water. They were good about releasing the silvers they foul-hooked except for one guy and his wife this afternoon. Long story short- he barked at me when I tried to give him some advice and then promptly snagged a silver, drug it up on the gravel and put a knife in it's gill to bleed it. At that point, I had to leave. I had had enough of the circus. I'm painting a poor picture of our Kodiak experience. IF they'd had more rain and IF we could have fished above the bridges, it may have been different. I did have my chances at landing more silvers... but I think for every ten silver one normally hooks, you don't land but a couple because there's too much to go wrong... these fish are big, wild fish and they fight hard. But there's too many other places here in Alaska and beyond to find good fishing holes. We leave tomorrow evening for Anchorage and then fly all night to get back to Branson Tuesday afternoon. I counted 13 different flights on this adventure... 9 down and 4 to go. I think you'll like the Kelly River video. Can't wait to share it.

We took a ATV ride today. The owner of the cabins we're staying in took up over the pass and down to the Saltery River. This only can be accessed from the ocean (boat or float plane) or by ATV trails. There's a couple of lodges on the river and the river has alot of silvers in it- more than most rivers right now so you know where most of the anglers are fishing!! We got there fairly early and rode in, Bill and I on a Ranger (2-man vehicle) and Fred and Snappy on single rides. It was 15 miles over the pass and down to the river and the trail was challenging to say the least. It took us an hour. The beach area was beautiful. Not many fish. So we headed in and found people already on the best holes. So we went on up and found some water and silvers but they weren't interested in much. Fred caught 2 quick silvers on a spinner. I had one on for a short time, purple/pink fly. We worked up to a lake where I caught 2 nice silvers on the same fly. Bill hooked a couple but no meat. Caught a bunch of small dollies on an Elk Hair Caddis on the lake- every cast. Reminded me of brookies in Colorado- plentiful, small and dumb. Great day... but "done that, never again". The river was "used". The banks were well worn by bears but mostly anglers. Crowded. Not real pretty. Lots of dead salmon and smelly. So far, Kodiak has been a disappoint. I understand "fishing" - bad conditions, blue bird skies, low water and so on but there's lots and lots of people trying to catch silvers. Too crowded for traveling to ":Alaska". Alaska to me means getting away from the crowds and seeing beautiful rivers and streams and not beat-down banks with fishing line, packaging and empty drink containers all over the place. But we have a couple more days. We may find a new place that will be better.

There were a couple of guys camped at the mouth of Wrench one night that said they saw a mom and cub walking the beach and a muskox. Locals said they are walk the river valleys. Wish we would have spotted one. Some bear sign, wolf tracks, fox tracks and moose tracks. But there weren't enough salmon in this river to feed many bears, thus there wasn't any to see, at least while we were there. It was amazing how this area was void of animals. Guess there's not much out there for many to survive and the winters I'm sure are extremely rough. There's caribou up there but not in that area. They were NE of where we were but would move through the valley in a few weeks.