Phil Lilley

Here's a link to the story- http://www.news-leader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a...315/1073/SPORTS

Experiment- This is my idea for the next underwater webcam... I have an aquarium setup in the cleaning shack with scuds and sow bugs. The are active most of the time but sometimes they "sleep" under the rocks and can't be seen. This camera doesn't seem to like to focus on close, small items so I may have to find another way to video/stream them. But for now, I'm going to leave it on- you can comment. I am going to purchase 2 new computers to act as servers as soon as the capture cards we ordered come in. Then more people can view the cams, hopefully.

I would like they are moving to flats at night to feed... but someone else needs to talk about this subject cause I'm not an authority. I would think point 5 would be a great place. Also I know one friend who's done well in the cove directly to the south of the tip of Indian Point on the opposite bank. The coves opens to the north.

Steve brings good things when he comes to visit... fish like him.

James River Outfitters just across the river from the access at the Y bridge. 417-357-1502

Had a guy come by a couple of days ago and showed me a few good cats he'd caught on trot line the night before. He said he was setting the line in 8 foot of water. When we were on the James yesterday I saw lots of jug line outs. One was bobbing. It's getting to be time for the big cats!

Coy- I edited your post since I posted the same notice already. But left the article you are referring to.

May 18, 2006 A service of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation News Contacts: Micah Holmes or Kristen Gillman (405) 521-3856 Web site: www.wildlifedepartment.com DNA analysis confirms new state record black bass hybrid Biologists examine blue catfish populations June 3-4 marks Oklahoma Free Fishing Days Outdoor Calendar Fishing Report DNA analysis confirms new state record black bass hybrid The mystery fish is a mystery fish no more. DNA analysis recently confirmed that Dru Kinslow, of Oklahoma City, caught a state record black bass hybrid last March. Kinslow caught the 8-pound, 5.6-ounce bass from Veteran's Lake near Sulphur. When he took the fish to fisheries biologists with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, they immediately recognized it was bigger than either the current smallmouth or the black bass hybrid records. However, the brute had characteristics of both a smallmouth bass and spotted bass. Fisheries biologists sent a small fin sample to a DNA lab which has now confirmed that fish was a cross of a smallmouth bass and spotted bass. Black bass hybrids occur rarely in nature when the spawning areas of black bass species overlap. Kinslow was using a jig and salt craw combo when he hooked the big fish in the clear waters of 67-acre Veteran's Lake. "I was just trying out different lures to see what might be biting when I hooked the fish," Kinslow said. "It fought pretty hard and went all the way under the boat. I didn't realize how big it was until I got it in the boat." The fish measured 22.75-inches long and was 16.5 inches in girth. The former state record black bass hybrid was just established this February when Sean McAllister pulled a 6-pound, 14-ounce fish from Lake Texoma. For a complete list of record fish and the procedures regarding certifying state record fish, consult the "2006 Oklahoma Fishing Guide." If you think you may have hooked a record fish it is important that you weigh the fish on an Oklahoma State Department of Agriculture certified scale and a Wildlife Department employee verifies the weight. -30- Biologists examine blue catfish populations During a recent research project, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation fisheries biologists collected a 24-year-old blue catfish. More surprising than the fish's impressive age was its diminutive weight. The catfish weighed only two pounds. "That fish was not normal but, in short, we found that it takes a long time for a blue cat to grow very large. Generally speaking, it takes 13-16 years for a blue catfish to reach 10 pounds. They have a long lifespan compared to most Oklahoma fish, but they grow slowly," said Jeff Boxrucker, senior fisheries research biologist for the Wildlife Department. "We still have a lot to learn about blue catfish, but this research will help us better understand these great fish." Biologists spent months gathering samples and analyzing data from blue catfish populations on seven Oklahoma lakes. However, all is not equal in the realm of blue cats. That 24-year-old, two-pound fish was caught in Lake Ellsworth in southwest Oklahoma, but this spring, biologists aged a 78-pound fish caught by an angler from Texoma that was 19 years old. "Some fish, particularly blue catfish in certain lakes, just grow slower than others," Boxrucker said. "In our study we found that blue catfish grow faster in Texoma, Waurika, Grand and Keystone lakes. On the flip side, they grow relatively slower in Hugo, Ellsworth and Eufaula lakes." Boxrucker and his fellow biologists will continue to study these unique fish in order to give fisheries managers the knowledge they need to make informed management decisions. In the meantime Boxrucker has one suggestion for anglers. "Keep all the small blue cats that you can eat and the law allows. But consider releasing the really big fish. These trophy blues are a great resource for all anglers and because of their age they can be hard to replace," Boxrucker said. For more information about blue catfish research in Oklahoma log on to wildlifedepartment.com and go to "Fishing," then click on "Fisheries Research Projects." -30- June 3-4 marks Oklahoma Free Fishing Days In case you needed an excuse to take your family fishing, here is a good one - the first weekend in June (June 3-4) is Free Fishing Days in Oklahoma. "Free fishing days are a great opportunity to introduce family and friends to fishing," said David Warren, information and education chief for the Wildlife Department. Oklahoma was the first state in the nation to offer free fishing days 24 years ago and has since been followed by dozens of other states that have established similar free fishing days. Resident and non-resident fishing licenses (including trout licenses and fishing and hunting legacy permits) are not required on the free fishing days, although anglers should note that local or municipal permits might be required on those days. Texoma Lake anglers should be aware that the Texas free fishing day is Saturday, June 3 only. Unless exempt due to age, anglers fishing on the Texas portion of Lake Texoma on Sunday, June 4 must either possess the special Lake Texoma license or a fishing license issued by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Anglers must also follow all other fishing regulations. -30- OUTDOOR CALENDAR MAY 27: American Catfish Anglers Tournament Series at Ellsworth Lake, Lawton. Meet at Ralph's Resort (city permit required). For more information contact Mike Strawn at (405) 410-9486 or http://www.catfishangler.com JUNE 1-4: Bassmaster Elite Series at Grand Lake. 1: Aquatic Education Clinic: ODWC Family Clinic, Casting Pond at ODWC, Jenks. Pre-registration is required. Register by calling ODWC- Jenks at (918) 299-2334. 3: Wildflower Biology workshop at the Same Noble Museum. The workshop runs from 9 a.m. to noon. For more information call (405) 325-4712. 3 & 4: Frontier Days at Crows Corral at Clear Bay Rea, Lake Thunderbird State Park. Admission is free. You can learn about dutch oven cooking, bow making, hide tanning and much more. For more information contact Julie Tarver at (405) 321-4633. 3-4: Free Fishing Days in Oklahoma. Resident and non-resident fishing licenses (including trout licenses and fishing and hunting legacy permits) are not required on the free fishing days, although anglers should note that local or municipal permits might be required on those days. Texoma Lake anglers should be aware that the Texas free fishing day is June 3 only. 3: Aquatic Education Clinic at Wildhorse Pond, Mustang Parks and Rec. Pre-registration is required. Register by calling Mustang Parks Department at (405) 376-3411. 3: Aquatic Education Clinic: Wal-Mart Clinic, Cypress Lake, Norman. Pre-registration is required. Register by calling Gene Gilliland at (405) 325-7288. 3: Aquatic Education Clinic: Wal-Mart Clinic, Willow Pond, Norman. Pre-registration is required. Register by calling Gene Gilliland at (405) 325-7288. 3: Aquatic Education Clinic: Crystal Lake Clinic, Backwater Bassin' Clinic. Pre-registration is required. Register by calling Chuck Drake at (405) 354-9468. CENTRAL Arcadia: Elevation 1/2 ft. above normal, water 70. Largemouth bass good off northeast banks around trees mid-day to evening at 2-5 ft. on artificial lures. Channel catfish being caught off the north banks in the morning on worms and raw bacon just off bottom. Crappie good in coves and around rocks and docks on minnows, worms, roadrunners at 3-8 ft. Report submitted by Linnie Mason, gate attendant. Draper: Elevation 2 ft. above normal and clear. Largemouth bass good in coves with structure on plastic worms and tandem spinners. Report submitted by Tony Woodruff, game warden stationed in Cleveland County. Hefner: Elevation 3 ft. below normal, water 72. Walleye good on worms and bottom bouncing sinkers. Crappie being caught on the east side of the lake and the south end off cement and riprap break on medium size minnows at 12-13 ft. Catfish being caught on the northwest bend of the dam slip corking punch bait, stinkbait and minnows at 2-8 ft. Report submitted by Bob Martin, OKC Fisheries. Thunderbird: Elevation 4 1/2 ft. below normal and clear. Crappie good at 3-6 ft. on minnows and jigs around structure. White bass good on jigs, spinners and medium diving crankbaits off points. Largemouth bass good on plastic worms and tandem spinners in coves on structure. Saugeye fair to good on medium diving crankbaits and jigs at 4-8 ft. off points and old road beds. Report submitted by Tony Woodruff, game warden stationed in Cleveland County. NORTHEAST Birch: Elevation normal and clear. Crappie good off of the birch cove dock using minnows. Largemouth bass fair and can be found around rocky points using crankbaits, plastic baits and spinnerbaits. Striped bass hybrids good while trolling with live shad and crankbaits. Catfish fair on cut fish in the creek channel. Report submitted by Ben Bickerstaff, game warden stationed in Osage County. Carl Blackwell: Water 68 and murky. Crappie fair on jigs in 10-12 ft. of water. Saugeye and striped bass hybrids fair trolling with crankbaits. Channel catfish good on cut bait and punch bait around rocks. Report submitted by Tyler Gann, lake ranger. Eucha: Elevation 7 ft. below normal, water 64 and clear. Crappie good on jigs and minnows around brush and structure. Largemouth bass good on jerk baits and Carolina rigged plastic baits off rocky points. Catfish fair on night crawlers. Bluegill being caught crickets and worms. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries. Grand: Elevation normal and murky. White bass good on spinnerbaits and jigs in the tributaries. Channel catfish good on worms and shad guts in the mud flats and the tributaries. Crappie fair on minnows at 15 ft. around brush piles. Report submitted by Jim Littlefield, game warden stationed in Delaware County. Greenleaf: Elevation normal and clear. Largemouth bass good on spinnerbaits and crankbaits. Catfish good on cut bait on bottom. Crappie good on minnows and jigs. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County. Hudson: Elevation 4 ft. above normal and murky. White bass fair to good on small gizzard shad and lures in the upper end of the lake and around rocky gravel pits, Channel catfish good on cut shad in the river channel and rocky points. Crappie fair to good on minnows at 3-6 ft. Report submitted by Steve Loveland, game warden stationed in Mayes County. Hulah: Elevation 13 ft. above normal and murky. Fishing in the lake is slow. Flathead catfish are being caught below the dam cut fish and live shad. Report submitted by Ben Bickerstaff, game warden stationed in Osage County. Kaw: Elevation 7 ft. above normal and rising with stained water. Blue and channel catfish fair on stinkbait and cut shad in upper end of lake and Arkansas River. Blue catfish fair in tail waters on whole and cut shad. White bass fair in tail waters on minnows. Report submitted by Marshall Reigh, game warden stationed in Kay and Grant counties. Keystone: Elevation 5 ft. above normal, water 60 and murky. Largemouth bass fair on plastics and spinnerbaits at 3-8 ft. in flooded brush. Smallmouth bass fair on crankbaits and jig and chunk at 5-10 ft. off secondary points and in rocky coves. White bass fair on minnows and rooster tails at 4-8 ft. below dam and in creeks. Striped bass good on buck tails at 3-6 ft. below the dam. Channel catfish good on worms and minnows at 4-8 ft. off rocky banks. Blue catfish good on cut shad and large minnows at 5-10 ft. in the flats and coves. Flathead catfish fair on minnows and jigs at 3-8 ft. in calm coves. Report submitted by Larry Sellers, Woody's Bait and Tackle. Oologah: Elevation 6 ft. above normal, water 60 and muddy in the upper half and murky in the lower half of the lake. Channel catfish good on dough bait and worms upper areas of the lake around flooded vegetation. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around submerged structure at 4-8 ft. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits and soft plastics around flooded brush. Channel and blue catfish also fair below the dam on shad. Report submitted by Brek Henry, game warden stationed in Rogers County. Sooner: Elevation 1 ft. below normal, water 64 and clear. Striped bass and striped bass hybrids good on live shad on mid-lake humps at 27-40 ft. Crappie fair using minnows along highways. White bass good trolling crank baits and using jigs or slabs. Report submitted by Paul Tennies, Pete's Place. Great Salt Plains: Bass good in weed beds on Carolina Rigs and lipless crankbaits. Striped bass hybrids good in the upper end of the lake on shad and fair on slabs. Crappie fair on the rip-rap with minnows in 5-10 ft. Report submitted by Marshall Reigh, game warden stationed in Kay and Grant counties. Spavinaw: Elevation 4 ft. below normal, water 64 and clear. Crappie good on jigs and minnows around dam area. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits. Catfish good on chicken livers. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries. Tenkiller: Elevation normal, water 72 and stained. Crappie fair trolling the main channel with deep runners and around docks or brush at 8-10 ft. on minnows or jigs. Catfish fair with some action on minnows and worms in coves. Report submitted by Monte Brooks, Cookson Village Resort. Webbers Falls: Elevation normal and murky. Largemouth bass good on spinnerbaits along shoreline and riprap. Catfish good on cut bait on bottom. Crappie good on minnows around brush structure. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County. NORTHWEST Canton: Elevation slightly above normal. White bass and striped bass hybrids and walleye good along drifting slabs and trolling crankbaits. Crappie fair in the upper end of the lake on minnows and jigs. Channel catfish fair in the upper end of the lake on cut shad and crawfish. May 18-21 is the annual Canton Lake Walleye Rodeo. Report submitted by Mark Walker, game warden stationed in Blaine County. Ft. Supply: Elevation normal and clear. Channel catfish good shallow on stinkbait. Report submitted by Mark Reichenberger, game warden stationed in Harper County. Great Salt Plains: Channel catfish fair to good on trotlines baited with shad, slow to fair around the spillway on shad and stinkbait. Report submitted by R.C Nickols, Great Plains State Park. SOUTHEAST Arbuckle: Fishing can be good. Bass fair on jigs and plastic worms. Report submitted by Jack Melton. Blue River: Elevation slightly below normal, water 65 and muddy. Largemouth bass fair on minnows and flies. Catfish fair on liver and worms. Report submitted by Charles Baker, technician at Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area. Broken Bow: Elevation normal, water 71 and clear. Largemouth bass good off rocky points on dark soft plastics. Crappie good in south Holly Creek on minnows and jigs around standing timber. Walleye fair in Egypt Creek south towards main body of lake off rocky points after dark on deep running crankbaits. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County. Eufaula: Elevation 1 1/2 ft. below normal and clear. Largemouth bass good on soft plastic baits at 2-8 ft. around brush. White bass good on jigs at 6-10 ft. around bridges. Blue catfish good on worms at 2-6 ft. along the rocks. Crappie fair on jigs at 3-8 ft. around brush. Report submitted Ed Rodebush, game warden stationed in McIntosh County. Hugo: Elevation 3 ft. above normal, water 64 and murky. Largemouth bass good on spinnerbaits. Crappie good on live minnows. Channel catfish fair on cut bait. Report submitted by Wendell Smalling, game warden stationed in Choctaw County. Konawa: Elevation normal, water 75 and clear. Largemouth bass good on crankbaits at 5-10 ft. along the points and road bed. Report submitted by Daryl Howser, game warden stationed in Seminole County. McGee Creek: Elevation 4 ft. above normal, water 68 and clear. Largemouth bass fair to good on soft plastic lures at 2-6 ft. in standing timber. Channel catfish good on juglines with sunfish and good on red worms with rod and reel off rip rap. Report submitted by Larry Luman, game warden stationed in Atoka County. Pine Creek: Elevation above normal and murky. Bass fair on spinnerbaits around points and creek channels. Crappie fair on pink, red, and yellow jigs around timber. Catfish good on liver in upper end of lake. Report Submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County. Robert S. Kerr: Elevation normal, water 72 and stained. Largemouth bass good at 2-4 ft. using plastic baits and spinnerbaits fishing the rock, weed and woody shorelines. Crappie good at 8-10 ft. using minnows fishing the edge of the old creek channels. White bass good at 8-10 ft. using jigs fishing below Webbers Falls and Kerr dams. Blue catfish good at 3-10 ft. using fresh cut bait and goldfish fishing the edges of the current in the upper part of the lake. Flathead catfish good at 10-20 ft. using live bait on trotlines and juglines. Report submitted by Rick Olzawski, game warden stationed in Haskell County. Sardis Lake: Elevation 1 ft. above normal and murky. Catfish good on cut bait. Bass fair on weed beds. Crappie good around bridges and brush piles. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County. Texoma: Elevation 1 1/2 ft. below normal, water 68 and clear to the south and murky to the north. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits at 5-10 ft. around shoreline and structure. White bass and striped bass fair to good on live bait and sassy shad at 15-25 ft. around the islands. Catfish fair to good on live bait and cut shad at 5-15 ft. in Little Glasses Creek. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 5-15 ft. around structure. Report submitted by Danny Clubb, game warden stationed in Bryan County. Wister: Elevation 3 1/4 ft. above normal, water 68 degrees and muddy. Channel and blue catfish good on the rip rap areas with shad at 3-8 ft. Flathead catfish good on trotlines baited with live sunfish 1at 0-15 ft. Crappie good on the banks with minnows at 3-6 ft. Largemouth bass fair around the points on dark crankbaits. Report submitted by D.G. Belcher, game warden stationed in Latimer County. SOUTHWEST Altus-Lugert: Elevation 14 ft. below normal and murky. North shore boat ramp is high and dry. Crappie are being caught using minnows. White bass, walleye and hybrid striped bass fair to good. Report compiled by Quartz Mountain Grocery. Ellsworth: Elevation 10 ft. below normal and murky. Crappie have slowed but are still being caught in shallow water on jigs and minnows. Catfish fair on cut bait off rocky points. Report submitted by Mike Carroll, game warden stationed in Comanche County. Foss: Elevation 1 1/2 ft. below normal, water 68 and clear. Walleye and saugeye good along dam with live bait. White bass good. Catfish fair with cut shad or shad gizzards. Bass and crappie fair. Watch for the birds working and you will generally find fish. Report submitted by Eric Puyear, B & K Bait House. Ft. Cobb: Elevation 1/4 ft. above elevation and murky. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs in shallow water. Catfish fair on cut baits. White bass fair on jigs and minnows. Saugeye fair on night crawlers and jigs or sassy shad drifting or trolling. Report submitted by James L. Edwards, Jr., game warden station in Caddo County. Tom Steed: Elevation 4 ft. below normal, water 68 and murky. Catfish good on cut bait. White bass good trolling crankbaits. Crappie fair on minnows around the rocks. Report submitted by David Smith, game warden stationed in Kiowa County. Waurika: Elevation below normal, water 70 and murky. White bass good on jigs and shad off windy points. Catfish good on juglines or trotlines baited with shad and goldfish. Crappie good on minnows and jigs at Washita Bridge. Report submitted by Phillip Cottrill, game warden stationed in Jefferson County.

Pump them up and they may someday fight as hard as a smallie or white bass! Sign of the times. One thought- wouldn't they need more food thus creating a management issue for all Missouri trout waters? They wouldn't grow any faster (?) but would eat more so at least on Taney MDC would have to stock less trout. Would have to lower the limit- again

Sounds as if you're blessed... memories and future dreams. Welcome.

Wanted to comment on part of the report. I was being vague about something... for a reason. "Quite a few nice rainbows being caught- minus a couple dozen taken out at outlet #1 tonight by 4 guys... but that's another post for later." I boated up to the cable Monday evening and was sitting in the eddie against the south bank rigging when I saw 4 guys in outlet #1 pull up a stringer FULL of quality rainbows and headed up the bank. I tried to call an agent- no answer. So I headed over and beached the boat (bent my trolling motor shaft at a 45 angle), followed them and got their plate number and description of the truck. Light olive Explorer truck 4 door ATA-7094 out of state. I couldn't make out the state though. They were bait fishing, according to a couple of guy still fishing in the outlet. It looked to me there were more than 16 trout on the stringer- it was huge and all the fish looked to be over 15 inches. I talked to Quenton later and gave him the info. He passed it on to other agents in the area. I called and talked to the hatchery people and let them know about it- to watch for the vehicle. They could be construction guys in the area working-- Quenton said they've had alot of incidences with construction people fishing illegally in the evening and at night. With all the reports of small fish/ no quality fish being caught below and the dam, it sickens me to see that many rainbows taken at one swoop. Hopefully, at least these guys won't get away with it again.

http://ozarkanglers.com/james_river/maps/full.jpg http://ozarkanglers.com/james_river/maps/lower1.jpg http://ozarkanglers.com/james_river/maps/lower2.jpg Extend the road on to the water and that's where McCord is. There's actually a village there- McCord Bend Village. Pay $2 bucks per car. Can camp but no facilities. There's a boat ramp- a pretty good one. The lake's level is up past Blunk quite a ways so it's flat water thru Blunk to McCord. I'd consider putting in at Kerr and floating to Blunk next time- more moving water.

This either shows there are no old timers viewing this forum or there are no old timers left. I'm sure the latter isn't true cause I'm an old timers given what I've said. Anyhow... Russ Penn 'Moses' They fished upper Taney in the 60's into the 90's almost everyday they could fish. Both have passed away.

Floated from the Y bridge to McCord today... started about 10 am and fished most of the chuts and pools before the river was swallowed up by the lake. Then we paddled out. Fished exclusively jigs - 1/16th to 1/8th depending on the pools and speed of the water - in sculpin or brown/orange. Caught lots of blue gill, a couple of dozen gogs out of one pool and 20 or so small mouth bass- the pics are of most of the better ones. Didn't measure any- but 14-15 inches was the biggest probably. Great day- great weather. No one on the water except us and 2 other boats.

Email from Chris Vitello, MDC I retrieved some updated information concerning hand fishing when I was in Jefferson City last week. A brief summary follows: 1. Since April 2000 a group of citizens has been campaigning for the legalization of hand fishing in Missouri, with a particular focus on flathead catfish. 2. During the past legislative session, the Department testified in opposition to the hand fishing bill. In considering the legalization of hand fishing, the Department's guiding principle, consistent with our mission, is to protect the long-term future of the species. The bill was not passed during the recently completed session. 3. An experimental hand fishing season for catfish began in 2005 to determine what effect hand fishing will have on catfish populations and whether such a season can be permitted without harm to the resource. This season is open only on selected waters (portions of the Fabius River system, portions of the Mississippi River and a part of the St. Francis River). We asked our biologists to lead a process to answer this question: "Will removing catfish from Missouri streams and rivers, while they are on the nest in June and July, have a long-term impact to the fishery resource?" A credible analysis of this question requires a multi-year effort. The Conservation Commission has implemented a study to find the answer to this and other related questions. CBV

What are you going to do for your get-to-gether this weekend? You're welcome to use our pavilion for a cookout one evening. Let me know.

Generation has been pretty consistant during the week- on about 3-4 pm and running till dark. How much has varied- 2-4 units from 705 to 708 ft. Weekends they've been running same time but less water and less time. Evening jig bite below the dam during generation is good. Depending on the volume of water - 1/16th to 1/8th oz jigs in sculpin, sculpin/ginger, olive/sculpin, brown, black and some white. Work them slow on close to the bottom. Rapalas also have been working good esp on browns. F-9's and 11's in gold, silver, rainbow and brown as well as pointers and other stick baits. Work them stop and go. I know of one guy who holds his boat in the current and runs deep divers down below the boat along channel cuts and into holes and has caught some nice browns in the last week. He runs a small 9.9 hp motor instead of anchoring so that he can manover back and forth, working the plug. Jim Johnson works deep divers on the Pere Marquette in his drift boat the same way- works the plug under trees and ledges along the banks. It works. Drifting egg flies below the dam will work great- use a split shot and a orange, yellow or white egg fly, drifting it on the bottom. This will work clear down to Fall Creek. I saw something that bothered my the other day at the dam. It was a guy fishing a drift rig using one of those laytex worms sold by Spirit River- you know the one we had a discussion about a couple of months ago. But he was fishing it dead in the water- no movement- just like bait. I didn't see him catch a fish but he acted like he had been- throwing it out just below the cable at the dam. If trout hit this like a real worm- no action what so ever- then what's the difference? The trout will swallow it like a real worm and it will kill 20% of what he catches- according to MDC stats. Off the box. Zebra midges- some new patterns have been brought to my attention. You'll see a thread talking about them. I guess they've been the hot ticket fly fishing below the dam lately. Quite a few nice rainbows being caught- minus a couple dozen taken out at outlet #1 tonight by 4 guys... but that's another post for later. Dries are also in the mix- #10 humpies I've heard are causing a splash below #2 and thru the rebar hole. Fishing from a boat from Lookout down has been spoty. Babler reports if the wind is blowing, they will absolutely eat up a ornage headed sculpin micro jig under a float fishing 4-5 feet deep. If the wind isn't blowing, sit in the boat will it does cause you won't get bit. Word is stockings have occured well below Cooper Creek lately and rainbows are being caught in that area and down to the bridges. Power Bait as well as cleos, jig and float using 1/80th oz ginger, brown, orange head/brown, black/yellow and white jigs under a float 5-6 feet deep and do look for wind/chop on the water.

Below are the upcoming events presented by the St. Louis County Department of Parks and Recreation. First, a personal note: I will soon be retiring from St. Louis County and moving on to new adventures. As my 30 year career with the department comes to an end I would like to thank all of you for your support and participation in our programs. It has been my distinct honor and privilege to be your public servant over the past three decades. In lieu of a traditional retirement party I have requested a fund raising roast to benefit a cancer charity that is personally important to me. Anyone interested in attending can get information by calling 636-391-3474. Again thanks for the good times and million great memories. Marty Koch Recreation Supervisor Now on to the event list! Faust Historic Village Open House Visitors to Faust Village may tour the 1850s Conway house home of Dr. Frederick and Lavinia Bates. Adjacent to the home is a period herb garden and outdoor kitchen. Also the circa 1848 log cabin of Ludwig and Salome Mertz, as well as, a dye and insect repellent garden, German vegetable garden, smokehouse, outhouse, and woodshed; the Davis House, which originally was a two story log cabin with it’s detached washhouse and smokehouse. On occasion, a blacksmith demonstrates in the Yokel Barn and blacksmith shop. In addition to the tours of these structures given by docents, visitors have the opportunity to examine the exteriors of the 1880s Hoch German brick house (currently under restoration), the Schlueter corn crib and the Sellenriek Barn. Call 636-532-7298 for more information. May 27-28, June 17-18, 24-25, July 22-23, 29-30 10 am-5 pm Free YOUTH FISHING LESSONS Instructors: Tim Emmons & Marty Koch Children ages 9-15 will learn the basics of fishing from an experienced outdoor professional. Kids will fish in a special pond open only to educational classes. Rods, reels, and bait are provided. Fishing is catch and release. Register early for this popular program. Call 636-391-0922 x 10. OA-14843 Wed May 31 6:30 -8 pm OA-14844 Wed Jun 7 6:30 -8 pm OA-14845 Wed Jun 14 6:30 -8 pm OA-14846 Wed Jun 21 6:30 -8 pm OA-14847 Wed Jun 28 6:30 -8 pm Suson Park, Spindler Shelter $5/child JUNE BASIC KAYAK COURSE Instructors: Alpine Shop One of our most popular clinics every year! No experience is necessary to learn how to kayak from three of Alpine Shop’s ACA Certified Instructors, but you must know how to swim. (You will get wet!). After you’ve spent four hours with us on the water, you’ll have all the basics of kayaking. This course teaches the basic strokes needed in flat or whitewater but emphasizes kayak touring. Boats and equipment provided. Students provide their own snacks, drinking water, hat, sunscreen and eyeglass retainers. This class is a prerequisite for the Intermediate and Advanced Kayaking courses. Minimum age requirement is 18. Advance registration required. On line registration for this course is not available. Call (636) 391-3474 to register. Discount package: Sign up for Basic, Intermediate, and Advance class at the same time and save $45. We strongly suggest attending one of our Intro to Kayaking: Dry Land Basics seminars before joining us on this trip. Ages 18 & Up OA-15090 Sat Jun 3 10:00 am-2:00 pm OA-15091 Sat Jun 3 2:30 -6:30 pm OA-15092 Sat Jun 10 10 am-2 pm OA-15093 Sat Jun 10 2:30 -6:30 pm OA-15094 Sat Jun 17 10 am-2 pm OA-15095 Sat Jun 17 2:30 -6:30 pm OA-15096 Sat Jul 8 10 am-2 pm OA-15097 Sat Jul 8 2:30 -6:30 pm OA-15098 Sat Jul 15 10 am-2 pm OA-15099 Sat Jul 15 2:30 -6:30 pm OA-15100 Sat Jul 29 10 am-2 pm OA-15101 Sat Jul 29 2:30 -6:30 pm OA-15102 Sat Aug 12 10 am-2 pm OA-15103 Sat Aug 12 2:30 -6:30 pm Simpson Park, Blue Heron Shelter $75/person BACKCOUNTRY NAVIGATION (MAP AND COMPASS) Instructor: Alpine Shop This class covers the basics of navigating with Topographical Maps and Compass in a remote environment. Learn to be confident of your position while traveling in the wilderness whether on or off trail. Join an experienced Alpine Shop Instructor for a class session and practical hike that will cover map reading, compass selection, route selection, lost position procedures, and efficiency of travel. Advance registration required. Call 636-391-3474 to register. On-line registration is not available for this course. OA-15061 Sat Jun 3 10 am-2 pm OA-15062 Sat Jul 15 10 am-2 pm OA-15063 Sat Sep 9 10 am-2 pm Greensfelder Park, Learning Center $20/person INTRODUCTION TO ORIENTEERING Orienteering is an exciting outdoor sport where you navigate using a map and compass to find a series of markers scattered throughout the forest and field. This course is designed to introduce the novice to the use of map and compass and the sport of Orienteering. All materials and supplies are included. Advance registration is required. Call 636-391-3474. OA-15267 Sat Jun 3 9:00 am-1:00 pm OA-15268 Sun Oct 1 9:00 am-1:00 pm Queeny Park, Mason Rd. Entrance $6/person BIG RIVER FISHING FLOAT While close to home the Big River is not heavily used. It is however, a first rate bass stream. We will float 6 miles of the river in the Smallmouth Bass special management area. Your fee includes canoe rental and expert hosts. We will self-shuttle our vehicles at the beginning and the end of the trip. Non-anglers are welcome. Advance registration is required. Call 636-391-3474. OA-15236 Sun Jun 4 9 am-6 pm Big River, Mamouth Access $22/person INTRO TO KAYAKING-DRY LAND BASICS Instructor: Alpine Shop This course is strongly recommended for anyone taking Alpine Shop’s Basic Kayaking course or any other introductory kayak clinic. Kayaks continue to explode in popularity throughout the Midwest and for good reason: they’re great fun and good exercise! But without knowing the basics, it’s hard to know where to start. Alpine Shop Paddlesports Director Rich Orr will help take care of that on dry land tonight. He’ll go over all the basics: from the equipment you’ll need, to the different styles of kayaks on the water. This clinic covers the basics of all kayaking but is geared towards touring and recreational kayaks. This course is free! Call the Alpine Shop at 314-962-7715 to register. June 6, July 11, August 1 7 -8:30 pm Alpine Shop, 440 N. Kirkwood Rd. (Lindbergh) Free YOUTH FISHING LESSONS Instructors: Tim Emmons & Marty Koch Children ages 9-15 will learn the basics of fishing from an experienced outdoor professional. Kids will fish in a special pond open only to educational classes. Rods, reels, and bait are provided. Fishing is catch and release. Register early for this popular program. Call 636-391-0922 x 10. OA-14844 Wed Jun 7 6:30 -8 pm OA-14845 Wed Jun 14 6:30 -8 pm OA-14846 Wed Jun 21 6:30 -8 pm OA-14847 Wed Jun 28 6:30 -8 pm Suson Park, Spindler Shelter $5/child KMOX FAMILY FISHING FAIR Don’t miss the KMOX Family Fishing Day. . Enjoy activities for the whole family. This FREE day of family fishing fun is hosted by KMOX’s Outdoors Dan Young. There will be food and snacks along with plenty of fun activities for the kids. Free fishing weekend-no license required. For information call 636-391-3474. OA-15270 Sat Jun 10 8:30 am-2:00 pm Suson Park. Free BASIC KAYAK COURSE Instructors: Alpine Shop One of our most popular clinics every year! No experience is necessary to learn how to kayak from three of Alpine Shop’s ACA Certified Instructors, but you must know how to swim. (You will get wet!). After you’ve spent four hours with us on the water, you’ll have all the basics of kayaking. This course teaches the basic strokes needed in flat or whitewater but emphasizes kayak touring. Boats and equipment provided. Students provide their own snacks, drinking water, hat, sunscreen and eyeglass retainers. This class is a prerequisite for the Intermediate and Advanced Kayaking courses. Minimum age requirement is 18. Advance registration required. On line registration for this course is not available. Call (636) 391-3474 to register. Discount package: Sign up for Basic, Intermediate, and Advance class at the same time and save $45. We strongly suggest attending one of our Intro to Kayaking: Dry Land Basics seminars before joining us on this trip. Ages 18 & Up OA-15092 Sat Jun 10 10 am-2 pm OA-15093 Sat Jun 10 2:30 -6:30 pm OA-15094 Sat Jun 17 10 am-2 pm OA-15095 Sat Jun 17 2:30 -6:30 pm OA-15096 Sat Jul 8 10 am-2 pm OA-15097 Sat Jul 8 2:30 -6:30 pm OA-15098 Sat Jul 15 10 am-2 pm OA-15099 Sat Jul 15 2:30 -6:30 pm OA-15100 Sat Jul 29 10 am-2 pm OA-15101 Sat Jul 29 2:30 -6:30 pm OA-15102 Sat Aug 12 10 am-2 pm OA-15103 Sat Aug 12 2:30 -6:30 pm Simpson Park, Blue Heron Shelter $75/person TWILIGHT ICE GRASS SLEDDING AND DINNER FOR ADULTS Program Coordinator: Deborah Bohnert Ok folks, grab your honey & come to the park for a really unique evening of FUN! "Grass Ice Sled," without snow by torchlight, followed by a romantic dinner and live music under the moon and stars. Your delicious meal will include spring salad, baked potato, beans, smoked breast of chicken, dessert and a drink of your choice. Right after dinner there will be string musicians playing or you may continue grass sledding under torch light. Please wear old clothes, bring a heavy towel or carpet square and a lawn chair or blanket to gather around our musicians. Adults only please. Advance registration is required. Call 636-391-0922 for more information. OA-14787 Sat Jun 10 6 -9:30 pm Sioux Passage Park $17/person FAWN WALK Leader: Dennis Hogan Spring is the time when the new born elk, deer and bison join the herds of wildlife at Lone Elk Park. Join a Park Naturalist and search the hills and valleys looking for the new borns. In addition, learn about the history of the park and its days as a military installation during the 1940's and 50's. Participants will encounter steep, rocky trails. Advance registration is required. For more information about this program or to register call 636-391-0922. OA-14919 Sat Jun 10 10 am-12 pm Lone Elk Park, Visitor Center $3/person SECOND SATURDAY LATE NITGHT FISHING Every second Saturday of the month, April – October we leave Suson, Simpson, and Spanish Lake parks open till 11 pm for late night fishing. Bring your poles, baits and lanterns and fish until the wee hours. Fishing is permitted from the bank only. No fee for program. For information call 636-391-3474. OA-14984 June 10 6 -11 pm Suson Park Simpson Park Spanish Lake Park Free MERAMEC RIVER TROUT FLOAT The Meramec River near St. James is a really good trout stream. Join us for our annual float to fish for Rainbow and Brown Trout on this fabled stretch of water. Fee includes canoe rental and expert hosts. Advance registration is required. Call 636-391-3474 for information or reservations. Min. Age 12. OA-15237 Sun Jun 11 8:00 am-6:00 pm $22/person Meramec River, St. James, MO YOUTH FISHING DAY CAMP Camp Directors: Tim Emmons & Joel Monk St. Louis' only "fishing" day camp is a big hit with kids ages 9 to 14! St. Louis County Park Rangers will conduct the camp where children will spend the week learning to be good anglers. Each day the group will venture out to a new fishing location. Also included is an afternoon of swimming at one of the county pools and a pizza party on Friday. All fishing equipment will be provided. Advance registration is required. Ages 9 -14. Call 636-391-3474 for more information. OA-14665 Mon-Fri Jun 12 - Jun 16 8:30 am-3:30 pm Queeny Park OA-14868 Mon-Fri Jul 10 - Jul 14 8:30 am-3:30 pm Suson Park $130.00/5 sessions YOUTH FISHING LESSONS Instructors: Tim Emmons & Marty Koch Children ages 9-15 will learn the basics of fishing from an experienced outdoor professional. Kids will fish in a special pond open only to educational classes. Rods, reels, and bait are provided. Fishing is catch and release. Register early for this popular program. Call 636-391-0922 x 10. OA-14845 Wed Jun 14 6:30 -8 pm OA-14846 Wed Jun 21 6:30 -8 pm OA-14847 Wed Jun 28 6:30 -8 pm Suson Park, Spindler Shelter $5/child BASIC KAYAK COURSE Instructors: Alpine Shop One of our most popular clinics every year! No experience is necessary to learn how to kayak from three of Alpine Shop’s ACA Certified Instructors, but you must know how to swim. (You will get wet!). After you’ve spent four hours with us on the water, you’ll have all the basics of kayaking. This course teaches the basic strokes needed in flat or whitewater but emphasizes kayak touring. Boats and equipment provided. Students provide their own snacks, drinking water, hat, sunscreen and eyeglass retainers. This class is a prerequisite for the Intermediate and Advanced Kayaking courses. Minimum age requirement is 18. Advance registration required. On line registration for this course is not available. Call (636) 391-3474 to register. Discount package: Sign up for Basic, Intermediate, and Advance class at the same time and save $45. We strongly suggest attending one of our Intro to Kayaking: Dry Land Basics seminars before joining us on this trip. Ages 18 & Up OA-15094 Sat Jun 17 10 am-2 pm OA-15095 Sat Jun 17 2:30 -6:30 pm OA-15096 Sat Jul 8 10 am-2 pm OA-15097 Sat Jul 8 2:30 -6:30 pm OA-15098 Sat Jul 15 10 am-2 pm OA-15099 Sat Jul 15 2:30 -6:30 pm OA-15100 Sat Jul 29 10 am-2 pm OA-15101 Sat Jul 29 2:30 -6:30 pm OA-15102 Sat Aug 12 10 am-2 pm OA-15103 Sat Aug 12 2:30 -6:30 pm Simpson Park, Blue Heron Shelter $75/person WETLAND PRAIRIE DISCOVERY Leader: Dennis Hogan Join a Park Naturalist and explore the unique 700-acre restoration that is taking place at Little Creve Coeur. Once an ox-bow lake formed by the Missouri River, Little Creve Coeur Wetlands were drained and plowed eliminating what once was a rich natural community. Now it is time to restore one of the largest remaining natural wetlands in St. Louis County. We are going to explore the natural wetland basin and the surrounding prairies, with their unique flora and fauna. Bring a pair of binoculars, the birding is fabulous. Advance registration is required. For more information or to register for this program call 636-391-0922. OA-14922 Sat Jun 17 10 am-1 pm Creve Coeur Park, West Side Soccer Field Lot. $3/person Faust Historic Village Open House Visitors to Faust Village may tour the 1850s Conway house home of Dr. Frederick and Lavinia Bates. Adjacent to the home is a period herb garden and outdoor kitchen. Also the circa 1848 log cabin of Ludwig and Salome Mertz, as well as, a dye and insect repellent garden, German vegetable garden, smokehouse, outhouse, and woodshed; the Davis House, which originally was a two story log cabin with it’s detached washhouse and smokehouse. On occasion, a blacksmith demonstrates in the Yokel Barn and blacksmith shop. In addition to the tours of these structures given by docents, visitors have the opportunity to examine the exteriors of the 1880s Hoch German brick house (currently under restoration), the Schlueter corn crib and the Sellenriek Barn. Call 636-532-7298 for more information. June 17-18, 24-25, July 22-23, 29-30 10 am-5 pm Free WILDERNESS 1ST AID CERTIFICATION.- REMOTE AREA RESCUE Instructors: Alpine Shop This is a fourteen-hour, highly intensive class in Wilderness Medicine and basic rescue procedures. The certification meets the requirements for the American Camping Association, the Boy Scouts of America, and National Park Service. Senior instructors hold a minimum of an NREMT-W license and have significant experience in mountain rescue and backcountry travel. Students will receive rigorous instruction in assessment procedures as well as generalized and specific medical issues that are commonplace in a backcountry or remote setting. Topics include: body systems, hot/cold injuries, anaphylaxis, trauma, communication/extraction, expedition medical planning, and improvised vital monitoring. This course does NOT include CPR/AED training. Students will participate in highly realistic simulation scenarios that model actual backcountry emergencies. The curriculum is fast paced, but exciting and dynamic in scope and content. The knowledge provided in this class is a must for anyone who spends time in remote areas or undertaking outdoor activities. Ages 18 & up. Registrations are handled by phone only at 636-391-3474. On-line registration is not available for this program. OA-15074 Sat Jun 17 6 am-8 pm OA-15075 Sat Aug 12 6 am-8 pm OA-15076 Sat Nov 4 6 am-8 pm Alpine Shop, 440 N Kirkwood Rd. (Lindbergh) $125/person

Better watch the water- their runnin' some.

I think we'll go float the lower James... won't have to bother with Ark lisc for the others going.

Talked to Riverside Canoe Rental and the lady said the river was very low. She recommended I not float tomorrow unless we get some rain. Very honest people they are...

Sounds like hybrids but big whites could do the same. I've fished off Bird Island in the past- evening into the night over light- and done very well on whites and crappie.

Ours will not be open. There's a ramp right next door to us at Ozark Trout Resort or if you want to go to Cooper (less than a mile) one of us can run you down there and help out- no problem. Regardless, we'll get you in and out of the water.

I talked to a friend who talked to a friend (advid Spring River/Honey Creek/Elk River white bass angler) who said they tore up the whites Saturday in the Honey Creek area. No details but they caught whites on every cast practically. Wily- glad you refreshed my memory. I wanted to post the report. Now we have caught hybrids up in Elk starting about now into June before but haven't seemed to find them for several years now. May be this is the year for us!

Just the road from the dam- south side- down to rocking chair.