Phil Lilley

by John Neporadny, Jr. Even though bass will be in different stages of spawning during May on the Lake of the Ozarks, one pattern remains consistent throughout the month. Harold Stark, a tournament competitor from Eldon, Mo., can catch bass in three stages of the spawn (pre-spawn, spawn and post-spawn) all at one time by flipping jigs behind boat docks on the lower end of the lake. Since the water temperature runs from 59 degrees at the beginning of the month to 75 degrees by the end of May, the flipping pattern produces best because the fish will stay behind the docks the entire month. Stark prefers fishing from the dam area to the 35-mile marker of the Osage arm since this area contains more boat docks. "There are also so many bigger coves in that area and they all have more cuts to fish." The ideal locations to try are behind docks in small indentations or cuts in the banks of bigger coves. The cuts should have a bank consisting of both pea gravel and chunk rock. "Cuts that sit in closer to the main part of the cove (near deep water) are best," says Stark. This pattern produces best in stained water with the lake level at or above normal stage. The higher the lake level, the move cover available for bass behind the docks, Stark says. He usually finds fish 2 to 5 feet deep near any available cover. The most appealing docks to bass contain the most junk in the rear section of the floating structure. "You're fishing the ramps, the cables and any brush that might be behind the dock then," Stark says. Even the cables dangling in the water will hold fish during this time. When Stark finds an ideal dock, he works it deliberately and thoroughly. He skips past the front end and sides of the dock and concentrates his efforts behind the cables. "If you think a fish is in a spot, flip to it more than once," Stark advises, "Generally though at that time of year, when you flip in and that fish is there, it usually bites right away." When he finishes behind one side, he will move around the dock and work the other backside. His favorite lure to flip is a 5/16- to 9/16-ounce Stanley jig with a number 1 pork frog. He prefers a brown jig with a black and red pork frog. He also always adds a fish attractant, such as Bang or Fish Formula, to his jig-and-frog combo. Stark uses 14- to 25-pound test line, depending on the water clarity. In clear water, he selects lighter line and switches to the heavier monofilament in darker water. Flipping works better than pitching in this situation. "You want to get in there just as quiet as you can," Stark says. "You can pitch it, but if you pitch too far back and you hook one, then you have to get him out from behind those cables. If you're too far away then you're not going to get him out." After flipping his lure to a target, Stark quickly retrieves the jig. "Put it in there, jig it a couple of times, then move it on out." He says the fish are aggressive enough during that time of year that they will usually hit the lure on the initial fall. The flipping pattern produces best under bright skies when the fish hold tighter to the cover behind the docks. During cloud cover the bass will roam all over the back of the dock. Stark says the fish will hit more aggressively but you just have to scatter your flips to more areas behind the dock. While flipping behind docks produces bigger fish, keeper-size bass will fall for tube baits thrown on a 1/16-ounce jig head with spinning tackle. Another successful pattern for getting a limit in a hurry is to throw a buzz bait. Stark suggests keeping your boat parallel to the bank and the trolling motor constantly running while you work the buzz bait along the whole bank of a cove. An effective pre- and post-spawn pattern during this time is throwing a Carolina-rigged plastic lizard along pea-gravel secondary points and channel banks in coves. For information on lodging and other facilities at the Lake of the Ozarks or to receive a free 162-page vacation guide, call the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1-800-FUN-LAKE or visit the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitors Bureau web site at funlake.com.

Nothing stays the same during spring on Lake Taneycomo. If you don't like the conditions today, wait a week, and chances are they'll change. We've had a variety of generation patterns for the month of April. But that's not unusual; it's spring! Actually it's been more like a normal spring than most we've had lately. This month, we've seen Table Rock's level jump three feet almost over night after a rain we had a couple of weeks ago. The U.S. Corps of Army Engineers then opened all four units and released the maximum amount of water to raise the upper lakes levels back to power pool. Since then we've had some rain, but not enough to cause big releases. The Corps now seems happy to regulate releases to where we're seeing slow release in the morning and a little more in the afternoon. This will, I believe, remain the pattern as long as Table Rock and Beaver Lakes remain within a foot or two or their power pool levels. Back when the Corps first released all four units, catching trout was tough, to say the least. I don't think our trout fed much, and when they did, it was very hard to get and keep a fly or bait close to the bottom because of the current. We hadn't seen that kind of release in almost 14 months -- remember we just came out of a 16-month drought. But catching got better. We found out where we could catch some trout, and then dam operators lowered the release amounts, and most everyone was happy. Right now the Corps is releasing one unit of water during the night and into the early morning hours, then bumping it up to two units mid morning and running that into the evening hours. The best bite is early, before generation goes to two units. But we have been catching some rainbows drifting mid-day, then much better later in the evening. I've gotten out quite a few times here that last few days on Taneycomo, although the call of crappie on Table Rock has been hard to ignore! Here's what I've found: From the cable below the dam down to the Missouri Department of Conservation boat ramp, I've drifted a tandem of two flies using a drift rig on four-pound line, picking from a choice of four flies in order from best to least: #14 UV gray scud, peach egg fly, pink San Juan Worm and a #12 while wooly bugger. Best bite is drifting from the cable to outlet #2 then over the gravel bar to Rocking Chair. While my clients drifted their rigs Monday, I tossed am 1/8th-ounce sculpin/ginger or the side of the boat, just for grins, and hooked a nice 18-inch rainbow. Second cast, three bites and then hooked another 15-inch rainbow. The next hot spot was drifting the fly rig over the shallow flat at the narrows although this quick drift was only good for one rainbow per drift. The water is fast and drift is quick. By the way, the overhanging tree at the top of the narrows is sinking further and further down towards the water's surface. You almost have to duck when the water is low, and when it's running you can't go under it. It's blocking the main channel so it has to come out. We'll be taking that tree out one day shortly. Those who know me know I don't use "live bait" very often, but friends here for a pastor's conference want to catch and keep trout, so we're drifting and using Gulp PowerBait. We've found good catching from the mouth of Fall Creek down about 600 yards using a combo of colors, white/orange, white/pink or yellow/orange. Tuesday morning when we started, generation was one unit, so we tied on drift rigs with 1/8th-ounce bell weights, but as the current increased, we switched rigs to using 1/4-ounce bell weights. Had to be on the bottom to catch anything. They all caught their limits by 11 am. When I cleaned these rainbows, their meat was pink -- which means these trout have been in the lake for a while. My guess is these rainbows were in the trophy area and came down below Fall Creek where they were no longer protected by the slot limit. Monday we found the best fishing was a stretch at Monkey Island and drifting from U.S. Highway 65 bridge down to the railroad bridge. At Monkey, we'd pull almost up to the top of the island and drift past the island and down about 300 yards, then go back up, using the same colors of Gulp Eggs.

Kyle Kosovich's Newsletter An overnight Longboat trip is more than floating an Ozarks stream in a long, wooden boat. It's more than fishing for trout or smallmouth. And it's definitely more than a streamside lunch of sandwiches and soda. While my service is unique, I have to admit—it's nothing new. The tradition of the Ozarks float trip was established nearly a century ago. The cold, clear waters and stringers full of smallies brought stars and VIPs from all across the country. With important clients like that, simple snacks and pup tents would not suffice. Outfitters went all out, providing guests with comfortable accommodations and delicious meals. Years later, they provided me with the inspiration for Longboat Outfitters. Recently, I came across two videos on YouTube that showcase exactly what I aim to recreate. The first, "An Ozarks Float," was produced by the Missouri Conservation Commission in the late 1950s. The name of the river isn't mentioned, but I reckon it's the James—one of the credited guides is John Barnes, brother of boat-builder Charlie Barnes. The second in an early 1960s travelogue from KTVI, then the ABC affiliate in St. Louis. "The Vanishing Ozarks" features the Current River shortly before the establishment of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, which protects much of the Current and Jacks Fork. Both videos give a glimpse of the Ozarks float trip before the tradition faded into the past with the rising waters of an impounded White River. The overnight trips portrayed in the films recalled simpler, quieter times, even during the modern era of the '50s and '60s—a time we think of today as pretty simple and quiet. If you want to experience a traditional Ozarks float trip for yourself, please call or email me. While I've updated a few details to improve comfort, the important elements of the classic overnight trip stay the same. You arrive at the gravel bar with camp already set. We cook your steaks over an open flame. The evenings end with recounting the day's adventure and tall tales of previous trips. The mornings begin with a sunrise glinting off a rippling river. And, most importantly, you'll make memories you'll keep the rest of your life. Deal of the Month Now that spring is here, the smallmouth have moved out of the spring branches and back into the rivers. Catfish are on the prowl, bucketmouths are brooding and goggle-eye are ready to play. Let me show you where to find them—book a warm-water trip by May 31 and I'll knock off 10 percent! —Kyle Kosovich, Longboat Outfitters

Took some guys fishing today. They caught them pretty good drifting from the dam down to MDC boat ramp on #14 uv gray scuds drifted on the bottom. Eggs flies also. Had to be bumping the bottom. I tossed a 1/8th oz sculpin/ginger jig and they ATE IT UP mid day. My guys couldn't get the hang of it though. Later in afternoon, till 6 pm. Found some rainbows drifting orange/white or pink/white Gulp next to and past Monkey Island. About a 300 yard drift. Another pontoon group caught a few at the railroad bridge- same thing, drfitng a short section. They just weren't everywhere... Will post a full report next 2 days.

There's no stripe... not like the others we caught. The ones with the stripe weren't that black either.

One other observance... there's a lot of wood along the bank this year and lake level is perfect for crappie cover along the bank. Nice to see.

I've always had trouble fishing brush piles out from the bank. I learned from Duane... he throws out past the pile and lets the lure sink. When he feels it hit the brush, he lifts and works it over the branches. Now I kept catching, hooking the branches more than he... not sure what's up with that. I did find, though, if we were right on top of the pile, I could drop a swimming minnow straight down and hold it dead still and got lots of taps. I know you can't hold anything dead still- there's always movement. Crappie liked it though. Discussion on this pic... is the dark crappie a black crappie or a white crappie male in spawning colors?

Cleaned. Had 11. 7 sows. One had bloody egg sacks. The rest weren't ready to spawn.

April 27 By BRENT FRAZEE The Kansas City Star EAGLE ROCK, Mo. — Had it really been that long? Had it really been almost 15 years since I drove down the Ozarks back roads to J.D. Fletcher’s resort on Table Rock Lake? It didn’t seem like it when I bounced down a country lane and set eyes on Devil’s Dive Resort, where I spent some of the best moments in my career at The Kansas City Star. Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2013/04/27/4204921/one-last-fishing-trip-with-jd.html#storylink=cpy

Oh yea- I caught them on smoke/purple flake swimming minnow, 1/16th oz head. Duane used several kinds of baits- he'll have to post his report.

Well... we caught a few. Me and Duane put in at Flat Creek Resort about noon today and fished up. Didn't find 'em so we pulled out and went to Cape Fair ramp. Water was good color there and 54. Just couldn't find them. At Cape, we hit some of Duane's spots. Most were coves or cut with brush, all up lake (I think). They weren't on the banks at all- some were within 15 feet but most were off in the brush. One common denominator was there had to be fairly deep water close- 16 ft plus. The shallower coves we didn't do as well. We quit at 4 with I think 15 crappie (haven't cleaned them yet). Had that many shorts. We found 59 degree water on the main lake.

John, This caddis hatch- is it THE hatch of the spring? I fished the caddis hatch last year- thought it was in May. Lots of white caddis flying around. Is that still to come?

The ones you taught me to tie! That and I was using too light of line. I need to change.

This has to be one of my favorite times a year here on the lake. The green foliage looks so fresh, contrasting are the dogwoods in full bloom. These showers hinder fishermen but it's still pretty to see in as it hits the lake. Do fish bite in the rain? Definitely, but this rain is cold and not many are getting out in it. Marsha went out with me last evening. She took pics with the new camera and I tossed a jig. She got some good shots and I caught a few trout. I stayed with the white jig vs changing to something I knew would catch more rainbows because I wanted a better shot at a brown trout. I had one small one on but my knot came untied.

Depending on how much rain we get, Long Creek might be muddied up. You might have to go out to the main lake. The big cove, east side, just south of the 86 bridge has a lot of standing timber and an old friend of mine said he used to clean up on crappie around that timber.

There are a lot of things that could be offered here... I'd like to see pictures of various ponds. Best ways to build ponds. How to stock a pond, resources, kinds of fish. And of course >show the fish< I grew up fishing farm ponds, rock quarries, tanks and strip pits. This should be fun!

YOUTH FLY FISHING PROGRAM Saturday, June 15, 2013 (Fathers Day Weekend) - ALL DAY Mountain Home, Arkansas at the fabled waters of Dry Run Creek Troutbusters will be hosting a wonderful day just for the kids. If you are a parent, a grandparent, a great grandparent, an uncle, an aunt, or in any size, shape or form connected with a child under the age of 16, you should seriously consider taking them to this event. It is one of the most amazing places to fish for trout (rainbows, browns, brook, and cutthroats) on planet earth. There are reported to be more than 10,000 trout per mile. Who are Troutbusters? Troutbusters is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people of all walks of life recover from trauma, from combat to cancer, via love and fly fishing. Troutbuster members are passionate about fly fishing and are enthusiastic about helping others heal through sharing their love of the sport directly through teaching fly fishing skills and indirectly through fundraising. Troutbusters focuses its fundraising efforts on committed, grass roots organizations that make a significant difference in the lives of others. Through an act-locally approach, we will focus our support and passion for Fly Fishing directly on the people and organizations in our community. Dry Run Creek Fishing Regulations: Flies only Barbless hooks only Catch and Release only Must be under 16 or handicapped What is Included? All of the gear (fly rods, reels, leader, tippet, flies) River helpers available to ‘guide’ the kids on Saturday Continental Breakfast on Saturday, June 15th Lunch on Saturday, June 15th Giveaways/Raffle Prizes What is NOT Included? Lodging Transportation to and from Dry Run Creek (0ver) This is an absolutely amazing experience for the youth and you will have memories that will last a lifetime. A special thank you to Ozark Fly Fishers & Feather-Craft Fly Fishing for sponsoring this event. DETAILS: The program starts at 9am on Saturday and will last until late afternoon A suggested minimum donation of $25 per child payable to ‘Troutbusters’ will help fund the event and will secure your reservation Please make donation checks payable to: Troutbusters Children (under 16) must be accompanied by an adult. You can fish on Friday on your own and you will want to fish on Sunday if you have time. If you would like to get involved in getting kids hooked for life, we are looking for stream helpers also - everyone is welcome to join us! CAMPING: There is a campground (The Dam-Quarry Campground) just below the dam that is right next to Dry Run Creek and the Hatchery, this your best option to be close. It accommodates tents, pop-ups and RV's and has some services including showers. To reserve a campsite on your own go to: http://www.recreation.gov and search "Camping / Arkansas / Dam-Quarry (AR), Norfork Lake, AR". We have reserved the following campsites: 14,16,18 and a group shelter on Saturday for our meals and gathering. If you would like to reserve one of the sites that we have please contact T.J. Branson and they will be reserved on a first come, first served basis. There are many other sites available. Reservation for the campsite will be confirmed upon receiving the payment for the campsite. The cost for our reserved campsites is $50 for two nights of camping. HOTELS: If you wish to stay in a hotel room there are a number of options in Mountain Home, Arkansas (ZIP CODE for Hotwire or Priceline is 72653) including: Holiday Inn Express, Ramada Inn, Hampton Inn, Days Inn, and many more. HOW TO SIGN UP: If you would like to sign up, or if you have any questions, please contact T.J. Branson. Email address: bransontj@att.net Phone: 636-262-5515 Upon reserving your spot (by contacting T.J. Branson) you will receive directions and further instructions for the trip.

Could you find any clear water in the back of the creeks/coves? I was told Bear Creek isn't bad - catching some crappie there.

I got out this afternoon. Fished from 4 till about 7. First tried bait in the Short Creek area - night crawlers and Gulp. Nothing. Wind blowing upstream made it very hard to get a good drift. Between that and few bites, no hookups. 2 units - good flow. I finally pull out a jig and caught some rainbows across from Trout Hollow on the eddie bank - ginger 1/16th oz. Felt like if I worked that whole bank I'd done well but wanted to move. Headed to the dam. Drifted south bank using a 1/8th oz white jig. Had to pinch the tail cause they would only take the end - short bites. Wind again was blowing me upstream so I worked behind the boat along the bank, But it did die down a few times. Next drift I tried a sculpin color jig - few bites. Put on a ginger/sculpin and they liked it. Caught quite a few rainbows, no size. Kept 4 10-inchers for dinner. Dickey was guiding 3 gals and they were catching pretty good drifting an egg/scud combo on the bottom. Some other guys from the resort said they did good working the south back between the cable and first island using Krocodile white spoons behind the boat. When the wind is blowing like it did today, getting the bait or lure in the ideal place and keeping it there is very hard. You got to use a little imagination and try different things to get them to bite. The water is running slow enough you can tie up close to a bank the try tight lining against the bank is slower water using minnows or night crawlers. Might try that tomorrow if I get out. I think they're going to lessen the flow in the next few days, even leave it off unless this next rain system dumps a lot of rain on us. Doesn't look like it's going to though.