Phil Lilley

Yep- that was Bill Babler.

Bill said his trip on Saturday was pretty good. A full micro pink with chrome head under a float 5-6 feet deep (he might elaborate) and drifting down the middle of the lake. He told me he had something else tired on as a tandem fly and his client caught 2 at a time. I don't think I've ever caught 2 trout on one line before so it must have been good fishing and a good fly. Bill should chime in.

http://freshare.net/article/missouri_yellow_perch_record_falls_after_less_than_two_months/ Here's the article about Vince's perch. Doesn't have to be real big to break it.

What did the perch weigh? It looks close to a state record

Sounds like a great event- thanks for posting!

Hundreds.

Some guys had a little tournament here today. Looks like most caught their limit. Had a great time doing it too.

Well, beautiful day to be on the lake. So far I've heard it's good... and not so good. Pretty normal day. Minnows have been catching some browns today. They've been running 1/2 to 1 unit all day which is strange for a Saturday. But good to drift something. Night crawlers are catching small ones. A seven pounder lost at the boat just above the dock. I 19 inch brown caught and released on a minnow. Gries said they did good- caught small ones in the lower trophy area but larger ones teh further up he fished below the dam. Dickey reported doing well drifting a scud under an indicator from Lookout down and catching alot of rainbows. Selling a bunch of sculpin/ginger jigs 3/32 oz and guys are saying that's what they're biting. Took a white jig out of Jeff Alley's finger a few minutes ago... saved a trip to the ER. Just sold 3 dz minnows. Angler said they were catching larger trout on the minnows today.

I tried to sell these on ebay- that's where I bought them. Anyhow, the auctions have been canceled twice, first for using a copyrighted image (got off their site) and then copyrighted text (script ebay suggested for the camera I was selling). So I'll see if anyone here is interested before I try again! Here's the illegal text: <p>The Motorsports HERO Wide is a waterproof wireless digital video camerafor motorsports. Its quick-release design simplifies click-mounting thecamera to your car, motorcycle, helmet, etc. Developed at the track,the camera shoots TV resolution 30 fps wide angle video with soundtuned to capture the grunt, squeal, and stoke of driving or riding atthe limit. Records 56 minutes of video to a 2GB SD card, not included.2 NiMH or Lithium AAA batteries will last for 2 hours of videorecording (batteries not included). Also shoots 5 megapixel still photos and a "Photo every 2 seconds" mode makes automatic photo taking simple. Kit includes digitalcamera, housing, quick release mounts, flat surface baseplates, curvedsurface base plates, and a powerful triple pivot suction cup, plus an A/C-RCA connection cord. Works insub-zero temperatures when using Energizer Lithium batteries.<br><br> &nbsp;&nbsp;Introducing the NEW 5 megapixel Motorsports HERO Wide Motorsports and racing camera. Sporting a new 5MP sensor, improved low light performance, faster "Photo every 2 seconds" mode, and mega-wide 170 degree lens.<br><br> &nbsp;&nbsp;Shoots 56 minutes of TV quality video and 5MP photos<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;Quick release mounts to any helmet, bike, board, boat, vehicle or other gear you can think of.<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;Waterproof to 100' / 30m.<br><br> &nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>The GoPro Motorsports Wide specifications are as follows:</strong><br> &nbsp;&nbsp;Sensor: 5 megapixel<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;Lens: Glass<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;Exposure: auto<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;Internal Memory: 16 mb but expandable with SD Card (not included)<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;<strong><em>Video: TV Quality 512x384 video with sound (Not HD)</em></strong><br> &nbsp;&nbsp;Self Timer:10s<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;3X Photoburts<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;Photo every 2 seconds mode<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;always on mode<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;PC / TV Connector: USB/AV<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;<strong><em>Power: 2 AAA batteries (not included)</em></strong><br> &nbsp;&nbsp;Battery life: Up to 4.5 hours<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;Operating System: WIN ME/2000/XP/Vista and MAC<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>Included Items</strong><br> &nbsp;&nbsp;Suction cup mount (holds firm to just about any flat surface)<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;2 Flat quick disconnects<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;2 curved quick disconnects<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;Extra arm adding 2 more axis of movement<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;Waterproof camera case with Wide lense<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;Extra extended quick disconnect<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;PC / TV Connector: USB/AV<br> </p> <p><img src="http://forums.ozarkanglers.com/images/2011/IMG_7436.jpg" width="350" height="540"></p> <p><img src="http://forums.ozarkanglers.com/images/2011/IMG_7440.jpg" width="350" height="536"></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> I have 2 cameras for sale. One just sold on ebay for $138.00. I'll take $125 each. Free shipping.

Thinking about the swimming minnows I use, the same colors should work for jigs too. Black/white, smoke, motor oil (sculpin), blue/white. Actually blue is a great color- not many people use blue.

I like fishing lite stuff for crappie, for sure when they move close to the bank. 1/16th oz and even 1/32 oz. I like pink and white but I like purple and black too, something to mix up the contrast. Purple with a pink head is a killer for me. Gray is a good neutral color. Chartreuse is always good. When they're off the bank in deep water, we use buck tails and go well- white bass too.

The limit on smiley faces is 30...

And to be honest, acting like an adult goes both ways. If you're genuinely upset about someone's attitude or behavior, or feel like you're being unfairly attacked, address it directly- shoot 'em a PM, figure it out between the two of you, as opposed to the nebulous musings about the "general tone of the board," which seem to appear every few weeks. Work it out yourselves, I genuinely don't care for the drama. I like this statement. I've said this before. Actually some of the disagreement on this topic should be handled by PM's or does arguing in front of everyone give you position more importance? I don't know. Seems silly to argue in a room by yourselves I guess but in both cases, no one wins, no one gives ground, no one changes his mind or probably the mind of anyone else who's reading. I've also said those who disagree -all the time- need to go to the corner cafe, sit down and have a cup of coffee OR go fishing together.

Mr Bob Bennett at the C of O basketball game tonight. Looking forward to fishing with Bob someday!

There are special areas like the upper part of Taneycomo where you have to have a trout stamp to fish- period. Don't know about Crane.

Hi! Looks like you've been having a nice discussion without me. Been watching basketball all day. Dano's right. I really don't mind a conservation discussion crossing over to politics cause I know it's almost impossible to NOT talk about politics when talking about conservation. But as soon as someone throws in the conservative or liberal jabs, then the snowball starts rolling. There's no way to draw a line, mark the boundaries. I don't want to even try. The "threat" I made the other day was out of frustration. Seems like I shoot a cannon ball over the bow every once in a while to try to scare the crew but it doesn't work. I should have learned. I've only kicked one person off and that was for leveling some very personal stuff at someone - very criminal accusations - libelous - and he wouldn't stop. Not planning on kicking anyone off so don't worry about that. Should not have said it- sorry. Don't know what the answer is... not sure if there is one. I'll keep plugging away and talk about fishing 95% of the time and the other 5% and I think we'll all be some what friends in the end.

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_SdphIiy_Y8?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

TU statement on FWS mitigation hatcheries at risk from possible budget cut. Greetings, all. I am Steve Moyer, TU government affairs staff, and I wanted to clarify a few things about the risk of closure of FWS mitigation hatcheries. I have been involved with this problem for a number of years, and most recently, reviewed the FWS's detailed FY 12 budget document, and have discussed the issue with FWS hatchery program staff. Attached are helpful pieces of the information about the proposal that they have provided. There are 9 mitigation hatcheries nationwide at risk, 7 of which are in the southeast The problem is that the Army Corps of Engineers, the TVA, and other dam operating federal agencies are not contributing enough of their shares of the hatchery operating expenses for the FWS hatcheries as they are bound by law to do. TU and other conservationists need to ensure that the Corps and the others pay their share of the costs, and the facilities will remain open for the foreseeable future. It is my sense that FWS does not want to close these facilities. But if the dam operating agencies do not pay their shares, then there is a real risk of closure. FWS staff say they are making progress in their discussion with the Corps, the major dam operating agency. Once agreement is reached with the Corps, then FWS staff will turn to TVA and the other agencies to try reach agreements with them. In the coming weeks, TU will be asking the FWS, Army Corps and the other federal agencies to resolve their issues to keep the facilities open. TU will also ask the House and Senate Appropriations Committees to use their influence to compel the federal dam operating agencies to pay, if the inter-agency discussions fail to reach agreement. TU encourages concerned conservationists to contact your House and Senate members and ask them to weigh in with the Appropriations Committees to ensure that the problem is fixed. Thanks >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> National Fish Hatchery Operations (-$6,288,000/-65 FTE) Funding for National Fish Hatchery Operations will be reduced by $6,288,000 in 2012. This funding is associated with the production of fish for the purpose of mitigating the effects of federal water development projects. For many years the Service has been working to recover costs from responsible agencies in order to focus its available funding on native fish recovery and restoration. Beginning in FY 2010, the Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) has provided some funding for this purpose. In the FY 2012 President’s budget, the Corps has requested $3.8 million to fund mitigation fish production. The Service will continue to work with the Corps and other partners, in all budget climates, to determine equitable reimbursable agreements to satisfy these responsibilities. Without these agreements there could be reduction of mitigation activities. . In 2009, mitigation facilities produced a total of 12,786,600 fish and 15,924,000 eyed eggs, which directly supported 3,500 jobs and nearly $325 million in total economic benefit to local and state economies from Service operated mitigation facilities, as cited in the Service report Economic Effects of Rainbow Trout Production by NFHS. An example of the activities at a mitigation hatchery includes: Neosho National Fish Hatchery (NFH) in Missouri is the nation’s oldest operational federal fish hatchery. Established in 1888, the facility and its history are tightly woven into the social and cultural fabric of the Neosho community and southeast Missouri. More than 130 species of cold, cool, and warm water fish have been produced over the years for the purposes of conservation. The facility focuses on paddlefish and lake sturgeon restoration, endangered pallid sturgeon recovery, production of rainbow trout for mitigation of federal water projects, native mussel propagation, and serves as refugia for native Ozark cave fish. With the lack of reimbursable mitigation funding to keep it operational, this iconic center for conservation faces potential closure. Reduced funding would affect more than just the aquatic species produced and sheltered here. Neosho NFH currently hosts 45,000 visitors per year, with an anticipated 100,000 visitors per year expected after the completion of a new visitor’s center in 2010 -- complete with an auditorium and classrooms for purposes of educating local and regional students and the next generation of natural resource conservation professionals. The Hatchery’s Friends Group is among the most active in all of the Service, and in conjunction with the dedicated staff, provides a multitude of tours and information to the public. The hatchery provides total economic benefits of more than $10 million annually and an estimated 110 jobs from its mitigation stocking program. http://www.fws.gov/budget/2012/toc%202012.html mitigating_hatchery1.pdf mitigating_hatchery2.pdf http://ozarkanglers.com/mitigating_hatchery1.pdf http://ozarkanglers.com/mitigating_hatchery2.pdf Bryan K. Moore VP for Volunteer Operations/Watershed Programs Trout Unlimited 304-641-2658 www.tu.org

I don't look at these threads very often... until someone complains or I see the same guys posting over and over. May be I should delete anything that's started with the word "conservation" in it. It's getting warm- fish are starting to bite- tell me we aren't going to have to put with this through the spring too! I don't think so...

Sorry didn't see this question. Anything goes. And no links to other sites please, facebook included.

Thanks for posting. I edited your post - added http:// to you website url's to make them active links. You may want to do that to your signature too. Hope you get a bunch of people out for your tournaments. If LOZ was closer, I'd love to participate myself.

It was a jig. Not sure of the color.

With unseasonably spring days upon us, Lake Taneycomo has seen generation most mornings until about 9 a.m. Occasionally, some water has been run in the late evening into the night. It really is the best generation schedule we can have, as far as I’m concerned. It’s good for the water to run some during the day to keep the lake healthy and somewhat fresh. It also satisfies both anglers who like to fish with the water on and those who like to wade below the dam. For sometime I’ve been writing and talking about boating up lake, and then stepping out of the boat to wade the flats below Lookout. I saw some anglers enjoying that last weekend, but I wanted to touch on something I saw them doing. These guys had waded out to the top of their waders. I know the mindset . . . you want to get out where the fish are — where the big ones are. “They’re behind you!” First, it’s tough to fish when you can’t drop your arms below your armpits. Second, you are standing where you should be casting. When I fish the flats out of a boat, I set the boat in two feet or less of water and cast to the shallow side of the lake. There are dozens of trout feeding in less than two feet of water, where hardly anyone bothers them. Slowly and methodically fish and move over the flats, watching where rainbows are midging and nymphing. Cast to them from far off and use long leaders. Drop your cast softly because these trout will spook easily. This technique is not easy, but it’s challenging and very rewarding when you hook a nice rainbow this way. Put a scud on the bottom and drag it, or throw a small midge and let it drift around with on indicator. You’ll see the line take off. I boated up to the old KOA Wednesday morning just as the water was dropping out from generating. I stopped at the top by the shelter because there were some men fly fishing the narrow shoot there, and I didn’t want to boat through them. I started throwing 1/16th- ounce jigs with no luck at all. The water was still moving pretty well. I switched to my fly rod and tied on a zebra. The nearby trout were midging steadily. One rule of thumb — rainbows almost always midge, or I should say, midge flies always hatch when the water is dropping out. I had my float set at four feet. I usually don’t fish a midge that deep, but I didn’t want to change it. The trout liked it all the same. I’m speaking in St. Louis tonight, an annual engagement I do for St. Louis County Parks Department. I always go out to take pictures just before I leave, so this time I wanted to take pictures of different flies and jigs in the mouths of rainbows I caught. First was a black zebra #14, next was a pearl zebra, then a rust zebra, followed by a dirty green zebra, an olive micro jig, a tan micro jig, a brown marabou jig with an orange head and, lastly, a plain sculpin jig. I started really catching trout after the water stopped altogether and the wind picked up a bit. I found a spot down past where the bank goes from rock to clay on the south side where there were some nice rainbows. Got my pics done and headed in. This past weekend was the last winter trout tournament. We really lucked out on the weather this year. All of our tournament days were pretty decent days. We had tough conditions again, though, on Saturday. It was a pretty still day but somewhat overcast. For most anglers, the morning was slow and the afternoon was good. The team who won listened and learned from some of the winners of the previous three contests. They spooled their reels with two-pound line, bought some jigs and worked a few different areas. They and others caught nice rainbows from Fall Creek down past Short Creek to the old Sun Valley Resort and down from Monkey Island to the bridges. Our rainbows are eating up micro jigs under a float. Use two-pound line, or at least tie on a section of tippet to the jig and fish it four- to six-feet deep. The last few afternoons, the wind has been perfect for jig-and-float fishing. The main colors to use are olive and tan. The 1/125-ounce marabou jigs are also doing well in the sculpin, sculpin/orange head, ginger, olive, brown/orange and plain brown. Minnows have slacked a bit, but if the water is running the trout are hitting them. Night crawlers will catch bigger rainbow compared to the Power Bait Gulp eggs, but you will do well using a white/pink or white/orange combination on a either size #8 or #6 hook. Four-pound line is okay, but two-pound is better.

That's a good word, Fredrick!

done. Now you're going to have to do fishing reports on all these every week!