Phil Lilley

Jim and I are now booking "fish-on-your-own" trips and have openings for up to 3 people each week in the months of July and August. $1395 per person pays for one cabin that will sleep 2-3 people, a use of one boat for the week (7 night stay Saturday to Saturday) and all meals. Does not include flights, license or a guide but we will try to do as much as we can to put you on fish while you're there. This is possbile because I am moving an old cabin and renovating it in May so when I'm not there, we will rent it for fish-on-your-own clients.

How about a fishing report from your trip??? Any big fish pics?

The hatchery personnel like the DO in water entering the raceways to be 11 ppm and the water leaving the raceways into the lake to be 9 ppm. This is achieved by running the water thru aeriation stacks at the head of each raceway. An oxygen injection system is being installed in the new addition and I think in the old raceways as well (not sure) but the addition will help the hatchery achieve this goal. I was also told that #3 and #4 outlets will reopen when the raceways are done BUT my thinking that #3's flow would increase was wrong. they are actually going to redirect the water from the new raceways up to #1 and #2 and increase flow a bit, lessening the flow from #3 and #4. Why? In the fall, #1 and #2 outlets keep the upper lake alive and lessening the flow would only hurt the fishery. But in the fall when they need browns to move up in #3, up the ladder they're building into the spawning house, they will increase #3's flow to accommodate the run. Shepherd wants to create a youth/handicap fishery there east of the new expansion in the way of a short stream and pond at the base of the stream. #4 would be the pipe that now exist about 200 yds below #3 oulet. But this plan is not yet funded.

Glad you got out Jeff... even though it was COLD! And glad the fish cooperated.

Emailed James Friday- I honestly thought with the very cold temps the lake would show signs of moving... hasn't happened. He said there's no movement. He thought it would turn by Christmas. With the warm temps forecasted for all this week, nothing will happen. it's got to get colder and stay cold and it'll turn.

Looking for a long shaft used motor, 15-25 hp, but I need to find one in the next 3 days. Long shot I know but worth trying. Thanks Phil

Go to Alaska! You'll never come back!! And I didn't write the article... only posted it. Thanks for the comments though.

How are you fishing your egg flies? Water running? Are you in a boat or wading?

Jim Johnson (Michigan & Alaska), his sone James and I drove to the dam this afternoon and tried our hand at some fishing. Started above #2 in the skinny water and caught a few small rainbows on a #22 red thread midge. Jim tried a #22 adams- no luck. James used a #20 trout crack light and caught a couple. We were all using 7x. Lots of people at outlet #2- a few above us and a few below #2. I was surprised there was no few people on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. We headed down below #2 and found some good trout cruising the bank. I tied on a #20 dark trout crack and lured a nice brown to take but the hook pulled out after a 3 minute fight. It was pushing 24 inches- male. Went on down below rebar and fished the narrows there. James hooked a few and so did I. Jim struggled but finally got into a few rainbows- no one hooked anything big. We finished at rebar where I hooked another nice trout but again the hook pulled out. I never saw it. Both Jim and James hooked nice rainbows on #18 dark scuds- Jim did try a bead/egg and hooked a nice brown which broke him off. I saw more dark male rainbows than ever. Saw some trophy rainbows below #2 and in the rebar. John Johnson from Kingfisher, OK is here with his crew of friends fishing from boat from Lookout to Fall Creek. John said they did real good the last 2 mornings early before they shut the water off drifting from the dam to the MDC boat ramp drifting both scuds and egg flies on the bottom. He said he caught one 18 inch brown today the dropped a ton of eggs in his boat before he could release it. They've caught some rainbows in the 15 inch range but most are stockers 10-11 inch. After the water shuts down they're fishing zebras and scuds and doing pretty good.

http://ozarkanglers.com/fff/nafff-12-06_newsletter.pdf

Sorry- the image isn't there anymore. Check it out. If you used a service to upload and post pics, your subscription has laps. Says something about linking remote images or something. Send me the original and I'll post it for you. pl

I've heard that the horn is activated by air entering a turbine... and one horn equals one turbine... but I've never had those stories confirmed. But the number of horns could every well indicate how much water will run. BUT if the horn blows once, I'd heed the warning and move to safe ground. The amount of water released varies from very little, delayed to alot and all at once. You never know, and you should assume to know. One thing though, always move downstream if you get in trouble, if possible. If you watch the release, you'll see the flow moving down- on the rise. On the White River, the rise is more dramatic but moves downstream slower it seems. You can actually outrun it if you are able to. But I am not an expert by any means on the White... only a few experiences under my belt.

You know Solomon asked for only one thing - wisdom. He's known as the richest man who ever lived.

Oh my.... I'd like to know what his readers are thinking! Did you look at his site... not much content. Kinda like he put alittle bit of stuff together and called it a fly fishing site.

I'll be there unless I'm hunting someplace. Since birds are down where I hunt in KS, chances are I'll be fishin'.

Looks like Jeremy robbed the pic off a site... Busted!

For Immediate Release: December 7, 2006 A service of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation News Contacts: Michael Bergin or Micah Holmes (405) 521-3856 Web site: www.wildlifedepartment.com Additional quail habitat to be restored on Packsaddle Wildlife Management Area License dollars support conservation Equipment available for landowners to improve wildlife habitat Outdoor Calendar Fishing Report Additional quail habitat to be restored on Packsaddle Wildlife Management Area One of the state's best public quail hunting destinations could get even better thanks to a generous donation from the Central Oklahoma 89er Chapter of Quail Forever. At their December meeting, the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission accepted a donation of $4,000 from the non-profit organization. The donation will be matched with $4,000 of Wildlife Restoration funds and will help restore native grasslands on the Packsaddle WMA. "There is a 500-acre area on Packsaddle that was planted by the previous owner years ago in Old World bluestem. Unfortunately, this is a non-native grass that makes for very poor quail habitat, and it is also difficult to control. This donation will allow us to disc the soil and re-plant native grasses more beneficial to wildlife," said Alan Peoples, chief of wildlife for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. Quail Forever, a non-profit organization dedicated to quail conservation and education, was started in the summer of 2005 by its parent organization, Pheasants Forever. Quail Forever is focused on successful local chapter development, localized habitat initiatives, and national public policy leadership and advocacy. "One of the great things about Quail Forever is that all the money that is raised here through our banquets stays here. This project at Packsaddle is a great example of the types of on-the-ground habitat projects we hope to help with more in the future," said James Dietsch, president of the 89er Chapter of Quail Forever. Sara Lyda, regional biologist for Quail Forever, said the young organization has a growing and diverse membership. "We certainly have many dedicated quail hunters as members, but we also have a number of landowners, ag producers and general bird enthusiasts," Lyda said. "Quail are a species that most everyone can identify with, and they are often an excellent indicator of the overall quality of the habitat. When we restore habitat for quail, we restore habitat for all grassland birds and a host of other wildlife species." To learn more about Quail Forever, log on centralokquailforever.com or call Sara Lyda at (405) 612-6889. Also at the December meeting, Terry Swallow, Wildlife Department game warden stationed in Woods County, was awarded a pair of special honors. Swallow was named the 2006 Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation Game Warden of the Year. Additionally, Swallow was presented with the Shikar Safari Officer of the Year award. Shikar Safari is a 300-member international organization that has focused on wildlife conservation and wildlife law enforcement around the world since 1952. Swallow has served the sportsmen and citizens of Oklahoma since 1979 when he began his career as a warden in Woods County. Swallow maintains excellent working relationships with landowners and outdoor enthusiasts in his county and is routinely involved in community events, including teaching four hunter education classes last year. "Throughout his career, Terry has provided top-notch service to the sportsmen of the state and has been an excellent representative for the Wildlife Department," said Larry Manering, law enforcement chief for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. Also at their December meeting, Commissioners recognized a pair of employees for their tenure of service to the sportsmen of the state: Ron Suttles, natural resources coordinator, for 35 years of service (Suttles retired at the end of November), and; Gayle Langston, game warden stationed in Ottawa County, for 20 years of service. In other business, the Commission voted to accept the bid from Chesapeake Energy Corporation for an oil and gas lease on about 2,200 acres of Department-owned property in Atoka County. The Wildlife Conservation Commission is the eight-member governing board of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. The Wildlife Commission establishes state hunting and fishing regulations, sets policy for the Wildlife Department, and indirectly oversees all state fish and wildlife conservation activities. Commission members are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. The next scheduled Commission meeting is Jan. 8 at 9 a.m. at the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation headquarters (auditorium), at the southwest corner of 18th and North Lincoln, Oklahoma City. -30- License dollars support conservation Tens of thousands of hunters have headed into the woods this fall and winter carrying their hunting licenses in their back pocket. When hunters purchase a license the Wildlife Department works hard to make sure sportsmen get their money's worth - and much more. "When hunters and anglers buy a license we can leverage those dollars with federal funding through the Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration programs," said John Stafford, federal aid coordinator for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. "For instance when a deer hunter buys a $20 hunting license, the Wildlife Department can leverage those dollars with up to $60 in matching federal funds. They may not realize it, but when a hunter purchases a license they are investing up to $80 or more into wildlife conservation in Oklahoma." The Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration programs are a tremendous example of true partnerships between private industries, state governments, the federal government and hunters, anglers and boaters. Firearms, bows and arrows, fishing tackle, boat fuel and other outdoor related equipment are subject to special federal excise taxes which help fund conservation efforts around the country. The federal government collects these taxes from manufacturers and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service administers and disburses the funds to the state fish and wildlife agencies like the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. Hunters, anglers, shooters and boaters ultimately pay these taxes through the purchase of products. These same groups benefit from the funds, as states must spend the money on sport fish and wildlife habitat restoration/development, population management, user access and facilities and education. The funds are used by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation for a wide range of important activities, including the purchase and maintenance of wildlife management areas, restoration and maintenance of fish hatcheries, user facilities, surveying fish and wildlife populations, and educating young hunters. For more information about the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, log on to wildlifedepartment.com. -30- Equipment available for landowners to improve wildlife habitat The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation may be able to help landowners wanting to improve wildlife habitat on their property this winter. The Department has two tree spades and one roller chopper that are available to landowners for wildlife habitat enhancement projects. The equipment is accessible for a small rental fee used for annual maintenance costs. "This is the perfect time of year to use both pieces of equipment," said Mike Sams, private lands senior biologist for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. "Taking the time to improve wildlife habitat now will pay dividends for years to come." The tree spade, used for transplanting trees and shrubs, can be used on riparian habitat projects and to establish turkey roost sites as well as shrub thickets for quail and small game. Much faster than hand-planting individual tree seedlings, the tree spade is ideal for moving shrubs like sand plum or sumac and trees up to four inches in diameter. The preferred time for transplanting is during winter months when shrubs and trees are dormant. Landowners renting this equipment will be provided an operator to run the machine. The tree spades can be reserved for dates between December 15 and March 1 annually. The cost is $100 per day. Roller choppers are large drums with a series of mounted blades. Pulled behind a tractor, they chop and crush brush, small trees, and heavy plant growth. They also disturb the soil and allow sunlight and rain to reach the surface and encourage growth of more desirable plants. Roller choppers can be used to set back rangeland succession and reduce the canopy of brush structure. A wide range of wildlife, including quail, deer and turkeys, can benefit from this practice. Landowners wanting to rent the roller chopper must have access to a tractor with at least 80 hp to pull the machine as well as provide transportation for the machine. An operator is not provided with the roller chopper rental, but the equipment is simple to operate. The roller chopper rents for $50 per day. The equipment is located at the Wildlife Department's Northwest Regional Office in Woodward. Landowners interested in using this equipment and who would like additional information should contact that office at (580) 254-9173. -30- *****Photo***** Editor's note: Below are links for four accompanying photos that are 300 DPI and intended for newspaper publication. The ending link is .jpg for the photo. The photo will open in your browser. If you have a pc you should be able to right click, save picture as, choose the file type you want to save as and click save. The other way is on file in toolbar, save picture as, choosing the file type you want to save as and click save. Images can be viewed with the article at http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/wl_news.htm. High resolution - http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/newsrele...rchoperhigh.jpg Low resolution - http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/newsrele...rchopperlow.jpg Caption: Pulled behind a tractor, roller choppers crush and chop brush, small trees, and heavy plant growth. They also disturb the soil and allow sunlight and rain to reach the surface and encourage the growth of more desirable plants. A wide range of wildlife can benefit from this practice including quail, deer and turkeys. High resolution - http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/newsrele...06/treehigh.jpg Low resolution - http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/newsrele...706/treelow.jpg Caption: The tree spade, used for transplanting trees and shrubs, can be used on riparian habitat projects, establishing turkey roost sites, and to create shrub thickets for quail and small game. Landowners renting this equipment will be provided an operator to run the machine. OUTDOOR CALENDAR DECEMBER 14: Hunter Education Home Study, Sportsman's Warehouse, OKC; 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. (405) 302-4800. 14: Hunter Education Home Study, Tulsa Tech Center, Peoria Campus; 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. (918) 299-2334. 16: Boating/water safety class at Sportsman's Warehouse (2301 West Memorial Rd, OKC). The Oklahoma Highway Patrol presents boater education certification. The course covers navigation rules, equipment requirements, boating law and boating safety. The class runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a break for lunch. Class is limited to 25. For more information or to register call (405) 302-4800. 16: Boating/water safety class at Central Tech Center, Drumright. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol presents boater education certification. The course covers navigation rules, equipment requirements, boating law and boating safety. The class runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a break for lunch. For more information or to register contact call (877) 253-2820. 16: Discovery Club: "Feeding the Birds" The program is for kids ages 3-5 years, each accompanied by an adult, and runs from 10:00-11:30 a.m. We will make our own natural bird feeders from pinecones, seeds, and peanut butter. We'll hang one here at Oxley and make one to take home. Fee: $2 for general public and free for members of the Friends of Oxley. Please register at least two days in advance. For more information or to register contact Oxley Nature Center, Tulsa, (918) 669-6644 or oxley@ci.tulsa.ok.us. 16: Adventure Club: "A Rottin' Place to Live. The program is for ages 6-8 years and runs from 10:00-11:30 a.m. Let's explore the prairie trail and look for things with wings. Birds use wings to fly, what else has wings? Fee: $2 for general public and free for members of the Friends of Oxley. Please register at least two days in advance. For more information or to register contact Oxley Nature Center, Tulsa. (918) 669-6644 or oxley@ci.tulsa.ok.us. 16: Hunter Education, Civic Center, Piedmont; 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. 19: Hunter Education Home Study, Sportsman's Warehouse, OKC; 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. (405) 302-4800. For a complete listing of upcoming outdoor activities and events, go to wildlifedepartment.com and check out the Outdoor Calendar. FISHING REPORT FOR DECEMBER 6, 2006 CENTRAL Hefner: Channel catfish being caught on shrimp and worms. Crappie fair on jigs. Report submitted by Kelly Roberson, game warden stationed in Oklahoma County. Overholser: Channel catfish being caught on shrimp and worms. Crappie fair on jigs. Report submitted by Kelly Roberson, game warden stationed in Oklahoma County. NORTHEAST Eucha: Elevation 8 ft. below normal, water 44 and clear. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush and structure at 16-18 ft. Largemouth bass fair on plastic baits off rocky points. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries. Ft. Gibson: Elevation normal, water 53 and clear. Catfish good on cut bait and shad on juglines. Crappie good on minnows and jigs at 15-20 ft. around brush piles, docks and structure. Report submitted Marvin Stanley, game warden stationed in Wagoner and Muskogee counties. Greenleaf: Elevation 1 ft. below normal and clear. Largemouth bass fair on jigs and worms around brush structure. Channel catfish fair on cut bait and stinkbait on bottom. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around docks and brush structure. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County. Kaw: Crappie fair on dark-colored jigs at 18-20 ft. around brush piles. Report submitted by Marshal Reigh, game warden stationed in Kay and Grant counties. Keystone: Elevation 3 ft. below normal, water clear to murky. Largemouth bass fair on jig and chunk at 8-12 ft. in coves. Smallmouth bass fair on finesse jigs at 8-12 ft. off secondary points. Spotted bass fair on small crankbaits at 8-12 ft. off main lake bluffs. White bass slow on minnows and spoons at 8-15 ft. off main lake points. Striped bass below the dam are being caught on sassy shad at 2-4 ft. Striped bass in the lake are slow on live shad at 8-15 ft. off main lake points. Channel catfish slow on worms and minnows at 6-10 ft. in coves. Blue catfish fair on shad at 8-12 ft. along channel edges. Flathead catfish slow on shad at 8-12 ft. along rocky banks and riprap. Crappie good on jigs and minnows at 10-15 ft. around brush piles and docks. Report submitted by Larry Sellers, Woody's Bait and Tackle. Oologah: Elevation 2 ft. below normal, water in the 50's and clear. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around brush piles at 20-25 ft. Report submitted by Brek Henry, game warden stationed in Rogers County. Sooner: White bass, striped bass and striped bass hybrids good in the discharge channel on topwater lures and sassy shad. Catfish fair on cut and live bait along Hwy 15. Report submitted by Doug Gottschalk, game warden stationed in Noble County. Spavinaw: Elevation 3 ft. below normal, water 40 and clear. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around dam area. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries. Tenkiller: Elevation 1/2 ft. above normal, water 52 and clear. Crappie good around docks on minnows or tube jigs at 15-20 ft. Sunfish good around docks on worms at 10-15 ft. Report by Monte Brooks, Cookson Village Resort. Webbers Falls: Elevation normal and murky. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits, jigs and worms along riprap and creek channels. Channel catfish fair on cut bait on bottom. Crappie good on jigs and minnows at 12-18 ft. around bridges and brush structure. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County. NORTHWEST Canton: Elevation 6 ft. below normal. Crappie good on minnows and jigs near deep brush. White bass and striped bass hybrids fair trolling crankbaits. Report submitted by Mark Walker, game warden stationed in Blaine County. SOUTHEAST Arbuckle: Elevation 6 ft. below normal, water 51 and stained. Crappie good off docks and channel drop offs mid lake and good using spoons. White bass being caught off same drop-offs using chrome spoons at 40-50 ft. Bass slow. Report submitted by Jack Melton. Blue River: Elevation normal, water 41 and clear. Largemouth bass slow on minnows and flies. Catfish fair on liver and worms. Trout good on power baits, super dupers and meal worms and rooster tails. Report submitted by Charles Baker, technician at Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area. Broken Bow: Water murky. Bass good off points on salt craws, jig heads and soft plastics. Catfish good on trotlines and juglines bait with cut bait or sunfish. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County. Eufaula: Elevation 2 ft. below normal and clear. Largemouth bass slow. White bass slow. Blue catfish fair on shad at 4-10 ft. on the flats. Crappie fair on jigs or minnows at 10-20 ft. around brush piles and under boat docks. Report submitted Ed Rodebush, game warden stationed in McIntosh County. Hugo: Elevation 9 ft. above normal, water 59 and murky. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits. Crappie fair on live minnows. Blue catfish fair on cut bait and liver. Report submitted by Wendell Smalling, game warden stationed in Choctaw County. Konawa: Elevation normal, water 52 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits in the discharge canal at 15 ft. Report submitted by Daryl Howser, game warden stationed in Seminole County. McGee Creek: Elevation normal, water 58 and murky. Largemouth bass fair on soft plastic lures at 12-25 ft. Report submitted by Larry Luman, game warden stationed in Atoka County. Pine Creek: Elevation above normal and murky. Bass fair on crankbaits in deeper water. Catfish fair on dough bait around Turkey Creek. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County. Robert S. Kerr: Elevation above normal, water 48 and murky. Largemouth bass slow at 8-10 ft. using plastic baits fishing the rock and riprap banks. Crappie slow at 12 ft. using minnows fishing the old creek channels. White bass slow at 10 ft. using jigs fishing below Webbers Falls and Kerr dams. Blue catfish fair at 5-10 ft. using fresh cut shad, minnows or worms fishing the timbered areas around the lake. Report submitted by Rick Olzawski, game warden stationed in Haskell County. Sardis Lake: Crappie good along structure on minnows and jigs and off bridges. Largemouth bass fair on shallow running crankbaits and spinnerbaits running shallow. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County. Texoma: Elevation 4 1/3 ft. below normal, water 61. Striped bass fair on live bait and slabs at 15-20 ft. in river channels. Report submitted by Danny Clubb, game warden stationed in Bryan County. SOUTHWEST Foss: Elevation 4 ft. below normal, water 55 and clear. Striped bass hybrids good on slabs in deep water. White bass good on live bait. Crappie good. Walleye and saugeye fair. Report submitted by Eric Puyear, B & K Bait House.

Cat Midge by Luke Noyd CDC Serendipity by John Jackson Copper Zebra Midge by Don May Diamond Scud by Larry Shackelford Furry Scud by ?? G Bug by Steve Smith Green Midge by Rolan Duffield John Wilson's Trout Crack by Matt Keener No Shell Scud by The Caddis Olive Midge by Flysmallie Olive Midge Emerger by Mizzouflyfisher by Randy Hanner by Randy Hanner by Randy Hanner Thread Midge by Greg Mitchell Yong Special by Danoinark

We've taken a few more bookings in June. If you want to get onboard, ya gotta move quick. We may be looking at offering some 'fish-on-your-own' trips throughout the summer for less $$$... depends on how the lodging expansion pans out this winter. You might keep that in mind. This package would include lodging, meals and use of a boat and motor for the week. No guide but a guide trip may be booked separatly, as well as a flyout trip.

Last week, I was able to sneak out one afternoon for some trout fishing in the Table Rock dam tailwater of Lake Taneycomo, located in my hometown of Branson, Missouri. Now, it would probably be a good idea for me to describe a typical Spring-time day of wade fishing in the Trophy Trout Management Zone of Taneycomo before I proceed. A typical afternoon of fishing this water will yield me two to four fish per hour that average out to about fourteen inches each. Generally, they'll all be Rainbows. I may catch one Brown. In spring, there's quite a bit of sporadic generation from the dam, so water levels and flow rates can vary widely. These rapidly changing habitat conditions cause the fish to become somewhat difficult to pattern. The fish feed well on a variety of nymphs including scuds, midges, egg patterns, and pheasant tails. In the afternoons, they take soft hackle emergers and even the occasional dry fly, with the Mosquito Midge being my personal favorite. Generally speaking, when the water is running I fish with beadhead or flashback pheasant tail nymphs. Such was the case on this afternoon's outing. The dam had been generating pretty much all day every day for about a week and the water level was running about 707 feet above sea level. At this level and with two generators running, there are still some good holes accessible by careful wading and wader-clad anglers become pretty scarce. That's a combination I like, and one I know to often yield larger fish. So off I went. I entered the stream at one of my favorite haunts in such conditions and began presenting my best rendition of a drag-free drift with a size sixteen beadhead pheasant tail, certain I would hook up in short order. But there was nothing doing. I could see the fish where there, but they seemed to not be feeding at all. After about twenty or thirty minutes of my best efforts with the pheasant tail nymph and the total absence of other anglers, I decided to try some "new water" just downstream. There was a stretch of slow water over some grass beds and gravel bars within easy walking distance of my current spot. This stretch of several hundred yards of water rarely gets fished on high water. But I had wanted to try it for a while, and today was as good a day as any for the experiment. So I rolled up my line and waded out of the stream and onto the trail. Coming to a little feeder stream flowing down into the main channel, I decided to leave the trail and give it a try. I could see a few respectable twelve to fifteen inch Rainbows loafing in the gin-clear water in the feeder creek bed out of the current. Why not? I waded carefully into the water upstream and adjacent to the loafing fish, adjusted the depth of my indicator, and carefully made my first cast in such a way as to drift across the little creek bed at a forty-five degree angle in front of two Rainbows hiding next to a clump of grass. I had miscalculated my drift a bit, and the indicator and the fly below it drifted down the far side of the grass clump where the Rainbows I was targeting would not see it. And the indicator disappeared with the suddenness that generally means a take! I set the hook a bit tentatively, thinking I might be hung in the grass. But the line came out from behind the grass heading upstream with the tension and motion that could only mean one thing. There was a trout on the end of that line! And, yes, I was a bit surprised...pleasantly surprised. Adding to my growing satisfaction was the fact that line began stripping off of my reel against the drag. It was a good fish! Fifteen seconds into the fight, I still had not gotten a glimpse of this guy, but I could feel his head shaking violently through the rod as he darted upstream and away from where I stood in the stream. I took a deep breath and cleared my head for the task of landing what I now suspected to be a pretty darned big trout. Roughly ten minutes later, I hauled a twenty-three and one-half inch Brown trout into my net. This was the largest Brown I had ever caught! I heard myself saying, "Yes! Yes!" out loud and laughing. The fish in my net easily weighed in excess of four pounds and probably would tip the scales at five. A very respectable trout for any fishery. It is legal to keep Brown trout twenty inches or longer from Taneycomo, but the thought never even entered my mind. I quickly removed the hook and hefted the fish gently to feel his weight. Then I released him back into the waters from whence he came. After wading downstream to yet another hole I discovered along my journey into new territory, I landed my only other fish of the day...a nineteen-inch Rainbow fully-adorned in his best courting clothes. His red stripe was so bold it almost glowed beneath the surface of the water. Heading home that evening in my old Jeep, I silently congratulated myself for daring to try something new…for exploring the previously unproven stretch of water that I had rarely seen another angler venture into. And I made a mental note to myself that when the proven methods and tactics aren't producing results, it's often a good idea to try something new and different…whether in regard to fishing, or not. And I was reminded of the motto of the British Secret Air Service: "Who Dares, Wins." ~ Ken

I've heard it said that fishing is nothing more than a jerk on one end of a line waiting for a jerk on the other. Now, I'll admit I can be a jerk sometimes...I guess. But I wouldn't classify myself as a jerk in the general sense. Then again, would a real jerk be aware of his jerkiness? But it is definitely true that I await the sensation that comes with the jerk on the other end of my line. It's what I live for. It is why I fish. Yes, I live for the hook up…that split second when the ephemeral becomes tangible. Fish on! I think there are nearly as many different baseline reasons why men and women fish as there are men and women who fish. Most of us enjoy various aspects of fishing, but most of us probably have one favorite element that trumps all others. I enjoy the scenery, being outdoors, the art of casting and of fly tying, the solitude of just me and a stream, the gear and gadgets, the camaraderie amongst fly anglers, and many other aspects of the sport. I even enjoy eating trout...especially if I caught them myself. But I live for the feeling that starts in my hand, moves up my arm and into my brain, and says to my soul, "Ah-hah! Fooled another one!" Now, I wouldn't consider besting a fish to be much of a challenge in my domain. I mean, if the fish had to compete with me in business, in a classroom, at a billiards table, or on a tennis court, it really would be no great accomplishment to beat him. But besting him in his own environment is a thrill every time. There is something special...and I imagine peculiar to humans...about using logic and knowledge to overcome an animal that relies solely on instinct for his survival. It is the ultimate validation of our humanity. We sit atop the food chain for this very reason - the overwhelming superiority of rational thought. Yep. That's the bottom line. I fish for the hook up. Bang! The instant the line goes tight. In that instant I feel what the Japanese mystics call "satori." It is that split second following the perfect execution of some endeavor in which the realization and appreciation of perfection first dawns on the human consciousness. It is a fleeting feeling, occupying only a fraction of a second, in which immense self-satisfaction floods the consciousness and then is gone. To truly appreciate the full effect, one has to have subdued the clutter and cacophony of all the random thoughts which occupy our minds most of the time and be intently focused on only that one thing…anticipating the strike. I've heard many anglers extol the mind-clearing virtue of fishing...especially fly-fishing. It is true. It does tend to focus one's thoughts with laser-like precision and intensity upon the task at hand; clearing the thoughts of work and worry from the mind. Opening up the opportunity to truly relish the hook up. I get a different kind of satisfaction from bringing a fish to hand. It's not as fleeting as the hook up, but neither is it as intense. It is a more mundane sense of accomplishment without the attendant excitement that accompanies the hook up. And we all know that sense of satisfaction that comes with the end of a very successful day of fishing. But this far more subtle sense of satisfaction I believe to be the residual "after-glow" of all those moments of intense excitement and repeated feelings of accomplishment that we felt throughout the course of the day. Again, this feeling occupies a somewhat lower position in my mind than the hook up does. To me, nothing in the angling world compares to the sensation of a suddenly tightened line and that first shake of the fishes head. Take some time to figure out what your "satori" moment is. Restructure your fishing around that fundamental reason why you fish and I submit you will achieve a new level of enjoyment in your fly-fishing. As Curly explained to the "greenhorns" in the movie "City Slickers," the secret to happiness is figuring out the "one thing" - the single thing which brings you the most joy - and then building your life around it in such a way as to nurture, protect, and enjoy it as much as possible. Think about it... ~ Ken

Fear welled up inside of me as I felt the pressure of the current relentlessly increasing against my legs as I waded toward the far shore. The water was only knee deep, but the current was now a raging torrent threatening to sweep my feet out from under me with every step. My legs were tiring and my breath was deepening and quickening from the labor. I quickly re-evaluated the situation and judged the distance to the far shore was now too great and the risk not worth it. I made the decision to turn back toward the protected bank. Our trucks were parked on the opposite shore and it was too far to walk around using the Highway 5 bridge. We would have to wait for the current to recede or find a ride from a Good Samaritan. I knew I would have to use caution when reversing my course. As I turned downstream my legs were suddenly swept from under me just as if I had been hit low by a blocker in a football game. I felt myself tumbling head first into the raging waters. I quickly fought back the panic and let it happen. Far too many injuries occur when people resist a fall instead of "going with it" and allowing their body to absorb the shock. I expected to hit the rocky bottom, so I allowed by limbs to go loose instead of bracing for the impact. My waders made me somewhat buoyant and the loose state of my now prone position allowed me to float, and I was carried along by the current rather than impacting the streambed. My swift-water rescue training kicked in and I immediately turned my body and pointed my feet downstream...taking up something pretty much like a seated position in the river. I was headed for deep water. I knew I needed to make the attempt to stand back up right away, or I might not get another chance. In my right hand, I held my fly rod. My left hand was free. I reached down to see if I could touch bottom. I felt the slick rocks and decided to go for it. I plunged my free hand into the graveled bottom and reached downward with my opposing right leg. Both found purchase and I struggled quickly to my feet. It worked! The water was rising fast and I knew I had to act even faster, or I would find myself in water far too deep to wade to safety. I headed for the bank on the inside of the bend where I knew the current would not be quite as swift and I knew the bank from walking it earlier that day. I caught sight of a huge rock about ten yards up the grassy bank and made a bee-line straight for it. Even in the slack water of the bend in the river, the current was still threatening to once again sweep my feet out from under me. I struggled hard with each step. My chest was now heaving from the exertion of fighting against the little stream that had become a raging river in less than two minutes. I began to question whether or not I could even make it to this more protected bank. But shear determination and the will to survive kicked in and the dry grass loomed nearer and nearer. This was my first conscious thought for my wading partner. I glanced upstream and Mike came into my field of vision. He too was struggling to keep his feet, but he was halfway in toward the bank from my position. I knew he could make it. I don't know exactly how it happened, but I actually made landfall first. I struggled up the bank, now laboring the catch my breath. I collapsed on the big, flat limestone boulder and began stripping off my gear down to my waders, which were now full of water. I was safe. Mike came out of the water just behind me. I heard him ask if I was OK. Between ragged gulps of air I nodded and said, "Yeah, I'll be fine." By then Mike had reached the boulder as well. I noticed he was pretty wet himself, but I never saw him fall. We were safe. And, for now, that was all that mattered. Exhausted and wet, Mike and I waited there on that rock and gathered out thoughts. Our trucks were parked at the access parking area now directly across the river from us. We were both wet and tired. Norfork Dam might continue to generate power for several hours. We could be waiting until nightfall or later before the current subsided enough to safely wade across. The highway bridge was several miles downstream. And I knew I was not familiar enough with the area to be certain I could even find it easily. And I knew I didn't feel up to a walk of what was probably ten miles or more. Our best bet was to sit and wait. After about fifteen minutes of sitting on the big rock, we heard boat motors laboring their way upstream. Three boats full of anglers passed closely by us and we exchanged greetings. No one offered any assistance. And, frankly, I was still too tired to ask for it at that moment. I knew the fishermen would drift back by our resting spot eventually, and I decided I would ask for help when they did. That's how we managed to get out. The first fishing boat that drifted by came close enough for a gentle conversation, and I asked if they would be so kind as to ferry us across to the landing on the opposite shore where our trucks were parked. They readily agreed to assist us. A few minutes later, we were sitting on the tailgate of my truck looking a bit worse for the wear. But we had neither lost nor damaged any of our gear. And we were both uninjured except for a couple minor scrapes on my hands. We decided we had been very lucky. The Bull Shoals and Norfork tailwaters of Northern Arkansas have claimed the lives of over two hundred anglers since the dams were built in the mid-twentieth century, and I am grateful not to be counted among them. Hindsight is twenty-twenty. Looking back, it is relatively easy to see what went wrong. Fist of all, that day was my first trip to the Norfork tailwater. I had heard and read that it could be dangerous and one needed to pay attention to the water in order to be safe. But I have fished other Ozark tailwaters for several years, and I made the near-fatal assumption that Norfork would function pretty much like the others. I was relying on hearing the horn sound to signal the beginning of hydroelectric power generation. We never heard the horn. Our first audible warning came from a man standing below the handicapped access we had used to enter the stream yelling, "Water's on! Better hurry!" And hurry we had. But it was already too late. I never even looked at a map or asked anyone specifically if the horn was audible from where we were fishing. Since the incident I have learned that it is not. Had I know this in advance, I certainly would have paid far more heed to the other warning signs we did, in fact, observe, but had dismissed. And that was our second mistake. "Is it just me, or is the water rising?" Mike asked about fifteen minutes before my fateful swim. In fact, I had just had the same thought cross my mind a few seconds prior to his question. I stopped fishing and took a good look around. Perhaps we were just wading deeper than we had earlier in the day in the same spot. I checked the bank. I looked upstream at other anglers who were still fishing. I saw no one moving toward the access stairs. I could not tell that the bank showed signs of rising water. "Nah, I think we may have just waded deeper into this hole," I replied. And we returned to fishing. Looking back, we both also recognized that there seemed to be more moss and stuff floating downstream than usual. And, probably the most dangerous sign because anglers like catching fish, we both began catching fish as the "bite" picked up...an almost sure sign of rising water. But we hadn't heard a horn and none of the other anglers were heading for shore. So we kept on fishing. And that extra trout or two we picked up in the intervening moments almost cost me my life. Indeed, I violated at least three of the cardinal rules of water safety. I ventured into waters with which I was particularly unfamiliar without making any serious effort to acquaint myself with her eccentricities first. I hadn't even made study of a map that I had picked up that morning in Dale Fulton's Blue Ribbon Flies fly shop. And I had no idea how far downstream of the dam (and horn) we were fishing. I also ignored three different known indications of rising water: the "feeling" that the water is rising is usually correct and should be heeded, the increase in debris is a certain indication of rising water, and when you add to these the sudden increase in feeding activity of the fish, we should have realized that the dam had begun to generate power. Finally, when I knew the water was rising and we had not received any warning...and I could see the current picking up and the water rising a few hundred yards upstream of our position, I never should have struck out for the opposite bank. I should have played it safe and remained on the shore near that big rock that became our shelter after the incident. But I had put convenience ahead of safety. I didn't want to get stuck over there away from our vehicles and have to wait out the dam operators and their need for electricity. Convenience and perceived comfort should never trump safety, but I suspect many an outdoorsman has lost his life to this error in judgment. Well, I've certainly learned from my mistakes. I know Mike has too. I put pen to paper on this subject in the hope that others may learn from our errors as well. Lest you think it cannot happen to you, let me tell you a thing or two about my background as it relates to these matters. I have lived my entire life around rivers and lakes, boats and canoes, fishing poles and firearms. I am no stranger to the water. I am an avid waterfowler and fly-fisherman. As such, I do a lot of wading and have for many years. I have fallen once while hunting, and...prior to this...have never fallen while fishing. I am a strong swimmer and wader. I have done more than my share of white water rafting and canoeing. So I am familiar with swift water. I used to be an assistant trip guide on such excursions, and I have been trained in swift water rescue, basic water safety, small craft safety, wilderness emergency medicine, first aid and CPR. I am a former Red Cross Water Safety Instructor and Wilderness Survival Instructor. And I have lived in the Ozarks and fly-fished Ozark tailwater trout fisheries since 1998. But I got sloppy and careless. I know that most of these types of accidents occur when the victims are unfamiliar with their surroundings...either new to the activity or the area in which they are doing it. I know better than to ignore my instincts and observations. Yet, I fell victim to precisely these errors in judgment. I cannot tell you why. Even if I could, I probably wouldn't, because someone else may find themselves in similar situations but for different reasons. The message is that when we fail to practice solid safety, it can happen to anyone...for any reason. Speaking of safety, here's a good tip I've picked up in the few days since the incident that I think is worth passing along. One angler told me that he doesn't trust his ability to gauge rising water based on its position on a rock, shoreline, tree, etc. So he carries a small orange bag...duffel or knapsack...and drops it on the shore a foot or two from the water's edge where he enters the water. If he moves very far, he takes it with him. He glances back at the bag frequently, and if it is in the water, it's time to get out. In any event, you certainly need to make a mental of the water line in relation to some stationary object and check it frequently. If you notice the water starting to rise...especially on a tailwater fishery...you know it is time to head for safety. ~ Ken

Few of us prefer to fish crowded streams, but all of us are finding ourselves in this situation more and more frequently all the time on our favorite streams. Urban and suburban streams are almost always teeming with anglers, and even the fabled waters of places like Alaska and Montana are becoming congested with fly anglers during their peak seasons. So I thought some personal observations and recommendations from a guy whose home waters run right through town in one of America's top tourist destinations might do somebody some good. At least, that's the hope. First of all, let me explain what I consider to be a "crowd." If I have to: 1. Look for a vacant parking place in the designated parking area... 2. Search for a spot where I don't feel I'm crowding someone else's established spot... 3. Wait for a good spot to open up... ...then it's crowded. Most of the Ozarks tailwater fisheries experience a pretty high volume of anglers all year long. It's impractical and unrealistic to think you're going to find a big stretch of Ozark tailwater that you can have all to yourself. So we don't tend to feel crowded just because we see other anglers while we fish. In fact, the social interaction is a big part of fly-fishing in the Ozarks. The first thing an angler needs to master when confronted with a fishing crowd is how to choose and claim a spot. Now, we all have different methods and opinions regarding how to pick a good spot to fish, but I'm talking about how to pick a spot in a way that doesn't intrude upon other anglers' enjoyment. Start off by identifying about three choices where you're likely to catch fish. Then pick one where your casting and your drift will not cross into someone else's casting or drift space. You have to stand back and watch each likely spot for a couple of minutes to determine which is best for you. While you're watching and waiting, be sure not to crowd another angler's backcast. Now take your chosen spot. On the approach, be sure to avoid crowding the backcast of the angler on either side of you. In the event this cannot be avoided, speak up and politely inform one or the other that you need to cross behind them. Do so quickly. You don't need to ask permission to fish next to someone (in the same run or hole) on crowded waters. Only another newcomer to fishing crowded waters will be upset by someone else fishing in "their" run or hole. It's kind of rare to have one all to yourself. And when it happens it is considered good fortune, not the expected norm. But it never hurts to be courteous enough to ask. You'll rarely be told no. Make sure you take up residence and plan your casting and drifting in such a way as to not interfere with the drifting and casting of other anglers. Your casting target should not cross into the downstream range of the angler fishing just upstream of your position, nor should the tail of your downstream drift cross into the zone of the casting target of the angler immediately downstream of your position. If there is an angler immediately across the stream from your position, make sure your drifts and casts don't overlap. It's OK to change spots on crowded waters. Most of us do it with regularity, even if we're catching fish in our current location. First, walk straight back out of the stream if you're wading. Go to the bank immediately behind you and keep walking until you are clear of other anglers' backcasts. Now you can safely and politely walk upstream or downstream to find a new fishing spot. No need to pardon yourself or announce your presence if you're out of range of others' backcasts. If you must cross a section of bank that causes you to crowd someone's backcast, then wait for the right moment and announce your intentions. Once acknowledged, cross quickly. Now here's a really sticky wicket you can get into on crowded streams. What do you do when you get a big fish on and he runs hard downstream, crossing into the "space" of other anglers? It's pretty simple. Again, those of us who regularly fish crowded waters are used to having this happen. The simple rule is that a fish on trumps everything else. Simply holler "fish on" and start moving downstream to catch up with your fish. Folks will clear a path for you. Don't get upset if someone is caught off guard, though. It happens. A downstream angler may very well get crossed up in your line if he was lost in thought and didn't hear your warning. Repeat the "fish on" warning as you move downstream until everyone in your path has acknowledged the situation. It never hurts to excuse yourself or thank anglers as they move out of your way. There's also a wrong way to move from spot to spot. Never under any circumstances cross in front of another angler to get to a new fishing spot. This is simply rude and inconsiderate. My last point is about the proper attitude for fishing in crowds. I bring this up because inevitably you will encounter one or more other anglers who do not want to play by these simple rules. If someone crosses your line with his or her cast, don't fly off the handle. Remain calm and solve the problem. When this happens to me I usually remain polite throughout the process of untangling the mess they just created. Then, when all is cleared up, I say something like, "You know, you'll probably find more space to fish farther down(or up)stream." Then, if they don't move on, I usually do. I find this happens more with spinning tackle anglers than with other fly anglers. I don't know why, but spinning anglers don't seem to mind casting across a fly line. This is largely why spinning and spin-casting anglers in the Ozark coldwater fisheries are usually referred to as "Zebco Warriors." They tend to practice something akin to full-contact trout fishing. For your information, other fly anglers will not look down on you should you decide to point out the errors of a Zebco Warrior in no uncertain terms after he/she has infringed upon the space of a fly angler. In fact, they'll usually thank you for it. Just remember not to fly off the handle. Make your remarks of admonition short, to the point, and without raising your voice beyond what is necessary to be heard clearly. It is also a plus if you can make your point with humor... even if that humor is at the expense of the offending Zebco Warrior. However, your primary defensive weapon when fishing crowded waters should be your feet. If you find yourself confronted with something you don't like, simply move. It's OK to intervene on behalf of others and speak up about the problem, but it is generally considered more appropriate to move or ignore personal affronts unless they repeat themselves a few times. Think defensively. Don't lay your fly rod down if there are people around. It most likely will be stepped on. Park in such a way as to avoid door bangs and other parking lot mishaps from other anglers, even if it means you have to walk a bit farther than you'd like. Walking is good for you. And don't let your catch-and-release sensibilities become offended if you are fishing in an area where it is legal to keep fish. Speaking up about C&R when your neighbor is putting that trout on his stringer just makes you look snarky and condescending. If you don't like to see people harvest what they catch, fish in C&R-only zones. Remember, everyone who is abiding by the law (even the Zebco Warrior) has an equal right to be there and to enjoy themselves. ~

We've all heard...and probably quoted...the tongue-in-cheek adage, "When the going gets tough, the tough go fishing." But did you realize that physicians, psychologists, and therapists across the country are actually prescribing fishing to their patients? It seems that healthcare practitioners are catching on to the fact that fishing is good for the soul, and what is good for the soul can also be good for healing the body. In Missouri, hospital administrators can issue free fishing permits to patients who are fishing as part of their prescribed therapy. The Missouri Department of Conservation issues these free permits to hospital administrators statewide. And the angler/patient does not need to buy a fishing license to engage in the restorative pastime of fishing for everything from catfish to trout while under a doctor's care. I know that my own doctors have always encouraged me to fish as much as possible, and I try very hard not to disappoint them. Just what is it about fishing that is so medically beneficial? Is one type of fishing more beneficial to one's health than another? I'm not aware of any clinical studies that have been done on the subject. Personally, I think fly fishing is probably the most beneficial because of the level of concentration it takes to be proficient. I also find tying my own flies to be very therapeutic. I also walk more while fly fishing than I would when, say, fishing for bass from a boat. Probably the most physically challenging, and thus the best exercise, type of fishing is trophy fishing for saltwater fish. But, not living near the ocean, that's not a very practical option for me. So the hiking and wading that comes along with my fly fishing is the next best form of exercise and the one I can most frequently take advantage of. I wonder if fishing is more beneficial to one's health than say hunting, canoeing, or other forms of outdoor recreation. While Missouri offers free fishing permits to patients under a doctor's care and fishing as part of therapy, the state doesn't offer a similar program to hunters. But I don't know if it is safe to draw the conclusion from this fact that fishing is more therapeutic than hunting. I think it is just due to the fact that there are more stocked ponds and lakes on the grounds of hospitals than there are safe hunting grounds. I'm sure it seems far less threatening to hand a patient a fishing pole and send them outside than it does to hand them a gun and ammunition, even though...statistically...it's probably just as safe to hunt as it is to fish. There's just something impractical about having patients shooting the squirrels out of the trees outside of a hospital in St. Louis. I think that's probably why hunting and fishing are treated differently in this case. And you don't need a license to canoe around the pond. Well, all this theorizing and hypothesizing has gotten my stress level elevated. Perhaps I'll try to relax and clear my head by spending the afternoon on my favorite trout stream. After all, it's just what the doctor ordered.

Some people just don't get it. I suspect most of them are our own wives. "Hi. My name is Ken, and I'm a gear junkie." My story begins a few weeks back when one of my friends told me he wanted to take up fly fishing and wanted to know if I would show him the ropes. Over a game of Spades with our wives, I gladly said that I would mentor him through the learning curve and I began explaining what all equipment he would need to purchase to get started. We tallied it up and came up with a frugal beginner's budget of $400...not much more than a set of cheap breathable waders, boots, and an inexpensive fly rod combo. I told him he would need to take one casting lesson from a professional certified instructor, and I pointed him in the right direction for that, too. A few days later, my friend told me that he would have to wait a few months to afford the expenditures. Somehow, and I really don't recall just how or when, I told my wife about my friend's temporary lack of fun money. Of course, I thought that was the end of it...at least until my friend scraped up the cash and made his bare bones purchases. Day before yesterday, my wife made a suggestion out of the blue, "Why don't you give one of your fly rods to Steve? You have too many of them anyway." Never let your wife clean out the garage. That was my first mistake. "Too many?" I retorted. "I don't have enough!" Of course, she was not buying my story without an explanation. "You see, Dear, I have different rods and reels for different situations. I have short, lightweight ones for small creek fishing for panfish and trout. I have a 9' 4wt outfit for fishing dry flies and midges on bigger water. I have a 6wt 9' rod for fishing bigger water, windy conditions, heavier flies, and for bass. You see?" She didn't answer me. Rather, she asked another accusing question. "Well, when I was cleaning the garage I noticed you didn't have just one of each of those rods you just mentioned. You have at least two! Why can't you give Steve one of your extras?" Extras? She didn't just call my ever-so-essential back-up rods "extras," did she? I knew she would understand if I just explained it to her. "Those are my back-up rods. They're not 'extras!'" I knew this would be the end of it. Surely she would have to relent in the face of such obvious logic. "Back-up rods? What in the world is a back-up rod?" she asked incredulously. Now I was stunned. I could never have imagined my wife to be so obtuse. Everyone has back-up rods. Don't they? What if one breaks or gets stolen? The rod collection would now be incomplete, and I might miss an opportunity to fish for lack of the appropriate equipment until such a time as I got it replaced. Heavens no! This would simply never do. So I thought I would bring out the big guns and stop this line of questioning dead in its tracks before this got totally out of hand. "Honey, if anything, I don't have enough rods and reels the way it is. I actually need at least two more...an 8wt and its back-up. And of course I'll have to buy a reel and a line for that one too. I was planning to ask you for this for my birthday this year. What do you think?" It worked. She dropped her gaze, turned away, and muttered something about hopelessness under her breath as she retreated. Whew! That was a close call. Of course I would be happy to have a new fly-fishing buddy, and Steve really was a great fellow. But give him a rod and reel? Never! I could wait a few more months for a new fishing buddy. A man's got to know his limitations. ~ Ken