Steve Smith

I don't think they will do it. The annual tag was proposed on the white paper at the same time as the weekly C&R winter hour

I definitely agree that it is a personal thing. Like most people, the way I was taught by my Dad many moons ago is the same way I do it today. I loop to loop the leader to flyline, loop to loop Tippet to leader, and everything else UNI knots. Don't break what's not broke

That's great news. Now if they could come up with an annual C&R tag that would be legal in all four Missouri parks. Back a year or so ago, MDC talked about a C&R tag that would supercede the daily tag for folks that just wanted to fish and release year round. If one wanted to keep some fish, a standard daily tag could be purchased.

Forget Galena as it is way too shallow unless you got a canoe. The water is so shallow in the riffles, I doubt there would be any sows there anyway. McCords would be your best bet.

A buddy and I fished McCord Bend last Thursday night [13th] well after dark with about the same results. I zeroed out, but my buddy had one good white, a sucker, several silver sides, and one nice fish we never got a good look at. We didn’t go near James over the holiday weekend as we figured there would be a ton of people fishing. I wish I could report something better, but can’t at this time. We did see a few small stringers caught, but not the usual white bass run that we’ve had in years past on the James. I can only speculate that the unusual warm dry spring may just shut them off this year.

I don't remember the street names but stay on the paved road into McCords. After you take a hard left hand curve, watch for a hand painted sign that says "Boat Ramp". Turn right there. The cost is $2.00 a car. To get on the gravel bar, drive down the boat ramp, and right at the bottom. Make sure you stay on gravel and out of the sand or you'll seriously need a wrecker.

Try this site for water conditions http://www.turnerbend.com/rg1_history.html on the Mulberry

I use Frog Hair Fluorocarbon in the big spools. I don’t nymph much, but I can get a good drift on a dry fly as well as any mono I have used. I tried the Frog Hair mono tippet material, and hated the stuff. It seemed to have too much “spool” memory, and tended to twist on me. I also get better hook sets, and the strength of the fluorocarbon gives me an edge when my strike is a little too overzealous [can’t get over the ole bass strike reaction]. On the con side, I think the stuff shines a bit too much for dry fly fishing with bright bluebird skies. That problem is solved by fishing shaded areas. Also, every so often, there is a bump in the line fresh off the spool that creates a weak spot IMO. That’s not a big problem, but I make sure to “feel” for any defects before tying to my leader.

Yep. Congradualtions to the parents. Definitely sounds like a keeper to me.

I finally loaded the Wulff TT line on my 2 wt TFO rod. I could tell after a couple of cast this was good stuff. JUst as soon as the billfold can handle it, I'll load some more. I am concerned about the line cracking as mentioned previously. However, I've had that problem on Orvis Wonderline too. We'll see how it goes.

This question will probably just require a simple “don’t wrap so tight or live with it” answer. I’m getting frustrated breaking ostrich hurl when I palmer it on a fly, for example, like on a G Bug pattern or scud. Any trade secrets out there?

Just a word of caution. If you suspect that the seam leak might get bad enough that it may need welded to repair, I would not use any sealant or fiberglass. Aluminum has to be TIG [Tungsten Inert Gas] welded and extremely clean or the weld will just blow out because of the impurities. There would be no way to get the sealant out of the seam. You may never have this situation though

Me and a buddy fished Blunks from the boat ramp downstream to almost McCords and scratched out starting out a dawn yesterday. The only activity we saw were a bunch of silver sides. We were hoping to get a least a smallie ot two, but it didn't happen. By the way, we caught some of those silver sides on a Tim's Silver Side fly available at Tims Fly Shop at Roaring River [Tim paid me to say that]. No doubt that the whites will hit that fly with the same vigor.

A bunch of us are going to take a road trip tonight to the James and check out our normal white bass spring wading haunts. I imagine our normal hot spots won't be much more than a creek stream. I checked out the Roaring River arm Monday night on the lake. You couldn't float a canoe in the stream where the lake used to be with the current level of 904.

Bill's right on. Nows the time to take a digital camera, map, and GPS. You can mark structure you never knew existed. Old fence lines, humps, and drop off's. It will certainly payback when the water is back up to normal. At least I hope it returns to normal.

Same rule applies at all trout streams that require a trout stamp, such as during catch and release. No matter the age... even those who are old enough to not need a fishing license requires a stamp. I buy all the grandkids their stamp for Christmas.

John; Roaring River would definitely be better for the grand daugther. They jusr installed a concrete ramp almost completely around the gate area. Perfect for handicapped and kids. Enjoy.

Captain; I would suggest you reserve a campsite at 417 847 2539 or on-line at www.mostateparks.com. You may be okay, but I would reserve to make sure.

I use the Loon Knot Sense to seal the nail knot and fly line end, and to make a smooth surface to pass through the rod eyes. The Loon makes a very hard smooth finish, and works great. I also make the Amnesia just as short as I can to not add any additional weight. Dano; I only use Blue Sky thread furled leaders, and I've tried a bunch of them through the years. You can order them off the Net, or at Tim's Fly Shop at Roaring River. I can provide you with some Amnesia as the only time I change that loop connection is when I change fly line. I have enough to last us both a lifetime. I will send a PM.

Same as Robert. I nail knot about four inches of 20# Amnesia with a surgeons loop for the leader. Coat it with Loon Knot Sense UV. Since I mostly dry fly fish, I use a furled loop to loop leader and tippet connections. Then I put on a good coating of Mucilin silicone, and it will float all day. No problem. I know a lot of people say you should not use loop to loop or surgeons for that matter. That's the way my dad taught me to rig 50 years ago, and it has always worked. I do not get any of the so-called hinging blamed on loop connections, and the surgeon's knot and loops have never failed.

I'll probably be down Saturday afternoon. I’m easy to spot. I drive a cream colored Explorer with plates “O-GRT1”, and have the logo Flysmith on the back of my vest. If we run into each other, we can trade some flys and lies.

Well I guess Ole Flysmith better jump in here. I have always loved fishing, and I moved to Cassville Missouri 31 yrs ago after growing up on the far left coast [California]. When I first fished Roaring River… I never looked back again. Managed to land a job in with a large manufacturing plant in Cassville just 12 miles from the river where I am currently Director of Information Technology. I travel a lot in my job all over North America including Mexico and Canada, so I don’t get to fish as much as I would like too. I only get on Table Rock in the early spring when the crappie and whites are running, but after that I steer clear of the place. I traditionally make a 14 day trip every June to Lake of the Woods for walleye and smallmouth fishing near Nester Falls Ontario. The rest of the year I fish for trout in Roaring River, Beaver TW, and Taneycomo TW, but mostly Roaring River. Most weekends from early May to late October, you’ll find me wade fishing the creeks for smallmouth. I’m not very good at catching smallies on a fly rod, but I’m hoping Dano will give me some lessons this summer. I tie most of the flys that I use, but I am mediocre at best. They are good enough for me, the trout, and friends that I tie for as the ole eyes and hands aren’t as steady as they used to be. I’ve met Dano, RRV, and a few others, and sure would like to meet more of you. I’m easy to spot. I drive a cream colored Ford Explorer with plates “O-GRT1” [the plates are another story], and have the logo "Flysmith" on the back of my vest. Just a fat ole man that loves to fish.

mhall; just got back from having lunch at Roaring River. We had about 3/4" rain this week and the flow is up a little. At least there is water flowing over one of the gates, which we haven't seen much of this winter at all. The water still has some silt in it, so a little heavier than usual line can be used this weekend. Also, the river was pretty crowded for a Friday group. The fly only zone had lots of space through. Good luck.

RRV; I do not have the mid-arbor, but I do have the Orvis 2WT wide arbor, and am very happy with it. I already had two standard Battenkill reels, and wanted a third before they move production to China. Check out the deals at www.orvis.com. They have decent prices [better than BPS] and they will load it with backing and their new Wonderline free.

Mo Bass. Just noticed your question on snagging with cranks. In Zone 1 of Roaring River, any artificial lure can be used including crank baits, jerk baits, or anything else. No law against snagging them either. I did watch two game wardens spy a fellow throwing a crank bait snagging every one he caught last year on opening day. They wrote him up all right, but not for snagging. He had four stringers staged up and down the river… all over limit! I haven’t seen him back yet.