Watcher

The word BUT some how don't make it seem right to me. A few hundred people are at the park to have fun, BUT if all of their fun got out of hand would that be the kind of place you would like to go? We are talking about grown up people who represent themselves as a creatable organization that is holding an event to better the resources of trout fishing. Not a bunch of Good Old Boy's that want to stay drunk all day and night. It seems to me if your putting on a event and your name is on the letter head asking for sponsorship to the event, you would would be the first to give up a day of your fishing and drinking to see the event was ran in a professional way. Not send out invitations then let the event run it's self. The dinners should be a time to get together and have meetings, and they could include social drinking and a bit of partying. They should end at 10:30 when quiet hours are enforced in the campground, Not Mid-night or 1:00 AM while other families are trying to sleep. If you as a Officer of a event that you have scheduled see a member that is getting out of hand, You should speak with him and Never put him in a car and let him drive around looking for his room. Your reply did not seem to mention what the MTFS does for trout fishing in Missouri. How much time have you volunteered to the hatchery or park? You mention Tons of great stuff. Is that all it's about? You may well be one of the Good Members who want and try to make the MTFS a good club. I by no means think that the whole organization is bad. Other chapters are doing good for the sport of Trout Fishing. I just think this chapter of the MTFS needs to step back and look at itself compared to the other chapters. I don't think they will like what they see. They will see a bunch of unorganized juvenile men acting like red neck hoodlums, and not the MTFS. That's what the other anglers are beginning to see them as. I did not go to the park for the event last week, and I have had no less than 15 people tell me that they did not fish in the park because of the event. One guy said the campground had several empty sites. That's very unusual for a weekend event in Montauk during July. Wonder Why? I also had people tell me there is some hard feeling's between the Officers and the membership. Why? Did someone change the date of the event and not tell the rest of the boy's where they could come out and get their trinkets and play? Come on guy's just run the group as it was intended and you will have a bigger and better group, and the Trout fishing Community will respect you.

WATER WATER WATER 6" to 9" rain today in Houston, and Cabool MO. Piney us muddy and UP! No fishing this weekend.

We took a short 4hr float from Buckner Bottom to the end of High Logway Eddie today. The water is starting to get low. Clarity is fair with the water being slightly green. We caught 7 smallmouth 3 of which were 16". Goggle eye were slow and under deep rocks, that is where the bass was also. The top bait for both was the 4' Cream Natural worm, and the Trout Slayer Jigs. We had 14 Goggle eye at 8" and 19 at 5" to 7.5". We used 2lb test line. on 5' med action rod and Mitchel AV-S500UL reel. We used the motor oil 4" Bush Hog but had no luck on it. Using the light line seem to give us more strikes but lost some baits due to hang-ups. According to some campers at Buckner Bottom the area has had a lot of pressure all week, but not many fish had been caught. The cold front at the first of the week shut them down. Here is the baits we used

Your right on all counts and you did not hurt my toes at all. When your right your right. The mighty $ is not the way these folks were brought up on the very river there ancestors lived from, and where there relatives are now afraid to enjoy.

Being that Mammoth Spring is where I grew up and my family has or does own a lot of the river frontage from the Bayou to Hardy including a huge canoe rental and resort, I learned how to swim in the Spring it's self were the Visitors Center is located now. I have seen the changes to the river, good and bad. The building lots on and above the Tracy Creek fork was not there when I was a kid, The canoe rentals were not there, The Gooseneck island only had a cafe and gas station and no camping or picnic area. Most of it has been great for the River and visitors. But the canoe traffic below dam three to Hardy has become unreal. I may step on some of my kinfolk toes here, But enough is enough. The Spring River is not in the federal regulated river system for control of canoe traffic. The Eleven Point, Current River, Jacks Fork, is. On the controlled rivers they have a quota of how many canoes can be on the river on a single day. Spring River does not have a limit, and the river and the anglers and their families suffer from the shear numbers on the river. I went home for an aunt's funeral week before last, She was born at Many Islands 96 years ago, My Mother was born there also. My Cousin lives between Many Island and Hardy and owns about 4 miles of river frontage. He is at whits ind about the trespassing and property damage the canoeing crowd are doing to his property. Chasing his cattle, Setting his hay on fire, The local people who live on the river and want to spend a weekend on the river are afraid to go. Men relieving themselves in front of children, making rude remarks to the women, threatening anyone who confronts them over their actions. As for the conservation violation, people have witnessed Snagging trout, walleye, small mouth. The float down the river with a string grabbing rig set up and when the see a fish of any kind it's snagged. They catch fish and give it to someone else in the group who is not fishing, They have been seen catching Trout and throwing them on the bank while yelling "Trash Fish." Speaking of trash, need I go into what is left on the bottom of the river. Below Horse Shoe Fall the beer and soda cans, towels, sun glasses, you name it litters the bottom. You have seen the cartoon of the angler catching a boot, well this is the place you can do it. I'm not for regulation by the government, but I can see why it's necessary in this case. The people who lover the resources Spring River offer the area, but see what is happening to the river are concerned. Would regulating the amount of traffic hurt the economy? Are they loosing visitors over time because of the incidents occurring now? Would more family groups visit the area to fill in for the hoodlums that would leave? You may ask why the Law Enforcement do something about it. HOW?? so many so few. While there I was trying to plan a float from Mammoth to Hardy. I was told by no less that 15 local people, "Do Not come on a weekend with your family it is to dangerous." Imagine how that makes you feel to be told a place where you grew up and fished as a child is no longer safe to visit. This is a case of people Loving something to death. What can be done to help the Resources of the River and the people who make a living from it????

Link to information You will notice that the St. Louis chapter does not even have tine to keep their web page up. You will notice that the Springfield & KC Chapters have events listed to help the anglers through the year, the St Louis chapter has nothing. They do hold two events to gather up membership dues. The lodge at Montauk and the Park caters to them because of what they are supposed to stand for and traditions. They were asked to move their trout check in location from a private lodging place near Montauk. The owners were left to check in tag fish and no one from the association was there to give out information, and other gust were complaining about the loud partying. The Park Management has stopped having the annual meeting with the group about three years ago. The anglers who join seem to be only interested in the prizes and not the polices of the group. Pay, Fish, Go home and not worry about where or what happens to the money. The big event that the group holds is not during the open trout season, it's in December when they hold the Feast, and only about 6 or up to 10 people know about it. The Lodge gets the money in payment for boozes and lodging so why kick the out. I have been a member and never received a notice of elections only fundraising events. When asked about elections they say we will let you know when. Other members just seem to only be interested in the party and trinkets they get when the catch a tagged fish. I spoke to the Ranger at the Park and he just smiled and said "No Comment." The same thing came from the Fee Collectors at the campground booth, I know they could not say anything negative about the group while working for the state. But if their wasn't a problem they could have said It's a good group. I was camped five sites down from the treasure last year and I personally saw the ranger go into the site three times to get vehicles off the grass and asked them to turn the music down, and later he stopped one of the members for running over a campsite post and he was giving a walk and turn test to the driver. It ended up loading him into the patrol car and leaving the campground. This was what made me think about the group and start checking into the background of the group. Some might I Have a Hard O- for the whole organization. NO just this bunch who are ripping the anglers off. I am going to join the Springfield chapter they seem to be a great bunch.

This is something that I hate to do, but I hate to see and origination take advantage of people who believe they are helping the group help the thing they love, that being trout fishing. Over the past 10 years I have watched and been a supporter of the Missouri Trout Fishing Association (St. Louis Chapter.) The past four years the leadership of the group has changed. In the beginning the group tried to be a asset to the Missouri Trout Parks and the Conservation Department. Now it is far from being anything but a user of both. They only had one tournament each year to raise funds, now they have two. That is what it cost to keep six of the officers and friends. in Beer, Liquor, Steak, Room rent, Gas Money. They collect money from anglers at the park and give a cheap BBQ of hot dogs and chips, and prizes that other unsuspecting business have donated to them. Then in December the good old boy's that run the association come to the park for 4 day's of Hot Tubing, drinking, Eating T-Bone Steak, and playing cards. All paid by you the members that have gave your hard earned money thinking it was going to help the sport you love. :ph34r: I checked with the park and they said the Missouri Trout Fishing Association has not donated a dime to them. No volunteer work, nothing. I had some campers and other Use to be members tell me that when the head guy's camp in the campground there is always trouble with loud partying. Nobody can be found to check in the taged fish when caught, They said that when the Heart Association have the Rose Holland Derby it is handled very professional and they see the good in return. I'm not saying to not be a member of the group. Just ask the people who they say they are helping, and if they are not doing what they say ask why. If you are a member do the same, ask the people who deal with them. and if things turn out to not be the way they seem, elect new board members. The way it is now anyone of us could start a club and Call it The Trout Catchers Association, and set up a booth and collect money from the public, have fish tagged and stocked for us, then give a few cheap prizes the anglers who enter. Then take the bulk of the money and have a PARTY on our so called members. Don't join a group that you don't know what they actually do. You pay your money and fish for two day's, go home and don't see or think about the group until the next year. Check it out. WAKE UP AMERICA. NOTE: This is only the St.Louis Chapter I don't know about the Kansas City Chapter

We went to the tail waters yesterday and my buddy caught a 7.6lb rainbow on a white / Chartreuse Trout Magnet Jig. Both of had our limit in about 2 hour's. We were fishing the Trout Magnets with a float about 36" deep.

Reeds cabins has added a twice weekly fishing report for Montauk State Park to their web site Report link

We have been having great luck on Truman Lake With this Crappie Magnet Jig.

I just came through Hardy & Mammoth Spring today. They have the Spring drained and running full stream into the river. The river is stained and at normal level. I talked to the lady who owns the local tackle store about the fishing between Mammoth and Cold Springs Dam. She said it was fair and the hot bait was a black and gray elk hair midge. I have not seen one tied but I guess the locals know what work's.. I have another trip down through there in two weeks and I plan on doing some fishing at the Horseshoe falls.Well let you know. I was also by Salem AR, today and the South Fork River looks great. The tackle shop guy told me the Walleye's are starting to hit Jigs in the deep holes below falls.

The trout Slayer is not a product of mine. I rep for over 25 bait manufactures, Burkley for one, and two boat manufactures,If I were spamming I would list them. But would like to have that line but don't yet. Its just a great little panfish jig and I thought I was being Helpful listing the links were I found it. I do know the guy who sells them but, I just buy from them and do not sell for them. I guess you can find them at Wal Mart, but I have never saw them there. Just trying to give a tip, I will be careful about any tips I give on the board from now on. Hail Mary, Hale Mary, Hale Mary.

Call it what you want the fact is it's a great goggle eye bait and I thought it was a good tip for anglers who like to fish for them. gonefish, If you fish for goggeyes it's just spam and don't pay any mind to the tip. For everyone else here is another Bait that is hot I will not give a link to who or where you can buy them in Honor of gonefish complaining. But it's a great little bait on the Piney.

I found a great bait for goggle eye and small mouth. It was made for trout but we limmited out on goggle eyes today on the piney with them. They wouldn't even hit the bottom before they got hit. We also had some small mouth hit them. I found them at Found Tackle They would catch 4 or 5 fish before you had to put new skirts on.

You can find them At Reeds Cabin's at Montauk. They have painted and non-painted. Priced right.

Check out this lure offer on e-bay Item #7210500983

The guys here have gave you some great tips for saving $$, and equipment. I would like to warn you like Moose did on saving the money on Fly Line. If you are fishing big fast water for trout and need to shoot the line a long distance, or if you fish small slower streams for bass you will need at least two different types of line. Cortland 555® Floating Fly Line Advanced "Barrier Construction Technology" creates an easy-handling line that needs no dressing, requires minimal cleaning, and sheds water easily. Hollow mono core; precision long-distance taper; slick finish for excellent shoot ability presentation of line. It can be used in many different types of fishing in this area, cost $60.00. A good rod for this is the Dogwood Canyon Fly Rods Designed specifically to help introductory fly anglers. Dogwood Canyon rods are forgiving as your skills improve. 4-through 6-weight rods feature western-style grip while 7- and 8-weight models come standard with Full Wells grip and removable fighting butt. Protective rod sock included 4-5#. Will surprise you when you feel how well balanced the kit is.$76.95-$80.95. Do some investigating and give some thought to the types of fishing your going to do. then be sure to get an extra spool for your reel for quick conditions changes. Leader line may be the key to getting strikes, a good line is Frog Hair Tippet Material is a true leap in technology, has great strength and abrasion resistance. $7.95. When you get started you will see why the whole set up work's in sink to make your abilities improve. Remember YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR and to make a fishing experience fun, don't wast time fighting with your tackle, you will only give up or have to buy more trying to fix problems. Next step is flies, waders, vest, strike indicators, OH! $$$$. LOL Good Luck

If I was looking for Walleyes and Crappie in the same water I would be trying Stockton Lake and fishing near the old query across from the State Park Marina. I would use a 1/8 oz white / chartreuse jig tipped with a minnow or about 2" of night crawler. or small minnow. Fished real slow on the shelf rock at 20', bringing it up every Min about 10". Use a very sensitive rod and don't expect a bone jarring hit, If you feel a slight spongy line on the rise set the hook, and watch your line on the drop, if you see a slight pause or bow in the line set the hook. If you are fishing in the wind set up a 1/2 oz drop weight under the jig rig this will help you see and feel the bite. You can SLOW drift down the ledges to cover more water. Change color jigs as the light changes from light color for sun and dark for wind or clouds. In a few weeks the Eyes will be starting to school on the chunk rock secondary points and the RIF Raff along the dam, then you can throw a thunder stick and small deep running cranks, you can tip them with small sections of night crawler Good Luck

Hello to everyone. To let you know a little about the Watcher, I was born in 1950 on the bank of Spring River at Many Island, that at the time my uncle owned. Went to school at Mammoth Spring High School, then to ASU in Bee Bee Ar. I then went to work in the fishing tackle Manufacturing industry. I moved to Missouri in 1984 and have worked throughout Mo, Ar, Ok, Ks,Tn, Ky, Tx, for the last 22 years in the fishing tackle industry and the biggest outdoor retailer in the world (in Missouri.). I fished professionally for eight years in both Bass tournaments , and trout guiding. The tournament circuit is for young men that have wives that like to see them gone from home. My wife likes to have me at home. My favorite fishing is for Crappie, Trout, Bass, Catfish. I have marketed baits for all of them species of fish, along with invented and marketed some marine accessories. Which I will not spam this board with. I will be retiring this year and will be found on either the Current River, Spring River, Big Piney, Myatt Creek, Lake Ozark, Truman Lake or below Truman dam, Strawberry River, Ky Lake, Barkley Lake, in the turkey woods, rabbit hunting, Off roading, working in the garden. Or on the computer looking for information on all of the things above or writing short stories about fishing or hunting. I may do a few of the bigger sports shows to keep in touch with the many friends I have made in the outdoors sports over the years. I hope to make more here. I will keep a few fish to eat when I need them, I will use bait for trout when I want to catch one or two for the table, and I don't have allot of time to fly fish. I love to fly fish, I practice catch and release, I do not tolerate poaching or law breakers dealing with hunting or fishing. I believe that the future of the outdoor sports depends on the youths of America. I vote for the man not the party, and don't hold it against anyone who votes, if you don't vote don't cry. I don't care for equestrians riding the river bank's or in the streams. There you have it. If I can help I will and I will be asking for information from you guys here.

Both of the roads go through both private And Government land The one that goes to Ashley right across from Luvs Cabin is blocked with a chain about 1/2 mile from Highway AY. the second road is also off of AY and goes through MDC property. Both roads you will have to have a vehicle that you don't care to break and be sure to someone to be able to come pull you out. I had my Jeep Rocker on it's side this fall on the MDC road. Ruts 5' deep.

I was down below Montauk this week and found the river low and clear This has some nice size browns gathered up in the few deeper holes. I used a Crackle Back dry to wet, and caught 4 browns over 18". I talked to three guys that were fishing below the bridge at Ceder Grove using bait. they had their limits of 12" rainbows for the table. They were using Secret Bait and Power Bait. I stopped in at Reeds Cabins for a soda and saw that they have added all kinds of trout tackle from Bass Pro, like White River rods, Line, leader, backing. they have done a great job and have what is going to be the Hot Tackle store in the area. Prices a lot lower than I've seen in the parks. The MDC stocked the river below Ceder Crove last week with rainbow. The locals have not been hitting it so hard.