MarkinKC

I'm used to reading about a few rattlers in the southern part of the state, but we've begun finding them up here in the KC area. Last summer we had a 4 footer next to my mower trailer in Smithville, MO which is north of Kansas City. Brother-in-law killed two of them just days apart near an outbuilding in KC City limits near Liberty, MO. Wish you all would have kept them down south.

Like oneshot I too went fishing with Grandpa at the pay lakes for carp in the 1960's. It was a blast and we usually caught fish. They are hard fighters and fun to catch.

And while we're talking about that end of the park, I recall Tim saying in a post that Zone 3 is closed during C&R season. Anybody know why that zone is closed?

Read this during my lunch and enjoyed it immensely. Although I always appreciate the good tips to be had on the forum, it is really special to be able to enjoy someone's fishing trip through their descriptions and photos. Thanks so much.

Disregard the critics. I want to hear about the continuing saga of the skunk. I don't read OA every day, but I cannot remember seeing 10 pages of replies before. This might be one of the most popular topics ever.

Was very entertaining reading this string while eating my lunch at work. Look forward to the final chapter.

Don't be too hard on yourself. It is easy to see the difference between those who intentionally violate the rules and someone who made a mistake. It's harder to take because you are so conscientious. It takes class to share the story with the rest of us and compliment the agent on his professionalism.

http://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/mayfly-hatch-overwhelms-minnesota-wisconsin/ Amazing photos.

Thanks guys. Will give the Yampa a try if fishable. Read about it certainly but have yet to try it.

OTF - I've fished the Uncompahgre below the dam, but I agree with tanvat in that there are other spots that offer more of what you are looking for. Great suggestions mentioned already and the Conejos ranks among my favorites in the area for solitude. Regarding the fishing in Durango I did enjoy it though a lot of traffic, activity, and anglers - although there were plenty of shops for my wife to explore which gave me more time on the water! If you do wind up in the Ridgway/Ouray area and are looking for a big meal try the True Grit Cafe in downtown Ouray. It is named after the John Wayne movie which was filmed in the area. Picturesque little town with beautiful scenery as the backdrop, nice street to walk in the evening and a good meal is guaranteed. We ate there 3 times on our last trip. Plan on a little wait unless you arrive during off-hours. If you are by yourself a seat at the bar is quicker. Ridgway also has shops and restaurants and supplies. Since you are familar with fishing in North-West Colorado, can you point me to a lake or stream for early July? We're taking my son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter on vacation with us and staying in Steamboat Springs for a few days. The kids can fish but I'd like to get them into a couple of trout on the flyrod. Looking for some water that we can get to easily with some casting room. Thanks and enjoy your trip!

Fished for Carp often when I was younger. Best dough bait was a mix of Wheaties, ripe banana and cheap strawberry soda pop. Stickiness of the banana helped bind the Wheaties together and I think the strawberry pop created good scent in the water. Always worked well for us. Simple Wheaties and water works also, but the extra attractants may draw more fish.

I've never floated any of the streams, but have followed the topic of access to them with much interest. I congratulate you on your willingness to take legal action if need be. And a "big public to-do" might be exactly what is required - especially if you are on the winning end of a precedent setting case.

Beautiful fish! Dripping water or laying eggs?

I was fly-fishing one of the trout parks during C&R this winter. Picked out a spot and there were no anglers anywhere I could see. After about 30 minutes two guys waded in the water behind me. As they were wading past one said "Good Morning" and then proceeded to tell me that this area is usually fished more downstream and that I would be in the way of their backcasts. Of course it upset me that I was there first and it was rude to show up and inform me that I was in their way. I just said they better not hook me. Then of course they set up on my right and began fishing and every attempt involved 3-4 false casts and each time they hit the water right in front of me with their strike indicators. Several were say 3-4 feet from my position. I should have just found another spot but as I'm sure you can appreciate it irked me. I was trying not to let it ruin my day and kept fishing. But of course they continued to chirp and one of them eventually snagged my line. I asked him if he was surprised that happened since they kept slapping the water in front of me. We exchanged a few words, nothing profane or anything, and they packed up and moved. As they walked out of the water I told them I had heard of reports of bad behavior here but was surprised to see it occur during the C&R season. And it did kind of ruin my day. I tried to remember that the majority of my encounters with other anglers are pleasant. Exchanging a greeting, asking about their day so far, maybe even offering or receiving a fly or a tip. Like anything in life, always a few who misbehave, lack common courtesy, etc.

It's just a great photo. Used it as the screen background on my desktop computer so I could enjoy it for a week or two. We have 30 acres just north of KC. Inside the city limits. Have a couple of game camera shots of bobcats and it's always fun to see them. Also have no issue with legal taking of the animals - but I could not shoot one. A beautiful animal and I'm really glad the photo was shared on this forum. Al's comments about the quail got me to thinking. I used to hear some whistle when the crops our farmer friend plant every year get up tall enough to give them some cover. No whistling for the last couple of years. Maybe time for me to plant some native grasses to see if I can bring them back. And the bobcats do look very healthy.