podum

I fish and hike alone a lot (too much). I do worry about a leg injury. You have some good ideas. I like the metal bottle idea a lot. Changing my kit. Thanks.

Thanks Wayne. Im more interested in the river from 64 to Barclay than the spring. Do you think it will wade/fish ok?

That's what I saw on the USGS site Greasy. Hoping for and "eyes on". It was so low before the rain that Im hoping for a quick fall and clear.

wondering what shape it's in. . . or will be on Saturday . . .

Those smallmouth in Kansas are lake strain and do very well. There was a thread a while ago on the Truman board wondering why not in that lake and the Osage chain. The KS reservoirs in the Osage drainage have done very well with that strain of smallmouth.

Phil, I met Jackson in your tackle shop back in November. Made me want a lab pup. For about 20 minutes Cool dog, great video. You do great work for all of us pretenders.

I've thought about just that rotation drew. Never been to Crane and I need to cross that one off. I really like Capps in the winter.

Thanks Al. I've done the eleven point. It's awesome. Been thinking about a guided trip on the EP or the NFOW. Calls will be made.

Ducky, that sounds like a great day.

Ness, looking for trout. I've fished Taney, the Niangua, Bennett, Capps and Hickory. I don't really care if I go to a new place this time or not. I posed the question to see if any of the vets thought a lot of a place I hadn't been. If so, I'd consider trying something new.

Looks like Ill have the rare full day to myself on Sat. Feb. 2. I'm in the KC area and will be able to drive to where I choose to go the night before. I plan to fish sun up to sun down on Saturday. I have my own ideas about where to go, but want to open the floor to suggestions from the Board. If you had a full day to fly fish in MO, where would you choose to spend it?

Great advice so far on gear. My add: learn how to mend. No matter how you get it out there, or what rod you are using, the trout won't eat it if it doesn't float naturally in the current.

Welcome back. Truman never fit for you. You're a Niangua man!

Wrench, how do you tie the beetle? With the herl exposed on the shank under the foam?

BTW, Lilley is spot on with the Pflueger President spinning reels. Nothing better out there for the money.

Disclaimer: I'm not a great fisherman, though many great ones will reply. My gear: 3w temple fork lefty kreh $149 5w reddington RS4 $160 Back up - Cabelas Traditional Series 5w $100 All 5+ years old. Cabelas RLS reels (all bought on sale) $50-$75 I love the Cabelas gear and the fact that they stand behind their stuff (awesome service and return policy)

What Exiled said!

Avoiding the in-laws is a passion of the ozarks (ha-ha). Welcome to the board. Hope you get all your questions answered but, more importantly, get out into the woods and water. Merry Christmas

Thanks for the help all. I fished 3 hours each morning Sat and Sunday and did ok. Most fish on a bead head rusty midge I tied in size 16 and 18. A few here and there on a really small WD 40 (#22) and a few on a scud. The rusty midge was consistent when the sun was out and there was a little chop from a breeze. I fished downstream about a 100 yards from the outlet near the pavillion. Lots of quality size. I brought 14 or so to hand and only one dink. Mostly 15-16. The most interesting part of the trip was a morning hatch of what i think were tricos. I've heard but never seen it. There were lots of fish in very shallow eddies just picking off these tiny white flies as they hit the water. I had nothing small enough to imitate. I got one on a gnat (#18) and one on the tiny WD 40. But these flies had to be #28. Is there a fly that imitates these things? All in all, great fishing with great weather. I hope the cold snap doesnt last too long. Merry Christmas.

Ducky, what exactly is a mega worm? Google did not supply relevant answers.

Ill be wading, probably at the hatchery. I usually midge, throw scuds and swing soft hackles. Any other suggestions? Company?

Now leaning Fishpond. Thanks Exiled.

Do any of you use a chest pack instead of a vest while fly fishing? Thinking about the Sage model for Christmas. I have a vest for years and am constantly frustrated by it. Just dont like the utility of a vest while in the water. Thoughts appreciated. Paul

I haven't been this fall, but prior falls have always produced. Are you doing what this says?

Anyone up for a run at it this sunday?