roundtrout

Thanks Dano! That's a big help. It sounds like an easy day trip from Branson and well worth the drive.

Wayne, Yeah, I should have been a little more clear. I'm primarily looking for a fishing platform. Something easily portable that I can put on local still water as well as a basic float. I've looked at kayaks, cayaks (from Compass) and canoes. Access to my gear is important and something not too onerous to portage, if necessary. Portability is the key. Cartopping or the back of the pick-up will be the primary transport. I'm curious what others have found useful and durable, as well as whether to buy new or used.

Cheese, I've done well throwing white thread microjigs under an indicator from the bank or wading near the outlets. Its not really a sowbug or scud imitation, but its not far off either. A lot like they do in the parks. I've also had some luck with some my own creations. I'd throw what has worked for you in the past and your comfortable using.

I'm with Dano, that would be great to know!

I've been thinking of buying a canoe and would like to get some thoughts on the best way to approach it. I've browsed the Old Town and Mohawk sites and they look to have some really nice boats, but a little pricey. I'm also not sure whether a solo or two seater would be best, aluminum or R-84. I'm definitely not in the market for a wooden boat. I made one of those with my dad years ago and it was the heaviest thing you'd ever want to try. Nice looking though as it was redwood strips over an oak frame that we kept a natural finish on. I'd like something more along the lines of a no-nonsense, workboat here. Bob

What is fishing like on either Short Creek or Fall Creek. Do the trout head into these waters or is it too warm? What about smallmouth/largemouth? What is the best way to access them. I'm thinking of "smaller" waters with access to the lake that might not see as much pressure but still worth the trip. Bob

How far is the tailwater from Taneycomo? If I'm staying in the Branson area, what's the best way to get there and about how long would it take? (Trying to combine two trips here and take give my kids the opportunity to fish Dry Run) Do kids need a trout stamp or is there an access fee similar to the MO trout parks? Thanks! Bob

Thanks Steve! That sounds like a good plan. I was thinking something along the same lines as I'll probably be heading in and out of there from 71 Hwy. That's why I was thinking of hitting them both. Do you have a recommendation on hotel/motel/campgrounds? Thanks again. Bob

What about "Traver On Fishing"? Is it a decent read?

Does anyone know if MDC is publishing new maps for trout fishing this year?

Can anybody tell me the best place to stay in the area? I'm thinking of planning a trip over a couple of days and would like to hit Capps and maybe Hickory in Neosho. Anybody ever do that? From the MDC map, it looks reasonable to try and fish Capps, Hickory and Crane Creek over a long weekend? Also, I understand parking is an issue when fishing Capps. Any recommendations? Thanks. Bob

Anybody have any opinions on H. Raines book? I'm still trying to get through it. Can't say its one that I just couldn't put down.

Who bought it? Is it still a KOA? I seem to recall that the guy who owned it, also owned a bunch of others, including the one outside Mt. Rushmore. Will it stay a campground or can we expect more condos? Bob

Are micro-jigs (jigs in the 10-12 size range) flies or just an imitation of spin fishing lures? IMO, they are a simplification of the bead-head and generally fished the same way. That is, under an indicator? Am I fooling myself here into thinking this is fly-fishing or should I just go to the spinning rod? Bob

Phil may not appreciate this topic, but I was wondering whether anyone's fished the KOA area lately? I haven't been there for a couple of years, but seem to recall that access along the rip-rap was pretty good for those boat-less visitors. At low water, I could wade quite a ways towards the dam. Couldn't get much farther than the rip-rap downstream, though. Bob

What about limiting the number of Forum topic pages to one page? I understand that repeat topics are inevitable, but that will also ensure a continuing forum. An alternative might be to limit an unresponsive topic to two weeks on the board before removal. I noticed there were six pages on the Taneycomo Forum and I'm not inclined to scroll through six pages to see what folks are talking about. Just a thought! Bob

Where's the best wading access on the river? Sand Springs is pretty reasonable about allowing access as long as you're staying at the hotel. Bennett Spring access? Barclay access? What about Prosperine? I'd like to get your thoughts. Thanks! Bob