Forsythian

Guys, I've been enjoying the discussion and the various theories on the declining fishery. I think I can add something to the pollution angle. I've been lake sampling for the University of Missouri "Lakes of Missouri Volunteer Program" for going on 10 years now. From April to October I take samples and water clarity measurements at K dock and the mouth of Mincy Creek. The labs measure nitrates, phosphates, and chlorophyl (algae estimate). Believe it or not, there is a definite trend of cleaner water during this time, especially since 1999. In fact, since 1992 the levels of nitrogen and phosphorous have never been lower than from 2003 to present-day. This trend is mirrored with Taneycomo, and is generally believed to be linked to improvements in the Branson treatment plant. So, anyway, this study wouldn't capture all pollutants, but for sure it rules out sewage. In fact, some might speculate that the reduction in algaes below a certain level is not good for fishing (bottom of the food chain and all that). Carry on!

Just keepin' it light

Hey, good to hear from you Griffster... is your boy still playing b-ball?

I've got a couple hundred bucks back from Uncle Sam, and I'd like to get into one of those fancy Bass Trackers. I hear the crappie are biting in the Long Creek arm of Table Rock, and I need some filets for the freezer!

Zach we just might look you up... we'll be in site #42.

Sounds good... me and the 6th grade spring-breaker will be down in our camper tomorrow night. Looks like we might've dodged a bullet.

Mark, I'm sure you're a nice guy and all, but you're not very politically astute. Maybe "General Topics" or some other such venue would be a better place for your koolaid-induced rantings. Peace dude.

Ahh, Gavin has foiled me again... darn digital photography evidence of fun and frivolity... 6 beers apiece wouldn't get this fleshy group 2 miles down the river...

Great, more regulations! Next thing you know they'll outlaw public nudity. I smell a conspiracy concocted by the dry-fly-upstream-to-rising-trout-only crowd... and Gavin's probably the ringleader.

I wound up making an online reservation in the park itself... I tell ya, the campground is about booked up in the middle of the week! I wouldn't doubt if it's not full, even on a Wednesday night in March. crazy

This was about as early as I've ever gone to this particular area, so I'm not sure whether it's a migration thing or what. The water is always gin clear in Swan, even in the summer. It is true that I've looked at a hole in the summer and swore there wasn't a fish in it, but come evening you could catch a smally or two out of it, but always there were the panfish you could play with until then. Also there are always atleast a few buffalo or suckers cruising around. I saw no signs of fish kill or otter, so I'm guessing I'll go back in a month or two and the fish will be there.

I took a long hike this last Sunday (11th), scouting several pools which are maybe 3 miles (and atleast 5 riffles) above Bull Shoals. There is decent flow, and the water is crystal clear. The transition of this stretch from deep pools to a gravel-choked losing stream continues unabated, and it is depressing to say the least. Anyways, it's home and there remains enough water to consider, so off I went. It was a weird day... I did not see a fish except for a few minnows. Now, I am not the sneakiest/quietest person you'll ever meet, and I'm sure not the most skilled fisherman, but I couldn't even raise a green sunfish. No suckers for grabbing either. The water did not feel that cold... well into the 50s I'd guess. Puzzling.

That water's been awful flat the last couple of weeks... I'm sure there are some who can catch walleye w/o the current, but I aint one of 'em. A good rain would help... we're running out of calendar, and the distractions (whites & crappie & grabbing) are starting to mount.

I believe my 12 year-old would rather spend the day at Roaring River than Disney World... so I'd like to bring the pop-up camper down for a day or two the week of March 19th. I'm guessing the campground is pretty full on opening month, but I figure I've got a good chance if I show on a Sunday evening? or a Monday? Whatdya say Barry County?

Maybe 2 miles to River Run, 10 miles to Beaver Creek and 10 miles to K dock. 3 miles to Empire Park (Taneycomo). About 20 miles to Shepherd of the Hills (Taneycomo) and State Park (Table Rock). Maybe 45 minutes to Buck Creek or Theodosia, a little over 1 hour to Roaring River. A little over an hour to Dawt Mill (Northfork River).

Thanks... it's kind of disappointing, I was looking forward to floating the 11 point this weekend but I guess we're gonna do the Current instead.

Hey Brian, I guess it would be safe to say that the 11point won't be floatable this weekend?

16ft square stern Richline beercan and 16ft OldTowne Loon tandem kayak: I've since sold the van, so don't call me "soccermom"! 1999 Viper (Coral) fishnski:

The walleye guys over at the Stockton forum would have a conniption... Hey Ron, btw we're all sure glad that Baxter survived the fall

Well, we made it & started fishing about 10:00 Saturday. It was a bit slow, neither of us got our 10th fish before the 4:00 horn. My 12 year old boy pitched maribous for the most part... black and brown being the best. He also drifted globalls. It would take me less time to type what I didn't try! But, I'd have to say that stripping a brown leach and drifting a copper john were my two best patterns (as it were). There weren't many fishing I thought, and tho it was cold it sure was good to get out.

I can't believe the C&R season is almost over, and I'm just now gonna make the trip. I'll be there saturday from horn to horn with my 12 year-old boy, we'll be in a red GMC crew-cab. The weather looks more "winterish" than today: Saturday Considerable cloudiness with a 30 percent chance of light rain or light snow. Temperatures nearly steady in the mid 30s. North winds 10 to 15 mph. I'm worried the N breeze will kill any chance for a dry fly bite, but it should make the fish a little less skittish. Cmon over and say hello if you're there... we're gonna try to hit the flyshop as well and say "thanks" for all the great reports on this thread.

Hey guys, I need to have a little prop work done (4 blade stainless Trophy), nothing too serious, just some nicks and such and I figured now's the time to do it. Years ago I had an aluminum prop repaired at Predator (in Ozark) and was pretty happy with all aspects of it, but I thought maybe one of you all had some more recent first hand experiences & advice to share? thanks

There is lots of water in the pothole... you pretty much need a boat to fish it effectively.

Just rain and 34 here in Forsyth this morning... looks like we'll be able to get around Taney County just fine today, but tomorrow may be another story.

The bass has since grown from "4 maybe 5" to "5 maybe 6" BTW, we're waiting for a WFT trip report...