Don

Yep! I'm outa there!

An intimitading looking fly. Is there a recipe somewhere? Thanks, Don

Unfortunately Crane Creek is not a navigable waterway. Therefore, land or water is not permissable on private property. MDC land and city land is OK. The dairy farm between the City and the lower MDC land is private property. Don

Awesome! Any fish taken on NFOW is an accomplishment to me. A good drag system on that Litespeed surely contributed to the catch but not without an anglers skill of course. Don

Have a happy one! I hope you have a good opening day. Don

I had a green Ford Ranger parked at the upstream section of the park. Before I went home, I drove down to the MDC access below the farm and the MDC Upper Wire Rd middle access just to look around for my next trip. Did you have a good day? Don

I made my first mecca to Crane Creek today. It was good weather and scenic. I started at the upper end of the city park. I threw an olive mohair leech until I was downstream from the ball park. I then started nymphing. It was here at the RR bridge hole that I caught my fist McCloud Bow. It was the only one I caught. I lost three others. All strikes were on a BH Pheasant Tail. I fished a little longer and ran into only one person. He stated he caught about 5 and pheasant tails were working for him as well. I tried several other flies woth no luck. I am glad I made the trip. What a neat stream. Don

I hope you are having a great BDay Double D! Great work Zander. Don

I have camp fever. I have had custody of my two oldest daughters for the last three months so my opportunities are limited. I usually make a fishing trip decision at spur of the moment or the night before. I like to start camping when the night time lows are 32 or above. I'll keep my eyes on the forecast and let you know for sure.

Zonker Minnow I was looking for something kind of different. This one is not my creation. I found it on virtualflybox.com. It was submitted by Bill Morrison from Worland Wyoming. Here is my version: Eyes: Bead Chain Head: Black Thread: Black UTC 140 and red UTC 140 Hackle: Grizzly Olive Hook: Tiemco TMC5263 size 6 Lead: .015 wire Body: 1/8 in. pearl mylar tubing Wing: Brown Olive pine squirrel 1. Wrap length of shank with lead. 2. Build black thread dam to secure lead and apply light coat of favorite cement. 3. Cut mylar tube slightly longer than lead body and slide over eye of hook. 4. Tie butt or tag of tubing to hook with a few wraps of red thread directly above the point of hook. 5. Separate pine squirrel strip and tie to butt where red thread secures tubing. tail is approx. length of hook shank. 6. Whip finish butt end slightly in front of squirrel strip, rotate fly upside down and apply small amount of cement to thread. 7. Rotate fly back upright and secure front end of tubing with black thread and wrap thread to eye. 8. Tie on bead chain eyes directly behind eye. 9. Tie down front of squirrel strip behind eye leaving a little room for hackle. 10. Tie in hackle at front of squirrel and wrap 2 to 3 times to the chain eyes. 11. Tie off and finish behind the eyes. Don

I know it was a special day for you guys. I hope he is hooked in flyfishing. Good to meet you again. Here are my belated pics.

Awesome pics! It was good to meet you. Don

Hello Old Timer Rich, I'll look for you on the 20th annual get together in 2026. On the other hand, you could let us know if you ever decide to fish down here before then. Don

I wan't sure if I could make it but the girls asked to stay the night with their cousins so I am free. Troutdawg is coming down with me and we will bring vittles. Looking forward to seeing everybody. Have a safe and happy new year. Don

I am a firm believer of school vouchers. Our American students do not stack up globally. The most successful countries let the money follow the child. Voucher programs in some aspects have worked well instead of government schools. Feedback?

Hey Leonard, Seahorses take too much work. Hint. Hint. How much is a five gallon bucket of Special Coffee?

I'll submit a Zonker Minnow. Out here in Clever I call it a Zonker Minner. Don

I'm up wrapping after the kids just fell asleep while I am listening to Christmas carols on the radio. Thanks Dano. Merry Christmas to all! In Jesus' name, Don

Well, It's Christmas season. I just purchased The Christmas Story and it's wrapped under the tree. My daughters and i will also watch Jim Carrey's Grinch and Christmas Vacation as usual.

Sounds like you are doing alot of what I most like to do at the bench; take materials/colors normally used for certain flies and use them for other flies/patterns that usually and traditionally do not call for those materials or colors. The only difference is that you are netting some fish lately. Good Luck Hunting.....Don

I have had a few for over a year and still have yet try them. I keep forgetting. I plan to use one as a dropper some day. Vanven, great pic, you injected me with humor. Thanks to Jeremy and Gavin on extra pointers. Also thanks to Terry B. I'll probably marinate a few in "shine" before I tie one on.

Why not? I'm due since I skipped the last few. I need to stake my claim now to be a part of the Dirty Dozen. Meanwhile, I'll think of a pattern.

I retrieved the vest and everything in it from the hatchery. They said a fisherman turned it in. Much thanks to him, a good samaratin. I was bumming about the loss until I thought of those with far greater losses such as health, jobs, homes, and loved ones. My situation seemed like nothing by then. A humbling experience leads me to count my blessings. Don May

If Plaxico does time for illegal concealed weapon, and Vick and O.J. are there, the prison team could win the Super Bowl this year!

I fished Taney below the dam today for the second time since last winter. I left my vest sitting on the grass not far from the pavillion as I rode away in my friend's car a little after 4PM. We drove back to Taney with hope anticipation and arrived after dark - no vest. This baby was loaded, estimated $1000.00 retail full of goods. My friends know I carry everything I have with me when I go. Please, if any body knows any information, respond to this post or leave a message at 417-732-2924. Thanks.....Don