CanoeDave

That's quite a photo. You may have it thawed out by July (July of which year though, I'm not sure). Good luck!

Thank you VERY much. I appreciated the help. This is my first year of fly fishing and it has been a lot of fun, but sometimes is seems a bit overwhelming to learn some of this. If it were not for people helping (like the people on this message board) I think it would be near impossible and I'd have given up on the sport. I live in an area where fly fishing simply isn't popular at all (Central Illinois) so there isn't a local source of information. Anyway. Thanks again. I'll be tying and trying BOTH patterns.

I've never used either of these patterns, and was about to tie them over the Winter because I've read where they are good patterns for Taneycomo. But they look a bit similar to my "newbie" eyes. Is there a need for both flies, or would one suffice? If there is an advantage to having both then I'll tie both. Thanks in advance. I've got the feeling that this is a stupid question, but hey, how do you learn if you don't ask...

Great blog! Thanks for the tip. That looks nice and easy to tie (right down my alley). This is my first year fly fishing AND fly tying. My flies often look a bit rough (and rarely look quite like those pretty ones in the books). I am blessed that they do catch fish though. Your pattern looks like one that even I could tie correctly

I will definitely add Zebra Midges to my tying list. What sizes are best? Also, regarding Cracklebacks, what colors are best? Thanks. - Dave K. I just found a link on tying midges. It looks like size 14 and 16 is recommended. Here's the link: http://ozarkanglers.com/recipes/zebra.php

I won't quit. I plan on fishing all winter. Thank you (everyone) for the wonderful feedback!!!

I am a newbie, just finishing my first season of fly fishing. I am about to begin tying my flies for next year (my plan is to tie 90% of my flies over the winter months). I'm wanting to visit Taneycomo in July of next year and wondered if my 18 local patterns would be ok, or do I need to tie something different the trip? I hope to fish in the area below the RV Park around Pointe Royale where we're staying. If I'm posting in a wrong forum, just let me know the appropriate forum and I'll go there. Thanks in advance: Crackleback, size 16 Griffith's Gnat, 18 & 22 Traditional Midge Pupae, 20 & 22 Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear, 14, 16, 18 Whitlock Fox Squirrel, 14, 16, 18 Herl Nymph,, 14, 16, 18 Muskrat Nymph, 14, 16, 18 Scud Nymph, 14, 16 San Juan Worm, 10, 12 Woolly Bugger, 10, 16 Muddler Sculpin Minnow, 6, 10 Maribou Streamer Minnow (Beadhead), 12, 14 Foam Spider, 10 Foam Beetle, 12, 16 Madame-X Hopper, 6, 12 Woolly Worm, 12, 16 Soft Hackle, 16, 18

I did find some good maps of the river, so no need to reply. I found a book called "The Combat-Fishing Guide to Branson's Lake Taneycomo" that helped answer all of my questions. Thanks though. This message board is an excellent resource, especially for someone like me who has never been to the area, and just trying to prepare for that first visit. - Dave

I plan to visit Taneycomo for the first time next summer, and will be staying at Pointe Royale (Condo unit #69 near the water). I'm trying to orient myself to the two detailed maps available here where it talks about "Outlet 3", "The first island below the dam", "rebar hole" and "old boat ramp": http://lilleyslanding.com/lt_maps/ Here are my 3 questions: 1. Where is Pointe Royale (waterfront condo's) in relation to these areas? 2. Is there a map I can purchase that would be fairly detailed for this area? 3. I have read the regulations banning "soft plastic baits" in this area. Does this include flies I would tie using fun foam, like a grasshopper gurgler or a spider fly -- or even a Styrofoam dragon fly? Or is this strictly an area for "natural" flies. Thanks in advance for your help. - Dave Kistner

I'm from Illinois and new to fly fishing. I just started this year and sure have had a lot of fun. I've never caught a trout (they're not around here where I live). I'm planning a family vacation for next year at Taneycomo. I'm a happy-camper to have found this forum.