flyfishmaster

BKB, Great report. You are right about down stream from Tan Vat, there are about 5 or 6 spots that will hold fish consistantly, otherwise there is a lot of walking. Also good job with the nymphs. Most people like to fish the upper Current with streamer like patterns, but I think in the low clear water the smaller nymphs are the ticket all day long. Was there a Trico hatch in the early morning? Now for that "big brown"... he was there a few weeks ago as well in the Rock Garden, plus there was a second monster up stream. Those big guys are hard to convince to take a size 20 nymph when they can eat a 10" bow instead. The big brown that I use as my avatar photo was catch last year on the Current about 1/2 mile below Tan Vat and it was catch on a size 18 Mercury Black Hares Ear. I just think the fish happend to open it's mouth at the wrong time and the fly got sucked in. Other wise that beast was not moving for any other fly I was throwing at it. Anyway good job and see you on the river. Later, FFM

Reegs, Actually the stream is in great floating shape. Below is the USGS site with the current water flow and level. If you look at the Discharge, cubic feet per second chart, the current reading is 329 (400 or less is a very wadeable level). The normal level for today is 260. So floating will not be any issue. I have not fishing this area yet this year, so I cannot comment on that. Here is the USGS link: USGS for the Meramac @ Steelville later, FFM

Anieman, I have fished Blue Springs only twice (once in 06 & 07). Things may have changed since my last trip there due to this years flooding so I can no comment on the holes. In the past, I would pull off and park in a small lot on the left before entering Blue Springs Ranch and fish down stream just a bit, then walk up stream crossing Hwy N up to the Salvation Army camp. (Got to watch the line from what I hear) As for quality of fish, you will be catching fish is in the 4" to 12" range. The largest bow I caught was 18" just below the Salvation Army camp. You ask about dry fly fishing... Next time down there, don't use an indicator, instead tie on a size 14/16 Crackleback, Elk Hair or Griffith Nat in it's place. Then tie on a dropper nymph. Those little fingerlings love dry flies. The one day I caught over 25 fingerling bows (no bigger that 6") on my Crackleback indicator fly. The only bad thing about this little stream is that it can only handle about 3 fishermen a day on it. I think any more than that would make it a lot tougher trying to hook these "spookie" fish. I'm happy to hear you found this little gem of a stream. Later, FFM

Phil, You are so right. Every time I log in, the first thing I do is click on the "View new post". Sure there may be 4 or 5 pages, but I can quickly scan the the topic and the name of the forum to determine if I want to read the Post. Later, FFM

Tim, Great map! RR is the only trout parkin Missouri that I have not been too yet , since it so darn far away for me. But hopefully that will change in the upcoming months. I do have a question, is it true you cannot wade in the stream? Is this in all the zones? At what point on the stream can you start wading? And why is wading not allowed? Thanks in advance. Later, FFM

Gene, Your are right on the money for the Prime Rose and Perle. I got the recipe off of Jeremy Hunt's web site. Thanks Jeremy. Great fly pattern. hfdhoosier, As for dry fly fishing, I didn't even bother. I was hoping the Trico hatch was going to be better, but it just did not pan out. Then I guess a small caddis hatch was happing, but again very few bugs in the air. I might have seen 10 fishing through out the day hitting something on the sufface so I did not see a need to swith from what was already working. I don't like to give up a lot of my fishing info, but I though I would share this time so a few of you guys/gals could see what is working at this time of the year. later, FFM

Congrats Terry on your new job in the I/T world. I have been in the I/T business for 20 years now and I hate it... I look at as a job, not a career. But the money is good once you get with the right company. later, FFM

To all Past and Present Military Personal I just wanted to get this out there before I forget. THANK YOU!!! As I have never served in any military branch for our country, I wanted to send out a heartwarming praise to all the Men and Women that have or are currently providing protection for our Great Nation. The other day I was out and about and saw an Army soldier walking by and I told him thank you. He said “What for? It’s my job”. I guess at time I get wrapped up in my little world and don’t think about what is actually happening to keep our freedom. And for a soldier to tell me “it’s my job”. Just makes me sit back for a few minutes and “try” to image what his job is really like. So to all the military past and present, I salute you. I know I cannot do a proper hand salute, or I will instead raise a toast with a “Budweiser” in my hand. Be safe and enjoy your Memorial Day weekend. Kim Ahne Aka: FFM

Another term used for this technique is Short Line Nymphing. As this term is heard a lot in the western states of this great nation. This practice can be done in all the trout parks with great success too, where there is any type if break line in the current. And always use a yarn indicator, they are much more sensitive. later, FFM

That is a great report. I fished in western North Carolina for a few days back in the 90's and I too saw a huge difference between the tactic use in the mid west. Isn't it great to talk to someless from a different area of the country about flyfishing? You mentioned Colorado, it is real different compared to Midwest fishing. I have made 10 trips to CO and I still want to go back for more. It changes every time. Later, FFM

Mike, I don't see any pictures! yet Later, FFM

Kayser, I went fishing at a pond off of K Road south of Waterloo. We kept 42 bluegill that we caught on 4 hours. I was not able to use my fly rod becasue I was baiting and taking all the fish off for the wife. We were using crikets. 7 of them were 10"+ Some how I lost my electric fillet knife so I had to do all of them by with the old stand by fillet knife (that $uck$). Later, FFM

Let's give a shout out to the "Turtleman"... Do I need to say any more... Later, FFM

tailwater, Were you giving your camo friend the verbal iteration of the universal "one finger salute"? later, FFM

I think I just ordered an Abbey Monk-Made Fruit cake. I felt like I had to... FFM

McCloud, You asked this same question back in Sept 07 in a previous posting. The answer is in this old post: MSP best fishing bait/lures later, FFM

I saw this article and thought I would share it about how the Swiss goverment is going to Ban Catch-and-Release of all fish. Here is the link to the article: Swiss to Ban Catch-and-Release Here it is article: Catch and Release fishing will be banned in Switzerland from next year, it was revealed this week. And anglers in the country will have to demonstrate their expertise by taking a course on humane methods of catching fish, under new legislation outlined by the Bundesrat - the Swiss Federal Parliament. The new legislation states that fish caught should be killed immediately following their capture, with a sharp blow to the head from a blunt instrument. Under the new regulations, the use of livebait and barbed hooks is also prohibited except in certain situations. The laws come into effect in 2009 but while the Swiss government does not mention Catch and Release specifically, it does say that "it is not permitted to go fishing with the 'intention' to release the fish." EFTTA lobbyist Jan Kappel has been in contact with Martin Peter, Vice President of the Swiss Angling Federation, to see whether a joint approach to the Swiss government could persuade them to amend the legislation - which forms part of a much wider animal welfare programme. The law on the protection of animals was passed by the Swiss parliament in 2005 and officials have spent three years refining the details, taking into account the comments of interested parties. Said Jan: "Catch and Release is one of the most difficult issues we have to deal with, and one of the most important in my opinion. “The new Swiss law doesn't make use of the term 'Catch and Release', which is the same as in Germany – but I don't see how governments can enforce legislation which makes 'intent' illegal. “And demanding that people kill the fish they catch gives no thought to the conservation benefits from releasing them." Angling Codes of Conduct with regards to proper handling and releases can be found for practically any fish species caught by anglers in Switzerland and the rest of the world. The new Swiss law makes it obligatory for anglers to take lessons before being granted a fishing license. So there is absolutely no need for an outright ban on the release of fish in Switzerland.” It’s believed that the legislation could affect as many as 275,000 anglers in Switzerland, who generate around 30 million Euros in annual tackle sales. EFTTA acting president, Pierangelo Zanetta, said: "EFTTA does not believe that forcing anglers to kill their catches is either good for nature or for recreational sport fishing - which makes a significant financial contribution to the EU economy. “Making the killing of fish obligatory will simply reduce fish population and, at the same time, run the risk of having a negative impact on sport fishing. "Anglers and the sport of angling invest time and money to improve water quality and create larger and healthier fish populations. We believe is it far better for the fish if the fisherman decides, according to the situation, whether to keep and eat the fish or to release it." What are your thoughts? Later, FFM

Like a lot of you who post of BSSP I too live a long distance from the stream and I am very hesitant on setting a date to go. I just don't want to be disappointed if I have to cancel. Worst of all I need my BSSP "fix" otherwise I'm going to go crazy. I wish this weather pattern slows down soon. Later, FFM

BMan, You just has to bring up the "B" name again (we had a discussion about him last year). I was having a good day up until I saw that name. We I guess I better call my "shrink" now to setup an appointment. Later, FFM

Well that is not the four letter word I was think about, but for this forum it will have to due.

I sent an E-Mail yesterday to the Maramec Spring Trout Fishermen's Assoc equiring if bait will be avalible and the area kids can fish. Here is their replay: "We have a donation of bait, that we will hand out while supply last. Go Get Em Trout Bait has already made bait for us. I do not know yet if we will get the power bait this year. We take all donations we get and give them to the kids. The conservation usually ropes off the stream from the Handicap area to the Lacy Hole." I hope this helps out. See you all down there. Later, FFM

I just want to drop a line informing all the parents about this great opportunity for your kids/grandkids. It is the Maramec Spring Park Free Kid's Fishing Day on Saturday May 17. Here is a link to the online document: Maramec Spring Park Free Kid's Fishing document This will great fun for all how attend, and parents you might to take advantage of the Free Parking as well. This doesn't happend very often. Enjoy life, and take a Kid fishing!!!! Later, FFM

Patfish, you are are so right... I too have a warden that I need get written permission from, heck I think the last time I got out the governor had to call. June looks good to me. I might be able to make a weekend day trip. later, FFM

NoLuck, Great report. I'm happy to hear the stream is starting to shape up and some bugs are starting to come off. Later, FFM

Good info PaolaCat. I't is about time there is some top water action. I got to make it doen there one of these days.