Roaring River Veteran

Wily, I honestly don't know I hope someone else can answer this. we just heard a rumor that someone had caught some on top at night so we tried it. Good luck and Good fishing RRV

Well Jaybird and I went fishing yesterday evening. We didn't get there until about 6:30pm and we were gone by 9pm but we did catch a few whites, up indian. There were two other boats that were really catching fish. They were using Road Runners. Needless to say we didn't have a road runner in the boat. in fact I think that was the first time I have ever seen someone catch fish on one. You can bet I will have some in the tackle box for the next trip. We also threw some spooks after dark for the big boys. we didn't catch any but we did have a big blow up on one but no hook up. Good luck and Good fishing RRV

okay all, I have got the itch for a new vise, but I don't use one enough to justify having 2 so I want to sell my old one. It is used but not abused. I bought it 4 or 5 years ago. It probably hasen't tied more than 50 dozen flies. I don't remember what it cost new but I think it was just over $100. It was made for orvis but I don't know who the maker is. It came from backcountry outfitters when Jack Nickols still owned it. It is a nice vise and has served me well. I would like $65 but would consider offers. Thanks RRV

Captain, I'm not sure if I will make it down saturday morning or not but if I do I'll look you up. The fly area shouldn't be too busy and if you are in the catch and release area you may have 1 or 2 other people to deal with but that is it and you may be by yourself. use 6x tippet with a 14 to 18 tan scud or burlap on a scud hook. The weather may be a little cool in the morning but looks like a great weekend to fish. Good luck and good fishing RRV

Trout Virgin, Lilley is right on, but if you are going to fish RR or any of the other parks be sure to check regs. Live bait can only be used in certain areas. Your best bet on RR is to use Plastics or powerbait (if legal) in the artificial bait area. It seems like I heard a couple years ago that they had legalized the use of plastic powerbait in that area. If that is true use it. Buy a spool of maxima 2lb line in ultra green. Put about 25 yds of line on each reel that you intend to use. a couple small packs of size 10 or 12 hooks worm or egg what ever you want to fish and some small split shot. put the shot 12 to 18 inches above the hook. throw into the current and let drift. If you are going to fish at the siren throw a 1/16th oz. (without split shot) treble hooked rooster tail for the first hour. Good luck and good fishing RRV

Flydude, sorry didn't see your post until this morning. I was busy working around the house all weekend. trying to get a yard to grow and brush burned. I didn't even get a chance to fish this weekend. Thanks to everyone for their input. Good luck and good fishing RRV

Thanks guys, I have also considered the bar stock battenkill. does anyone have experience with those? I have a couple of the old cast battenkills and one large arbor, and like them but wondering about the others. Thanks RRV

Hello all, I am in the process of looking at some new toys and I am curious if anyone is using them and what they can tell me about them. First off I am looking at a new tying vice. I am think a Renzetti Traveler. I am currently using a orvis pedistal vice and I really like the pedistal, but I would like to have a rotary vice, and I would like to upgrade from the orvis. I am also planning to start building a couple of flyrods and I am going to need a new reel or two. Has anyone used the orvis Mid-arbor or the Pfluger Trion? any help would be appriciated. Good luck and good fishing RRV

From all the stories that I have heard an 8lber is the biggest fish that I have heard of being caught. I was reading somewhere the other day that RR was running at about 15%. If I remember correctly RR normal output is about 25M. If that is correct they would be under 4M. This really isn't abnormal it is just that usually it happens in August not March. The hatchery is gravety fed so with the new gates in the falls and the revamped hatchery they should be okay but we really need rain or come August you will be able to fish with a dip net.

Made it down to the park for a couple of hours today. From about 2pm to 4pm. I fished the fly area and did pretty well. I caught between 15 and 20 fish, but nothing big. I was throwing mainly #14 zebra midges and burlaps. I did throw a grhe for a while along with a griffis gnat, but the best action was on the zebra. I was suprised at how merky the water was. I was using a 6x tippet, and didn't have any problems. I also saw a gentleman using a white thread jig under a float and doing very well. The weather was 68 degrees with a little wind. all in all a very nice day. There are still a lot of fish in the river. This week should be great fishing. Good luck and good fishing RRV

Well I went back to the park this afternoon and there were still a lot of fish in the stream. I watched a couple of guys I knew catch and release probably 25 to 30 in an hour and a half using a thread midge in the fly area. The weather was fantastic. The temp was in the low 80's. I actually wore shorts and got a sunburn. When I left the park tonight at 7 pm there were still 8 people at the cleaning station with their days catch. I also got the pictures uploaded so you can see what it was like first thing this morning. This weekend should be great fishing too. Good luck and good fishing RRV

Gator, I think what you have been hearing is in reference to the trout parks through out the state. March 1st is the opening day for these parks and it is a tradition for many to go and stand elbow to elbow and attempt to limit out as fast as possible without hanging up on the guy across from you or the guy that thought it would be a good idea to drift powerbait the length of the hole. It really is about the experience rather than the fishing. You really should try it sometime, just go to have fun and not to compete and it really is a hoot. good luck and good fishing RRV

well the crowds were there and lots of fish were caught. I was limited with 4 fish on 5 cast in 7 minutes. using a red rooster tail. I took a themometer with me and at 5 am it was 46.8 degrees on the water. when the sun came up it quickly jumped to 60 +. I will down load pictures sometime today for everyone to see. If you missed out this morning there are still a lot of fish left for this afternoon or this weekend. good luck and good fishing RRV

Went down and got my tag about 8:30 this evening and I was # 752. I thought that seemed a little lite. There were still plenty of camping sites open, but they have a burn ban on in the park so that takes away from the mood some what. I'm sure that they will trickle in the rest of the night. for those who live 3+ hours away if they got off work at 5 and left at 6 they won't get here till later. The temp on the water at 9pm was 51 degrees. I am still guessing that it will be a wednesday record. Good luck and good fishing RRV

Well here we go again. For many people tommorow marks not only the opening of the Trout parks but the start of spring. I went to RR this past weekend and just took a look around. The construction is complete. The river is loaded with fish, And everything looks like it is ready to go for another great opening. I spoke to a guy that I know at the hatchery and they are estimating that after last weeks stock getting ready for opening that there are over 8000 fish in the river. They are expecting about 2300 fishermen. The water is clearing up and weather is suppose to be great. I would guess with good weather that there may be a few more than the estimated 2300. If you have never experienced an opening I would suggest that you go to this one. The weather is going to be better than any I remember in the recent past. The lows tonight are to be in the 50's and highs tommorow are suppose to be close to 80. Even if you don't fish it is interesting just to walk around and watch. You can always fish late morning or afternoon after the crowds slim down. Good luck and good fishing RRV

Randall, I have not fished the battenkill mid arbors, but I have used several of the old battenkills and they are quiet and great reels for the money. I don't think you can go wrong with orvis. let us know what you go with and give a report. I have been considering a mid arbor for a new 6 wt. Happy Shopping RRV

Hello all, I have used TT several time. I really like it. I did use it on a 8' 6" 4 wt loomis IMX several year ago and it worked well. I also have It on an 9' 6" scott 8 wt and It too works very well. It seems like I currently have it on a 2 wt or 3 wt but I can't remember for sure I will have to check and get back to you. I also know several people that have used it dating back to my RR lodge days and I haven't heard any complaints. hope this helps RRV

It has always seemed to me that fishing is better under a high pressure systerm (clear and sunny) but catching is better under a low pressure system (cloudy, rainy). The only approach change I would make is to dress warm and get ready to pull in a lot of fish.

I haven't missed one in 22 years I'm not about to start now. 1 at bennett and 21 at RR It is all part of the experience. I wouldn't miss it for love nor money,,,,,, okay maybe a large sum of money. Good luck and Good fishing RRV

captain, RR is busy on opening day but it isn't as busy as bennett. I have only been to bennett once and it was packed. I have seen several record opening days at RR and I don't think RR is really that bad. Opening being on a Wednesday this year should keep the crowds at bay. Fridays and Saturdays are usually the real crowd drawers. The extended forcast is calling for partly cloudy with highs in the 40's and lows in the 30's, and it is always cooler in the bottom of that hollar so dress warm if you come down. Good luck and Good fishing RRV

Bodyman, Well I can't speak for others on the site, but I had to work the weekend before last and I had family things happening last weekend, so I haven't fished for a couple weeks so therefore no report. I'm sure that part of it is that I have heard fishing has been pretty slow. Most people don't report if fishing is slow because it just isn't much fun to talk about. I spoke to a friend of mine that works at the hatchery and he tells me that the work crews are trying to finish up before march 1st and they have the water pretty murky. That should allow you to get away with larger tippets but it may also slow fishing. This weekend should be the end of the C&R season so if weather is fair there should be a good crowd. Good luck and Good fishing. RRV

First off I would just like to say thanks to Jeremy and Lilley for putting such detailed post in the fly recipes. I have been tying for several years, but I am a long way from being a good fly tyer. I can tie just well enough to get by. The step by step instructions are very helpful. I have been trying to tie your examples. I am getting better and really enjoying it. I hope to get down to your class very soon. can you give me directions to Lilleys. I will be coming from Cassville. I have also been looking at other fly tying sites and found this one. It is not as detailed or informative but it isn't bad. fly tying reference Thanks RRV

Tippet, no we didn't make it down. We checked about 7:00 and they weren't running so we got loaded and headed out. Stopped for gas and checked again on our way out of town and they were running 2 so we went home. we never even got out of the city limits. maybe next time RRV

Jay bird and I were talking about going tonight too. We probably won't get there until 9pm or a little after maybe we will see ya there. Good luck and Good fishing RRV

Murdoc, I too have seen several types of leaches. I know many people like to make them look like a woolie without hackle, but I like the cross cut rabbit hair leaches. I don't know that one works better than the other, I think it is preference and what you have confidence in. JMO. Good Luck and Good Fishing RRV