Rolan Duffield

The areas Bill is referring to is near Fall Creek. Their is a narrow channel across from Fall Creek that is only 20 to 30 feet wide and deep enough to allow safe passage for average boats. Sometimes boats anchor or park in the middle of this channel and make it almost impossible for others to motor upstream unless you get very close to that boat. Also above Fall Creek their is a big flat and shallow bar with a narrow channel on the south side deep enough to allow safe passage of boats. These areas are at least one mile below the preferred wading water. Even so, an occasional wading fishermen will fish from this bar when the water is off. I respect their efforts and pass by very slowly. On my last trip to Taney, Their was a boat anchored in the upper part of this channel area and they stayed in the same area most of the day hampering normal boat traffic. I talked to them and they indicated they fished there all the time and they didn't mind other boats going by close to their boat. They didn't seem to understand that they were parked in a location that was the primary fishing area they should have been casting to. Most boaters that know and fish the area respect others and allow or move over, even though they are fishing the main channel. I have directed boaters back to the channel when I see they are going upstream in the middle of the bar area. Their is a lot of bars, big rocks, logs, tree stumps and shallow areas above and below Fall Creek. Lots of good places to tear up your prop if you don't know the area. Most of us neve go above the Lookout area when the water is off for these reasons. Their are a few boats with jet props that travel farther upstream. I respect the wading fly fishermen that are often seen in the shallow channel above Lookout and stay away from their areas when they are fishing there. I personally agree that motor boats shouldn't be allowed above the boat ramp whenever the water is off. Rolan

Thanks for responding , Caddis. I'm looking forward to completing this set. All of the fly tiers did a great job. Rolan

To: the Caddis and JJ troutbum: I recently sent each of you a personal email on this web site though I haven't received a reply. Did you get the message? I need an extra copy of the Olive Flymph as tied by the Caddis. Need this to complete the set of pictures for the Soft Hackle pics. The fly I received must have flown away. Please contact me and send the fly to: Rolan Duffield 10424 Mohawk Ln. Leawood, KS 66206

3wt: I am working on the photos of Fly Swap 4. --- Soft Hackles. Will have them ready for posting once Phil returns from Alaska about July 1. Hope that is O.K. Rolan

Don: Here's my two cents worth. We appreciate your reports, whatever is given in the interests of life's experiences. I know from experience that one person can have a fantastic day yet others will struggle. It has happende to me. Sometimes in the same boat one individual can be slaying the fish yet other good fishermen will not be catching them. It happens. I'm sure Bill didn't mean any disrespect. Thats not like him. Keep up the good postings. We appreciate your reports. Rolan

Bill: In the few years that I have known you, you always have been a very truthful sportsman willing to provide some insight about fishing and fishing conditions for the less knowledgeable fisherpersons. In fact, I agree that you never take credit for your work. We are fortunate that we have several professional sportsmen and many very good fisherman that help make this an educational, storytelling and fun web site. And a big thanks to Phil for his efforts to educate and keep this site clean. Their are others out there that could join in the fun. Keep up the good work and sharing your observations with us. I enjoy your articles and your friendship. Rolan

The following article was written by Bill Graham and published in the Kansas City Star May 28, 2007. They have granted permission to print this for you. This is a must read report that describes the mussels and their habits that threaten our lakes and rivers. Zebra mussels are a nuisance and a health hazard, thanks to their sheer numbers and sharp shells. They have proved that at El Dorado Reservoir in Kansas, where the mussels in four years have formed dense colonies on underwater rocks and trees. Swimmers are warned to wear foot protection or risk cuts from the shells. Invasive Eurasian mussels also are spreading throughout Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri. Biologists wonder whether boaters this summer will take precautions to keep the damaging zebra mussels from spreading to other lakes and rivers. "We're very concerned about the possibility of accidently transferring them into other bodies of water." said Brian Canady, invasive species coordinator for the Missouri Department of conservation. Zebra mussels have caused billions of dollars in damage in the Great Lakes and Mississipi River basins. They likely invaded those waters in cargo-ship ballast. The mussels probably entered El Dorado Reservoir and Lake of the Ozarks and attached to boat hulls, or because free-floating larval young can survive in water in live wells, bait buckets and bilge pumps. Signs are posted at most regional boat ramps asking boaters to clean and dry all gear before moving between lakes and rivers. "The big message is, clean out the boats and trailers," Casnady said. Kansas biologists found the zebra mussels in El Dorado Reservoir near Wichita in 2003. They are the size of an air-rifle BB when they first form shells and attach to a surface, when they grow to thumb size, said Jason Goecker, aquatic nuisance specialist for the Kansas Wildlife and Parks. A mussel born in the spring can reproduce by fall, he said. One female can produce more than 1 million eggs, and a male more than 1 billion sperm. They quickly form dense colonies as they attach to hard surfaces. Utilities, marinas and boat owners are plaged by repairs and cleanups. They also attach to native mussels and kill them. Because they feed by filtering nutrients from water, they rob food from native fish. "They've pretty much covered our entire underwater habitat at El Dorado, and they're very dense," Goeckler said. One liter of water from the lake averages 300 of the mussel's larval stage, called veligers. Biologists are now finding an average of 65,000 mature mussels per square meter. Goeckler estimates that 2,175 mussels per meter per day are dropping onto bottom surfaces to grow shells and develop into adulthood. The lake is still pleasant and safe, and visitors are encouraged. But they need to be prepared when they swim or fish. "If you're swimming or wading and don't wear protective footwear, you'll cut your feet" Goeckler said. "If you're fishing near the bottom after five casts or so, your line will be cut. Some people are starting to use steel leaders." Boat owners are storing their craft on lifts at marinas, he said or they are paying divers to clean hulls twice a year. Zebra mussels were found last June in the Gravois Arm of the Lake of the Ozarks. They have since been found throughout the lake, although at low densities, Canady said. Now, the watch is on to see wether the numbers grow in the lake. They could also ride water currents downstream to the Osage river and float into the Missouri River near Jefferson City. Plastic pipes and cinder blocks are suspended by ropes in the lake and and in other waters throughout the state so biologists and marina owners can check them for zebra mussels. But scientists have not discovered a way yet to eliminate the mussels from large lakes or rivers once they are established.

Bill: I'm glad to see that the water patrol is active and policing the Lake. They checked me last trip to Taney and I informed the agent that I was pleased to see action for checking fisher persons on Taney. It's been an issue that many of us approve of. Rolan

Tippet: I have had the same problem with tapered leaders. I don't trust the end tippet size anymore and always replace the tippet with fresh leader to prevent this problem. You might also consider purchasing a 4x tippet and adding 3 feet of 6x to ensure the tippet is fresh stock. Rolan

Its my understanding that the missing "Phil" will return from Alaska by July 1st. Seems as though the Lilleys will be hosting a wedding in late July. --- "Megan Lilley". Hope to have the pics of your flies ready for him when he decides to return home. Rolan

If the guides are out of line, then someone made a mistake. Alignment of the guides is the last thing a builder should check before they apply sealer or finish to the guides. Guides that are out of line will make the rod harder to cast and could cause undue wear on the fly line. This can be fixed by removing the guide and reinstalling it in its desired alignment. Rolan

Mr and Mrs Ducky: Congratulations on the future new Ducky. I really enjoyed your company and your efforts to get the group together for the Ozark Anglers picnic. Wish that more of the group could have been there. Rolan

Phil: That Glacier looks like the Harvard Glacier. It's the largest in the area. We were there in 1991. Enjoying your reports. Rolan

Mr. Babler: I would like to have your measuring stick. Seems as though mine never goes over 17'. You're the greatest and a lot of fun too. See you in Oct. In reference to all of thiose big fish you caught after I left -- They're afraid of me. Maybe you can coax them my way next trip. Mr and Mrs Ducky and I had a lot of fun fishing from the boat. I really enjoyed their company and they got a good sun burn on that trip. Rolan

George: Where is Steph? Has he changed his email? Have him send me his email as I haven't been able to contact him. Regards, Rolan

What a great week fishing the lower trophy area. My brother Ed and I had a great time every day catching many rainbows from my boat. Most of our fishing was from Fall Creek to the dam. I was impressed with the Rainbows as they were fat and fought hard. We mostly used "Peppy" (gray scud) and a mink scud fly. Fishing doesn't get any better than this. Most of the Trout were in the range of 11" to 14". My largest was 16". Where are the big Trout? I havn't caught many Rainbows larger than 16" in this section of water for a long time, yet many of you post catching 20+" Trout in the upper fly water near the dam. Any ideas why their arn't showing up here? Phil joined us one morning when they were running one turbine. He fished his spinning rod and a jig and caught a Brown we estimated as being 23-24" and about 6 pounds. A really pretty fish. One day I was having difficulty hooking a trout even though I was getting strikes on almost every cast. I would set the hook and feel the fish on for only a second or two. I changed sizes, though that didn't improve hooking the fish. Switched to a small 1/100 ounce sculpin jig and what a change. I had a trout on almost every cast for at least an hour. They were picking up the jig as soon as it hit the water. -- A little observation. Saw a fellow in a very small boat probably 10' long powered by a trolling motor as we left Lilleys dock one morning.Their wasn't any water running all day. We next saw him later in the morning going past us up in the Trophy area below Lookout. As he passed by he asked "how far is it to the Dam?" That had to be at least 3 miles from Lilleys Dock area and another mile or so to the dam. He proceeded to go upstream though I don't know how far he got. Later that afternoon We saw him going back downstream with the trolling motor still operating and propelling him along. On Saturday, we were checked by a conservation agent for our fishing licenses. In all the years I have fished Taney this was the first time anyone has checked my license. I have been asked for info from creel survey agents several times but never a license check. I commended the agent (he was from the Bull Shoals area) for being on Taney and making these checks. Hope this continues on a regular basis. Rolan

I've been using the Pfluger Medalist 1495 reels for about 50 years. They are a very fine reel and great quality for the price. I never have experienced a problem using them. The original reels used a brass hub in the center of the reel. Pfluger has recently introduced a high dollar reel ($100.00 range) to satisfy those fisherpersons who desire to throw their money away. Rolan

Thanks to you Leonard for hosting this third fly swapand to all fly tiers that participated. Also to Phil for displaying them on the site. I will be glad to photograph any future fly swap for posting if someone sends me the flies. Rolan

Nice writeup Growler. Many good points. Bill: Recommend you go to Growlers paragraph "So, What would I do ---" You're not going to be able to balance the outside daylight color with the artificial light of the interrior unless you take those extreme measures. Using Halogen lighting for the interrior would make the lighting color balance a closer match. I would first try some shots in the early evening when the daylight starts to loose it's intensity. Continue taking pictures every few minutes. Perhaps you might find one of those that would be acceptable. Also try a series on a slightly overcast day. All of this depends on finding a good balance of light intensity as well as color. Another approach is to set the camera on a tripod and make an exposure for the daylight condition. Then wait until it gets dark and make an additional exposure for the interrior. Rolan

Thats an outstanding picture and very interesting. Rolan

Bill Babler and Phil Lilley have provided more input to help fisherman than anyone I know in the Taney region. They deserve a lot of credit for their help. This takes a lot of time and effort on their part. So lets show our support and say "Thanks" to both of them. Thanks Bill and Phil. Rolan

Bill: I'll be down on April 24 with Ed, my brother. Will try to get down sooner if Ellen can get rid of her cold. Save some catching for me. Rolan

Another grear selection of flies. I'm really enjoying seeing them and it's very apparent we have some highly experienced fly tiers. Congratulations all. I sent a disk of the fly pics to Phil today, 3-30-07, perhaps he will post them for everyone to enjoy. Rolan

Hey Bill. I understand what your saying. I was just kidding with you. Yes, when they turn it off, it can happen suddenly and you can't do anything to change it, though we keep trying. Many years ago I used to fish Bennett with a close friend who was an excellent fisherman. He would go one direction up or down stream and I would go the other way. If fishing suddenly changed for the good or bad, we generally could relate to the time of the day for that change. It happens. On Taney, late in the afternoon this has happened to me several times and it wasn't because of water temp conditions. Rolan

Greg: It's good that you checked your fly rod guides. You have to look very closely at the top inside of the guide to see if their are any fine ridges caused by the fly line traveling through the guides. Many of todays fly lines are much improved over those used in past years. If you have a problem of fly lines wearing out, be sure to check those guides. I haven't used chrome guides for over 20 years. I prefer the Fuji Hardloy guides which do not wear. Also, their is a Titanium Carbide metal guide that should not wear under normal use. Rolan