Rolan Duffield

Where are our Fly Tiers?

Wanted: Ozark Anglers fly tiers to tie trout flies for supporting the upcoming Healing Waters Project in Lake Taneycomo. Lilleys Landing has sponsored the Healing Waters Project for the last 6 years (in August) to provide a day and a half of trout fishing for approximately 27 returning wounded warrior vets. They have also provided some meals and lodging. Some local businesses have provided food and a show for these vets. Several of the local guides and a few individuals provide their time and boats to take the vets fly fishing for this event. It would be appropriate for Ozark Anglers fly tiers to participate and tie a box or boxes of trout flies for this occasion. Only one box of flies would be given to a participating vet. Any extra sets will either be saved for the next season or given to the Director for dispersal for other needs. Guidelines: Provide a box or boxes of approximately 24 common trout flies you normally use when fly fishing Lake Taneycomo. I would suggest tying 4 flies each of 6 different types of flies such as midges, scuds, small jigs, soft hackles, egg flies, fry flies and/or san juan worms. Put a label on the bottom of the box that reads "tied by -- add your name" and send them to: Phil Lilley -- Project Healing Waters Lilleys Landing Resort 367 River Lane Branson, MO. 65616 We need these no later than the first of August. Who will join me and contribute to this worthy project.

spent 3 days fly fishing and enjoying the company with my son David. Weather was really pleasant in the upper 70's though did have some very strong winds on Wed and Thursday afternoon that made it somewhat tough to see a strike. I normally prefer to fish using a fly rod regardless of water conditions. When they ran four units, fishing was tough though with two units we managed to have good success fishing an egg fly with a ''Peppy" (gray scud) dropper about 12 to 18 inches below the egg fly. On the first and third days, the trout seemed to take the peppy fly almost every time. On the second day of our trip the egg fly and peppy shared about an equal amount of Trout caught. Two units of running water is about six to eight feet of extra depth of water and is fishable providing you adapt to the conditions. First, you need to lengthen the leader to at least 10 to 12 feet so the fly is on the bottom where the fish are. Expect the fish to be on the bottom of the lake and most likely in the slower water. Cast at a 45 degree downstream angle. This allows your fly to drop quicker to get it on the bottom. You may need to adjust the fly or line weight so your float travels about the same speed as the boat. Strikes in fast moving water can be very suttle or may be a very violent strike. I remember one fish that almost tore the rod from my hands because it hit so hard. We did motor down to the Roark Creek and fish in the slower backwater using 1/100 gigs under a float at a depth of 4 to 5 feet with good success . Color of the jig didn't seem to make any difference.

Great idea. I often wonder what the weather and lake conditions are on Taney when reports are given. Would be interesting. Need more fishing reports on Taney.

Nice informative report Phil. See you in about three weeks-- Rolan

Call David Allen. Allen and Oberling contractors. David has done several jobs for me over the years. He's totally honest and trustworthy. He is located in Overland Park. Cell phone # 913-522-1269 Rolan

Welcome back Phil. Thanks for posting these --one cast video's. They're very interesting. Rolan

You can always come back to Missouri and share in the snow here -- Free. R

I'm impressed. Great job. How do you paint them. You could give us a lesson in painting. Rolan

And what would happen when their is a flood?

Great Report and very nice pictures. Thanks for taking the time to post these for us. Rolan

I'm envious. What a great experience Phil. Wish I was there. Rolan

My son, Richard and my brother, Ed and I had a great 5 days staying at Lilleys Landing and fishing Taneycomo last week. Fishing is good. All of us caught Rainbows each time out in spite of the varying water flow conditions. We primarily fished from Lookout to Fall Creek in the restricted area out of my boat. I always consider my first day at Taney as a search of water and weather conditions to determine what flies to use and how best to fish the lake. I prefer using a fly rod almost exclusively when fishing Taney so there are times when big adjustments are needed if they change water flow conditions. We started off Tuesday afternoon with the water off for about two hours fishing 1/100 oz. Jigs and midges under a float until they turned on two units. Fishing really slowed. I did notice the water temp. was 42 degrees when the two units were flowing. That's cold. We switched to 1/50 ounce pink jigs and Jig eggs with some success. Those conditions remained the same through Wednesday with no flow in the mornings and two units starting up in the afternoon. Fishing and catching was fair for us though we were enjoying the trip. On Thursday, the flow rate changed to about 1/2 a unit which I believe is an ideal condition. My fishing partners and I were catching and releasing trout in the 6" to 13" size and having a great time. On Saturday, they were still running only about a half unit and we continued to catch rainbows readily. That afternoon I decided to try my old favorite "Peppy" (gray scud). I used a 1/00 oz. jig above the fly to get it down in the running water. Wow did catching change fast. I caught and released at least 8 trout in the 14" to 16" range with one going 21.5" That was the best afternoon of fishing I have had in a long time. Just proves that you need to try different techniques at times. Rolan

That's a beautiful fly. I admire your talent and patience to tie it. Enjoyed meeting you last week. Good luck in your upcoming Alaska fishing. Rolan

Congratulations Phil. I remember we met the first week you started Lilleys Landing. I have enjoyed your company in our many fishing outings over the years and the good times knowing your family and parents. You are a true sportsman who provides the public with factual reports and knowledge. We appreciate that and especially this web site to educate and appease us. Rolan

Wow Phil-- I actually saw you using a Fly Rod. Good for you, finally.

I have a 1997 Ranger Cherokee # 207. Still really enjoy this boat and I keep it in good condition. I believe this was the last year Ranger offered the Aluminum boats until recently. It's very well built with all welded seams. It's not a deep hull though very stable and a great boat for Taney providing you're careful of the shallows and rocks in the upper restricted area. It has a 24v. system for the trolling motor and a 115hp 2 cycle Yahama motor that will put the boat on plane in about 5 seconds with 3 people aboard. I don't believe this boat is the same configuration or style as they're selling now.

We had 10 -12" of blowing snow here in Kansas City yesterday. Today's high was 11 degrees here and they predict -10 degrees in the morning and temps close to "0" for the next week.

Back in the old days when I taught Fly tying with the Missouri Trout Fishermens Association, tying a whip finish using your hands was the first thing taught. I learned to tie and teach it using either the left or right hand. Why waste effort and time picking up a whip finisher when you can use your good hands. Also gives you more confidence in your ability. A whip finish is actually several half hitches laid on the hook at one time.

Both are good articles. Enjoyed them. Congrats Phil for your dedication to improving our sport. Rolan

All of my fly rods have either the Fuji Hardloy guides or the Fuji Alconite guides on them. I build my rods and have used these guides for many years. I have always been pleased with how easy the line shoots and haven't detected any guide wear. The Fuji fly rod guides are very good guides at a reasonable cost. Mudhole.com has a very good selection. I would caution about using stainless steel or chrome guides as the fly line will wear a grove in that type guide quickly and ruin your fly line.I can remember in the old days using stainless steel where I replaced sets of guides twice yearly.

Wishing you a great Birthday and good fishing too. Rolan

Phil: This is a really great article. Thanks for writing and posting it. It's detailed and easy to understand. It's a good example of the knowledge he presents on this site. Rolan

Phil doesn't cover up anything in his reports. He has always told it as he sees and learns it to help anyone who desires to improve. Bill and Phil are always honest with their reports. That's what makes this site enjoyable. Rolan

I have a 17' Ranger Cherokee #207 which I bought new in 1997. I can tell you a little about this boat though don't know how it compares to their current listings. I believe this was the last Aluminum boat made by Ranger until now. I visited the factory back before I bought it and was impressed by the care and workmanship put into making the boat. It's a great boat for Taney. All seams are welded, no rivets and most of the lower interior is foam filled.The original boat came with a 115 Evinrude that threw a wrist pin in 2006. I replaced that engine with a 115 Yamaha. This Yahama 2 cycle is heavier than the original Evinrude and the back end sets a little lower in the water. It will put the boat on plane in less than 5 seconds. This is not a deep hull boat and I don't normally use it on big lakes. I don't have any complaints about this boat which I primarily use on Taney. It's still a very good boat and I do take good care of it.