Dan Kreher

14.5 foot solo canoe for sale Wenonah Vagabond in Royalex construction Arctic White color Factory installed skid plates 8 years old & in good shape Very nimble solo canoe great for floating / fishing Ozark streams modified for rear anchor attachment painter lines fore and aft $650 Photos available upon request -- couldn't figure out how to compress them to thumbnail for posting here.

I don't happen to have a used tandem model for sale but I am trying to sell my Wenonah Vagabond solo canoe -- 14.5" Royalex in Arctic White and factory installed skid plates. Boat's in good shape and about 8 years old. $650 asking price vs. $1200 new w/tax. I was planning on listing it here today before I saw your want ad.

Just looking at the USGS gauge readings, the Kings is far for low right now. Flows at Hwy 62 gauge are running at 900 CFS which is well above normal for this time of year. I would believe that the river from Marble access down is indeed floatable but as recommended I wouldn't try to paddle upstream against the current. I would just float from point A to point B like most folks do. If you're looking for solitude the Marble to Marshall -- 12 miles -- section is beautiful with many overhanging bluffs and waterfalls in along the steep banks. I only floated this once during high water in the Spring years back and fishing was so so. But Kings River Outfitters should be able to fill you in on the details on this and any other section of the Kings River you wish to float. The 15 miles from Marshall to Rock House is a great camping section but it is somewhat popular with folks on weekend trips. During the week would be best bet. 18"/1 fish limit on SMB from Trigger Gap to 62 provides good fishing opportunites for nice fish but river here not nearly as pretty as further upstream. Rather than listen to me though, call Ernie Killman at Kings River Outfitters (www.kingsriveroutfitters.com) 479 253 8954 and he can give you the full scoop. Like Gavin, I've been trying to get back on Kings for several years but always seem to run out of time. Living 5 hours away makes it much tougher trip that if I lived down Springfield way. Perhaps someday . . . PS -- the photo on Kings River's homepage is one of those gorgeous undercut bluffs below Marble. It's really cool up there. I'd go up there if the water is right for it.

Great to hear that the lower Buffalo is fishing well for nice sized smallies. Perhaps the one fish 18-inch minimum imposed by AG&F along this secion back in 2008 is starting to pay dividends. See excerpt below from the Bronzeback News, the official newsletter of The Missouri Smallmouth Allaince, below: Effective March 1, 2008, The Arkansas Game & Fish Commission has placed a 25-mile section of Arkansas’ famed Buffalo River under new quality-based regulations for smallmouth bass. Excerpted from the AG&F Fishing Regulations handbook the regulation reads "From confluence with Clabber Creek downstream to the confluence with the White River, the smallmouth bass daily limit is 1 and must be at least 18 inches or longer to keep." This section of river, although somewhat inaccessible to “day trippers” due to its long length and lack of alternate take-outs, has long suffered from suspected overharvest of keeper smallmouth bass. Designated a Blue Ribbon Stream by AG&F, the entirety of the Buffalo River had been managed under a 14-inch minimum, two-fish creel limit for smallmouth bass since 1994. Still, overnight campers and, to some extent, boaters heading upstream out of White River into the Buffalo had kept an inordinate number of legal fish over the years thus diminishing the angling potential of this stretch of river. William McMillan, of Arkansas Fly Fishers, commented, “This is an unbelievable section of the river, and it definitely deserves to be titled a Blue Ribbon Stream. In essence, this is the first “trophy” area for smallmouth bass on the river.” Similar quality regulations are in place on shorter sections of Kings River and Crooked Creek, two of Arkansas finest Blue Ribbon smallmouth stream fisheries. Regarding the genesis of the regs change, McMillan noted, “This regulation change is something that our club spearheaded probably three years ago. There were numerous letters sent along with other clubs offering up their support for the change of regulation on that section of river.” Arkansas Fly Fishers has historically been quite effective in influencing fisheries managers regarding the state’s cold water trout fisheries before recently directing their activities towards smallmouth bass fisheries. “It may be only a small blurb on page 80 of the Game & Fish regulation manual, but this is a full 25 miles of river representing a huge step forward. They now are thinking of the smallmouth bass like they should be. This is a big win for the Arkansas Fly Fishers as well as for the Smallmouth Alliance!” he proclaimed. I've never done this stretch of water but may look to it later this summer/early fall if I get the chance.

See my comments regarding an earlier post on Gasconade forum below: Question: I was wondering if anyone knew the river conditions around the Falcon MO area or down river from this? Also any fishing tips you guys have would be appreciated. I fish mainly on the Big Piney and the water moves a little more which suits my fishing type. When the water slows down I guess I need to slow down as well but I struggle with this. Again, thanks for any info. Response: I haven't been on that stretch in awhile but I can tell you that there are lots of one to multi-day fishing sections both above and below Hwy 32 bridge at Falcon. There are several USFS put ins on west bank about 7-12 miles above Falcon and the next take out downstream from Hwy 32 is at Adam Ford bridge off of Hwy K. Ten or so nice river miles below that you'll find Black Ford on the east bank off of Hwy 17, I believe, and then the fairly popular Barlow Ford (Gascoande Hills' main put in point) another 4 miles downstream. Gasconade Hills Resort is about 6 miles down from there. Gravens at Hwy 32 (if they're still operating) should be able to shuttle you for sections above and below their place while Gasconade Hills should be able to take care of you from Adam Ford down below Hazelgreen. I'm not sure just how far up Graven's will take you if you're looking to go above the Competition area but there are several decent MDC accesses on the upper river that may be less crowded this weekend. Gasconade Hills Resort 1-800 869 6861 River gauge at Hazelgreen (hwy 44 bridge) is currently running at 2700 cfs which, although 8 feet down from its recent high, is still running well above normal. This gauge is below Gasconade's confluence with Osage Fork which is likely adding about 800 cfs to the mix at this point. I'd check with Gasconade Hills and see how they'd rate conditions upstream of their place. Hwy 32 is about 27 miles above their campground so the river should be getting in better shape sooner. Follow up: The upper Gasconade (above hwy 44) is a very good SMB/goggle eye fishery with many stretches devoid of floaters due to its remoteness. River color is usually clear to dingy with longer pools separated by short, brushy riffles. Camping spots are not as numerous as the other streams you're used to floating as the gravel bars are smaller and tend to be overgrown with sycamores and willows. You should find some higher gravel benches to camp on though following the recent high water there. Do it yourself floats well above Hwy 32 are indeed possible as there are several MDC accesses below its source at Hartville. The stretches down from hwy 32 are described above. Later in year as water levels come down you will find great fishing from Hwy 44 bridge downstream to Jerome. River is much wider and slower in this stretch than above the mouth of Osage Fork but camping spots become more numerous. Average size of SMB improve as river gets larger and you'll have a shot at some 18-20 inch fish in this area. Below Jerome, jet boats are numerous and are is much more populated with folks particulary on weekends. The upper river would offer seclusion even on summer weekends. I hope this helps.

I haven't been on that stretch in awhile but I can tell you that there are lots of one to multi-day fishing sections both above and below Hwy 32 bridge at Falcon. There are several USFS put ins on west bank about 7-12 miles above Falcon and the next take out downstream from Hwy 32 is at Adam Ford bridge off of Hwy K. Ten or so nice river miles below that you'll find Black Ford on the east bank off of Hwy 17, I believe, and then the fairly popular Barlow Ford (Gascoande Hills' main put in point) another 4 miles downstream. Gasconade Hills Resort is about 6 miles down from there. Gravens at Hwy 32 (if they're still operating) should be able to shuttle you for sections above and below their place while Gasconade Hills should be able to take care of you from Adam Ford down below Hazelgreen. I'm not sure just how far up Graven's will take you if you're looking to go above the Competition area but there are several decent MDC accesses on the upper river that may be less crowded this weekend. Gasconade Hills Resort 1-800 869 6861 River gauge at Hazelgreen (hwy 44 bridge) is currently running at 2700 cfs which, although 8 feet down from its recent high, is still running well above normal. This gauge is below Gasconade's confluence with Osage Fork which is likely adding about 800 cfs to the mix at this point. I'd check with Gasconade Hills and see how they'd rate conditions upstream of their place. Hwy 32 is about 27 miles above their campground so the river should be getting in better shape sooner.

Hey, Tim, welcome to the Forum. If you are interested in learning more about chasing smallies with the flyrod and if you live in the St. Louis metro area, come out to the Missouri Smallmouth Alliance meeting this Wednesday at MDC Powder Valley NC in Kirkwood. There will be a presentation on flyfishing for Ozark stream smallmouth given by a few of the members. I hope to see you there. see their website at www.missourismallmouthalliance.org (under the Meetings heading). It's about time to break out the flyrod for me as well. Casting arm is kinda rusty, I'm sure, but 'chuck and duck' gets the job done most times as well.

Stories like that are always tough to hear as we are all well aware of the fact that it doesn't take that much harvest of SMB to greatly degrade the fishing quality of an Ozark stream, particularly small creeks like that. As part of the MO Smallmouth Alliance's conservation efforts, in addition to pushing for more restrictive MLL and creel regs, we will be making a strong effort in conjunction with the MDC to educate anglers on what the extisting regs on stream SMB are in the first place. Any serious SMB angler should already know the statewide regs - 12" MLL and 6 fish creel. There's really no excuse for that after 35 years on the books. The novice or casual angler may have an excuse, but the guys that can really catch 'em in good numbers -- and who can really put a hurt on a stream fishery if keeping up to MO's statewide legal limit each time out -- know the law. Regardless, I do know that without any real enforcement presence on our SMB streams -- and I understand the realities of that issue and am not trying to open up that can worms again -- knowledge of the rules is the next best defense against overharvest. At few stream accesses do you actually see any posting of what the statewide regs actually are and this even occurs unfortunately on SMB Special Regs waters as well. MSA has been trying to do its part with its "Free the Fighter/World Class" smallmouth informational signs posted at most MDC accesses in MO over the past 15 years, but we are not responsible for posting the regs themselves or to construct and maintain signage at stream accesses. If there's nothing to post our sign on at the access, we cannot post one of our signs there. MSA will work with MDC Fisheries/Enforcement to get this situation mitigated. We realize that large woodent access signs cost money and are problematic to maintain given floods, emergency firewood needs and target practice and all, but we as an organization will be stepping up to get something done here. What good are having regs to protect, preserve and improve fisheries if no one is aware of them when they get to the river? With active citizen participation this problem canget fixed. As far as poachers are concerned, the best thing you can do is report them to the MDC though the Operation Game Thief hotline and/or educate them yourself when you run into these types of folks when out on the water. Not asking folks to get into a confrontation as that could get pretty dangerous, but just remind anglers of the rules if you are presented with an opportunity to do so.

Thanks for your kind words, Mitch, but it's been far from just me on this project. Several folks on the Blue Ribbon Panel have put forth a lot of effort over the past several months most notably Al Agnew, Norm Leppo and Matt Wier. These proposed regs changes are nothing more than proposals at this point. We haven't really accomplished anything yet other than establishing a constructive dialog with the MDC which we believe will result in meaningful changes in how SMB are managed in Missouri's rivers, streams and creeks. We will continue to work with the Fisheries Dept of the MDC, through MDC's Regulations Committee and eventually with the Commissioners of the MDC to move this agenda forward. There has never been a better opportunity in the 18-year history of the Missouri Smallmouth Alliance to bring about substantial improvement in stream SMB fishing quality in MO than we have in front of us today. The studies have been completed, the special regs areas are working, anglers want to catch more and larger SMB right here at home and they are willing to support fisheries regulations which foster improved angling opportunities. We are committed to getting this done for the benefit of all avid stream SMB anglers in the state. PS -- if you really want to thank me though, Mitch, you can take me out to some of your prized fishing holes on the Meramec sometime this spring. I can make myself available most any nice, warm, sunny day.

Large protected slot limits like the 4/1 - 12"/20" reg you noted have been used increasingly on SMB rivers throughout the US. Such a reg protects the adult SMB that anglers seek while allowing harvest of smaller fish (which many folks wouldn't really bother keeping anyway) while allowing one to harvest a true trophy river SMB if so inclined. It kind of gives something to the consumptive anglers while protecting the resource and greatly increases the overall quality of a fishery. These types of regs are in place on some of the finer SMB streams in the country today including the Kankakee River in Illinois, the Penobscott in Maine, the Mississippi in Minnesota, the New River in North Carolina/Virginia, the John Day in Oregon, and on 7 of eastern Tennessee's better SMB streams. So, fisheries managers in several states do have faith in slot limits. Missouri has used slot limits to manage LMB on certain of its lakes within wildlife areas around the state but seem reluctant to use slots on our SMB streams. So, rather than get into a long-winded philosophical discussion witeh MDC over the pro's and con's of slots, the MO Smallmouth Alliance panel thought it best to suggest the expansion of Special Regs areas featuring the established 15/1 and 18/1 limits that have proven themselves successful per the MDC's own evaluation of their effectiveness. And, in an effort to protect the resource on a more widespread basis, improve average fish sizes, angler catch rates and PSDs of fish at least up to 15" in length, we suggested the change in the statewide regs to 15" MLL/ 3 fish creel. Will this produce trophies everywhere? No, but it does help improve fishing quality while still being palatable to most reasonable anglers today. So that's how we got were we were. Once again, to avoid unproductive conflict over the MDC's White Paper effort we did not propose special regs on those streams in the SW corner of MO that were evaluated but failed to make the MDC's grade for special regs. Were they incorrect in their assessments? Perhaps. It sure sounds like folks on this board would have like these fisheries to have received more protection. I cannot argue with those sentiments since I believe that few fisheries in the Ozarks would not benefit from a reduction in angler harvest - Neoshos or whatever strain of SMB swim in them. Regarding anglers' passion, commitment, motivation and all that, I can only say that face-to-face, constructive conversations on these issues may prove to be much more productive exercises than back-and-forth jibs and jabs amongs posters likely stricken with Cabin Fever. Get together with Mr. Lange and help get him up to speed on these brown fish and their haunts down Springfield way. Heck, he probably won't even charge you the $20 just to show up at a meeting and talk. You might even find a fishin' partner or two. I know that I've met all mine though my 18-year affiliation with MSA. If you want to hook up and affiliate with the only conservation-based organization in the state that is striving to create world class SMB fishing here at home, the Missouri Smallmouth Alliance, all are more than welcome. Your 20 bucks gets you Chuck Tryon's book which is a fair trade right there, membership for a year and subscriptions to a couple of good outdoor publications as well as MSA's newsletter. If we didn't have costs associated with producing the newsletter and supporting conservation-related projects like sign posting at all MDC and other stream access points, kids educational programs, website, etc. we wouldn't even charge any annual dues at all. That being said, I don't think dues have even gone up in over 10 years. Done with the commercial. I'm going fishing.

As Chief notes, perphaps there should be additional research performed by the MDC on the Neosho strain in SW MO to better determine growth rates, etc. and then determine what type of fisheries management would be best to maximize the potential fishing quality of those streams. Once again, the MSA's regulations recommendations to the MDC were not intended to address this particular issue. However, biologically speaking per Spence Turner the retired MDC fisheries biologist and avid author who sits on our Blue Ribbon Panel, a high Minimum Length Limit combined with a low daily creel limit is the most effective tool to improve the quality of angling in a stream. With reduced harvest, angler catch rates increase, average sizes increase -- over time, and the proportional stock densities of larger fish (SMB -- regardless of strain) increase over time as well. Fish in our Ozark streams do not stunt in size due to a lack of habitat or food. A stream is an open system with energy sources constantly coming into and out of it. Proper habitat and food supplies may impact growth rates, but if the fish are left in the river longer with less harvest or through greater protection from harvest, the quality of the fishery will improve markedly over time. Accordingly, a high minimum length limit combined with a reduced creel limit (whether thru Special Regs designation or thru better statewide regs) will indeed work to improve the quality of all SMB fisheries if given a chance. Remember SMB in all Ozark streams grow much more slowly than lake populations, taking 4-6 years to reach 12 inches in length. Given their cool water habitat, Neosho's probably are in the high end of this range. So it will take time to see improvement, but it will come. As I noted in a previous post, the MSA decided to avoid suggested Special Regs designation on those streams that were rejected by the MDC in its White Paper effort to avoid unproductive discussions at this stage. Should some of those river have been designated with Special Regs based on more objective criteria -- I don't know. If the MDC was looking at these and any rivers in the White Paper effort purely from a biological standpoint, very few rivers in the Ozarks would not have benefitted in some way from the imposition of additional protection. But, we know that there were many unscientific and very subjective criteria used in the evaluation that were given equal if not greater weighting than the fishery itself. Let's not rehash all of that right now, particularly with the MDC, as that will be largely a distraction from getting anything done. We can certainly come together on these issues later and present a cogent argument for certain fisheries as this process moves forward. Keep in mind that the regulations changes recently proposed by MSA (see power point presentation given to MDC Regs Committee on the MSA website on the Conservation Page of the MSA website at www.missourismallmouthalliance.org) represent the start of the process towards change. If knowledgeable folks in SW MO believe that other streams should be considered for Speical Regs, organize through the new MSA chapter being put together by Gary Lange and develop a proposal for MSA's Blue Ribbon Advisory Panel to discuss with the MDC going forward. We have opened this dialogue with the MDC on fisheries management changes for the benefit of the native SMB in our state's rivers, streams and creeks. Input from all concerned sportsmen is welcomed and we will collectively work together to reach these objectives.

Not being as familiar with the SMB rivers of the far SW corner of state, the Blue Ribbon Panel did tend to gravitate towards the streams on which its members were most knowledgeable. We did suggest an addition to the established area on the James, but did not mention any other SW MO streams as you point out. The Elk has 22 miles under Special Regs today -- perhaps there should be more Several other SW MO streams may have been considered by our committee but we wanted to generally avoid any of the streams covered in the MDC's White Paper effort which had been prevoiulsy rejected for various reasons. We did not want to give the MDC any reason to reject our proposals or get into a peeing contest over why or why not certain streams were picked for Special Regs in the White Paper while others were not. We just didn't think this would be a productive exercise at this point. Rivers in SW MO that were rejected as part of White Paper evaluation include the following: Finley River Indian Creek Shoal Creek Others in the western part of the state that the MDC failed to approve for special status included: Beaver Creek Tavern Creek Weaubleau Creek Little Niangua Niangua and several others in central MO. Looking at the map of MO, you can certainly see that the MDC short-changed those SMB rivers in the Springfield/Joplin area. But given the MDC's decentralized approach and the somewhat subjective evaluation criteria used, it is not surprising that the results appear uneven. Most of the streams suggested by MSA for Special Regs expansion were either never evaluated by the MDC for some reason or are on rivers where special regs have already been shown to be highly effective in producing more and larger SMB, higher catch rates and increases in proportional stock densities of adult SMB. So we essentially wanted to use the MDC's own research to reinforce our suggestions. We were not familiar with the issues facing the Neosho strain (or not a strain) of SMB -- not looking to start a discussion on that topic again -- but that would be something that the SW MO MSA chapter should definitely investigate for further consideration. As the group gets up and running, we can work on that issue together to see if something can be done to protect native populations and their fragile stream habitat. Even without special regs designation on streams, the enactment of a statewide 15" MLL and a daily creel of 3 SMB would certainly help raise the bar for stream SMB fishing in MO a great deal. We'll keep pushing as hard as we can with the folks in Jeff City and the Commissioners on behalf of SMB anglers across the state. Take care.

Nice catch on Bourbeuse. Yes, I meant to type Spotted Bass not SMB. Thanks.

SMB regs changes presented to the MDC and CFM include the following: MSA's Blue Ribbon Advisory Panel (BRAP) recently proposed the following changes for the managemet of SMB in MO streams to both the Regulations Committee of the MO Department of Conservation and the Conservation Federation of Missouir: Increase the minimum length limit from 12 inches to 15 inches Decrease the daily creel limit from 6 SMB to 3 SMB while keeping the total black bass (largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass) at 6 in combination (unless otherwise specified) Justification for this regs change includes: 12" MLL establihed in 1974 and supports maximum sustained yield approach to fisheries management 12" MLL greatly favors harvest of SMB for food at expense of catching more and larger SMB Higher MLLs have shown to produce significant increases in angler catch rate, average fish sizes and proportional stock density of large SMB -- results from MDC White Paper effort studying the establshed Special Regs areas in state 15" MLL has produced high quality angling on many of MO's popular reserviors Anglers want opportunity to catch more and larger SMB Anglers overwhelmingly support regulations that produce more and larger SMB than fish filets 6 fish creel limit is outdated -- established my MDC in 1961 -- favors anglers harvest of SMB at expense of fish quality 15-inch / 1 fish creel SMB Special Regs Areas MSA's Blue Ribbon Panel recently proposed that the MDC expand the number of Special Regs areas managed using a 15-inch minimum length / 1 SMB creel limit by adding 9 more stream reaches totaling approximately 300 miles in length. These streams represent some of Ozarks higher quality fisheries, exhibit strong potential for improvement of average fish sizes given their stream habitat, and such regs are generally well-supported by anglers, guides and outfitters who frequent these stream reaches. These proposed ares are as follows: Big Piney River – MDC Boiling Springs access downstream to USFS Slabtown access (14 miles) James River – MDC Delaware Town access downstream to MDC Hooten Town access (12 miles) Meramec River – MDC Short Bend access downstream to MDC Woodson K Woods access (26 miles) Gasconade River – MDC Wilber Allen access downstream to MDC Hazelgreen access (54 miles) North Fork of White River – Hwy 76 bridge downstream to MDC Hammond access (29 miles) Bryant Creek – Bell School access downstream to MDC Florence C. Cook access (24 miles) Bourbeuse River – Hwy 19 bridge downstream to MDC Union access (94 miles) Courtois Creek – Brazil low-water bridge downstream to Huzzah Creek (21 miles) Huzzah Creek – Hwy 49 bridge downstream to MDC Scotia Bridge access (29 miles) Several of these proposed stream sections are on rivers where MDC Special Regs areas have already proven to produce more and larger SMB (Big Piney, Gasconade, James, Meramec), while special regs on the North Fork, Bryant, Huzzah and Courtois would greatly improve the quality of these fisheries. The Bourbeuse, still a good SMB stream, faces severe threats from the expansion of non-native SMB (similar to its sister stream Big River); BRAP is proposing that the Bourbeuse be managed similarly to the Big with a relaxed limit on Spots while affording greater protection to native SMB populations. 18" / 1 SMB creel limit SMB Special Regs Areas SMB fishing on the trophy sections of the Jacks Fork and Gasconade River (46 stream miles in total) has never been better due an 18-inch MLL / 1 SMB creel limit. MSA's BRAP recently proposed that these trophy regs be expanded to an additional 4 stream reaches to incude the following: Big Piney River (USFS East Gate access to Gasconade River: 19 miles) Meramec River (Bird’s Nest access to MDC Blue Springs access: 29 miles) Gasconade River (MDC Mitschele access to MDC Riddle Bridge access: 38 miles) Current River (Powder Mill access to Van Buren City Park access: 26 miles) These represent some of MO's finest SMB streams and have consistently shown their ability to produce trophy SMB given their great habitat and size. Imposition of these regs would raise trophy regs to nearly 150 miles of stream in Ozarks providing anglers an opportunity to catch boh greater numbers of SMB as all fish would be protected from harvest until reaching 18 inches in length as well as the chance to catch a real lunker Ozark bronzeback! These streams are already good, these regs would make them great!

This past weekend BRAP members presented the same regulations changes to the Conservation Federation of Missouri and these resolutions were overwhelmingly approved by its membership. See write up of this development below. The Blue Ribbon Panel of the MO Smallmouth Alliance is pleased to report that its three resolutions regarding recommended changes to the MDC’s management of SMB in MO streams were unanimously ratified by the Conservation Federation of Missouri’s (CFM) annual meeting held the weekend of February 26-28, 2010 at The Lodge of Four Seasons. The CFM is citizen conservation organization formed in 1935 with more than 70 affiliated clubs and over 30,000 members in the state and whose efforts led to the creation of the MDC, a non-political conservation agency that has been the model for other states. These resolutions will now be presented to the MDC by CFM as recommended actions. This is yet another key step in moving forward on the adoption of quality-based regs for SMB here in the Show-Me State. Interestingly, the co-chairman of the CFM resolutions committee is none other than current MDC Commissioner Don Johnson – a true friend to fishermen and seemingly quite sympathetic to our mission of creating world-class SMB fishing in MO. It is hoped that the exposure which both the Alliance and its suggested management changes received at the CFM conference will help solidify support for these resolutions. The specific resolutions were essentially the three management changes presented to the MDC’s Regulations Committee the previous Monday including a statewide minimum length and creel limit change and the expansion of 15/1 and 18/1 Stream Black Bass Special Management Areas on several of our better SMB streams in the Ozarks. Norm Leppo, Matt Wier and Dan Kreher put forth each of these resolutions following a brief introductory presentation on MSA, BRAP, the MDC’s White Paper effort and its conclusions capped off by an overview of the current statewide length and creel limits for SMB in streams. The presentation was very well received by those in attendance and based on the observation of the genesis of other resolutions put forth at the conference, most likely the one supported by the most in depth research and forethought. During the CFM Fisheries committee meeting where the resolutions were first proposed, concern over potential confusion among anglers when faced with a variety of SMB regs was raised and discussed. BRAP responded that with the implementation of the regulations covered by these resolutions, that anglers would need to understand essentially three different sets of regs – a statewide 15/3 reg, special regs of 15/1 and special regs of 18/1—really the same number of different regs as we have for stream SMB today. This level of regulations complexity also matches the number of different regulations anglers need to know when trout fishing in the state today under the MDC’s White, Red and Blue Ribbon stream designations. As noted in previous discussions, the new SMB regs could be similarly designated by a suitable color – Bronze, Silver and Gold in keeping with the Olympic spirit perhaps? With a well-designed communications plan and adequate informational signage, these regs could be easily determinable by stream anglers. Many other states have much more complicated fisheries regulations than we do here in Missouri so it seems reasonable that folks could figure things out if given a chance. So what does all of this mean? The CFM resolutions will be presented to the MDC sometime in March. The Blue Ribbon Panel will work with CFM Executive Director, Dave Murphy -- who is one hell of a passionate and effective leader for CFM and its affiliate organizations by the way -- on an appropriate course of action in following these resolutions through the halls of the MDC. The group will also keep in touch with Don Johnson, whom Norm Leppo knows quite well from his longtime involvement in CFM, as well as then approach MDC Director Bob Ziehmer down the line to inquire on the status of these proposed resolutions with the MDC. Although we shouldn’t automatically expect the MDC to agree to enact each of our proposals to be effective in 2011, the reception these proposals received at the CFM conference and their apparent support within the MDC are very positive signs indeed. It appears that we are now on a path that will definitely lead to significant changes in the management of stream SMB in Missouri. What we’re asking for makes complete sense from a biological perspective and is clearly in the best interest of the SMB resource available to all citizens – and visitors – to Missouri. The biological and scientific studies have been completed, the science has been proven to work and the climate both within the MDC and among anglers has never been more favorable for the creation of world-class stream SMB angling right here at home since the inception of our organization.

The Blue Ribbon Advisory Panel of the MO Smallmouth Alliance has been pretty busy over the past few weeks in formulating and then proposing new regulations for the management of SMB in Missouri's streams. A description of the Panel's recent presentation the Regulations Committee of the MDC in Jefferson City is included below. A copy of presentation made to the MDC will be available at www.missourismallmouthalliance.org later this week. On February 22, Al Agnew, Norman Leppo and Dan Kreher, members of MSA’s Blue Ribbon Advisory Panel, went before the Regulations Committee of the Missouri Department of Conservation in Jefferson City to propose specific management changes for smallmouth bass in our state’s rivers, streams and creeks. These suggested fisheries management measures were developed by BRAP earlier this year. MDC’s Regulations Committee is currently in the process of reviewing Missouri’s Wildlife Code and is considering potential changes in the various fishing, hunting and trapping rules to become effective in 2011. Presenting before the Regulations Committee is the first step in moving our agenda forward with the MDC and represented a perfect time for the Blue Ribbon Panel to make its pitch. In an effort to help create world class smallmouth bass fishing in Missouri through the enactment of quality-based fisheries management practices, the Blue Ribbon Panel put forth essentially three separate proposals as follows: • An increase in the statewide minimum length limit (MLL) from the current 12-inch MLL to 15 inches combined with a reduction in the 6 fish daily creel limit to 3 SMB per day. • The expansion in the number of Stream Black Bass Special Management Areas (SBBSMA) featuring a 15-inch MLL and a daily creel limit of 1 SMB. Currently, approximately 300 miles of water is under such management. BRAP proposes adding an additional 9 streams and doubling to 600 miles in 15/1 managed water. • The designation of an additional four stream sections as SBBSMAs managed as trophy fisheries utilizing an 18-inch MLL and a 1 SMB daily creel limit. Today sections of Jacks Fork and Gasconade rivers are included within this program. This proposal serves to triple the miles of stream so managed to approximately 150 total miles. The suggested 15/1 Special Regs areas include sections of the upper Meramec, upper Gasconade, James, Bourbeuse, North Fork of White and Big Piney Rivers as well as stretches of Courtois, Huzzah and Bryant Creeks. Some areas adjoin existing Special Regs areas while others are on entirely new streams. The 18/1 Special Regs areas include Ozark streams with a reputation for producing larger SMB including the Gasconade, Meramec, Big Piney and Current Rivers. Three of these trophy regs sections adjoin existing Special Regs waters already identified by the MDC as high potential fisheries. In all cases, the Blue Ribbon Panel tried to avoid any streams or stream sections which the MDC had previously evaluated and excluded from Special Regs designation in the White Paper project. The MDC’s recently issued SMB White Paper Summary (discussed in the Jan/Feb 2010 issue of BBN) overwhelmingly supports that a combination of higher minimum length limits and reduced daily creel limits have been highly effective in improving angler catch rates, average fish sizes and the proportional stock densities of larger SMB within the Special Regs areas. The science has been proven and it frankly is time for the MDC to greatly increase the number of streams managed under quality regs to provide a greater opportunity for SMB anglers to catch more and larger fish in our moving waters. In addition, the existing statewide length and creel limits in Missouri were established decades ago, long before the advent of widespread catch and release fishing for bass. Today, we believe that the majority of stream SMB anglers are much more interested in catching fish for the pure enjoyment of it than for the prospect of providing a tasty meal. Our angler survey results presented in the Nov/Dec 2009 issue of BBN clearly supports this view at least among the 240+ SMB anglers polled. Despite this fact, the majority of our stream SMB fisheries continue to be managed under a maximum sustained yield philosophy using a low minimum length limit and a relatively high daily creel limit. Consequently, Missouri streams boast large numbers of SMB up to 12 inches or so in length and reflect an overall size structure of adult SMB plagued by an over-abundance of angler harvest. That certain anglers choose to keep their limit of SMB is not the issue; rather, the regs themselves simply allow too much harvest given the extremely slow growth rates of SMB in our streams and their naturally low numbers as predators at the top of the ecological food chain. The regs are outdated and are not effective in protecting our stream SMB resources. Change is needed. Members of the Regulations Committee admitted that they probably couldn’t find fault with our arguments from a biological standpoint, but cautioned that they are required to find a balance in both protecting the resource while also being sensitive to the needs of all users of that resource. Clearly, the MDC’s job is not an easy one and they generally move cautiously when it comes to significant management revisions. However, our role as the Missouri Smallmouth Alliance is a rather simple one -- to promote our agenda as avid smallmouth bass anglers in a manner that supports sustainable quality SMB fisheries. Our recommendations will be addressed by the Fisheries division of the MDC who will then be responsible for reporting back to the Regulations Committee in a timely manner. Although no specific timeframe was given at the meeting, BRAP will continue to pursue this matter to require definitive action on the part of the MDC. Ultimately, our representatives will meet before the four Commissioners of the MDC, the final arbiters on all regulations changes to the Wildlife Code. We’ll certainly be prepared when that time comes targeted for later this year. We will keep the membership posted via the newsletter, e-mails and on the MSA online forum as this situation continues to unfold. The strong support of our membership is essential in eventually making these proposals a reality. A copy of the presentation given to the Regulations Committee, including the specific stream sections proposed, is available on the MSA’s website at www.missourismallmouthalliance.org. I'll throw the specific stream sections proposed on another e-mail shortly.

No problem. I realize that some anglers get skeptical when asked to join a club. "What's in it for me?" or, "What do I get for my money?" are understandable concerns. Given the prevoius posts on the Forum on this topic, I'd hope that skeptics can now answer those questions for themselves. Not to belabor it, but, heck, that SMB book by Tryon is worth $20 all by itself. Once folks come to realize that there's no 'them' involved; it's all 'us' is when they become really invested in something. SMB anglers its up to us to be protectors of the resource. Jump on board and let's get something done! I would like to go fishing someday again though. Look forward to meeting you, Gary, and we'll keep everyone posted on the BRAP efforts with the MDC.

As with any volunteer-based, grass-roots organization it can only be as successful in serving its mission and reaching accomplishments as is the commitment of its membership and their willingness to participate. I am one of the founding members of MSA joining it back in April of 1992. During that time, myself and many others have served in a variety of capacities including chapter president, program chairman, treasurer, membership chairman and I now serve as the Chairman of the chapter's Blue Ribbon Advisory Panel (more on that later). That being said I cannot disagree that the MO Alliance, and even the very successful Illinois Alliance, are as significant an organization as is the well-funded Trout Unlimited enterprise. TU provides a great model for us as a conservation-based fishing organization but its resourcs far surpass those at our disposal. But, they were small once too. I'd have to say that the trout fishing lot of fishermen seem to be somewhat more collegial than are stream SMB fishermen. Maybe it's the places they fish -- trout guys can be comfortable among a group of other anglers within a trout park or on a popoluar stream while SMB guys seem to frequent those out of the way places and tend to keep them all to themselves. Regardless, in trying to reconcile the differences in participation between trout-fishing groups and our SMB fishing organization, this issue has continued to trouble me. However, let's look at what we do have going for us. The St. Louis chapter has about 275 members currently and a large 'alumni' contingent as well accumulated over the past 18 years. Try as we might we do suffer membership turnover annually as folks either cannot come to meetings, forget to mail in their modest $20 dues or lose interest in the organization. I guess that's why you get a dozen or more magazine renewal notices for Field and Stream each year -- it's hard to keep an annual subscription type business going strong. And, while making signs for the STL Boat Show may seem like a silly project to some, our efforts at the show this year produced nearly 40 new members -- an all time high. Offering that great SMB book by MSA member Chuck Tryon didn't hurt either of course. The SEMO chapter is getting some things going and despite a poor 'spring fever'-related turnout in Springfield last weekend all on this board know there are many conservation-minded SMB anglers in that part of the state that are interested in the protection and improvement of SMB fisheries. And who wouldn't like an opportunity to catch more and larger fish aided by the more widespread implementation of quality-based fisheries regulations and better stream habitat? Those are just the kind of things that MSA has been fighting for throughout its history. So as not to be discouraged in SWMO, back in the mid-1990s the MO Alliance had about 25 members from that area who were active enough to support a "MOSASA" chapter (forget exactly what the acronym stood for) who met at the Springfield Nature Center for several years. Unfortunately, due to the death of one of its leaders and the burn out of another, the chapter there eventually faded away. Certainly with Springfield being a growing sportsman's mecca, I know that the makings of a great chapter still reside there. An experienced guy like Gary Lange, formerly a regional honcho for ISA, is going to need some help getting things going though. So, if folks really want to make a difference I invite you to get together (in person prefarably) and decide how to best fulfill MSAs mission in your own manner and in your own region. Being part of the statewide MO Smallmouth Alliance is central to that but your chapter will only become what you are able to make of it. I realize that everyone has a lot on their plate (I'm avoiding paperwork in my office as I type this), but your efforts can clearly help create a viable conservation organization that can have an effect on the resource. The larger the geographic base and membership of MSA, the more influence we will have with fisheries managers and the MDC in Jeff City. Despite our relatively small size they do recognize MSA as the only serious SMB conservation organization in the state and are definitely interested in what we have to say. On the regs front, a contingent from our BRAP committee (myself, Norm Leppo and Al Agnew) gave an in depth presentation to the Regulations Committee of the MDC this past Monday calling for changes in stream SMB management in the state. Our presentation, which I will make available on the MSA website shortly, outlined the current state of stream SMB management here in MO. This includes the outdated and ineffective statewide regs of 12"MLL/6 fish creel as well as the successful special regs areas and the biological results of the White Paper effort. With that as background, we proposed several management changes including an increase in the statewide MLL on stream SMB to 15" and a reduction in the daily creel limit to 3 SMB. We also essentially proposed a doubling of the number of miles of SMB waters under special regs to about 750 miles in total including both 15/1 and 18/1 limits on specific stream reaches. This marked a first step in getting new regs on the table with the MDC and we are prepared for a long process here if necessary. Likewise, we will be presenting these proposals in resolution form at the upcoming annual meeting of the Conservation Federal of MO at Lake of the Ozarks this weekend. After committee review, these resoltions may then be voted on by the CFM membership in attendance and, once ratified, will be presented as formal recommendations to the MDC. We are hopeful that one or more of our proposals will make it through this screening process. Again, this is but a step in the process towards the expansion of quality regs. So, while it may indeed have taken MSA awhile to get to this point, we feel that the timing has never been better to drastically improve stream SMB management regulations in an effort to achieve world-class SMB fishing status. Our participation in MSA, support of its mission and cooperative conservation efforts over the years are what have enabled us to achieve a level of credibility in the MDC's eyes and have provided us with the forum to really make a difference for all who like to chase those brown bass in Missouri's rivers, streams and creeks. We need angler support more now than ever to achieve these goals.

Thanks for setting up the SW MO MSA organizational meeting, Matt. I will be one among the "contingent" of MSA members in attendance that day. Looking forward to meeting other smallie fans and soon-to-be fellow members of the Missouri Smallmouth Alliance on the 20th. Can you provide Matt a show of hands as to who on the Ozark Anglers message board plans to attend the meeting? The MO Smallmouth Alliance is re-convening its Blue Ribbon Adivsory Panel this weekend to discuss the group's plans with respect to expansion of quality-based smallmouth bass fisheries regulations in Missouri. I'll should have some meaningful information to report to those in attendance (and on this board) concering our intentions and activities with respect to improving our state's smallmouth bass stream fisheries from that meeting.

Gigging is certainly a hot -- albeit hopefully localized -- issue concerning the quality of our Ozark SMB streams. Based on MO Smallmouth Alliance's discussion with the MDC on this topic, they do not appear to possess the political will to seriously address the threat that the illegal gigging of sportfish places on our "managed" fisheries. Lots of good enforcement ideas have been posted on this thread. Perhaps a noteworthy bust or concentrated enforcement presence on stream reaches of suspected abuse of gigging priviledges would be effective in thwarting would-be poachers illegal intentions. In 2008 the MDC produced a, for lack of a better term, "warning sign" to giggers to strongly suggest that they identify their quarry first and not to gig smallmouth bass. I will try to attach a PDF of that sign to this reply if I am able. The MDC has posted these signs at bait shops, gas stations, convenience stores in selected areas of the Ozarks to remind giggers of their responsibilities. The sign contains a thinly veiled threat noting that smallmouth bass fishing and gigging are both traditional Ozark stream pursuits. Obey the law and the MDC can keep it that way. If not . . . I don't believe they're interested in eliminating fishing for smallmouths. MSA will help do its part in 2010 to post these signs at suitable locations throughout the Ozarks next fall. We already post informational signs at stream accesses encouraging anglers to know the length/creel limits, release bass they don't want to eat and educating them on the extremely slow growth rates of stream smallies. So this will just be an extension of that effort. Gigging is a very difficult issue for the MDC to address in that any additional restrictions to curb the harmful practices of the few would affect the presumbly law-abiding majority. Members within MSA do believe that it is a major issue on a localized basis but our Blue Ribbon Panel is hesitant to push the issue with the MDC since it is a political football and we believe that changes in statewide length/creel limits and expansion of special regs waters are less controversial, more achievable objectives. Not that that fisheries regs changes won't require siginficant, sustained effort. But I cannot see the MDC taking definitive action on gigging unless they are forced to by overwhelming public concern and empirical data. Such data would likely need to fall in their lap, of course, since they aren't embarking on any gigging studies to my knowledge, however. We will once again broach the gigging subject with the MDC when we meet with them early in 2010, but it will not be our group's primary agenda item.

Personnally I have taken several trips to the Wisconsin River in north central WI and on the Memomonee River along the WI/MI border over the past several years. Wisconsin has a 14"/4 SMB creel limit in the northern half of the state. Most stream fishermen in that state seem to focus on their fine trout fisheries and warmwater fishermen focus on their abundant natural lakes and flowages. The top smallie sections of both of these rivers do feature some mild whitewater that keeps motorized anglers away leaving them for folks that are looking for a little more adventure. We have hired guides on both rivers over the years for both spin and flyfishing, but now we know enough about good stretches and techniques where that's not really necessary. There are a number of other rivers throughout WI that offer excellent smallie fishing as well. Yes, they have pretty good habitat and forage bases in these rivers, but, frankly, I think the rivers keep on producing excellent quality/trophy fishing since they don't get the pressure from consumptive anglers like our Ozark streams seem to. Other friends in MSA have fished the upper Mississippi with great success in sections that are either C&R or feature a protected 12-20 inch slot limit (really works as a 20-inch minimum). These areas are just north of the Twin Cities and the insightful regs largely enacted due to efforts of the Minnesota Samllmouth Alliance in the early 1990s are rated as some of the finest SMB fisheries in the country. The regs have definitely made the different on the upper Miss.

Certainly improvement of the quality of Ozark stream SMB fisheries would have some positive econonic impact in terms of tourism dollars. Doubtful that its impact would be anything like what the Branson area receives from anglers drawn by the outstanding trout tailwater fisheries/Taneycomo since stream SMB anglers are likely much lower in number. I have to admit though that I and many others I fish with have been making one to two trips annually to other states to fish their SMB rivers because the fish are much larger than what we have here in the Ozarks. Part of the better (and we're talking average fish sizes of 15-16" with legitimate chances to catch 5lb river fish) are due to quality regulations, a portion is due to the fact that fishermen in Northern states don't traditionally pursue SMB as a food fish (gawd they love those stocked walleyes though) and some may be due to the geographic remoteness of these fisheries. And, yes, in the upper Midwest we're dealing with northern strain SMB which are typically much stockier than our fish here at home but our growing season is much longer. But the point is that we stream SMB anglers do spend money on fishing guides, gas, meals, motels, beer, etc in these other destinations that really starts to add up over time -- just talk to my wife. So, we may be a relatively small lot but the better SMB fishing offered in other states does drive some amount of tourist dollars. You're probably right though that it's probably not worth the trouble to try and reduce some potential economic impact of better regs to paper. It could certainly be done, but we can fight this battle on other fronts.

Gavin is correct that many other states have rather complicated fisheries regs in place, typically for coldwater species (trout/salmon), on their many of their best fisheries according to the research I've done. It is up to anglers to know what the rules are for the area they're fishing. I appreciate the concerns of enforcement personnel with the implementation of additional regs. But, I believe that a systems like the color coding under the Alvin plan would not be too difficult for anglers to understand with appropriate publicity, collateral materials and signage. The MO Smallmouth Alliance would devote substantial volunteer hours and financial resources, if necessary, to support the MDC in implementing this effort, I can definitely tell you that. Proposal #1 -- increase in MLL to 14" and creel limit of 3 fish statewide would be a relatively simple change to implement as it would apply to every stream section not otherwise under a special reg already -- and those areas are fairly well known. Certainly it would take some study and evaluation, but hopefully not a 17-year plan, to the determine which fisheries/stream reaches would be suited to the slot limits. The Yellow areas with huge numbers of spots have already been identified as Al has suggested. So, we'd get immediate improvment in regs (and fishing over time) with proposal #1, additional SMB protection on those threatened fisheries via reg #4 and then #2 and #3 could be filtered in over time as biological evaluations are made. The concerns about a sharp reduction in SMB numbers for lengths just below the low end of the slot are surely valid. Setting the low end of the slot at 14" might hit the 12-13"ers pretty hard, but it would take biological research to determine that possibility. In other states who have taken extensive angler surveys regarding what a keeper size SMB really is (see Tennessee SMB management plan located on Tennessee state wildlife website), they have found that most anglers think a 13-inch fish is big enough to eat/worth cleaning. Interestingly, Tennessee's modeling indicates that a 12" MLL is almost like having no minimum length limit at all since most folks wouldn't keep an 11" SMB to clean and eat. This only adds fuel to the argument that Missouri's 12" MLL is outdated and largely inneffective at protecting adult SMB from harvest so that they may repeatedly spawn and grow to larger sizes for anglers to enjoy catching in later years. You'll note that Tennessee's slot regs recently enacted on several of its top streams starts at 13" up to 17" -- so maybe they're believing it will have a similar effect to a 17" minimum (I'm just spit-balling here obviously). Public meetings could certainly be held in Ozark SMB country to discuss the reasoning behind the suggested regs changes and to obtain angler input. Similar to what the MDC did on the newly enacted deer regs. I don't want to get into that discussion necesarily since the MDC did rankle many with seemingly heavy handed tactics in the view of some hunters, but the MDC did indeed take a leadership position here for the long-term betterment of the herd and hunting quality. I'd certainly welcome them to exhibit similar leadership when it comes to protection and improvement of wild, self-sustaining stream smallmouth fisheries.

I hate to speculate on why there seems to be much more emphasis by the MDC on special SMB management areas in the Eastern Ozarks than in the West, but I believe that this condition is a reflection of the somewhat decentralized approach that the MDC took with respect to the White Paper. Selection of stream sections to study and their evaluation was led by the various MDC field office biologists located throughout the Ozarks. Seemingly, those bioglogists with a greater interest in SMB stream fisheries were more inclined to get behind the initiative. While those that may be more concerned with other species management or impoundments, perhaps failed to drive these evaluations as hard. I'm not trying to insinuate that the MDC didn't put forth a solid effort here, I'm just saying that the management program might reflect some inherent biases that were completely unintended. The overall SMB program was led by Kevin Meneau a very well-respected fisheries biologist whose office was in the St. Louis area during the period of the studies/evaluation. Kevin's primary water was the environmentally threatened and increasingly spotted bass populated Big River -- one of the three original SSMBMAs instituted back in 1992. First came the 15"/1 fish section Mammoth Bridge to Browns Ford (10 miles or so), then came the liberalization of the spotted bass regs throughout the Meramec Basin and later the expansion of the 15/1 regs to the entire Big River. A major tirbutary, Mineral Fork, also received more restictive regs. Kevin was very concerned with protecting/improving this historically strong SMB fishery and the level of protection it has received definitely reflects that. And, interestingly, Kevin is also an avid SMB fisherman. I cannot comment on the background/interests of other MDC fisheries biologists involved in the program, but I would doubt that few of them are any more committed to SMB conservation than is Kevin Meneau. I also recall that a former MDC Chief of Fisheries several years back, wasn't even a fisherman . . . but that's another story. Based upon the relatively successful results of the White Paper effort, MSA's Blue Ribbon Advisory Panel will strongly express its desire for a much more centralized and yet encompassing approach to stream SMB management in the state going forward. Curiously, the MDC always cautioned MSA not to call the White Paper a "management plan" while these evaluations were taking place. Perhaps that was a academic distinction, I don't know. Well, whatever they considered it, the MDC has largely proven that the science behind the regs works to provide better SMB fishing. It is now time for them to formulate an actual plan to manage our native SMB stream fisheries for the benefit of current and future generations of sportsmen. Al Agnew's/Gavin's multi-faceted proposal posted elsewhere on this forum is pretty meaty food for thought. As far as emphasis on the Neosho strain of SMB is concerned, I too suggest that concerned anglers bring this issue to the attention of the MDC in an organized fashion. I invite folks interested in the protection of this subspecies from overharvest in SW MO streams open up a dialog with Matt Wier of the MSA who frequently posts on this board and get that issue on the table. Certainly an article highlighting this fish and its fisheries could be presented in MSA's bi-monthlhy newsletter which is read by fisheries department folks at the MDC and on its website. The MSA could also include this topic on its discussion agenda with the MDC under its Blue Ribbon Advisory Panel initiative. I also wouldn't hesitate to contact local outdoor writers in the Springfield/Joplin area to see if an article could be published there to both highlight this regionally unique SMB and the desirability of increased protection through restricted harvest. I believe this issue might get some attention if folks cause a large enough stir.