joeD

Hmmm. You do have a point. Maybe we should concentrate our efforts on the law breakers from the various fly fishing spots around Missouri: Hargroves. Feather Craft. River Run. Lilley's. Missouri Trout Hunter. A veritable hot bed of fish possessing scofflaws. No. Maybe its the suspect Bosnian population in South St. Louis. The various hard working immigrants from Southeast Asia? No. Drunk collegians from Columbia and St Louis and Springfield and Rolla. Naw. Save your working class hero bullshit. They exist all over the country. But certain ones who exist next to our smallmouth streams are unapologetic destroyers of a resource desired by many law abiding citizens. To believe otherwise is political correctness gone amuck. After all, I do believe it was disgruntled men from the Bahamas who flew into the World Trade Centers. (Radical Muslim? No way, that's racist).

No. It's what we call being a law abiding citizen, and a productive member of society. Don't be so disingenuous oneshot. That type of hyperbolic argument is nonsense and you know it.

Fishing regulations. Who cares? Not Missouri. Well, maybe a few people. Otherwise, what a waste of time and effort. And words. And good intentions. And self righteousness. Some of us obey the law. Some of us don't. Just like gun laws or drug laws or wife beating laws or tattoo laws or anti gay laws or anything else. Missouri smallmouth fishing will only improve when there are no longer recalcitrant hillbillies living near Ozark streams..

Glory, if you would do that to a fish, let me give you my number....

Imposters! Then quit catching them for the love of Mike!

Mouth size? Stomach markings? I don't know either. Smallie caught, then thrown back. Next cast. I'm with GloryDaze on that/this one.

Al, take me to Montana. I'll shuttle you anywhere you want to go. I cook, clean, and cut grass too, if that helps.

You were using the right stuff. They just weren't hitting. Low water was not your friend.

By societal influences: family, friends, media, that embrace the notion of a virtuous "outlaw," unencumbered by the rule of law. It is a favorite Hollywood trope that many take as gospel. This misanthropy is often glossed over and portrayed as "fierce independence." In other words, they are paying attention to the wrong things. Why do you think in 2015, in Missouri,, or Arkansas for that matter, there is still an anti education, anti government anti social view of life in many rural communities? Yet, generation after generation, they remain poor and under educated, with little hope of being productive or decent members of society. They are misguided by the idea of "lawlessness" as a desirable way of life Misguided. Good lovin' gone bad. Whatever. Never mind. We're stupid and contagious.

Thing is, people respond to this type of "independence." Their disregard for societal laws and modes of behavior are seen to many as a pure form of American spirit, gumption, and self sufficiency. They are unsullied by modern America, and a certain subset of our misguided populace is charmed by their roguish and anti government behaviors. They are unfortunately portrayed as protectors of a by gone "simpler" time, worshiped by people who crave outhouses, bigotry, and violence.

What were you using and how and where were you using it? Lower flows and level didn't help.

I stay at Gaston's every year. But I'm only there Jan thru Mar. And the rates are 40% off, which is a main selling point, as is rooms with big fireplaces and free firewood, and the proximity to the park. Newlands is an option, as are various houses that can be rented by the day or the week. There's a cheesy motel in Lakeview if a bed is all you want. Don't know how long you plan to stay or how much money you are willing to spend on lodging, on watercraft (or guides) or your fishing goals. In other words, ask a general question, you'll get general answers.

Fish are for eatin'. Run out of fish at yer favrit hole? Move on to someplace else, dummy! We gotta git!

This discussion is why college football is so enjoyable and frustrating and compelling to watch, despite the flaws (and they are many and serious) of the NCAA. Remember, they are just kids playing, our sons and daughters, despite narratives that claim otherwise. The closeness of so called "pushover" games should be a surprise to no one, as there are so many good athletes all over the country who don't go to "name" schools. Add smart coaches, and , the result is a lot of competitive sports programs that aren't on ESPN every week, yet make the college athletic landscape more interesting and viable.

Tell Ron thanks for the invite.

Generally, on the rise. However, they do like consistency and current. As long as the river isn't going up and down like a yo yo, and there is at least the equivalent of 2 generators going, you have a better chance of catching bigger browns. However, and it is significant to my opinion, I haven't and don't, fish the White except January through March. I am after post spawn big and bigger browns. That is when they are concentrated on the upper portion of the river, instead of scattered all over. Also, lodging is 40% off in the winter months, so I need to make my few trips to Arkansas count.

An insult to special ed kids everywhere. Although I have been known to yell at high school sporting events, much to the dismay of my kids, who were on the playing field, and my wife, who generally moved away from me or told me to leave. So, old school coach might fit, albeit narrowly.

Mitch: "Do you see me?"

How many nice fish have you caught on spinning gear or a baitcaster? How many times did you take a picture of that fish with a purposefully framed tableau of your fish next to your baitcaster , artfully arranged on a bed of greens? Yeah, well, you have fly fishermens disease now. I'm sure music and nature vistas on your next "movie" will follow, with random shots of "ironic" beer (Stag! I drink it all the time!) Just kidding. Good for you, catching fish and learning something new. Well done.

Fish are hitting on minnows anyway. Good luck with your mini lobsters. I'll wait for the year end clearance.

See? Lesson learned: Don't text and boat and fish. Or you'll accidentally catch a walleye. And give everyone hope. Go get'em boys! It's totally worth your while!

I've heard the big bite is off. Reason being, that due to constant high water for the last two months, the fish are ignoring the usual stuff, having been gorging on the real thing. But, us jerkbait fishermen are in the minority on this river. So... I would go fishing in a heartbeat regardless.

I don't know, but it looks like your friend in the first picture is holding a one hitter. Which nullifies and taints everything after. Though, it doesn't look filled, yet another violation.

I'm sure it will. After 10 hours of driving, why have a plan?