drath

Thank you Al. -D

I’m thinking of doing the 3 mile stretch from HWY 21 to Washington State Park on Thursday the 5th in my float tube. With our lack of rain I was wondering if anyone knows what the water/fishing is like in those parts now. I’m thinking of bringing a 3wt and a little spinning combo. I’d be happy with a few Gills and maybe pull out a few of those Spots. Thanks for any input. -D

Like this? and click on "show all colors." Storm Lures - Hard Lures -D

I keep enough trout to throw in the smoker every once in a while but only from the put and take parks. My dad has three farm ponds that we manage/harvest bass, ‘gills, and crappie from. Other than that, pretty much everything I catch goes back. I have made a promise to myself to get out on the Big River a few times this spring. In which case, I’ll be doing my best to reduce the spotted bass population on that river as much as the law allows. Mummm Kentucky Fried Sammaches.

I finished my reverse para emergers last night. I just sent Troutfriend a PM for his address. As soon as I hear from him I’ll get ‘em in the mail. -D

After hearing that it looked flat out ugly;I stayed away from the river so I don’t have a report. I fished the spring branch for a few hours Saturday and a couple more on Sunday. Fishing was far from great but not as bad as I expected. I got all my fish on olive and black zebra midges and #10 stonefly nymphs. Nothing to pat myself on the back about though. -D

Grrrrrrr! Thanks for the heads-up. -D

Yeah, I’ll second the flashback BHPT, the RS2 #20 and the 100% Fluorocarbon tippet. I had a few fish rise on an RS2 even when the stream was high and muddy. I almost forgot about that day… gonna have to tie some soon. -D

I posted this in the Bennett Spring section, not realizing that there was a Niangua River section(Sorry). So How's the river near Bennett? I’m thinking about renting a ‘yak this Sunday and floating the river. I’m looking at the USGS data for Windyville and although I don’t have anything to compare the numbers to, it appears to be a bit low for this time of year. How would it be for a 7-8 mile float? More importantly, how is it fishing? And, if it is low, would it be safe enough to take a float tube on? -D

I’m thinking about renting a ‘yak this Sunday and floating the river. I’m looking at the USGS data for Windyville and although I don’t have anything to compare the numbers to, it appears to be a bit low for this time of year. How would it be for a 7-8 mile float? More importantly, how is it fishing? Edit:I didn’t realize there was a Niangua river section. I’ve reposted this there. My mistake. -D

I like the olive and black zebra on a 16-18 scud hook with a bead head and a little bit of dubbing or peacock right behind the bead. Have fun on your trip. I'm watching the forecast and water levels with the hopes to go this weekend. -D

Has anyone ever camped at Riverfront Campground and Canoe, just across the river from BSSP? I’m heading down this weekend to camp and thought I might try someplace outside the park this time. I know some of the canoe outfitter campsites can get pretty rowdy (a big ol’ party is not what I’m looking for this weekend). I was wondering if this place is a total party atmosphere or if it’s laid back and the sites are spread out. I don’t need anything fancy. Just a primitive site to pitch a tent (heck I my just sleep in the truck) and build a campfire to grill a steak and maybe fry some fish. I guess Fort Niangua is another option. Thanks for your input. -D

Yep I like it too. For the same reasons as NoLuck and stlfisher I check it regularly right before or after I check the USGA site. Flow and depth only tell me so much. Plus, I just learned about the USGA site a year or so ago. Being able to put a visual image with 309 CFPS and 2.69 ft. sure speeds up the learning curve when it comes to what those numbers mean for the Spring Branch. I wish I had a better idea of what 1350 CFPS and 5.86 ft. means for the Big River near Washington (not saying that every stream needs a camera, just that I have more learning to do when it comes to that river). -D

Killer tie. Killer vid! -D

I finished tying my brood last night. Hook: #8 4XL Streamer Body: Variegated chenille (orange, olive, brown) and black craft foam Hind legs: Silicone Front legs: Hen hackle (the cheap stuff) Underwing: A closed cell foam that computer monitors/laptops come wrapped in with two coats of spray on poly to stiffen ‘em up. Orange Sharpie for color. Overwing: Elk hair Eyes: 40LB monofilament line melted and painted red I’m not 100% thrilled with my tying consistency but I think I did an OK job for a pattern that I pretty much made up as I went along. Hopefully the fish won't mind. I can't wait to get 'em out on the water. Thanks for lookin’ -D