Kevin B.

Again, let me stress that it has been quite a few years so take with a grain of salt, but I would classify the fishing as on par with RR, but with heavy variance depending on stocking. It gets stocked probably 2-3 times per week instead of daily and if you are there when the stocking truck arrives, you will be catching. However, if you are fishing the day before it will probably be quite a bit slower. Within Backbone, the hiking is primarily an extra activity. While you may need to walk a bit, it is mostly easy walking access (which unfortunately adds to the pressure). Canoeing would be limited to the lake (not sure if they rent canoes or not) as Richmond Springs within Backbone is similar in to RR in structure. However, the Maquoketa River is very close, is stocked and is probably more accessible to canoe. I'd also recommend some of the other streams within an hour or so drive of the park as a way to get less crowds (just watch your step for the cow patties). As far as 3 lb. or higher, few and far between unless recently stocked (especially within the park). There are very few long-term trout due to fishing pressure and stream size. A bit better chance to find one that has been living outside the hatchery for more than a couple weeks at the streams outside the park...however I don't recall many of any real size other than a recent stocker my brother caught one time (within the park). Spring Branch Creek (near the Manchester hatchery) might be the best place to catch something with some size as it has an artificial only and 14" or larger restriction. There is also a stretch of the Turkey River which is stocked with trout, but supposedly also has smallmouth and walleye and that is a reasonably drive from the park.

Its been awhile (about ten years since I've been there), but growing up in Iowa that was a place we went a couple times a year. Also, the only trout park I've been to here is Roaring River, but I'd say Backbone is similar -- although last time I was there, there were no live bait restrictions anywhere. They used to have a trout hatchery on site, but I'm pretty sure that is closed now. Pretty crowded on weekends, but less so on weekdays. Fishing varies dramatically by stocking status. Here are some links that you might find helpful if you haven't already found them: Richmond Springs (stream in Backbone) Details Trout Stream Map -- There are many other streams which will have less fishing pressure (and will be stocked less) within an hour or so drive. Many or on private land with public access -- your chance to fish with the cows! Stocking Chart -- Expect fishing pressure to be higher on stocking days, but right before stocking day more holes will be fished out or close to it. Put-and-Grow Streams -- If you are looking for a chance to avoid the "stockers" you can check out the Put-and-Grow streams. General Iowa Trout Fishing page from DNR I haven't fished the lake area at Backbone, so don't really know much about that. However, like Roaring River, there are quite a few hiking trails there as well if you want a temporary diversion from fishing. Overall, it's a nice park with some decent put-and-take trout fishing and a nice place to get outdoors. I'd rank it higher than RR, but that may be nostalgia from my youth more than anything else. However, don't expect much solitude along Richmond Springs. If you want that, you'll have to venture to some of the streams outside the park. Kevin

It's not a problem with paying for the shuttle (although I am admittedly cheap), its more of a "Hey, its a nice day and if I get going now, I can probably get in a couple of hours" issue. Arranging a shuttle requires planning ahead...not necessarily my greatest strength.

Any recommendations for decent paddle-up/float-down trips that don't require a shuttle? With the spring weather warming up, I'm looking to get the kayak out a bit and the Elk is close enough to make it worth the drive for a quick trip. I tried the area around Mt. Shira access last summer, but thought I'd check in here and see if there were any suggestions. Kevin

Bad analogy. The analogy works better for C&R restrictions, slot limits, or creel limits. Even if those restrictions are violated by 10% of the population, it will greatly reduce the total take. However, (and maybe I'm misunderstanding how didymo is spread), 10% non-participants in a felt ban will still result in transfer assuming felt is a significant transfer risk. Let's say 1000 waders a year go from didymo-infested waters to Taney. With 10% non-compliance, that will be 100 waders in felt. If there is a 1% transfer risk for any individual, those 100 people will give us about a 60-65% chance of transfer any given year. Now, if it takes an overwhelming/concentrated transfer (multiple transfers in the same location in a short-time), then I can see the ban being more effective and I support it. If it can be spread by a single instance, then the ban will be ineffective in stopping the spread and only mildly effective in slowing it. Like I said earlier, I'll abide by the regulations and am not stressing about it. However, I think regulations need to be figured in cost/benefit analysis and think it is worth debating whether there are significant benefits. If it DOES significantly reduce the chance of spread, then I'm okay with the cost of a new pair of boots. But I'd like to see it be more than a "feel good" regulation and one that is actually effective.

Don't know if they're ones we haven't heard, but I'm in the camp that it is an inefficient and useless rule, even if we grant that felt soles are a likely carrier of didymo. The reason is that if even 10% of waders that fish in multiple streams ignore the ban (and I think realistically 10% is a low estimate), then we are still back to square one. I make it down to Taney about 5-10 times a year and (at least for now) it is the only place I've waded, so I know I'm not transporting anything. Would I go with non-felt soles if I was risking transporting? Sure (and I will when a ban on felt is in place as well), but I think a ban is likely to result in casual waders who want to stay legal buying new boots without protecting anything. Combine it with the numbers of people who will simply ignore the ban (or be unaware of it), I don't expect the rule to accomplish what it wants to. That said, it is what it is. In the scheme of things, it's not something I'm going to stay up nights worrying about.

Haven't tried a lanyard, but really like my vest. Lots of pockets and lightweight mesh so it doesn't get too hot.

I answered no, but really its a no with conditions. I would look at the limit number as a potential "harvest". A certain percentage of fish caught by catch-and-release fisherman are going to die. If I were bait-fishing Taney and gut-hooked 15 trout but just cut the line and threw 'em back I'd consider that wrong. If I caught 20, took lots of pictures with each to keep them out of the water (the issue here is the out-of-the-water, not the pictures), handled them roughly and then eventually got them back in the water much the worse for wear, I'd consider that wrong. If I caught 30, got them back in the water quickly (if they left the water at all) and handled them minimally/carefully so that I was sure the mortality rate was low, I wouldn't have a problem with that. So far, I've yet to get to the point where I'm having a good enough day to worry about doing more damage as a CnR person than my limit. If I did, I'd argue that it would be time to call it a day (but know I'd be tempted to keep at it). However, I don't think catching/returning 4 is anywhere near equivalent to catching/keeping 4. Kevin

Fixed that some by finally going back and filling in some of the profile, but I'm located by Joplin (Carl Junction to be precise). While I originally posted my questions in the Table Rock and Stockton forums, I'd be open to any other suggestions as well. I do plan to explore many of the popular rivers, but the appeal of lakes is that they reduce the need for arranging shuttles. As a beginner though, I thought it would be worthwhile on the big lakes to get some feedback for safety purposes as well as the chance to actually catch something. To further streamline suggestions, I'd rather catch a few fish in a place that isn't crowded (doesn't have to be isolated...just not a packed house) or has great scenery over a lot of fish in a crowded/ugly spot. So any advice on Table Rock or any other lakes within a 2-3 hour access of Joplin/Carl Junction is always welcome. Also, I do want to add that I really appreciate all the feedback I've gotten here and in the Stockton Lake forum...not to mention all the other stuff I've picked up from lurking for awhile. Lots of great info and helpful people hang out at OzarkAnglers.

Enjoyed an overcast morning and put in at Mount Shira at about 9:00 on Monday. First observation is that apparently the people who partied there the night before need a serious lesson in cleaning up after themselves. Got the yak in the water and paddled upstream a little bit past the little gravel bar leading to Eagle's Nest and spent awhile fishing the deeper shoreline with plastic worm and lizards making multiple drifts through that stretch. Nothing earth shattering with a few rock bass and smaller smallmouth. Also spent some time in the section between Shady Beach and the Eagle's Nest gravel bar and managed one smallie that had at least gotten out of preschool. As the sun started coming out shortly after noon I decided it was time to call it a day. Nothing to write home about, but a fun way to spend the morning and get in my first fishing trip on my new toy. My final observation as I was getting ready to leave is that the kayak certainly seems a lot heavier loading it back on the van AFTER fishing than it does when you load it to GO fishing. Kevin

I think THAT might be a little too adventuresome for the moment. I'm debating between heading up to Stockton tomorrow to check out some of the spots mentioned by Straw Hat and Dennis or heading down to the Elk and doing some upstream paddling.

Point taken on the safety issue...one of the reasons I wanted to ask before heading out. I've been to the Elk and will be back (although I dread heading there on a weekend). One of the things I was looking for from the lake perspective is trying to make it easier to do a point A to point A trip and avoid having to try to arrange a shuttle. Thanks for the response and the suggestions.

Looking for some spots to take out the new fishing kayak that are within a couple hours of Joplin and was curious about Stockton Lake. I've never been to Stockton Lake and am looking for some areas that might offer some good opportunities. Any suggestions from those that are familiar with the lake? Thanks in advance. Kevin

Thanks for the suggestions guys...much appreciated. And if anyone else has additional suggestions, keep 'em coming.

I recently picked up a new kayak (Ocean Trident 13) and was wondering if anyone had any thoughts/tips on kayak fishing opportunities at Table Rock. Where would be some good places to put in that might provide some decent fishing opportunities without having to travel too far from launch point or get run over by bigger boats. Thanks in advance. Kevin