Pflugradt

Bwinkert and I were there on Saturday and it was ok... we both hook a couple of the carp in the overflow pool but did not get any to hand, I think we both landed about 20 or so gar a piece though. all the drainage creeks and such were just darker than the color of chocolate milk and you could see about a half an inch onto the water.... made it tough. Good times had by one and all until the wind started to blow at about 30mph so we headed home!! Steve

So very true, even a 5lb carp will take most of your fly line several times before you can get the to hand on an 8wt. IF you want to really learn what backing is for though, hook into a carp that exceeds 20lbs and you will instantly become a believer.... I promise. I personally have broken the 15 mark twice and I really don't know if I want to break the 20 mark or not after seeing the aftermath. It can be some of the best action on a fly during the summer heat. The gar are sure a good time as well and will tail dance for you all day. Steve

Sweet little piece of info ti keep in mind. Steve

Speaking for myself I have a go to fly and then several others that I use as well. My absolute go to fly regardless of where I am or what is happening is a headstand (my youtube video of said fly------ ). I have a wide range of flies like the backstabber (also on youtube) but I omit the overly expensive gamakatsu hook for a cheaper eagleclaw version. I also use a modified bonefish bitters, some small craws, swamp monsters, even the occasional PTN or glow ball under an indicator if the mood strikes me. Once in a while when the cotton wood fluff comes off I have some size 12 dries that are just palmered white CDC and it works great if they are sipping fluff, but you need room for them to run and a delicate rod so you don't straighten the hook.... Pretty much anything will work really I just have a few that I like more then others. Just a side note but a black glo ball with a chart or yellow dot works wonders if they are not feeding really active and just cruising. Personally I like to find them mudding or tailing in the shallows then cast just in front of them, they will move a foot or so to take a fly. then hold on because the world will explode when you set the hook. I also have some marshmallow and bread flies when I find a few cruising close to a campground that are used to feeding on those kind of things. I guess I could say I use flies!!! Steve

Hey just so you all know, thanks to this post I am heading up there this Sunday (weather permitting) if you wanna go let me know. I have tons of flies that need to be eaten. I used to fish there fairly often just haven't been able to get up there in a couple years so this will be a good time to get back at it. Looking forward to getting er' done. Steve

The ring eye is nice to have on those days when I shake like a leaf. I need to get some in the 22's as well. Thanks for the compliment. Steve

So I sat down last night and tied up a dozen and a half 22 and 20 cream midges.... now I'm not one to tie dries very often nor am I one to tie under an 18 (gets on my nerves) nut I had an order and I like money so... Here's what they look like next to a dime the 20's are on the left and the 22's are on the right. Hope you like.... Steve

I've got a few with weed guards on them, not sure how well they work but plan on finding out this summer. Steve

I like but it looks like the trip may be in a bit of jeopardy.... will keep positive though and hope to be there on Thursday. Steve

REPORT REPORT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Steve

Thanks Time we'll stop by before we head out so I'll get a bit more info when I talk to you then. Look forward to wetting a line down there and see yall' it's been a while. Steve

10-4 and thanks that will get me going in the right direction it sounds. Steve

So where does the park end and the below the park begin?? I've never fished outside the park at roaring and have rarely fished the park. Steve

Elk hair, tent wing, anything particular on the caddis pattern??? Steve

Does anyone happen to have any GPS weigh points for the different parking areas around Hickory??? I have most of the other streams and such we plan to hit next week found them on google earth, but am having trouble finding exactly where to park and such to go fish Hickory in and around Neosho. Any help is appreciated and thanks in advance. Just looking for coordinates to put into the get me there unit so I can find those places. Steve

Sweet, thanks Steve

Anyone been out and seen any early whites starting to run yet??? Wouldn't mind getting after a few if possible. Steve

Thanks yall' really appreciate the info, I've got most of what has been mentioned as wel as a few that are pretty close but maybe a new look for them we'll see what happens and I'll give you all a report!! Steve

Both... well several actually, we are planning on a Taney trip but if they are generating we want othe options and we also want some options for when the sun is up as well since we will be fishing Taney at night. Steve

Just looking for a good selection of flies to fish with down that way. I have never fished Crane before and really really want to check this one off my list. I normally fish midges and streamers maybe a sanjuan worm or two not much else. So what do you all use and like. If you can give me a recipe (via PM if you like I know how secrets can be) as I'll be tying whatever I am going to be fishing with. Thanks yall. Steve

I'm looking to be down around that area the end of this month and would like to try and hit hickory. It has been a couple years since I have been there and I am far from in the loop for that place any longer. So what can you all tell me has been working well on your fly rod. Steve

I'm looking to be down around that area the end of this month and would like to try and hit hickory. It has been a couple years since I have been there and I am far from in the loop for that place any longer. So what can you all tell me has been working well on your fly rod. I may also be trying to find a couple cold smallies where might I find them and what might they eat? Steve

That be the one.... Thanks a bunch Paola

Or you can skip the cost of the flex coat and go with the good ole' spar varnish that they have been using for decades on bamboo fly rods and even used for putting a sheen on fiberglass for a bit by several major manufacturers. Much cheaper and it will actually give the blank a slight yellowish patina that will make it look aged but in a brand new sort of way. I personally have used spar on many fiberglass restorations and several that I fish personally and I am HARD AS HECK on my gear and have not had any problems with chipping or scaling in more than 4yrs. Now I am not saying that the flex coat will not work nor am I saying that the polyurethane would be a good choice. I'm just saying that commercial varnishes will work and have worked for years, how do you think they did it before plasticized sealers and finishes. Also the plasticized sealers in my opinion you have to build them too thick to get a coating that will be durable and I like a very light thin coat that you couldn't tell it was there if it wasn't shiny. the Valspar you used should be just fine for many years to come, though I prefer an oil based like Man O' War or Varathane. Steve

About 3-4 yrs ago I had reservations at a lodge on the Niangua river. It had new cabins with a fireplace, and hot tub on the deck. It was a very nice place and unfortunately I did not get to go due to the ice storm that hit that year shut down every thing for a good long while. I am really wanting to find that place again and take my wife there for Valentines day if at all possible. Can anyone help me out here please?? I would know the name of the place if I heard it but cannot for the life of me remember it now, thanks a bunch in advance. Steve