Kansas Fly Fisher

Thanks.

My wife and I fished in zone 1 from about 9:30 till 3:30 today and had a great time. The fish were on, the weather was great, and the companionship was even better. We stayed mostly between the big dam and the first handicap access point. I lost count after 15 and I know I missed just as many. The fly of the day was the Disco Bugger tied by jOrOb in the Fly Swap 2006. It account for more than 80% of the fish caught. Second place went to the black mohair leech tied by Tim. I switched to it because I lost my last disco bugger and hadn't tied any extra's up. The trout would not leave it alone. As soon as it hit the water they were all over it. I like to site fish, so I would cast upstream and let it dead drift down below me. Short cast so I could keep an eye on it. I did try some longer cast with a short stripping retrieve that resulted in some strikes, but the old brain just wasn't quick enought today to set the hook in time. I see a trip to hobby lobby for some yarn and a tying session in my very near future. Hope I can do as good a job tying them as jOrOb did. tight lines all John

Glad to see another generation at the the stream! I'm sure you'll have alot of stories to tell. My granddaughter has been fishing with me since she was 4. She caught her first trout at Roaring River when she was five; on her Barbie pole no less. I can't wait to start working with the long pole. She's still a bit too impatient to try and teach but I'm hoping maybe next year. Take care Dano. John P.S. Tell jOrOb to check out my post about Bennett. His Disco Bugger was the thing to have on Monday.

My wife and I fished for about 3 hours on Saturday as well. We stayed up in the fly zone and fished below outlet #2 and ahead of the riffles going to the rebar hole. Fishing was tough but we caught a few. I used the primrose and pearl midge I got from the fly swap and caught three right off the bat. Then they turned off. Caught another nice rainbow, about 18", just after they started generating with a black woolhead leech. Other than that it was pretty slow. We headed North for Monday. See the report for Bennett Spring to see how another fly from the swap worked out. BTW - great fly that primrose and pearl. I'll have to stop by on my next trip down to get the supplies to tie them. John

Just another thought, I'm going to bring a few of my tying tools and materials. If the fishing isn't that good,or the weather doesn't cooperate, maybe an impromtu tying session would work.

I'm game for cooking. I agree with something simple. Hotdogs, hamburgers, etc. Or, we could eat at the lodge if that was acceptable.

Parking lot at the pool is okay with me. I'll see you guys there at 10:30a.m. John

Welcome, where abouts in Oklahoma are ya from?

Best of Luck Tyson! John

Excellent pictures. Thanks Rolan John

I'm in Erie, Kansas if that helps anyone. I may go over the evening of the 24th though. I'll know more when the date gets a bit closer. John

Works for me. I've got it on the calendar.

As for the cleaning station: I sent an email to Weaver's Tackle store, located just outside the park, and here is what they had to say: The Hatchery Manager stopped by for a visit a week or so ago, and we asked about the cleaning station. It is still "in progress", but the engineer who is designing it has been pulled off the project for a "higher priority" job. While it is still in the plans, there is now no estimated time for construction (at first, it was going to be completed by March 1 of this year). Apparently, there is some disagreement between the Dept. of Natural Resources and the Missouri Dept. of Conservation as to how the waste will be handled. That's all we know at this time . . . the hatchery manager believes it will still happen, it's just a matter of when and also dependent upon the resolution of the waste question and releasing the design engineer to get back to work on the project. Let us know if you need more information or have more questions. Brenda & Jerry Miller Weaver's Tackle Store Hope this helps a bit. John

Excellent pictures! It looks like you had a great time. I'd be interested in the trip next June if the timing is right. Glad to have you back and hope you've got your glass problems fixed. John

Nice Fish! I bet it put up one heck of a fight.

Phil, try some of the tying glasses you clip to your hat when you're fishing. I've done this a time or two when I forgot my glasses. It works in a pinch. John

I've heard that they were going to build a cleaning station similiar to the ones at Roaring River. I thought they said it would be this season. I guess not.

Excellent pictures! Just adds to my torment since I'm not there. Maybe some day.

Don, sorry about the mix up. If you will PM or email me your address I'll sure be happy to send you one of the extras. I'm leaving this morning for a EMS conference in Overland Park but I'll be back Sunday night. I'll send it on Monday morning. John

Don, was there a business card in your packet? If so, there should have been an olive soft hackle taped to it. If not, let me know and I'll send ya one of the extra's. Sorry for the box. John

I like the full day idea! I assume it would be on a weekend since it's a full day? I would attend the tying classess if I lived closer but it's a three hour drive for me. Maybe you could schedule one every now and then on a weekend for us "long distance" types? Just an idea. Thanks John

Neither am I. But we spend a lot of money in the area when we are done there. If you stop and figure it out. The wife and I spend at least one two days and one night when we come down. We try to come down at least once a month. That's one night in a motel, gas, snacks, two days worth of meals, multiple visits to the fly shops . We may not be from Taney county, vote, or pay taxes but we spend our fair share of money there. And quite honestly, it's the fishing that brings us down. If that's gone then we'll have to find somewhere else. Not being nasty, but we really don't care about SDC since the kids are gone and the shows are just not our thing. John

Unless your the fisherman That warm feeling going down your leg isn't from feeling good.

Ahhhhhhh it's good to be home and back in the routine. First, let me say thank you for all your kind words, thoughts and prayers for me and my family after loosing my father-in-law. The world lost a great man that day. Now, on to business. I mailed out the flys this morning. Let me know when you get them if you don't mind. I always worry about the mail system. Also, it'll be fun hearing the fishing stories with all our new flys. Keep us informed on how you do with your new "toys." Tight lines and God bless John

Sorry, I've been away for a while and just got back late last night. I sent my email this morning. Let the voices be heard!