stlfisher

I have been debarbing lately, but I don't always remember to pinch them down. I still have quite a few with barbs on them that I will use up. I hear it can actually be easier to set the hook with a debarbed hook (it should slide in easier), but you might loose a few more fish. Just try to keep a tight line and it should be minimal. I don't really debarb with bass, but might give it a go. I don't throw many treble hook lures with barbs on them though...I have hooked myself releasing bass way to many times with those.

Nice job Adam...good looking brown. The dog days of summer are tough no doubt. I need to get back down soon...hoping in a few weeks.

Glad everything checked out ok. I hate the doctor, but I do force myself to go. I have had a few MRI's to diagnose a torn ACL,MCL, and meniscus. The hardest part for me was staying still while they were taking the different sequences. Moving distorts the images...and they have to take them again....and the technologist is quick to tell you to stay still! They can be noisy and there is not much room in them. However, the way they work is actually very safe when compared to standard xray etc. The noise you hear is caused by a large magnet that is enclosed in the tube. You want to make sure to tell them if you have any metal in your body...as that would be a bad deal.

I am glad to see the new law on the books. If you want to waste your life on drugs then go ahead and be my guest...just don't expect me to pay/help you do it. Legalize marijuana, tax the hell out of it and use thet taxes to help fund healthcare for the elderely and pay down the national debt. Let the drug users support us for a change.

Hemostats and nail clippers tied down to my pack.

That looks like one awesome trip. I am jeolous!

Those look really good! Nicely done.

I'd agree.

For those that may have missed it and a better pic. I caught this Brown on a Cicada pattern earlier this month.

I don't have much to add since I have only fished in Missouri, but a college friend of mine lives in Helena, MT. Moved up there 10 years ago. This is what he says about Montana. "I could not possibly fish all the streams within 2 hours of my house in a lifetime. I fish streams I don't even know the names of. I can fish in solitude, fish spring creeks, tailwater's, lakes, freestone streams, and cast to fish in backcountry areas that have never seen a fly. The opportunities are endless. I live in the place I would want to vacation to the most. My kids walk to school without fear of crime. I live 5 minutes from the office. It is a much slower pace of life. The people are independent, but friendly (except if your from California!). Summers are perfect with the sun rising early and staying light until 10. Can't beat that for a full day of fishing. Family and friends love to visit. I am surrounded by people who love the sames thing I do. I still feel like I am on vacation." I think fishing locations are really about personal preference and what you desire from the experience. It is probably different for everyone and I would bet it is not always about the fish, but the total experience you have while fishing. Most of the reports I read on OAF always have an element of the report that is telling the true story. Maybe the title of the thread should have been fishing experience rather than fishing locations as I think that for most of us the total experience is what we are looking for.

Great report and very entertaining. Some very nice fish and looks a great time! Thanks for sharing.

I'd agree with others...it is hard to fault a fly shop or individual making money while they can. That being said I do find the whole fad kind of annoying. If I had extra's I would sell them and make a quick buck. Unfortunately, I am running low and funds are tight until I get back from summer vacation. Paying extra for hackle is not on the bucket list. If I really needed a certain fly I would just buy one probably. If I paid extra for hackle the fishing god's would conspire against me and the fish most certainly would not eat that fly anyway!

We were in a cabin by the campground and the underground shelter was pretty much full with campers...so we just stayed put. We had campers up on our porch and taking cover behind our cabin. Despite the tornado warning I don't think anything ever touched ground. Heavy wind, thunder/lighting, and a good soaking for 20 minutes...after that it quieted down pretty quickly.

Went to Bennett on Saturday and Sunday with a buddy of mine and his family. Fishing was tough on Saturday, but very good toward evening and great on Sunday am. I caught most of my fish on grey scuds and Cicada flies. The Cicada bite is winding down...lot's more looks than takers. There is a lot of fish in the stream, but most of them are pretty small at the moment. Had a little fireworks Saturday night as they evacuated the campground as a tornado came through the Lebanon area. Didn't hear any reports of damage of anything, but it was blowing very hard. I had hoped to make it down to the fish the Niangua, but that didn't happen. Next time hopefully. All in all a great trip and we caught a good amount of fish. Hopefully, the hatchery get finished soon.

I see. I will only keep and eat the big smallies then. I am just teasing I release all smallmouth, largemouth, and almost all of the trout(unless they won't make it). I'Ll be fly fishing so I shouldn't be a big threat to the smallie population.

No problem I only keep and eat the short smallies anyway. J/k...all C/R for me.

Perfect...thanks man. I won't hit your honey hole to hard.

Heading to Bennett with some friends this weekend and was thinking about trying to fish the Niangua a bit below the park. Can I drive out the back of Bennett(like the Current) to access the river or is there another way? I am assuming the water is wadeable for a bit below Bennett.

Yeah, it is much quieter up here as well. They are winding down, but at least I don't have Cicada guts on my windshield anymore! Heading to Bennett this weekend for a last minute relaxing trip with a buddy and his dad. I'll keep my fingers crossed, but have tied and stocked my supply with more traditional patterns. Especially, if the Cicada craze is winding down. After all that walking/wading last weekend I am looking forward to an easy fishing weekend.

Congrats on your personal best brown! It always add's something to it when a new pattern produces. Catching fish in Cicada's is a blast right know. Wish it happened every year!

I have been catching bass on my 5 weight in some local pond's as well. Biggest for me has been 3 lb's. I have been using a Slumpuster and it has been hot the last few weeks. you are right they are ton's of fun!

Thanks for the info...for some reason I thought there was clear trail down that way. I may wade down to it anyway. I usually take a lunch/drinks with me so that should work out ik.

Thanks Adam! I remember you guys...it was nice to meet the both of you. Cetainly had to earn any fish on Saturday...a little slow for sure...a few rainbows on a day like that is a good day. Best of luck on the water.

Maybe it is just me, but if I can't find what i am looking for because it is in someone's hair....well that would be quite annoying. I hope the fad ends soon.

Sounds good....I still show something that says blocked, not sure why, anyway no biggy.