February 12th report

[Forsythian]

I got out Sunday for about 3 hours. I was wading about 1/2 mile or so below the dam. While the water is off, a person in chest waders can just about cross the river bed in this area. The layout reminds me quite alot of upper Taneycomo, but there are key differences.

There are ofcourse not near as many fish here as upper Taneycomo. There is no stocking that I am aware of. In fact, I'm sure there are many stretches where you will only haul water if you fish it. The key seems to me is to drive and scout for stretches with midging fish. You will not have to worry about stepping on fish!!

The other difference is the fish themselves, which run smaller and are much more "spookier" than upper Taneycomo. Once you find a group of fish, there is required a bit of stealth on approach. Even then, I've found that once I've waded within casting distance, they will shut down for a while. If you'll stand still for a time, they begin to feed again. It's then been my experience that a plausible pattern and a good cast will get you 2 or 3 takes from the "pod", and that is it! A late hookset or a poor knot will break your heart!

I've missed having the walleye in my backyard... but this troutfishing has been fun! I landed only 6 fish, and had just as many break off, let go, etc. It was definitely tough, and cold, and I'm sure I could have caught many more on upper Taneycomo... does that make me a masochist?

[Wayne SW/MO]

I went this afternoon and after some searching I found some active fish. I'm not sure if they were taking something on the surface, or tailing, but I got a good start with 3 fish, but the wind kept getting stronger and it became difficult to hook them and then to reach them. I ended up not staying long because of the wind.

Old Baldy was up at the dam. He/she is probably well fed because of the low water.

[Forsythian]

"They" were nice enough to hold off the water until 6:30 tonight... I fished from 5:00pm, and managed 5 beautiful wild fish. They were spookier than ever, if that's possible, and most were feeding tight to the bank. Most were caught while casting 10 or 15 feet back from the water's edge.

[snagged in outlet 3]

Forsythian.

That sounds like a blast. I think it's very rewarding to stalk and catch fish like that. Your luky to live in an area with such great opportunity. I assume you live in Forsyth. Not too many fish rising in the Ole Miss in the front of the Arch right now. Or ever for that matter. Enjoy!

Snagged.

[Wayne SW/MO]

I went twice yesterday, in the morning I picked up 3 before the wind blew me off the water. I went back around 3PM and fished until 4:30 and couldn't buy a bite. I suspect I was spooking them because the water was slick in the afternoon.

Forsythian are you fishing the area where Silver comes in? Thats where I've found the most consistent feeders.

[Forsythian]

Wayne, I must have just missed you, Silver is where I've been the last 2 times out. Before that I was fishing farther up and on the Forsyth side by the big rock. I've seen them downstream as well, near where the "walkers" always park.

They are spooky, and the numbers are thin, so it's a balance between wanting a chop, and wanting water smooth enough to see their "dimples".

Snag, yes I used to live in Florissant so I definitely feel lucky to be where I'm at now... I can get off work at 4:30, go home and change, and be in my waders and casting by 5:00. Not that I'm bragging or anything