High Water

[Bill Babler]

Fishing in the restricted area is just about as good as it can get. Yes the water is high and flowing but the trout are on a scud feed that is blowing the doors off. Big bugs in 10's and 12's. Every fish you catch, is coughing them up in marble size gobs. Scuds from grey to olive to ginger and some that are a translucent/purple.

Tried to fish lower today, clear to Branson, as I had some guys that are fishing the trout tournament tomorrow and they wanted to try and catch a big fish out of the slot.

A 15 to 20 mph North wind shot that idea in a big hurry. Nothing for us out of the restricted area. They are going to have to settle for a bunch of 12 inchers and maby grab a 20 to weigh-in. Had three rainbows day before yesterday that might have made it, but didn't measure them. Last two days, no big ones, but lots of nice fish, up to 17 inches.

I have fished a lot of cold days, but never have I been colder than I was today. The wind was just a monster.