Good Day To Float

[Chief Grey Bear]

Went on a float today with Buzz on a stretch of Shoal between Neosho and Joplin. And what a day. Luckily we didn't get any rain to speak of last night. The water has a good color to it but is still running about 2 1/2 feet or so high and running pretty fast.

We managed to catch some real quality fish. The smallest was about 10-11 inches. Buzz caught a really nice brownie. Most other fish were all in the 12 inch range. Most were caught on soft plastics but a few did succumb to a tadpolly and spinner bait.

We hit one spot that yielded numerous goggle eye all of which were in the 11-12 inch range. Just some fantastic goggle eyes. I have not caught that number, that size in years. It was a real treasure to see them.

Usually on a fishing trip, I manage to catch quite a few dinks. But not this trip. They must have been hiding out somewhere as they didn't bite today. And what a variety. Brownies, spots, Largemouth and Goggle eye. Heck we didn't even have any problems with the perch.

[Buzz]

It was a good day for sure. It was my first trip down that stretch of water this year,and it has changed quite a bit. Some of the old downed trees that I have fished around for 20 or more years have been moved or are completely gone. Still the fish were still in the same places as they have always been. I put Chief on the fish and he caught them. LOL. The biggest brownie measured 15 1/4 inches and fought like a champ. We got a picture and let him go back to get even bigger.

[creek wader]

Some good reports. Glad to hear that your streams are settling down a bit. The ones that I've been fishing have been dropping steadily to thier summer flow. They are now running ankle deep and hundreds of yards between fishable spots. I know that I need the exercise but, it's time comsuming. I may have to move to the larger rivers and get out the yak. Keep the reports coming. I just may have to get down there next spring, when I'm on vacation. Chief Greybear, maybe you can turn me onto some places, then.

[Chief Grey Bear]

Ha! That is funny Buzz! I thought I was the one operating the Jon?!

Creek Wader, you get a hold of me any time you want to do a little fishing. I would more than happy to accompany you and fish. I am figuring you have been RR'ing long enough to have 4-5 weeks vaction. And that is just about what it will take to fish this corner of the state like it should be.

[creek wader]

Chief, Your correct about my vacation time. I've had 5 weeks for about 5 yrs., now. Already used all of it this year. Did a week in Cabo and a long weekend in St. Louis. Then a float trip on the Little Niangua and one on the Big Piney. That's about all the trips my wife and budget, will allow me to do in in a year. lol. Anyway, I usually get vacation in May and June. So, I'd really like to try your corner of the state. My annual Little Niangua partner, said that he wants to try a different river, next year. So, be expecting to hear from me, next spring. ... Wader

[Chief Grey Bear]

Make sure you do. It will be an honor and a pleasure to fish with you and your friend.