Steve Smith AKA Flysmith

[Steve Smith]

Well I guess Ole Flysmith better jump in here. I have always loved fishing, and I moved to Cassville Missouri 31 yrs ago after growing up on the far left coast [California]. When I first fished Roaring River… I never looked back again. Managed to land a job in with a large manufacturing plant in Cassville just 12 miles from the river where I am currently Director of Information Technology. I travel a lot in my job all over North America including Mexico and Canada, so I don’t get to fish as much as I would like too. I only get on Table Rock in the early spring when the crappie and whites are running, but after that I steer clear of the place. I traditionally make a 14 day trip every June to Lake of the Woods for walleye and smallmouth fishing near Nester Falls Ontario. The rest of the year I fish for trout in Roaring River, Beaver TW, and Taneycomo TW, but mostly Roaring River. Most weekends from early May to late October, you’ll find me wade fishing the creeks for smallmouth. I’m not very good at catching smallies on a fly rod, but I’m hoping Dano will give me some lessons this summer. I tie most of the flys that I use, but I am mediocre at best. They are good enough for me, the trout, and friends that I tie for as the ole eyes and hands aren’t as steady as they used to be. I’ve met Dano, RRV, and a few others, and sure would like to meet more of you. I’m easy to spot. I drive a cream colored Ford Explorer with plates “O-GRT1” [the plates are another story], and have the logo "Flysmith" on the back of my vest. Just a fat ole man that loves to fish.

[Danoinark]

Steve soon as we get that water temp a bit higher them smallies are going to be hungry....Dano

[riverrat]

Dano- do you ever fish for smallmouth in the winter?

[Danoinark]

Riverrat

Sometimes, but it depends on water levels and temps in the local rivers. I have never had much luck during extremely cold temps for smallies. I think they just go deep, don't feed much thereby not very agressive. If I do fish for them I would use a heavily weighted streamer, fished very very slow on the retrieve. Good topic though. I would love to hear what others say about winter fishing for smallies...

I am sure I am just not as proficient in the winter, and not as confident of catching them...Dano