Visiting Branson, Need Some Fishing Tips Please

[SILO]

Hello,

The wife and I will be traveling to the Branson area this weekend. I have been before, but never fished the area. We did visit the hatchery last time and I don't want to miss an opportunity this go round! We would like to do some wade fishing, with our fly rods. Any tips as to what rod weights, or fly suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated. I have 2-9 weight setups, and figure a 5-6 will work well.

All this info on generation and what not has me a bit baffled.

I appreciate any and all info you may provide!

[Dawgsquat]

I'm not the most experienced guy here, but I'll tell you what's worked for me.

If the gens are off during the day = cracklebacks or griffith's gnats ( I just got some wooly worms I'm dying to try)

If gens are running during the day = wooly buggers, cracklebacks, scuds and hoppers

If gens off at night = large streamers (dark color)

If gens on at night = I just stay at home

I use a 5 wt or 7 wt days and a 7 wt at night.

Good luck. Hope you catch a bunch.

[D.T.]

Silo

Hope for water off its by far your best chances. Looks like it was off maybe fri. and Sat. untill noon (not 100% on that). This week its been on by 6:00 am. If water is off go early you never know for sure when it will start again.

I have not been back since the high water of the spring but I think the same areas will still be productive.

Try the following areas

1. Between outlet 1 and 2 on the oppisite side fish from shore. When you are in the water the fish stack up around your feet which makes less fish to fish to. Your best chances are to find faster moving shallow water so the fish dont have as long to look at your fly. You need a good drag free drift and most of the time the strike is very subtle.

2. Below outlet 2 all the way to the bend

3. Where the water first makes the bend to rebar on eather side.

In both the above I use scuds in the #16-20 range in brown, gray, black, drk green and even white. Use 6x flourocarbon Some will say it doesnt matter but from my experiance its big. Small indicator small weight but enough to get it on the bottom set your float so the weight just ticks the bottom every once in a while. I have also heard of guys fishing real small sanjuan worms lately in a dark red or wine color. You can get scuds from Charteredwaters in Holister he is over by the lookout area. The best scuds I have ever used very detailed.

4. Down at the boat ramp high or low water use black or red zebra midges or various other midges #16-18 range get various colors at River Run fly shop up on the highway, very helpfull people. Fish 18" to 3-4 ft under small float. Fish all along above and below ramp in low water. High water fish from shore along the ramp.

Not sure where you are staying but Lilleys is by far the best place we have stayed and they have the biggest fly selection I think in the area.

I hope this helps, my first year I was at Taney was a 6-7 fish week. Since then I have had a lot of advice from lots of different people. I now have 30-50 plus days usually half days. so dont get down if your first trip is slow. Taney takes a few trys to figure it out.

P.M. me if you need any more info and I will see if I can help.

Good luck, Dave

[SILO]

Thanks guys. Any info will help as I'm a virgin on the waters you have out there... Look forward to hopefully landing a few. I hit the Current quite a bit, and love fishing that crik.

Any hints on where to park to get to the spots you suggested?

Also can I get licensed on-line for a one day permit? Will I need any special stamps or anything?

[Dawgsquat]

There are parking lots near the hatchery that are open 24 hrs. The road to them is marked "Lake Access".

You can get your license online here: Online Permits

You'll need license and trout stamp.