7 year old daughter wants to catch a trout.

[Flysmallie]

I have fly fished the trophy area and love it. But now my 7 year old daughter wants to catch a trout. Any recommendations on the best place to take her and what to use. She gets bored fairly easy unless there is some action.

I had just considered taking her to the trophy area and using a zebra midge on her little spinning rod, but I don't want her to be in everyone's way, or get bored and start throwing rocks .

[Rick F]

Sounds like you already have a good idea. The only other option I would offer is if you have a boat take her trolling for trout in the morning or in the evening. We did this a few years back and caught well over 200 trout. She is always moving and more than not catching trout frequently.

[jOrOb]

There is a fantastic fishery over at the base of Norfork Dam that is perfect for her. It is called Dry Run Creek, and it is the outflow from the hatchery. It is all controlled access, only kids under 16 and handicapped persons are allowed to fish. Also, it is all catch and release, single barbless, and no bait. There are a ton of trout in there, and some HUGE ones. This past winter a kid caught one that probably would have been a state record if he could have weighed and measured it. Fortunately he put it back.

Not knowing where you are, I don't know if you would even be interested, but it is a great opportunity. The fishing is always good and it is easy wading and easily fished with spinning gear or novice fly fisherwoman.

[Flysmallie]

Thanks jOrOb. I looked at that place online. What a wonderful idea. I'll have to plan a trip to get her down there. I'm in Springfield, so it's not that far, just farther than I can make it this weekend.

[timsfly]

Roaring River or Bennett springs is a good bet for an easy trout or two, you can use about any kind of bait in the 3 areas of both parks, you can always get a fish on the powerbait eggs at either park. Or if she can use a fly rod there are many fish that can be caught at Roaring River right now, the zebra midge or small sow bug are both good choices and you don't have to wade Roaring River, it is real kid friendly, Kids day is may 20th this year it is free to all childern 15 years and younger. Good luck.

http://www.mdc.mo.gov/documents/areas/hatc...ring/poster.pdf

[Brian K. Shaffer]

Even though my knee-jerk reaction here was to say just take here to Taneycomo, jOrObs idea of Dry Run Creek is brilliant. I have come to know of a few 10-15+lb fish that are swimming around in there. (just go look at them one day!)

Also - as timfly mentioned, Roaring River is a good bet and there is lots of other stuff to do nearby if trout boredom did set in pretty heavy.

(Dogwood Canyon perhaps ? Kinda' pricey though)

let us know how you make out - Brian

[Wayne SW/MO]

Roaring River or Bennett springs is a good bet for an easy trout or two

I agree, but I believe RR is more kid friendly then Bennett. RR is smaller and would be easier for her to reach the fish and no one wades so she can remain equal with the other fishermen. When she gets bored, she can use the playground equipment.

[Kansas Fly Fisher]

I have to agree . . . Roaring River is the place for kids. It is very kid friendly. That's where I talk my granddaughter. As Tim mentioned, Kids day is coming up and it is a must do for anyone with children. This will be my granddaughters fourth year and is very enjoyable. There is plenty for the kids to do there if they get bored. Check it out.

John