First Outing Of The Year

[ltomczyk]

Busted out the Pungo 140 kayak yesterday. Put in at the park. Paddled up stream, not too far. Caught four bucketmouths, one decent, one mid-sized, and two midgets - all on a pumpkin lizard, texas rigged. The bite was right when it hit the water. Slow retreived produced no bites. Tried a green tube. No bites. Was staying out of the current, in some of the backwater coves. Saw no panfish yet. Casting skills need some major practice. All in all, great to be out.

I did see a weasel/mink looking creature. Anyone have an idea of what it was?

I love spring-time and fishing out of my yak!

[smallmouthjoe]

Glad to hear about someone getting out on The Finley, I've been so busy and dieing to go fishing. The mammal you saw was probably a mink, basically the same thing as a weasel. I see them cruising the banks of Table Rock from time to time, interesting little creatures.

http://mdc.mo.gov/nathis/mammals/mink/

[polock]

Glad to hear about someone getting out on The Finley, I've been so busy and dieing to go fishing. The mammal you saw was probably a mink, basically the same thing as a weasel. I see them cruising the banks of Table Rock from time to time, interesting little creatures.

http://mdc.mo.gov/nathis/mammals/mink/

how's the current at the park for paddling up??? where do ya park I was thinking about going down there this next week instead of scaling the dam

[smallmouthjoe]

how's the current at the park for paddling up??? where do ya park I was thinking about going down there this next week instead of scaling the dam

You shouldn't have any problem paddling up stream in your kayak. After you get past the bluff area there's a riffle above that run that I can usually navigate it without getting out. Then there's another long run that is easy to paddle up and another riffle at the head of that run that is a little more difficult but I've always managed to get up it without getting out as well. The first place where I have to get out and drag is a little ways down from riverside. I haven't been there this year yet and unless a tree has fallen or the course of the river has changed you should be OK if the water isn't flowing through there too bad. There are many places to park down there and it usually is not an issue. Have fun man and let us know how you did.

[RSBreth]

If you're a good paddler there's no worries until you get behind Riverside.

Although, the further upstream you go this time of year, the further you get away from good sized fish - if you know where to look.