Where Is Everyone?

[flyfishmaster]

Heck at least your guy are "getting some action", in the fishing department that is.

I have not been able to cast a line since mid January. The family is taking up way to much of my time. Plus starting this weekend we have T-Ball games every weekend until July. But family comes first, and the fish and water will always be there when it comes time for a little of "me time".

Later,

FFM

[NoLuck]

Hey Kim,

Its all about balance. I have only been a couple of times since last year myself. My job has been taking up all my time here recently. I just keep hoping for some slow time. You will get time when you make time. At least thats how it has to be sometimes.

Cya,

Rich

[stlfisher]

I to had horrible luck in late March when I went down. I thought the stream seemed pretty devoid of fish. I saw no one with any fish that day and I only managed a few. I am heading down the weekend of May 22 and 23rd so hopefully I will have better luck. Montauk is much better IMO.

[DoveTail]

What is the link to the SpyCam at Bennett? I have not found a link yet...

[brittsnbirds]

http://www.mo.gov/Recreation/Outdoors/Fishing/

[Bob A]

Interesting in that only within the last few days has there been any meaningful posts re: Bennett. Maybe the frustration of fishing what was once an excellent site is showing its face. I typically fish Bennett 3 times a week, primarily because of the generation at Taneycome makes it almost impossible to wade fish there. Also, been fishing Bennett for at least 10 yrs and from my observations, this year has been about as bad as it can get in comparison to prior years, with a real quality nose-dive with the latest management change.

Not sure how many visititors I've met on the stream, the vast majority of whom scratch their heads, and ask what ever happened to Bennett. All I can do is simply smile and ask the same thing. And I cant tell you how many out of towners who fished Bennett in the past years swore they'd not be coming back.....just costs too much for such poor fishing quality.

No, its not the economy! Nor is it the price of gas. Bennett is about fishing....short and simply. And if the fish are not there in sufficient quantities, Bennett may as well close its doors. I too see that, on most days I visit, the stream (primarily zone 1) if almost deserted.....seen more fisherman there in December than I do on most days now.

Not sure what this is going to take. Am sure the higher-up at the DOC know about the declining numbers of visitors but not sure they really care too much....I just wish there were some way to bring in some outside consultants who really know their business and have proven track records in stream management....free of political influences and "good o'l boy" attitudes. Its going to take something drastic to turn this around, but nothing will happen until the wheels start squeaking enough to get some grease.

Just seems such a sad thing to see the decline that has taken place over the last few years. What was once a gem in the Missouri troug park system isn't much more now than a pretty picnic area.

Bob A, Springfield

[laker67]

Interesting in that only within the last few days has there been any meaningful posts re: Bennett. Maybe the frustration of fishing what was once an excellent site is showing its face. I typically fish Bennett 3 times a week, primarily because of the generation at Taneycome makes it almost impossible to wade fish there. Also, been fishing Bennett for at least 10 yrs and from my observations, this year has been about as bad as it can get in comparison to prior years, with a real quality nose-dive with the latest management change.

Not sure how many visititors I've met on the stream, the vast majority of whom scratch their heads, and ask what ever happened to Bennett. All I can do is simply smile and ask the same thing. And I cant tell you how many out of towners who fished Bennett in the past years swore they'd not be coming back.....just costs too much for such poor fishing quality.

No, its not the economy! Nor is it the price of gas. Bennett is about fishing....short and simply. And if the fish are not there in sufficient quantities, Bennett may as well close its doors. I too see that, on most days I visit, the stream (primarily zone 1) if almost deserted.....seen more fisherman there in December than I do on most days now.

Not sure what this is going to take. Am sure the higher-up at the DOC know about the declining numbers of visitors but not sure they really care too much....I just wish there were some way to bring in some outside consultants who really know their business and have proven track records in stream management....free of political influences and "good o'l boy" attitudes. Its going to take something drastic to turn this around, but nothing will happen until the wheels start squeaking enough to get some grease.

Just seems such a sad thing to see the decline that has taken place over the last few years. What was once a gem in the Missouri troug park system isn't much more now than a pretty picnic area.

Bob A, Springfield

Very well stated Bob. You and I are making some of the same references. The difference is that you explained it a heck of alot better than I. Bssp is definately on a down hill slide. No-Luck challenged my original statement. I think he mis understood what I was trying to say. Areas that should have 100 visible fish now have 10 visible fish or less, and it's not because they are on the bottom. It's because they are just not there. I made a reference to the "04" season being similar to this year. Your reference to management is addressing the same issue and time frame. Bssp is like an old friend slipping away.

[troutfiend1985]

MY frustration about Bennett is similar. It seems everytime I go back there the place is getting worse. One thing I can't understand is why there is no C&R zone. A C&R zone would at least help, after a while you wouldn't really need to stock that area. I just don't understand why the MDC hasn't changed up how they are managing Bennett. It's a shame too, Bennett could be a really nice place.

[Fly_Guy]

My observation has been that a lot of folks who visit the trout parks are people with kids, or folks wanting to just chill and catch fish with minimal effort. By not keeping the #s of trout up, Bssp is discouraging its too main money groups. I'm sure it's not completely devoid of fish, but it doesn't sound like its living up to what a trout park ought to be. Sad - I hope RR isn't following this trend- we got our annual trip planned this year already. May have to rent some boats on Taney instead - Taney is on fire right now.

[rollcaster]

I guess my question is...why is Bssp deteriorating? Is the hatchery broke? Do they not have sufficient funds to pay the folks that stock the stream?

Maybe they should increse the fee for daily tags, after all it's been only $3 for as long as I can remember. Anyone know who we should contact to address these concerns. Ultimately, if we don't fix it, businesses will leave and the park will either close or be sold off to a private entity.