Fishing Taneycomo

[josh1]

Me and the wife are coming down this weekend to fish. What can we expect. We will be fishing with spinning rods. What size line to we need, what kind of bait do we need, When is the best time to fish, is it common to catch fish big enough to keep up by the dam? We only wanted to catch maybe 3 or 4 to eat and release the rest.

[bigredbirdfan]

Me and the wife are coming down this weekend to fish. What can we expect. We will be fishing with spinning rods. What size line to we need, what kind of bait do we need, When is the best time to fish, is it common to catch fish big enough to keep up by the dam? We only wanted to catch maybe 3 or 4 to eat and release the rest.

Let me start off by addressing what I know and let other provide what I don't. You will need your spinning reels loaded with line no bigger than 4lb. I use monofiliment and after spending a lot of wasted money on over priced line and now use Pro Bass Excel because it is just as good as any other line. I digress. You can NOT use bait below the dam, only below fall creek which is clearly posted by signage on the water. If you want to use bait I suggest you rent a boat at Lilley's Landing and they will help you with everything you need bait wise. It should be either inflated nightcawler or powerbait in color d'jour. In regards to keeping big fish below the dam it has to be over 20" or under 12" in that area so usually if you want to take home fish you want under 12" otherwise rent a boat and stay below fall creek and keep whatever you like. I would probably do that because you will catch a lot of bigger fish in the 15" range if you do. You can keep 4 ea. Brown trout don't taste very good due to their color so you should not keep those.

[josh1]

Let me start off by addressing what I know and let other provide what I don't. You will need your spinning reels loaded with line no bigger than 4lb. I use monofiliment and after spending a lot of wasted money on over priced line and now use Pro Bass Excel because it is just as good as any other line. I digress. You can NOT use bait below the dam, only below fall creek which is clearly posted by signage on the water. If you want to use bait I suggest you rent a boat at Lilley's Landing and they will help you with everything you need bait wise. It should be either inflated nightcawler or powerbait in color d'jour. In regards to keeping big fish below the dam it has to be over 20" or under 12" in that area so usually if you want to take home fish you want under 12" otherwise rent a boat and stay below fall creek and keep whatever you like. I would probably do that because you will catch a lot of bigger fish in the 15" range if you do. You can keep 4 ea. Brown trout don't taste very good due to their color so you should not keep those.

Ok so if it is under 12" you can keep it. I said bait but arround here that is used losely for everything including lures. So as far as lures go what would you recommend? Also it is single hook only no treble right?

[bigredbirdfan]

Ok so if it is under 12" you can keep it. I said bait but arround here that is used losely for everything including lures. So as far as lures go what would you recommend? Also it is single hook only no treble right?

There are no hook rules on Taneycomo. Will you be fishing out of a boat or from shore?

[josh1]

There are no hook rules on Taneycomo. Will you be fishing out of a boat or from shore?

From the shore. We where going to fish below the dam. But may fish from one of the docks down town also. Dosen't realy matter if we catch one to keep or not we are just wanting to fish for fun but if we can catch one that is legal to keep we will propable keep it. I love smoked an grilled trout. I had a guy tell me single hooks only. So thanks for the correction.

[rainbow]

Cooper Creek has a fishing dock that's not too bad during the week.

[streamer]

If fishing below the dam during the day, use small jigs "usually white or pink" below a small float between the cable and outlet 1. The best fishing in this area can be had at night with a spinning rod throwing small rapalas. For downtown, fish with powerbait or equivelent bait for some good rainbow action. I'll be down there this weekend doing a little fishing myself, I'll be at the river most of the day friday with the ole flyrod.

[streamer]

What days will you be down there? I was thinking about taking my boat down as I have all day to fish on Friday until about 4pm, but I don't want to tow it that far to fish alone.

[troutgnat]

Just a few pointers I would throw in. 4lb test is a good rule of thumb, make sure it is NOT clear/blue flor. line!!!Areas to sit and bait fish would include: Coopers Access, downtown next to Scotty's trout docks and some more seating on down past the other end of the boardwalk. Another tip.......Please visit Lilley's trout dock. Phil Lilley is the moderator of this forum and owns Lilleys Resort. Take your business there and let them know your an OAF member, he has a great staff and they will set you up with anything you may need to catch trout. If hes not swamped he may let you fish off his dock for a bit. Phil will put you on fish.

Anyway, for the rest of it. If fishing from the docks bring a lawn chair, benches not always provided!

Typically, with any units running bank fishing does best with the Taney 3-way swivel rig. You can pick these up at Phils. Grab a few and 3 jars of Berkley Power Gulp eggs in the following colors. White, Chartreuse and Orange. Your good to go!, Unless Phil says the night crawler bite is better. Which maybe, some days its powerbait, sometimes its crawlers. With the powerbait put two on your hook in alternating colors. I do best with white/chart. or orange/chart.

Well, I could go on and on but the above will catch you plenty of trout 365/24-7.

[Gatorjet]

What Troutgnat said!

I suggest you add pink to the powerbait list. For the past several years, it has always been best with one white egg and one of another color. Don't really know why.

Also, with a crawler get a worm air injector for a couple bucks. Hook the crawler one time in the middle, and inject it with air. Either use a drift rig as Troutgnat suggested, or a split shot a couple feet up the line from a #8 bronze hook. That will float the crawler off the bottom.

The make of line is a personal choice. I use Maxima Ultra green almost exclusively. Any quality 4Lb green line should be fine. With extremely clear water, some suggest clear fluorocarbon line. I don't like how it handles on my spinning reels, but do use it as leader material at times.

By all means visit Lilley's Landing. The accommodations, service, and information there are all unequaled on Taneycomo. The rates are reasonable, and the entire staff are some of the nicest people you will meet anywhere.

Good luck, and good fishing.