Which Flies

[fireman]

ok need some help. I will be coming down to taney first week in october. I have had a stroke and have about 50% use of my left hand. with that being said, what would be the 5 flies to try (very novice flyfisher)with very little action from me? Also, will be bringing the family for their first time and what would you suggest for kids (teenagers) to use in the dam area? we are used to the trout parks, but want them to experience something better. Will be bring my fiberglass bass boat down as well so we would float fish if conditions are right.

thnks in advance

fireman

[DoveTail]

A boat would be excellent if they are generating. Jigs work great from the boat. Scuds, midge, San Juan worms, eggs, sowbugs and sculpin patterns all work. Sometimes color really doesn't matter but ask some of the fly shops or check on here and see what they have recently been hitting.

[fireman]

ok that being said, how would i fish/present those flies?

fireman

[Gatorjet]

If you have a boat, don't overlook the rest of upper Taneycomo below the trophy area from Fall Creek to the Dam. Below Fall Creek, Short Creek, in front of Lilleys Landing, below Cooper Creek, the Monkey Island area, the bridges at Branson, and even in front of Branson Landing all can be quite good. If they are generating at the dam, you won't be able to wade up there anyway. 3/32 oz jigs in sculpin, sculpin/olive, sculpin/orange, and also white can all be very productive. Keep them bouncing the bottom as you drift. For numbers of fish, don't be too proud to use bait! Berkely Gulp eggs, one white, and one of another color on a drift rig is usually a sure thing. Night crawlers rigged the same way will also produce, and most often catch some better sized fish.

If you take the boat up to the dam, remember that above Fall Creek is artificial only, no "soft" baits, and a 12-20 inch protected slot. The flys mentioned in the previous post will all work, but drifting a scud on the same kind of rig as used for bait has worked well for me. Also the same jig pattern as I mentioned for below the trophy area.

Good luck, keep an eye on this forum for up-to-date information on patterns and conditions. There are a lot of people on here, probably better versed on the subject that me, that will give you valuable information.

[Trout Commander]

I usually fish either a pheasant tail nymph or zebra midge, no larger than a 16, underneath a green or grey scud, also no larger than 16, all below a strike indicator, presented with a drag free drift. Make a couple of mends in your line and then let the rig swing out when it reaches the end of the drift and always set the hook at the end of the drift. Please excuse my run-on of a sentence.

[Leonard]

I usually fish either a pheasant tail nymph or zebra midge, no larger than a 16, underneath a green or grey scud, also no larger than 16, all below a strike indicator, presented with a drag free drift. Make a couple of mends in your line and then let the rig swing out when it reaches the end of the drift and always set the hook at the end of the drift. Please excuse my run-on of a sentence.

Id agree with that..

But personally.. I use 12-16 midges and scuds..(I hardly ever use 18s or small)...

Id say with the rains .. SJ worms would probably the fly of choice this weekend...

or maybe (I know it early) egg and glo balls... but I bet Hoppers could see some action as well

[Windman]

I would suggest using CD rapalas also if fishing from a boat...line size less of a issue and just cast and retrieve with a ultra light rod and reel. Depending on the depth of the water cast let it sink for a few seconds, less time getting snagged on the bottom and more time fishing.(very easy for beginners) I hope you and your family have a wonderful time and enjoy this great trout fishery.

[Indiana Trout]

Black or Olive soft hackle flies size 16. Cast across the current and let it swing. Give it a twitch once and a while and when it "swings" at the end of the drift, hang on... Twitch it back to you and then lather, rinse and repeat!

[Trout Commander]

Id agree with that..But personally.. I use 12-16 midges and scuds..(I hardly ever use 18s or small)...Id say with the rains .. SJ worms would probably the fly of choice this weekend...or maybe (I know it early) egg and glo balls... but I bet Hoppers could see some action as well

I will have to tie some larger ones and try my luck. I should clarify, that by saying no longer than 16 I only meant I don't use them, not necessarily that they will not work.

I still need to get down there some night and get some lessons from you Leonard!