Aluminum Hatch

[gonefishin]

LEBANON, Mo. -- The Missouri Water Patrol kept a watchful eye on canoers this weekend in the Bennett Springs Park area. Patrolmen watched for any illegal activity along the banks of the Niangua River -- and they found plenty of it.

Water Patrol officials say they handed out 45 tickets for misdemeanor drug charges, minors in possession of alcohol, littering, adults supplying alcohol to minors, and for a boater not having a flotation device. Officers also arrested a man on two felony counts of sexual misconduct because they believe he expose himself to two young children.

The Missouri Water patrol says the crackdown along the river was successful and plans to have one or two more before the end of the summer.

[mcp633]

Good for them. I know they do it on alot of the streams when they can. Also, I understand that federal park rangers do alot of covert surveillance on the streams that fall in the Ozark Scenic Waterways. The more LE there is on the streams the better it will be for all people that are there to have a good time and not be P.O.ed by a bunch of idiots.

Kyle

[Wayne SW/MO]

The people need to tell the powers that be that they want more of this, along with a program to limit the number of canoes rented.

[jOrOb]

While I agree that people who destroy our natural environment are selfish and should be banned, let us not forget that the earth belongs to all of us. Canoers, campers, swimmers, ect have just as much right to the waterways as fishermen.

I applaud MO for their efforts in conservation and enforcement of the laws. I am glad that Arseholes that ruin the outdoor experience for others are being controlled. I am not, however, prepared to support legislation that bans or limits anyone who wants to enjoy outdoors.

[Wayne SW/MO]

jOrOb, a limit on commercial rentals would actually make it easier for people to enjoy the outdoors. While I would be quick to agree that people who rent aren't a problem, but to many, which includes too many who come to drink and party, spoil it for most.

[10pointer]

weekend before last we were on the current and i saw a few agents on the water friday on our float.

Then saturday we were fishing/swimming near tanvat and an agent snuck down and nabbed a guy for fishing without a license. The best part of that situation was the group of people he was with countered his "b'n" with things like "he's doing his job, protecting our streams and keeping them beautiful" and "you should be very glad you didnt have a fish on the stringer". It really made me smile that these folks stood up for what the agents do day in and day out even though this guy was their bud.

That was the most agent activity i have seen in a long time down that way.

[Kayser]

I've got a question, is it illegal to camp at Tan Vat? I was down there on the 4th and saw some "sleeping beauties" with their trash and clothes scattered everywhere. No agents, but plenty of storm clouds. Got a bit wet on the way back to the car.

I heard it mentioned about the smallmouth being kept and then thrown away. Real shame. I think it actually takes closer to 7 years for them to reach that length.

Rob

BTW, does anyone have any good suggestions for backpacking areas? Minimum of 1/2 mile to a good campsite, max of around 5. I like the seclusion of it all, but don't want to die in getting there (plus there are some real whinebags that I go with). If anyone is willing to divulge in there favorite "pack in" area, feel free. If not, I respect you wanting to keep your "secret spot" a secret.

[Wayne SW/MO]

I can't speak from experience, but I've heard that the trip into the Eleven Point is a good one, and the wilderness on the North Fork, you might look into those.

[Snow Fly]

I have been told in the past that you can camp at Tan Vat.

[Gavin]

You can camp at Tan Vat & Parker Access, but not Baptist. If your looking for a little backpacking and trout fishing, the Ozark Trail runs along side the blue ribbon section of the 11pt its pretty rugged country though. McCormack lake is a good place to start and pull out down by Hurricane Creek. www.ozarktrail.com...

Baptist to Parker or Cedar Grove is a pretty easy 5.5 or 7 mile at low water levels...just follow the fisherman's/horse trails.

If trout fishing isnt a requirement, Ozark County has a lot to offer. The area around Noblett Lake is pretty neat, and the Devil's Backbone Wilderness on the N. Fork of the White is pretty cool. The Paddy Creek Wilderness off the Big Piney is worth exploring too. Cheers.