First Fly Fishing trip to Bennett

[drew03cmc]

I am taking a trip to BSSP here in about 2.5 weeks and would love to hear some guidance on locations to get into good #s of fish throughout the day, and the occasional fish over 3# would be nice too! I am also trying a few experimental flies down there, but what are the staple flies to take with me to BSSP to ensure success. Thanks in advance.

[Jeff House]

I don't fish Bennett but 2 or 3 times a year anymore but I grew up spending almost every weekend down there fishing. There are numerous good spots on the stream depending on how you like to fish. For dry fly fishing two of my favorite spots are the far bank directly below the spring (from the spring to the first handicap access) and then in zone 2 the far bank from the hatchery outlet down to the whistle bridge. An elk hair caddis in a size #18 or #20 will generally produce if any fish are rising at all. Another favorite dry pattern for Bennett is the renegade in a size #18 or #20, for some reason this fly always seems to bring the fish up.

For nymph fishing the above areas are real good also along with these: directly below the bridge (which is right below the dam in zone 1) facing upstream and fishing the pockets of deep water that are in between the bridge pilings and then the stretch of riffles from there down to the corner. I have also done very well fishing from directly in front of the whistle bridge( zone 2)there is a deep hole right before the water runs through the whistles.

For fly selection I have done well on just about anything that works elsewhere. I use the same scuds that produce for me on the tailwaters and have done very well but at times these trout park fish seem to prefer a bright attractor pattern over a "match the hatch" pattern. Brightly colored egg patterns and mini-jigs will always produce. If nothing else is working for you try something in a white (doesn't matter what) these fish at times key on anything white because it resembles the fish entrails which are readily available due to people cleaning fish in the stream. Hope this helps a little.

[drew03cmc]

I am planning on being down there on the 13th to do some fishing, and to try these tactics. THanks guys!

[CaptainT16]

Here is a website for Weavers store, they update their Bennett Springs Fishing report on Sundays and Wednesdays. They always are very informative and up to date with info. Good luck and let us know how you do.

www.missouritrout.com/weavers

[brittsnbirds]

When I started fishing BSSP as a kid with my dad I didn't have anyone giving me any hints other than dear ole dad. Now that I'm back into Fly fishing, tying flies and camping I have made many contacts down there.

One primary pattern that I use is stripping Cracklebacks, Renegades, Grizzlys, Streamers and woolys. My technique is a little different depending on the time of year. If I were down there now I would use my fullsinking flyline, on my 4 wt. 9 1/2' rod. I use a 6x fluorcarbon leader. I cast directly across the stream to the deep channel. Let it drift down current until the line runs parrallel with the stream. I let it settle down deep and wait a few seconds. Then I start making short strips back. I get strikes either at the time the fly hits the water, on the drift, while it settles to the bottom and during the stips. If I'm not getting deep enough I shove my rod down into the stream to get it deeper. I change my flies frequently. If I make 6 or 8 casts and don't turn anything I change colors of crackle or to a differnt fly.

Another thing I do different, a hint a local showed me, was to use BIG Crackles. I tie my own on a 2x long (and longer) size 8 or 10 Mustad hook. Not too many people will reveal this technique. My dad told me when I was a kid to stay away from "those flyfishermen", they are grumpy and rude. Well I'm 50 years old now and think it's time to prove dear old dad wrong. I've found they are a very friendly lot, and will help anyone trying to break into the sport.

Hope this helps. If you see a guy in the hole at the handicap landing just below the Spring adn is beating the water to a foam, stripping deep, it could be me. Stop by and say hi!

[CaptainT16]

Looks as if my father and I will be down there this Tuesday. I will have to try your techniques! If we see you there, we will make it a point to stop by and say hello. Instead of dad giving me the pointers, I am always trying to give him the pointers as I was the one that got him into fly-fishing. Now he is the one that can't get enough of it! Sorry, dad if you read this, I just had to throw that in there. Thanks for your post of some other tips try at BSSP!

[Kayser]

If you want a smaller "western creek" experience, take the path along the hatchery outlet in zone 2. There is the main outflow where the water absolutely ROARS, but above that it is a very small waterway. Walk up and around, and try not to spook the fish as you approach and cast. The water is very shallow and narrow,only about 20yds long, but it holds 3dozen fish or so. I have to nymph for these fish, and minijigs work too, if you can get them shallow enough without the float spooking fish. Other than that, just go out, change flies(and/or location) often, and have fun.

Rob