Guest fishing

[Lincoln]

Perhaps things are beginning to turn. Many would agree that fishing on Taneycomo had presented a few more challenges this summer than in the past. I've had the conversation about slower-than-usual fishing with at least 200 guests in the last three months. Watching the last couple of days, I've been encouraged.

Most of the catches seem to be coming downstream from Lilleys'. We've had guests fishing down between Taneycomo Acres and Monkey Island over the last number of days. They're bringing in a few more fish lately. Not huge numbers, but 5 or 6 per boat is better than what we have been seeing. I sure hope that streak continues. One set of gentlemen were doing very well on brown rooster tails last week. Most are opting for PB of one variety or another. Chartreuse and Orange seem to be the more effective colors.

Cross your fingers. Better fishing = happy fishermen.

[Wayne SW/MO]

Lincoln, do you think the unusual weather pattern has had a big effect on the fishing?

[troutchaser]

I'll take any excuse you've got. It CAN'T be my fishin' skills.

A friend of mine mentioned that it could be from the number of people stomping around in the water - A.K.A. Fishing Pressure.

[Lincoln]

Boy, I wish I had a good answer. I've been having this discussion all summer, and all I can come up with is an educated guess (and I'm not sure how educated).

Due to a lack of generation, the surface water temperature earlier this summer was really high down at our dock (around 70)and throughout the lake (close to 80 downtown and below). I have to think that had an affect and maybe still is. The warmer water had to affect so many variables in the ecosystem (trout metabolism, availabilty of food, oxygen levels, etc.)

Is it possible that there is so much "natural" food available that the fish are able to be more selective about what they "try?" Does that mean that the fisherman has to be even more deceptive in his presentations? (lighter line, more realistic food sources, etc.)

I think all these have to be considered, and I've been recommending these ideas to our guests. I'd be interested in hearing others' take on the situation...

[troutchaser]

I think it's a new diet fad among trout. "Eat Fly-Free and Live Longer" I think I saw it on Oprah.

Seriously, though, I believe we have some stressed fish. Higher air temps, higher than average water temps, and fishing pressure are all active factors. I would say we will have one of two things happen before the winter. 1)A major fish kill resulting from the stress, or 2)Some really hard feeding frenzies, spurred by the drop in temps in a couple of months.

It would be interesting to note the general health of the fish harvested, though. are they sickly right now?

[Lincoln]

I can speak to what I have experienced, which is that the fish I have hooked have fought as hard as ever. I would think that if the fish were unhealthy, I would not be experiencing some of the "fight" I've been seeing from most. I've just noticed that I've had to work a little harder on my end to get them to "take" in the first place.

[Wayne SW/MO]

Due to a lack of generation, the surface water temperature earlier this summer was really high down at our dock (around 70)and throughout the lake (close to 80 downtown and below). I have to think that had an affect and maybe still is.

This is what I was wondering about. I don't think it would be to far off to think that many fish moved to areas of survivable water and hunkered down.

[snagged in outlet 3]

We need some rain everywhere I think and maybe the corp would run more water and cool things off a bit. I quit fishing my favorite bass ponds because they are half empty around here (St. Charles). We just haven't recovered from the drought yet. We need a good wet fall.

Snagged.