Fishing Report? Really?

[Wayne SW/MO]

A hatch chart specific to Bennett would be cool.

To tell the truth most of the fish have only seen a pellet hatch, so it's often easy to just make your own hatch.

Like Wrench said, something cream or celery in the 18-24 will generally always get hit. An EHC in olive 16 will generally always get hit in a fast flow. Sometimes a 16-18 Renegade will do the trick.

I should add anything yellow with wiggly legs and not too big, -14.

[mic]

A hatch chart specific to Bennett would be cool.

Found this one once:

http://www.bennettspring.com/hatch-chart/

[rcguy]

Interesting!

I have seen the light green body with light grey wings mayfly hatch several times. I usually keep some Pale Evening Dun flies handy in size 18 and 20.

I also keep some black Caddis imitations because I've had several land on me during a hatch. Never really used them much but I have them. 18 and 20 size Midges are my staples in a variety of colors are my staples.

but what do I know???

Weavers report has some nice pictures but the other info is pretty useless IMO.

[grizzly]

Guys, it's only a fishing report. Don't shop there if you don't like how this guy does business.

As far as a hatch chart goes, I never really thought that Bennett was really a "match the hatch" stream. Most of the trout have been in the stream for about as long as you have on that day, so something small and bug-like is going to work. If your patterns not working, then move on to the next riffle or hole and try it out there.

And I don't get all of the frustration about what Bennett is. I never fished it back in its glory years, so I guess I can only speak about what it is from the last few years. It seems like Bennett is a family orientated fishing area. A place I can take my girlfriend and daughter to. It's not the Gunnison, the Firehole or Gibbon. Bennett is somewhere you can be social, take your family and grill out. If you want "hard core" fishing, then the North Fork of the White, Current, Norfork Tailwater or the White below BSD should be on your priority list. Bennett is what it is, a place that is user friendly. Having said all of that, Trout parks really aren't my thing and I only go to them 2-3 times per year,mainly C&R season or with family.

[fishinwrench]

And I don't get all of the frustration about what Bennett is. I never fished it back in its glory years, so I guess I can only speak about what it is from the last few years. It seems like Bennett is a family orientated fishing area. A place I can take my girlfriend and daughter to. It's not the Gunnison, the Firehole or Gibbon. Bennett is somewhere you can be social, take your family and grill out.

What makes Bennett a better place for THAT? Can you not grill, take family along, or be sociable without concrete casting decks, surveillance cameras, and discharge outlets that pile the fish up in balls positioned for snagging?

There was grilling, family friendly atmosphere, and all that jazz several million dollars ago. So what has all of these "improvements" done to improve on any of that?

I can't think of a single thing, but I can easily see what it has taken away from the place.

That's all I'm getting at.

[grizzly]

Wrench, I guess I didn't draw it out well enough, and that is my fault. What I meant is that, unlike the Yellowstone River of the Madison below Quake Lake where it takes a lot of work and there are dangers associated with fishing it, Bennett is a destination where a person can fish with his little kids and spouse. I never made a comment on what the improvements, or lack there of, Bennett has made because I just really haven't fished there long enough(and probably never will). I have probably fished Bennett 15-20 times in my life. It's a beautiful stream, but I like wild trout streams.

I guess my point is this: what is Bennett and all the other trout parks set up for? It sounds like on one hand you like the convenience of Bennett, but at the same time you wish it were in a more natural state. I get your frustration to a point, but I suggest you find another stream to fish if you want to avoid the "concrete casting docks, surveillance cameras and discharge outlets that pile the fish up in balls positioned for snagging." This line pretty much sums up why I don't fish Bennett very often, and why I have found a lot of joy fishing our lesser known streams and creeks. The Current River is an absolutely beautiful river that may provide the options you desire. I'm not trying to insult you, I guess my point is there are alternatives if you don't like Bennett.

[brittsnbirds]

Grizz your right, I do have the ability to go to more rustic streams. My preferance is the more rustic, isolated streams. One of my bucket list items is to fish more of those that you refer to. But, I have turned many friends on to trout fishing and migrating to fly fishing. Bennett has been a great training ground for that. As you also said is the conveniance factor. It's not that far for me to pull my trailer down for 3 or 4 days. Granted if I had my druthers I would go to Montauk as it has more of a rustic attitude that I desire, but it is a tad further and much harder on the gas mileage.

As far as the fishing report, it's mainly for sales purposes, I get that, for the anglers that don't tie their own flies. . As I said before I have friends that were introduced to this sport and I do take them to Weavers and Larry's. Mainly for their glo balls, mini jigs, and gut bait lures. Once they get over that hurtle and move to the next level if they want (some are fine with where they are), I introduce them to the fly rod and go to that level.

And I agree Bennett is somewhere you can be social. What is good about it if you don't like the huge crowds just hang around till the first of the week and usually it will dwindle down. I have made some great friendships on the stream. I look forward to seeing some of the people that have helped me along in my fly fishing experience. You wouldn't have that if you were out west.

Now I know that NoLuck is going to be on the stream in the next few days. What do you say we hold his toes to the fire and challenge him to punch out a good, daily fishing report for his time on the water? What do say Rich? Pictures, fly's used technique, holes fished, etc.!

Also tell me how that Czech nymphing technique is going with those indicatiors I sent you!!

Good luck to all, and if anyone runs into me on the stream I will offer up my go to fly's, just don't hog my hole!!

[Wayne SW/MO]

Griz I understand what you're saying, I've spent a lot of time on wild rivers in OR, but that's what is available in OR. Here it's the spring branches that can accomodate a lot of people with different styles. My complaint is that every time the concessionaire see's a chance to make more money something is torn down or added. Then a park superintendent comes along and disregards all the traditions and changes more. The end result is always that what little natural experience there is in the park is further diluted. What was done to Bennett in regards to camping and lodging is inexcusable, but probably to be expected from the Missouri DNR.

Anyone remember Hillbilly days and the huge crowds that enjoyed it? Too many vendors that didn't kick anything back to Rogers to allow that to continue.

If i sound like I'm bitter it's because I am that a few individuals ruined a great place. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

[laker67]

Yes sir Wayne,that about sums up my feelings as well.

[brittsnbirds]

Roger that Wayne