Spoonbill

[kelly]

Ok. Thanks. I am just trying to keep on top of what is going on over there. I plan to take you up on your offer to meet me there sometime. Especially catching some flats on fly rod. That sounds line real fun.

Bud

We will have to work the White bass and the Spoonbills over first, but come about May it ought to heat up for Flatheads. I had one on once while standing in the river and he swam completely around me in a circle while I stood still and my flyrod was bent over double. I didn't know a rod could do that and not break. He knew more about the bottom than I did and I left with a broken line and a smile.

[gonefishin]

Heh heh. Man that does sound like a real hoot. I guess they catch bigger fish on Fly ROd when Salt Water fishing but, for Chetopa Ks that has to be about the ultimate. Fish size that is.

[kelly]

Ok. Thanks. I am just trying to keep on top of what is going on over there. I plan to take you up on your offer to meet me there sometime. Especially catching some flats on fly rod. That sounds line real fun.

Bud

I went to Chetopa Saturday. The water is so thin the fish are requesting sunscreen.

Kelly

[gonefishin]

No doubt. I was down at the local lake and seen the fish were all wearing sunglasses.

[MoCarp]

Those spots are some of my favs--white bass run great at baxter dam some hybrids but water needs to be up--that might take some time this year--spoon bill--catch a few of those too--toss most of them back if you use the right hooks

[gonefishin]

That is a couple of nice ones.

Bud

[kelly]

That is a couple of nice ones.

Bud

My dad told that the White Bass are biting below the Chetopa dam. My thermometer froze before I could get there though. He said for some reason the Neosho had come up some, probably due to John Redmon releasing some water. Where they got it I don't know. Anyway I will check on it.

I saw a Stingray last week... underneath the boat just off shore of Grand Cayman. Ohh the weather there.

[gonefishin]

My dad told that the White Bass are biting below the Chetopa dam. My thermometer froze before I could get there though. He said for some reason the Neosho had come up some, probably due to John Redmon releasing some water. Where they got it I don't know. Anyway I will check on it.

I saw a Stingray last week... underneath the boat just off shore of Grand Cayman. Ohh the weather there.

Let me know about those whites. I may come over that way and try to get some.

Grand Caymen huh. That is way cool!! I hear there is some really awesome fishing down that way. Was you really down there fishing or was you watching on TV and dreaming?

[Bill Butts]

Kelly,

There was an increase in the flow reading at Miami on the Neosho up to about 1000 cfs, from around 850 cfs, but now it is back to about 800 cfs. Not a huge fluctuation.

Please let us know if you hear any report, good or not good, whether the fish are hanging in the area below the dam.

Would be interested to know what the water temp is, too.

Thanks in advance for your follow up.

PS.....

Folks, early season fishing for about any specie of spring-run fish fluctuates to a high degree upon water temps. It is very important to know and track those changes, since cold weather snaps can alter the scenario quickly, so please invest in a quality thermometer the most expensive of which is a $25 digital version for quick readings. That is very inexpensive for the value it can provide in checking current temps.

If you do get one, please be sure to include the temp readings when you post your reports.

It will help everyone else, and you'll be able to compare others data with your own experience.

It isn't always the spot or area you're fishing, but the dynamics of the conditions and weather/water data that can make the difference between success and a lousy trip. Sometimes most importantly, whether or not to even make a trip vs. waiting for more favorable conditions.

I also suggest you keep a fishing log book with as much data as you can remember and record. From year to year it is a great tool for increasing your odds of success, too.

[kelly]

Let me know about those whites. I may come over that way and try to get some.

Grand Caymen huh. That is way cool!! I hear there is some really awesome fishing down that way. Was you really down there fishing or was you watching on TV and dreaming?

I was watching tv... on a 12 foot by 22 foot jumbotron while seated by the pool in a lounge chair. I was supposed to fish while we were in the Bahamas but the water was real rough. We did not get in a small boat untill we got to Grand Cayman, so I guess I still have never fished in the ocean, other than for blue crabs when I was a boy, I really need to get back down there. I am a coastal Texan ya' know!!! I can't complain though, the entire trip cost me about $150.00 in trinkets for the kids and grandkids. I am blessed with the greatest in-laws in the world.

PS. I am coming to LT the first Saturday in March.