Never Fished Taneycomo Before

[Phil Lilley]

Keep all the sub 12 inch rainbows up below the dam you want, within the code of course. The rules are designed for people to keep those 11.9 inch rainbows so that the upper end isn't over populated, which at times I think it is.

As far as keeping them over 20-inches, we all have our opinions. I know some like to smoke a big trout once in a while. Again, the rules are there for a reason... I hate to see big trout killed but I'm not going to stare or glare or yell at anyone who takes one out. I do advise ppl here that if they want to mount one, it's much better to have a replica made and release your trophy. Replicas look so much better and last forever, if they're done right of course.

[Phil Lilley]

They've stocked a ton of rainbows late last week. A lot of them are down at Monkey Island and can be caught with spoons, trout magnets and power bait.

[BredMan]

So I am planning to fish at Taneycomo next weekend with my wife, but I have never been there. Are there a lot of public access spots? Also we would like to catch and keep trout, with the slot limit on rainbows and the limit on browns is there really any opportunity for this?

Frankly you need to have some idea how you plan to fish and where. Using a boat? Not using a boat? Quit obviously not using a boat has limitations meaning you fish from a public access which are available as mentioned but don't expect to walk in and fish just anywhere. Fly fishing has limitations as well, mainly the water level affects access but always accessible by boat. Renting a boat or bringing your own boat offers more options but you need to know where you are going due to fluctuations in the water level and the hazards that presents to boats. The rules on fishing are really quit simple but differ for the upper lake area designated as the trophy area. Regardless the opportunities to catch a limit of 4 trout are pretty good but don't expect to be landing 20+ inch rainbows and browns all day. The folks at Lilley's Landing offer rental boats and always a great source for good advice.

[chambug]

To Big Brown Trout:

I have been reminded that i dwell with an old mind in my head that does not remember as well as it used to. I apologize for giving you the wrong information about the trout you can keep when fishing the dam area on Taneycomo. Gatorjet is right....the limit is four per person. Get him to tell you this also: What comprises "possession"?

Also ask him to explain: "That is person to person" and "If keeping your catch is important, don't even bother going up to the dam." For reasons that gatorjet would not understand, the dam area is the only place i have fished except for a float trip on one of Lilley's pontoon boats. Every case where i caught my four and a legal brown, they were consumed shortly after being caught, and I could care less about the "looks" from the other fishermen.

Ease up gatorjet....you temperament is old before its time.

chambug

[Big Brown Trout]

thanks for all the info guys, it is very much appreciated. Phil if the opportunity comes I hope to stop by your shop. ( I do need some mouse flies ).

Don't worry guys I am very familiar with the regulations and more honest when it comes to fishing than most people. I never break any of the rules. Of course I doubt I will land my legal limit, I'm just hopping for one or two keepers.

[Gatorjet]

To Big Brown Trout:

I have been reminded that i dwell with an old mind in my head that does not remember as well as it used to. I apologize for giving you the wrong information about the trout you can keep when fishing the dam area on Taneycomo. Gatorjet is right....the limit is four per person. Get him to tell you this also: What comprises "possession"?

Also ask him to explain: "That is person to person" and "If keeping your catch is important, don't even bother going up to the dam." For reasons that gatorjet would not understand, the dam area is the only place i have fished except for a float trip on one of Lilley's pontoon boats. Every case where i caught my four and a legal brown, they were consumed shortly after being caught, and I could care less about the "looks" from the other fishermen.

Ease up gatorjet....you temperament is old before its time.

chambug

What comprises "possession"?

Daily and Possession Limits

You may possess no more than the daily limit of any given species while you are on waters, or on the banks of waters, where daily limits for those species apply. Where only catch-and-release fishing is allowed, fish must be returned unharmed immediately to the water after being caught.

The possession limit is twice the statewide daily limit. Fish you take and possess must be kept separate or distinctly identifiable from fish taken by another person. If you are away from your catch, the device holding the fish must be plainly labeled with your full name and address.

"That is person to person"

Auto spell correct I overlooked. Per person!

"If keeping your catch is important, don't even bother going up to the dam."

Keep 4 fish each under 12 inches below the dam, keep 4 fish each any size below Fall Creek. I travel up to lookout or so with no or low flow (the Gator would go about anywher above there, but I don't want to disturbe the wading fishermen when they are out). Or all the way up with

heavy flow to hve fun catching a lot of quality fish, along with some nice "picture" fish over 20". I stay below Fall Creek, or fish off of Lilley's dock to catch 12-15 inch "eaters". I don't care much for trout larger than 15"