First Timer

[Beagle_nut]

The wife has family near Cassville so we're planning to make the 300+ mile trip from up here in NE MO some time in June and want to try Roaring River while we're in the area. We've fished Montauk and Bennett but never Roaring River, and the first question I'd have is which one of these it's more similar to. The big difference for me is that I can get along just fine fishing Montauk in hip boots, but at Bennett if I didn't have waders along I'd miss out on a whole lot of fishing. I'm sure we'll bring everything with us but I'd appreciate some of you locals' opinions, is the majority of the stream like the deep-water areas at Bennett or more like the smaller / steeper parts of the stream at Montauk?

I printed the map of the park on the web site but it's pretty useless as far as specifics on the stream, eg. what zone is where and I can't find anything on the different zone regulations. I get the impression from previous discussions the are 3 levels not just fly vs. bait like at Montauk? If anybody could find some better online brochure I could look at I'd appreciate the help. We fish with spinning rods and jigs 99% of the time so I'm hoping that means we can go anywhere other than the hatchery ha ha.

[timsfly]

From the hatchery to the posted sign at the mouth of Dry Hollow Creek, scented and unscented soft plastic baits, artificial lures, and flies may be used. No other natural and scented bait may be used. Dough bait, putty, or paste type bait is prohibited.

From the posted sign at the mouth of Dry Hollow Creek to the old dam in the lower campground, only flies may be used. In the area of Zone 2 designated as catch and release only (from the posted sign at the mouth of Dry Hollow Creek to the Posted sign below the bridge on Highway F) trout may not be possessed and must be returned to the water unharmed immediately. This portion of Zone 2 is designated as a multiple use area with wading and swim- ming allowed. Fishing is not permitted on the South bank (bluff side) from the posted sign near the old dam to the posted sign near campground 2 in Zone 2.

From the old dam to the park boundary, natural and scented baits, soft plastic baits, artificial lures, and flies may be used. The area from the first bride be- low the old dam to the border of the park may be fished with either a daily tag or a trout permit.

[timsfly]

http://extra.mdc.mo.gov/documents/area_brochures/6118map.pdf

Map of Roaring River

[JCW355]

Some people think catch and release means catch and release in my fish basket. I saw people keeping fish there last week.

[Jeff Tief]

Only a few sections at Roaring River where you can wade so you wouldn't need any waders plus standing on the bank in June in waders could get mighty warm.

[Beagle_nut]

Much better map. And waders not only get hot but are much more tiresome to wear. Thanks for the info.