Opening Day at Roaring River

[timsfly]

Water is in great shape at Roaring river this year. Normal flow and clear, it should be a good one, I was just down at the river and there are tons of fish in the river and they are going to stock more tomorrow. Lots of lunkers in the river, there will be over 6000 fish in the river for opening, 4000 will be stocked this week and there were about 2000 in the river from the C&R season, and the hatchery is stocking 50 lunkers 18" or longer (3lb and over fish) and there were probably about 100 in for the C&R season so there will be 100 + 18" and longer fish in the river for opening. There are two fish in the Falls hole that will go 10 lb easy, those will be fun for someone.

First thing in the morning I'll start with a rooster tail, black, skunk, or maybe brown, and then I'll switch off to a white or black/yellow jig when the action on the roostertail slows down. I'll be using 2lb maxima on my spinning rod(I'll use the fly rod when the crowds get smaller in the afternoon), 2 or 3lb maxima will be your best bet on opening day, you can probably use 4 at the siren, but I would switch back to lighter line shortly there after. Other good baits on opening day are ther orange, orange/white, white and the flo. chartruse worms, these have always been good colors on opening day, now if you want to start with the fly rod, then I would suggest a woolybugger or a woolyworm, both are great starters in the morning and will work all day long, black, brown or olive are usually the best colors. If you can find a spot to cast a bit, then a pheasant tail nymph, or a hares ear will catch fish all day long, a glo-ball or a thread jig in white, orange, pink, oregon cheese or lt. roe are always good choices for early morning fishing at Roaring river or any other trout park you may choose to visit. Marabou jigs are always catching fish here at the park, the Roaring River special is the best jig to use early it is easy to see and the fish like em, after that when the fish get spooky, the micro jigs work well, as do any small marabou jigs. What ever you choose to fish with on Opening weekend will probably catch you some fish, go with ligh line and enjoy the day, good luck

[Steve Smith]

This will make the first time in a long time that I won't make the opener in Roaring River. Out of town until Thursday afternoon. Depending on how late my flight gets in, at best I might drive through Thursday evening. To add to Tim's suggestions, I've found you can usually find some "space" in the fly only zone in the afternoon on opening day. You guys and gals that can make it... good luck.

[MrDucky]

Tim or Steve , the fishing hours are from 630 am to when ??

[timsfly]

http://mdc4.mdc.mo.gov/Documents/12616.pdf

Go to this link and you will get times for the whole season.

March 6:30-6:00

[Terry Beeson]

...there will be over 6000 fish in the river for opening...

And 6,000 fishermen...

[Whodat]

This will be year 29 in a row for me! I am in and bring the gang. Leaving about 1:00 today. Gotta love all the people and snags and food and cold beer!!!!!

[timsfly]

your right Terry there will be about 2000 fishing and about 4000 driving around looking, but it will still be better than working

[Terry Beeson]

Oh, but I LOVE my job, Tim...

Dang... where did that lightning come from?

But, if I'm taking off work, I'll go to Taney or BSD or the Spring...

[Flysmallie]

This will make the first time in a long time that I won't make the opener in Roaring River. Out of town until Thursday afternoon. Depending on how late my flight gets in, at best I might drive through Thursday evening. To add to Tim's suggestions, I've found you can usually find some "space" in the fly only zone in the afternoon on opening day. You guys and gals that can make it... good luck.

Well that's no good. I was going to come down and sit in the truck with ya .

[Danoinark]

Yeah Steve who is gonna cook the dawgs

Dano