Summer Army Is Here

[Flysmallie]

Not putting down the trout parks at all but there are other options in Missouri for a more natural setting to catch trout. I'm not much on crowds so I tend to stay away. 

[NoLuck]

2 minutes ago, Flysmallie said:

Not putting down the trout parks at all but there are other options in Missouri for a more natural setting to catch trout. I'm not much on crowds so I tend to stay away. 

So when are you taking me to your favorite spots??? LOL 

I've been waiting for someone to take me and show me where they are. I promise I won't tell anyone.?

[Gavin]

Had a nice float from Moon Valley down to Bennett two Friday's ago. Only went into Bennett to let the girls feed the fish and buy them an ice cream. The spring branch did not appear to be in great shape on the lower end. Mostly tiddlers in the concrete pens.

[NoLuck]

40 minutes ago, Gavin said:

Had a nice float from Moon Valley down to Bennett two Friday's ago. Only went into Bennett to let the girls feed the fish and buy them an ice cream. The spring branch did not appear to be in great shape on the lower end. Mostly tiddlers in the concrete pens.

It should be pretty interesting as to what they do this winter.  I'm not a big fan of dredging but the stream sure needs some help of some sort.  Most of the holes and structure is gone. I'd like to see them dig out some nice pockets and put in some good size boulders.  Wishful thinking I'm sure.

[jpb2187]

3 hours ago, NoLuck said:

You missed the part where I said I'm happy just heading back the the camper to relax and enjoy myself.  That is how I deal with people that haven't a clue about steam etiquette.  It's not my job to teach them. I feel if I have to teach them then I become the jerk. So it's better to just walk away. 

I've  always thought that when people buy a tag they should have a handout or at least a board with stream etiquette as a guide for beginners.  It would save a lot of grief. But then again people would have to actually give a rats behind.  

So, it's nice to have options.

I hear you man, not saying you have to change the world. Just that it doesn't hurt to offer knowledge if somebody will listen. 

[Flysmallie]

4 hours ago, NoLuck said:

So when are you taking me to your favorite spots??? 

NFOW. Beautiful place. Don't tell anybody else though.

[DADAKOTA]

14 hours ago, NoLuck said:

If it is so easy fishing the trout parks, why do I see so many people come and go all day long and never hook a fish?   Sure you can put a gut fly or pellet fly on and catch dumb fish. But, if you choose to use natural bugs to fly fish to actually trick the fish into biting,then it is a little more satisfying. 

Ive said it a lot,  and I'll say it again. You have to take what you have and enjoy it for what it is.  If you expect it to be something that it isn't then you are setting yourself up for disappointment. 

I go there because it's convenient and it's good practice for when I do go someplace more natural. Plus I have a lot of good friends that I can see there and have a great time.  It's also about tradition. My family has been going there since as long as I can remember.  I'm now 51 years old, and I plan on going there till I can't walk and fish anymore.  Maybe even longer if I can find me someone to roll me around and watch. 

So before writing off something that you don't understand fully of how someone else is thinking, please think of someone else's perspective.  

Rich

Rich - I offered my opinion on trout parks.  Did you not read the part where I said, " With that said, to each there own.  If that is your thing then you've got several parks to choose from. "  Folks can fish where and how they want.  I'm glad you enjoy it.  Plenty of folks do not catch fish at the lake, in a river, and some even in a pond.  I'd guess the reason is that someone failed to take the time and put forth the effort to provide a little instruction and guidance to these folks on the basics of fishing.  Most folks have someone show them the ropes when they are young.  From too heavy an action rod, to reels loaded with too heavy of line, all the way down to bait selection, how to work it, reading a stream, common courtesy, fishing etiquette, etc.  A lot of people have not been taught or shown the way to do it.  Look at all the spinning reels being reeled backwards while on top of the rod.  I totally enjoy showing folks how to fish and hope they will someday enjoy the sport as much as I do.

I have spent plenty of time at the parks  in my younger years.  I always loved going to Meramec Springs as a kid cause it gave me chance to fish and spend time with my Dad.  Used to go to the parks with my buddies in high school and college cause we could always catch fish.  Campground parties weren't too bad either.  I have fished rooster tails, the 100th ounce jigs, fished nymphs, stripped cracklebacks, and on occasion dry flies amongst others.  I have seen folks sight fish for lunkers not by fooling them into eating, but by annoying them by continually putting the fly, jig, etc. right on the fish's nose. Not a sight fishing fan of any type of fish.  I'd laugh when they caught the fish and started strutting around like a peacock as if they had accomplished some great feat.  Pretty much like high fence hunting for trophies. 

I don't expect it to be different than what it is.  Once I got older I realized I did not like fishing in crowds, watching folks use gut piles for bait, folks trying to snag fish, and the overall lack of common courtesy shown by some.  I preferred to go fishing with my family/friends to get away from the masses and enjoy the peace and quiet.  As such, I quit going to the parks.  Those that like the park scene can enjoy it as well.  Folks can fish for whatever they want wherever they want.  I hope they enjoy it as much as I do.

 

You mentioned that the fish size has decreased.  I'm curious if that is related to the summer army, bank fishermen, or the hatchery production is still behind due to the flooding?  Enjoy your fishing and try the trophy areas and/or other rivers in the State.  Some dandy fish in those places and not near the crowds.

 

[Johnsfolly]

I agree that there are enough places in MO to fish for trout that are so varied that you can fish with any technique that you enjoy. I enjoy the solitude of some of the wild trout streams and particularly like the strong fighting wild fish that I have caught in those streams. I don't really like creating fly and jig tree decorations in places like Blue Springs, but that just means I have to be a better caster. I also enjoy the memories that I have made with my family fishing the trout parks and seeing who wins the biggest and more often the smallest fish of the day, which usually includes some sort of sculpin. My youngest daughter is now big enough to handle some of the flows in places like the Current and I hope to make memories with her on those waters as well.

I have had courteous and not so courteous folks at the parks and on rivers like the Current. There's too much water out there. I hope that everyone can go and enjoy the fishing that suits you.

[ness]

Do what you like, like what you do. The second part of that is more important in the long run.

 

[MOPanfisher]

55 minutes ago, ness said:

Do what you like, like what you do. The second part of that is more important in the long run.

 

There you go, getting all philosophical and its only a Thursday.