Fishing Report

[Bill Babler]

Picked the folks up at Lilleys' with a tag boat in tow and headed for the dam at approx. 8:30 Am.

Proceeded to the cable, but not above, and advised the tag boat to do the same.

Spoke to a friend today that is with MDC Fisheries,

Funny, the cable and set-back really has absolutely nothing to do with fishing regulations, but is designed as a safety feature to keep both boats and bank fisherman away from the dam, turbines and plant. Said the wording on the sign really needs to be changed from no fishing to Danger, No Admitance, Resticted Area. Was never meant to be a source of revenue, only a safety feature. Just giggled as I related the 3 ft. over the line cast. Mentioned there might be some higher priority issues on the lake, but he was not an enforcement officer.

Over, is over and where MDC is concerned there is no gray area. However there were so many people fishing powerbait in the restricted area today, you would have thought that might have been a priority for them?

I more than agree with Tightline on the subject. If you have never driven as much as 1 mile an hour over the speed limit, then you may throw a stone. He admitted his mistake and I think him a good man for it. We all make em, and Lord knows I make em everyday.

Also saw at least 3 browns under 20 thrown in the cooler's, and several Bow's in the slot. Just lots of people up there messing up. Lots of people on the lake for that matter.

Now the good stuff. 5 drifts from the cable to clay banks and at least 30 catch and release bows and browns on the 1/8 oz. white marabou for my boat.

The tag boat did the same as it was really hot on the jig, till they shut her down.

From 11 AM till 2:30 fished down town Branson and the fishing was just assume for big rainbows, in the 15 to 18 inch range.

Clients ended the day with 4 each and the tag boats two men had their four each. Weighed the 16 bows before cleaning and the weight was 23 lbs.

Spoke to the guys running the stocking boat and they were hitting it hot and heavy, stocking at Rockaway and below. Said the quality was not the same as the stocking last week, with this weeks offering being in the 10 inch class.

Lots of the big stockers are still in the river, as we caught and released as least 25 more while we were throwing the smokers in the box.

Great fishing for the next month at least. Good Luck All

[Whodat]

Bill you have had to see my story on geting a ticket fishing off bank above the cable! Yes, I did and I paid my fine today! The guy with me has never been down at the dam before trout fishin, we bass fish! Having that said, he is taking them to court about the sign and everything Mr. Conservation man had to say. I was at the Springfield office for and hour today because they wanted to hear what I had to say. The other guy has a case against the officer and they did all but agree. I am tried of all this, so I am hanging up my hat on the trout and going back to bass fishing. We both have Champion boats and don't need the dung I got on here! Love u trout guy's, Ducky, Leonard,Dano and everyone else. Be safe, and don't go above the cable!!!

Love'n life

Dave

[ColdWaterFshr]

Well hellsbells WD, why didn't you come right out and tell that agent you had a Champion?????? I'm sure that woulda changed the tenor of things.