Fishing Buddy Report

[Phil Lilley]

 

Winter trout fishing in January in Missouri?  After my third year in a row having a great week at Lily's Landing on Lake Taneycomo, I can't wait to do it again.  My Uncle Len and his lifelong friend John invited me a few years back and I was skeptical because of the time of year and the potential for freezing temperatures.  But we've been on a run yearly having some days in the 60's and some into the 30's.    They both happen to be retired and arrive on Monday, fish half a day, then 3 full days, and check out Friday morning to return home to the St Louis area.    

 

We arrived on Monday, January 7, 2019 to mid 60's temperature  After putting in the boat at Coopers Creek & getting a room key from the resort, we were on the water.  I was using an ultra light rod, 4lb clear mono line, and a gold 1/4 oz spoon.  1 hour in and after a few stocker size release the catch of the week was hooked.  I landed a 4 pound,  20 1/2 inch rainbow.   Upon retuning to Lilly's to call it a day, Phil was kind enough to take my picture with my prized catch and saved it for me on a flash drive.  The next morning Jimmy in the front office presented me with a certificate, pin and patch to celebrate many memories in the future.

 

The resort is kept very nice.  Maintenance is always working to keep the basics up.  I could see the many things to do aside from fishing (outdoor pool, game cart, basketball hoop, playground, multiple bbq pits & fryers, outdoor fireplaces, several outdoor sitting areas).   Our room was comfortable, clean, and well stocked with a full kitchen.  Forget anything for your trip or want to fish what your buddy is catching with, then head to the shop.  It has almost anything you'll need.    

 

Fishing was tough but good as water movement from the dam the first 3 days seemed like three turbines although only 2 were predicted.  It was tough to hold the boat on a good hole and get more than one or two casts.  Further, you need heavier lures to get your presentation DOWN.   Brown trout were abundant ranging from 12 to 15 inches and had to be released.  Surprisingly the rainbow to brown ratio was 50/50 for all fish landed in the boat over our time out.  The last day the water movement was not as Swift on Lake Taneycomo however the weather had dropped 30° and it was tough to stay out very long. 

 

Special thanks to Jimmy at the shop.  He is an amazing, personable representative of Lillys Landing.  He helped when calling ahead to get our dock slip and room information and got us checked in, allowing us to get on the water fast.  Later in the evening, as he was locking up shop and we were bringing bags to our room, he made offer of help.  It was a casual "Did you need help with anything", but since it was 6:30 pm and he was headed home as we were getting in, it was above and beyond expectations.  Again, trophy trout memories as mentioned above.  Checking the water levels in the shop daily, Jimmy was outgoing and friendly.  Finally, at checkout Jimmy made us feel welcomed and wanting to return. (Disclaimer: I never met they guy before, didn't room with him at college, he's not in my family, and he didn't pay me to write this.)

 

I can't wait to get back to Lilly's and will be sharing the positive feedback with fellow trout-a-holics.  

 

Keep calm & fish on,

Rich Harrod