Fly fishing

[Jamie]

I would like to start using a fly rod for chasing whites, walleye etc. Anyone have any advice on where to start? Type of fly rod? Length? Or is there somewhere in Springfield or locally that you would recommend that could get me started? Thanks all!!

 

Jamie

[fishinwrench]

A fairly fast 6-7wt. rod paired with a WF line, 4x and 3x leaders, and a 4ips sinking leader.   Other than a few flys, and a stringer for the walleye and whites 😊 that's all you need.

Is Plateau fly shop still open ?

[tjm]

1 hour ago, fishinwrench said:

Is Plateau fly shop still open ?

Website still up and they have casting lessons and knot tying lessons- http://plateauflyshop.com/pfs-services/

I like a 7wt as a general purpose rod. I don't like really long rods, so ~100"-111" and I tend to want a more moderate action- hence suggest the help of professional instructors in evaluating what will work best for you. Like buying shoes we don't all fit  in the same size or mold.

[Flysmallie]

2 hours ago, fishinwrench said:

Is Plateau fly shop still open ?

Whenever I drive by they seem to be open but I haven’t gone in there in a long time. 

[dpitt]

Another warm water species you can target on the fly and the region are Wipers (Hybrids between white bass and stripers) . They are pelagic so they move around the reservoirs, but lots of KS/Mo reservoirs  stock them (Truman, Clinton, Northfork, ect.). They travel in schools  and even though they can't reproduce they still have spawning behavior so in the spring you often find them in abundance off of dams that you can fish with a fly rod. When you get on them it's a blast, and they put up an awesome fight. In my opinion very much like some saltwater species.  I fish for them with a 8wt. (6 or 7 will do) and sinking line or leader. Clousers or anything representing a shad.   Of course a boat with electronics works the best, otherwise follow the birds or busting shad.  They will mix white bass, and they can get very big quick, love catching them. 

[tjm]

Doesn't the bass pro shop there  have a fly fishing department too?

[kjackson]

20 minutes ago, tjm said:

Doesn't the bass pro shop there  have a fly fishing department too?

It does. I was in there waiting for a meeting to start elsewhere, and it was better than I expected. The guy behind the counter was busy talking to a customer, and he seemed to know what he was talking about.  The prices on materials were fly shop prices, so I'd go to the local shop first. 

[Bill Butts]

Jamie - your interest in hunting white bass is one that many fellow fly fishers in the Springfield area share. 

Suggest you check out Plateau Fly Shop where Ty, Alex and Wayne are all knowledgeable and experienced in the Temperate Basses. The shop is very much open and thriving and you will find the staff very friendly and accommodating. 

The suggestions from Fishingwrench  are right on the money. The tackle and flies needed are a little different than basic trout and panfish fishing, but the single most important factor with white bass in the spring is locating the fish.  There are several good streams both north and south of Springfield which the shop can give you direction on. Get to know them.

There is also a strong fly fishing club in Springfield, the Southwest Missouri Fly Fishers. We meet on the second Thursday of every month for informative programs and a short business meeting, another night dedicated to fly tying, and schedule fishing and conservation outings monthly, too. The month of April is all about White Bass, so the monthly program, fly tying and outing will all be focused on that species. You can find notices of all club activities and locations on our Facebook page, Southwest Missouri Fly Fishers.  We would be honored to have you be our guest!  

[Jamie]

Thanks for the info guys! I will definitely check out Plateau Fly Shop. Bill Butts, thanks for the invite to SW Mo Fly Fishers. Greatly appreciated and something I will try to take you up on! I have always enjoyed fishing but really would like to try the fly rod. Look forward to the challenge..........Thanks again!