wow! does nobody fish this park?

[Center Punch]

Looking at the topics, Maramecs most recent topic was a month ago when the other parks are within a couple days. Just wandering whats going on. need reports. come on guys and gals

[flyfshn]

CP, I fished this park a couple of years ago, but everyone was using dough bait, which made it difficult to fly fish. Is there a fly fishing section?

[snagged in outlet 3]

It is the closest trout park to me but I never do well fly fishing. I've had a few trips over the 25 years going there when it was good but usually don't do well. I do see alot of real nice trout swiming around there. I've had a couple spectacular evenings dry fly fishing, but like I said, I usually stink it up.

Help me out CP. I've seen your reports and you seem to have that place wired.

SIO3.

[McCloud]

I attempted to send my first post earlier and for whatever reason failed.

I am a fly fishermen wannabe-I have evolved from using bait both homemade and store bought to lures and jigs to flies.I have posted my trips -some anyway on Missouri Trout Hunters site-very helpful for a beginning trout fisherman.

My brothers and I booked a beginners fly instruction class in August of 2006 with River Run Outfitters.Carolyn Parker was both a very helpful and patient

instructor.The reason I have not posted my trips on OAF is because I have not gotten to the point of being able to offer input in regards to fly fishing that I believe would be helpful(the blind leading the blind)to fly fisherman.

I have had luck or should I say the opportunity to use my fly rod only once this year and that was at Roaring River and I did alright.While I live close to St.Louis I fish Meramec Springs on a regular basis-I have not felt that I could fish there with my fly rod without getting in some other fishermens way.

In my walks around the park I believe if one was an accomplished fly guy or woman he could do quite well-I have observed many people having success.

Until the time comes that my comfort level rises I will continue jig fishing

and standing next to my kids using doughbait.After all I would rather watch my daughter catch a fish than myself.Perhaps the day will come when she too can fly cast and we will fish using fly rods.

I would like to add this forum has been very informative and has helped in my

attempt to fly fish-Thanks

P.S.-I have seen replies and topics from Rich Looten and was wondering if

this is the same fella that attended and facilitated our Sunday School class @ E-Free Church in Columbia,MO with my family.

[JobyKSU]

Until the time comes that my comfort level rises I will continue jig fishing

and standing next to my kids using doughbait.After all I would rather watch my daughter catch a fish than myself.

McCloud,

I recently broke in a new fishing partner that felt exactly like you did. For a while, even when fly fishing he brought his spinning rod - it was a nice little security blanket for him.

Ultimately, the only way you'll get comfortable is to go for it. Spend a little bit of time on the lawn before you go, and it'll come together very quickly. Soon, your daughter will be begging you to teach her to fish with the funny stick!

[McCloud]

JobyKSU,

You are probably right it is my security blanket.

I will have to at some point take the plunge-not literally-

and start fly casting in the stream.

I believe the next time I go to Maremec Springs or Montauk I'm using my fly rod.

Thanks

[flyfshn]

McCloud, I hope you did not take my post as a slam against dough bait fisherman. I tought my 3 kids to fish with spinning rods and a zebco 33....and yes, one of them used dough bait that was given to him by a guy at Maramec Springs. My point was that I thought it was difficult to fly fish when I was there....but I was also just learning at that time. The cool thing about fly fishermen is that they will all share their knowledge with you. If you live near STL, you might consider joining Ozark Fly Fishers. They meet on the 4th Thursday of each month at Queeny Park on Weidman Road. I joined about 3 months ago and I learn something new at each meeting. They also have certified fly casters that will gladly work with you on casting. I sent centerpunch a pm a couple of days ago telling him we should hook up at Cardiac Hill sometime....you should come with us!!

[snagged in outlet 3]

I'd like to go with you guys to Cardiac.

BTW, the man who had the heart attack, for which the Cardiac Access is named for, is in the hospital for a current heart attack. He had his first heart attack climbing the hill there with a bunch of the original Ozark Fly Fishers guys 27 years ago. They called it cardiac Hill after that day and it stuck so well MDC named it Cardiac Access.

SIO3

[McCloud]

flyfshn

I did not take that as a slam-the three types of fishing that is allowed in the park limits the opportunities for fly fishermen both those who are skilled as well as beginners.Until the time comes that Maramec Springs implements zones ,which may be never

there will be frustration from bait,lure,and fly fishermen.

I would love to have the opportunity to fish with you and cp and whoever else would like to at Cardiac Hill sometime.Let me know

Until then take care.

[hooked79]

I was there last weekend and two weekends ago and got skunked both times. I've had my best luck at the park during the catch and release season in the winter. Olive wooly buggers usually have worked best. I also spend most of my time on the gravel bar across from the bridge. THere's more room to cast and less people to bump into.