If You Could Interject Any Species

[Trav]

This is a little snippet from the Missouri Conservationist Web Site

A crew conducting a fish population survey at Lake Taneycomo Aug. 27 shocked up a brown trout that measured 36 1/2 inches long and had a girth of 28 1/2 inches.

A clipped fin allowed fisheries workers to determine that the fish was stocked in 1988 or 1991, so it was at least 11 years old. The fish sampling crew didn't have a scale large enough to weigh the fish, but a standard formula for calculating a fish's weight from its dimensions indicates it weighed about 37 pounds.

Missouri's current state-record brown trout weighed 26-pounds, 13-ounces. It was caught by Rob Caudel of Springfield at Bull Shoals Lake in 1997. The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) recognizes a 40-pound, 4-ounce fish caught from Arkansas' Little Red River in 1992 as the world all-tackle record.

Does Lake Taneycomo harbor a world-record brown trout? Fisheries Regional Supervisor Chris Vitello said fisheries workers have seen several fish in the same size class as his crew's recent, heart-stopping catch. Furthermore they released the 37-pounder unharmed, so it's probably still out there.

Someone already had a brush with that fish. The lunker brown had a broken piece of monofilament fishing line trailing from its mouth.

[Greg]

This is why I like this forum, you get to debate with people who KNOW what they hell they are talking about. Where can I find the latest population survey to see that they "Put and Grow" terminology is accurate. Not doubting you, I just want to see it.

I am talking about 15 pound rainbows, the kind that made the lake famous, before they stocked browns in the lake.

Obviously we have differing opinions on what makes a water world class, but to me, it is naturally reproducing trout, that do not have to parented (read: stocked) by some government agency.

Trav, everybody on here judges, just not you or I

I saw the population survey on the 11 Point last year sometime, and was wondering if there is one for Upper Taney.

Thanks for the compliment - at least I think that was a compliment? LOL. I really don't know of any recent surveys. But you can wade the upper lake anytime there is low water and see and catch (sometimes) scads of bows in that 15 to 20" range. They don't generally stock them that size so it just stands to reason that they were partially "grown" in the river. Also just about anyone that fishes Taney regularly can tell a distinct difference between the freshly stocked bows and those that have been in the river for some time.

For some fisherman (obviously you included) - they just consider wild trout vastly superior. But I just don't. I just love trout fishing with a fly rod. Period. Stocked or wild it doesn't matter to me. And I've fished some out west and caught trout but I generally catch bigger and more quality trout at good old Taney. Which is luckily about 40 min from my door. Like you said just a differing opinion on what is world class.

And I can only speak for the upper lake. I don't know squat about the lower lake. Maybe down there where there is no slot limit the bows are mostly put and take stockers? People like Phil and Trav know a lot more about that than me.

Trav - I share your pain about not getting enough fishing in lately.

Greg

[laker67]

I wonder if Trav has thoroughly researched the current state record brown?

[Phil Lilley]

I wonder if Trav has thoroughly researched the current state record brown?

I think the statement about the brown was copy/pasted and is an old article. Of course the brown trout state record has been broke twice since, both on Taneycomo.

We found a brown about 10 years ago dead, floating up from the dock that measured 44 inches long. It had been dead long enough that the girth was probably bloated and inacurate so the weight is unknown. But it's possible it could have been larger than the world record- it was longer.

Some have seen larger browns. We've seen them as large or larger under our dock but it's been a few years since we've seen them.

[jscheetz]

Taney is in dire need of a true apex predator, one to eat all of the 10" rainbow trout and grow to a truly desirable size.

Sounds like you are speaking about a few of our forum members.

JS

[Trav]

laker,

I dont keep track of much. If it isnt football or the BASS Elite, My mind forgets to check.

And Phil was right. I copy and pasted that snippet and did disclose its source. I only threw that bit in because Taney does have huge browns. I have caught a dozen or so over 10 pounds. And over half that I catch are over 5.

The only time I see "farm lag" fish here on the lower is in the winter. Only because , as Phil has mentioned, They cant dump the farm fish this far down unless the temp is right. All the fish I catch here on the lower are adjusted frisky critters. Put and grow...Put and take,...there is a fine line. Once they have spent a month in the lake they act like all the rest. And I will have to say, the fish on the lower tend to be alot more healthy and selective with thier diet. Nobodys catching 50 bows a day down here.

Greg,

I can get out, but with only a trolling motor. Sucks to drag that battery up the hill when it needs charged....lol

[drew03cmc]

I completely agree there are record class fish in Taney, but it is not the only water in the state of MO, or definitely the Ozarks with that potential as has been evidenced before.

I support those that can fish there regularly and have a chance at that once in a lifetime 10# trout, but for my gas money these days, I will chase 20# carp that are no more native than a brown trout, but fight like a tractor!

[Danoinark]

but it is not the only water in the state of MO, or definitely the Ozarks with that potential as has been evidenced before.

I have to disagree, outside of the White River system you are not going to find 15lb + rainbows or browns in other Mo waters. Wild or stocked.

Dano

[Trav]

Dano is right. And a 10 plus brownie isnt a once in a lifetime experiance. If that is so...then I have lived almost a dozen lives.

Now a 10 plus rainbow will be nice. That will be a once in a lifetime.

As far as Carp, I remember as a kid with a can of corn , catching 20 to 40 pounders as easy as catching 6 inch gills.

Fun fishing, but my dad used to get mad at me for burning out all his good reels. LOL

[Fly_Guy]

Trav - or "another member" my apologies - I didn't check to see who started this topic on Taneycomo when I polled for RR. I will from now on site the proper topic starter for the record - I'd like to see saugeye and wipers - something that could be stocked but managed easier. Costly for the state however.