Trout Times

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Welcome to Roaring River 2015

1975-2015:

Forty years of fun, fishing, family and friends HIKE FOR HEALTH Good for the mind, body and soul

Q&A With Roaring River Superintendant Kerry Hays

TYING FLIES A means of self-expression

TROUT TIMES 2015 1

2 TROUT TIMES 2015

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TROUT TIMES 2015 3

BRUTON’S BRUTON’S COUNTRY COUNTRY MARINE MARINE

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We Take America Fishing Family owned and operated since 1986

TAMI PAYDON, OF NEODESHA, KANSAS, DISPLAYS HER CATCH WHILE WAITING HER TURN AT THE CLEANING STATION. PHOTO TAKEN BY JOSHUA BOLEY, OPENING DAY 2014.

CERTIFIED TECHNICIANS

VISIT US AT www.brutonmarine.com or call (417) 271-3685, 35629 State Hwy 86 Golden, MO 65658

Staff PUBLISHER Jacob Brower

EDITOR Sherry Tucker

ART DIRECTOR Veronica Zucca

MARKETING DIRECTOR Lisa Craft

ADVERTISING Sheila Harris Marion Chrysler Jim Craig

CONTRIBUTORS Jennifer Conner Brad Stillwell Joshua Boley

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Trout Times is an annual publication of the Cassville Democrat, The Monett Times and Connection magazine.

417-847-2610 - Cassville 417-235-3135 - Monett P.O. Box 486 600 Main Street Cassville, MO 65625

ROARING RIVER 2015

Contents 7

1975-2015: Forty years of fun, fishing, family and friends Trout-camp opening day tradition

13

A lifetime of fishing

18

Trout Times readers share their photos

24

Hike for health Good for the mind, body and soul

30

Take a hike!

Hiking trails at Roaring River State Park

35

Q&A with Roaring River Superintendant Kerry Hays

40

Tying flies as a means of self-expression

43

Delicious trout recipes Some great ideas for preparing your catch of the day

48

Scenes from Opening Day 2014

49

Fishing regulations at Roaring River State Park TROUT TIMES 2015 5

Ball and Prier Tire

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6 TROUT TIMES 2015

1975-2015 Forty years of fun, fishing, family and friends

Trout-camp opening day tradition Story by Sherry Tucker | Photos by Rob Lotufo

The opening day of trout season is more than just an event to the Peters and Helmkamp families... it’s a tradition that has turned into a family legacy.

For 40 years, John Peters and Sam Helmkamp have spent opening day of trout season on the banks of Roaring River.

Every year, the Peters and Helmkamp families, which includes sons, son-in-laws and grandsons, pack up the campers, pack up the cooking gear, the fishing tackle and food for the large and ever-growing crowd of campers, and head to Roaring River. “I reserve seven campsites in campground 2 on my birthday every year,” said John. To get campsites reserved for opening day, they must be claimed months in advance. John, being the camping veteran that he is, knows exactly how to stake his claim and make sure they are prepared for what has become an anticipated yearly event.

Forty-eight hours before the March first opening day, the campgrounds open and the two families commence their annual pilgrimage back to the river. That’s when the fun begins and the outdoor adventure, that has become a rite of passage for all the young boys in these two families, takes place on the banks, and among the hillsides, of Roaring River.

TROUT TIMES 2015 7

But, how did this all start? We have to go way back – years before Sam and John even started camping.

“We’ve been friends since seventh grade,” said John. “John and I were on the wrestling team and played other sports together through high school,” said Sam. They spent their high school years together at Monett, and graduated in 1970. Even after graduating, they moved in different directions, yet remained parallel. Within days of each other, John enlisted with the Air Force, and Sam was drafted into the Army. “I was one of the two last drafted in Barry County,” explained Sam. “I knew I was going to be drafted, so I enlisted,” said John. Both men narrowly missed going to Vietnam, with John spending most of his time in the Philippines, “I trained as a K-9 Police Officer in San Antonio before getting sent to the Philippines, and worked in Marijuana/Heroine detection with a great big German Shepherd.” Sam said, “I went to Ft. Polk, Louisiana for AIT, to be sent over to Vietnam, but wound up in Ft. Hood, Texas, reassigning officers coming back from Vietnam.”

JOHN PETERS AND SAM HELMKAMP DURING THE EARLY YEARS OF THEIR OPENING DAY TRADITION. “We started camping the year we came back from the service in the fall of ‘74.” said John. “In February, I called him up, and said, ‘let’s go fish.’ We stayed in my ‘56 Chevy.

We slept in the back seat of the car.” Sam confessed, “We didn’t catch anything that first year,” with a laugh. They watched, learned, and had fun. They decided to do it again next year. “The second year we put an air mattress in the back of my dad’s pick-up.”

And so, the Peters-Helmkamp tradition was started. Eventually they upgraded to tents, and then campers. The polarity of weather that they have witnessed during their yearly visits has been incredible.

Anything from frigid weather, ice and snow, to unseasonably warm. “One year we took SuDawn’s dads camper and it was so cold!” said John. “For us the weather doesn’t matter – we’ll be there,” stated Sam. Sam and John’s wives, Jayne and SuDawn, are amused by their husbands, and now sons and grandsons, tradition. They are 8 TROUT TIMES 2015

happy to let it remain the mens time. “We went one year,” said SuDawn. “We walked out there, and all those people were shoulder to shoulder,” said Jayne. That’s all it took for them to appreciate that not only the fishing, but their big camping brigade was a good “mens only” vacation. “It’s a tradition now, and like a rite of passage for all the grandsons,” explained SuDawn. “It’s for the guys, and it’s special to make it just for the boys. It’s a big deal for them. They have to make good grades and obey the rules,” said Jayne.

Sam said, “There are no electronics allowed on the campground. All cellphones, except ours, are left at home. Bicycles – you bet, skateboards are ok too – but no T.V.’s.”

Jayne continued, “They don’t argue about it, they are all just so excited to go!”

Though it has become an all boy outing, they also take time for the girls, “My granddaughter likes to fish, and we make a special trip just so we can go together. We’ll be

going a couple of weeks after the 1st,” said Sam. Since their humble beginnings in the ‘56 Chevy, Sam and John seem to have moved into the position of ambassadors of the event, and hardly even fish on opening day, “We help the others fish, make sure the younger ones learn how,” said Sam. They have even been able to pass some of the cooking responsibilities on to others as well – which is no small undertaking.

“The camaraderie, this is what friendship is about,” said Sam Helmkamp about him and John’s 40 years of opening day at Roaring River.

They will typically feed 20 to 40 people at a meal. The group has grown, and usually includes others now as well, “Usually we have Steve Deines and Dr. Doug Brooks, and their sons, too,” said Sam. Everyone helps with cooking.

In 40 years they have seen a lot of changes in the looks of the park. “I like the new places, and that they’ve made it wheelchair accessible,” said Sam. “But I kinda miss the old lodge.” “We always try to see who can get the lowest tag. The Governor

FRIENDS FOR MORE THAN 40 YEARS, JAYNE AND SAM HELMKAMP, ALONG WITH JOHN AND SUDAWN PETERS. and his staff always get tags one through fifty – but we got 52 or 54 one year,” said John.

Of course, to these guys, being there for opening day of trout season is more than just about fishing. They enjoy the campfire sitting, and everything that goes with it, “It’s about the camaraderie, it’s what friendship is about,” said Sam. “We pass cigars and brandy, and tell stories around the campfire.” John shared, “We’ve got people that have been stopping by our campsite for 20 years now.” Some of the men bring guitars, and they always have a “Championship game of washers,” where a home-made auto-parts trophy gets taken home with the champion until next years game.

To commemorate each passing year, they now have a shelter, which they call the “white house” that honored guests are allowed to sign, if they spend the night at the campsite, and it has become a good way to remember who has visited year after year, and see how their sons and grandsons have grown. “My son is now on his 29th year, and now his son is coming,” shared John. It is clear that they have covered a lot of ground in those 40 years that have marked a majority of these families lifetime. “This year I’ll be bringing four sons, three son-in-laws and several grandsons,” said John. “We’ve grown from just the two of us, to our sons, son-in-laws...and on,” said Sam. On opening day, March 1, 2015, you will be able to spot the Peters-Helmkamp crew, as they have marked the event with celebratory T-shirts. The shirts are decorated with the outline of their “white house,” and a tagline stating, “What happens at the river, stays at the river.” But for John and Sam, it’s really just another year on the banks of Roaring River.

TROUT TIMES 2015 9

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10 TROUT TIMES 2015

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A lifetime of fishing

By Brad Stillwell

T

hat first trip to the river can sometimes be powerful enough to create a yearning that’s only satisfied by a lifetime of fishing. A longing that brings you back through the many years of marriage, parenthood, a career and even well into retirement. A passion shared with children as they grow that’s passed on from one generation to another.

“My folks raised a couple of my dad’s siblings and one of them was the youngest son in the family. He was more like a brother to me than an uncle,” remembered Dr. Bob Buchman of Lincoln, Nebraska. “He was going into the service in the summer of 1942 and he and wife went down to Roaring River for three or four days. He called up and said; ‘Hey, Bob, do you want to go with us?’ I think I fished for three days as a little kid that had never fly fished and didn’t know how to do it.”

In spite of his lack of experience, Bob approached this occasion with a tenacity that would serve him well for many years to come.

“As a little kid I was very persistent in anything that I did – including fishing,” Bob shared. “The three days I fished down there – that first time, I think I caught two fish – each of which weighed two pounds.”

Bob recalls travelling to Roaring River with his family and other friends at least three times a year following that first visit.

Trips were usually scheduled to begin at TROUT TIMES 2015 13

he spent fishing at Roaring River.

“I’d always liked Roaring River and enjoyed being there, and I wanted to come back,” Bob recalled. “Fishing was better there than most places I’d been. During the years that I was away, I continued to fly fish a little bit in Texas, Pennsylvania and the Black Hills of South Dakota. The part of Nebraska where I live really doesn’t have any trout fishing.”

Bob was away from the river for nearly 27 years returning in 1975. During the late 1960s, he would serve as commander of an evacuation hospital in Qui Non in Vietnam.

Returning from there, he was assigned to be chief of thoracic surgery at Valley Forge. Bob would go on to specialize in cardiovascular surgery. His wife, Claire, now shared this journey with the four children they would have along the way – all of whom would come to share his passion for the river.

“My wife sort of fell in love with the place, she didn’t care about fishing,” Bob shared. “She tried it out and decided that she didn’t really care about it. Jim Rogers taught her to fish, and he made fly rods for both of us. “ Decoration Day (now known as Memorial Day), and end at Labor Day with a ten-day vacation scheduled in between.

Since Bob’s early trips during the 1940s, a great deal has changed for those who fly fish. One important part of the sport was the prevalence of bamboo fly rods – now an expensive option for those who stand along the river.

“That first trip I fished down there I had a telescoping steel rod,” Bob shared. “Later, I had a seven-and-a-half-foot bamboo rod. I think the name of the rod was Princess – that was the name of that particular inexpensive fly rod.”

The river itself has also seen a great deal of changes over the years as Bob recalled.

“The fly area was what they referred to as ‘Bass Lake’ where the old dam currently is. That area was all lake that came up to the lower road,” said Bob. “There were five or six pools by the lodge and a few cabins. The pools were named, there was the Falls Hole, the Long Hole, the Short Hole, the Bridge Hole, the Hotel Pool and the Pool Below the Hotel Pool. People who fished there would identify those names for those particular pools. That was the extent of the improved part that was stocked regularly.”

Anglers also had a unique way of keeping their limit from swimming away.

“There was a little branch of the stream 14 TROUT TIMES 2015

that went along in front of the cabins by the lodge. People would keep fish in there in live boxes – chicken wire framed boxes about four feet by two feet,” Bob recalled. “They’d keep their fish in there until they were ready to go home then they would freeze the fish, put them on ice and take them home.”

In 1948, Bob would go to college and embark on a journey that would take him through medical school, time in the military and a posting in Vietnam. During that time, he always remembered the remarkable days

Bob recalls that fishing during that time was more of a communal experience.

“In those days it was a much more social setting in that a lot of people knew one another,” Bob recalled. “My dad would always go down for opening day, and I don’t think he did a great deal of fishing – it was more visiting and seeing everybody again.”

A year after coming back to the area, Bob would realize his life’s dream of earning a pilot’s license. A few years later, he would purchase a cabin just outside the

park where everyone who passes by these days notice the trout mailbox along the road. He and his family have enjoyed the cabin for years. Not just for the fishing, but also to explore their interest in wildlife and the slower pace of living.

Hours:

Monday - Thursday and Saturday 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Friday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Sunday 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Closed Wednesdays

WE CATER! 10 to 300 people Call us or email: 417-846-1000 geraldiscassville@hotmail.com Bob vividly remembers one particular adventure along the river that involved his daughter and a very important visitor to the park.

“Robin one time was fishing at Roaring River and slipped off a rock into the water, and Governor Kit Bond pulled her out of the river,” Bob said.

At 86, Bob still flies or drives to the area and can sometimes be found standing on the river casting the preferred dry flies he ties. He readily acknowledges that you don’t catch as many fish that way, but he believes it’s more fun when you can see the fish come up and take the fly. He takes a philosophical approach to the experience – one that many who’ve been on the river for any period of time have learned to accept.

“I’m like everybody else,” Bob said.

“Sometimes you can’t keep them away, and sometimes you don’t get any fish. “ Bob believes the area offers a variety of experiences and hopes that others will come to discover what’s he’s spent his life appreciating.

“I think Roaring River is a wonderful place to spend time. Almost any kind of thing you want to do – fishing, sightseeing, watching the wildlife can all be found here,” Bob stated. “It’s a different pace of life coming from the big city – it’s an unhurried leisurely pace of living.”

Standing Strong to Care for Your Loved One

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1300 County Farm Road Cassville, Missouri 65625 Ph: 417-847-3386 Fax: 417-847-5449 bhowell@platinumhc.net TROUT TIMES 2015 15

Something old, something new...

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16 TROUT TIMES 2015

Interior & Exterior • Painting & Staining RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL New Construction/Remodels/Additions Log Home Staining • Fences • Decks Metal/Block Buildings • Free Estimates ASK FOR KEVIN COLEY (OWNER) PERSONALLY

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Fishermen and visitors of Roaring River Park come eat with us at the Cassville McDonald’s !

R

93 Main Street • Cassville, MO

Owned and Operated

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Welcome Fishermen!

Drop by Sportsmans Corner for all your fishing and outdoor needs.

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TROUT TIMES 2015 17

Trout Times readers share their photos 1. McKenzie, Jayden, Keaton and Kalli. Cousins having fun by the spring at Roaring River during a family camping trip last Spring.

1

2. Rylee Stansberry with her first trout catch at Roaring River, age 3 1/2.

3. Mark and Angela Matthews enjoyed a day at Roaring River hiking the trails with their kids. Pictured is T.J. and Marissa Matthews.

4. Steven and Trevor Smith from Bentonville, AR in the hatchery tree 2003.

5. Photo by Mindy Swanepoel.

6. Darrell Weaver from Cassville, MO in 2007.

7. Sue Brown, Exeter, exploring in the creek with her little granddaughters, Anabelle and Vivienne, daughters of Becki and Steve Anderson of Liberty.

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8. Danna and Mike Vineyard, Exeter, enjoyed a hike at Roaring River while daughter, Michelle Smith, and grandkids, Sterling and Sierra, were visiting from their home in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.

9, 10. Mischelle Moore spent the day walking and driving with her dad, Steve Smith, at Roaring River on January 15 of this year. The photo of the Eagle was captured by the hatchery, and the large ice formations were taken by a campground.

11. Becca enjoying kids fishing day with parents, Matt and Mindy Swanepoel.

12. Ruby Roxanne Simmonds, from Australia, scouting the trails of Roaring River.

13. Broxton Chrysler, son of Heather and Caleb Chrysler.

14. Patrick and Pam Foland, of Purdy, standing at the mouth of the spring with members of the McNamara family and friends.

15. Bob Garrison.

16. Tim Homesley.

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Greetings Fishermen and Women!

Good luck

to all the fishermen on Opening Day!

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2015

APRIL10 & 11 APRIL1 Home and Business Show with Boat & Sports Show

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TROUT TIMES 2015 23

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24 TROUT TIMES 2015

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TROUT TIMES IS AN ANNUAL PUBLICATION OF THE CASSVILLE DEMOCRAT, THE MONETT TIMES AND CONNECTION MAGAZINE. TROUT TIMES 2015 25

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When I moved to southwest Missouri with my husband, I was excited to learn there was a scenic state park only 30 minutes away with captivating scenery, plenty of wildlife, and a bunch of trails just waiting to be hiked!

ehefor Health mind, body and soul

Story and photos by Jennifer Conner

of my extra time. Like many folks I tried different approaches: gym memberships, diet programs, chalky drinks. They all failed. I had modified my diet to include more veggies, and very little processed food but the weight still wasn’t coming off. Then I tapped into something real. I dusted off my bike and I started to ride. I hopped on a trail and said “I’m going to ride 20 miles no matter how long it takes.” and I did. I found some local trails and started to hike, giving myself a similar parameter “I’m going to hike this five-mile trail, no matter how long it takes.” I found that during these “workouts,” I wasn’t working out at all, I was enjoying the scenery and reveling in the fact that my body could move. Over the next year, I shed 35 pounds and felt better than ever!

YEARNING TO FEEL GOOD Rewind nine years. I was fresh out of college ready to take on the world. College had gone by in a sort of haze (and not the fun kind!). I worked full time while obtaining my degree in science, which included a slew of extra

time in (and out) of laboratories, collecting specimens, and writing research papers. There wasn’t much time for sleep let alone exercise, and as a result I gained 30 pounds during my college career.

A 40-hour-a-week job after the whirlwind of college was like a vacation.

I vowed to focus on my health with all

In the following five years, I cycled 100 miles in one day, I climbed a 14’er, I kayaked 100 miles down the Buffalo River, and I hiked the Grand Canyon, rim-to-rim.

Things I never imagined I would be able to accomplish. Now, I don’t claim to be a fitness expert or a personal trainer, but there are a few things I learned on my fitness journey about sustainability – or making exercise an integral part of your daily life – which is key to living a fit and healthy life.

TROUT TIMES 2015 27

SET GOALS: You know what I consider a grind?

Going to the gym, getting on an elliptical or treadmill, staring blankly at a television and watching your mileage slowly creep up.

Forcing yourself to walk or run on a machine for 40 minutes is a chore. It’s work. It’s not fun and it’s not sustainable for most folks.

When I say “set goals” I don’t mean scale goals. You can get into the grind of checking the scale every day and berating yourself for not losing that extra pound. But that’s not a sustainable model. For most people that sort of scale-dependence gets ugly and can unmotivate you pretty quickly.

The type of goals I’m talking about are life goals! Maybe you want to hike a 14’er or you want to do a weekend trip on the Ozark Trail and hike 20 miles. Maybe your goal is to run in a 5k or walk a 5k, or to conquer the hill-acious fire tower trail at Roaring River.

No matter what your fitness level is, pick a goal, sign up (if applicable), set the date, and work toward that goal. The amazing thing 28 TROUT TIMES 2015

about having goals is that if you DO go the gym and get on that elliptical, the experience is completely different. You’re no longer blankly going through the motions... you are working on achieving a life goal and that sort of motivation IS sustainable.

PLAY, PLAY, PLAY

Do the things you enjoy! Do you despise walking or running on treadmill (you can probably guess what I despise!) then don’t do it! Get outside, walk around the neighborhood, bundle up if it’s cold.

Put some soup cans in your backpack to make the walk more rigorous. If you don’t want to invest money on a gym membership or equipment, use those same soup cans (laundry detergent containers work well) as weights and look up workouts on the Internet. Head to Roaring River State Park with your soup-can-laden-backpack and soak up the natural beauty while you sweat. A hike is good for the body AND soul. There are so many ways to be active, be creative and find what YOU enjoy and PLAY!

COMMUNITY Surround yourself with a support group: family, friends, workout buddies. Maybe you’re not into organized classes. I get that.

For a long time I subscribed to the “lone wolf ” workout regime. That said, you should still have a supportive network of folks to cheer you on and to pat you on the back for your progress. Some folks thrive in a community setting; if that speaks to you, join fitness classes or grab a bunch of your girlfriends and/or your family and create a hiking group. Roaring River is the perfect place to bring your “community” to play and explore and, incidentally, get a workout!

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Mantra: Being able to work out is a privilege I didn’t want to be on my elliptical on one particularly icy day. I was cranky because the sky was grey and I couldn’t be outside.

As I walked and internally complained, one of my dear friends who suffers from multiple sclerosis, came to mind and suddenly a stunning realization set in: Being able to walk on this elliptical was a privilege. Having the opportunity to hike, bike, walk, and run is a privilege. It’s something no one should take for granted and that privilege should be exercised (pun intended) as often as possible. This mantra became the catalyst for all my fitness endeavors. Remember, having the opportunity to be healthy and fit isn’t promised to any of us. Seize today’s opportunity to move your body!

Roaring River State Park boasts an array of trails for all fitness levels, check out the map and plan your outing. Fitness is a journey not a destination, and while you’re traveling you may as well enjoy the view!

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Take a hike!

Trails at Roaring River State Park

FIRE TOWER

Length: 3.75 miles Estimated hiking time: 3 hours, 45 minutes Trailhead: Along Highway F near the nature center; the wild area parking lot on Highway F; or at the end of Campground #3 The old lookout tower, about 1.5 miles from the nature center, was constructed

by Civilian Conservation Corp 1713 in the 1930s as an observation platform for work being done to provide material for other features in the park. The rock steps leading up the access from Deer Leap Trail were harvested in the park. Most of this loop trail is located inside the 2,075acre Roaring River Hills Wild Area and passes next to the Roaring River Cove Hardwood Natural Area. The views from its wildflower-filled meadows remain pure wilderness.

30 TROUT TIMES 2015

Information from the Missouri State Parks website at http://mostateparks.com

PIBERN

Length: 1 mile Estimated hiking time: 45 minutes one way Trailhead: At the north end of Campground #1 This linear trail was constructed by the CCC in the 1930s while they were harvesting material for the construction of features in the park. A variety of habitats, including both dry and moist limestone forest, tall bluffs and a small Ozark stream, are traversed by this trail. The access point is on the right just past the bridge before you enter a private campground.

EAGLE’S NEST

Length: 2.75 miles Estimated hiking time: 2 hours, 45 minutes Trailhead: At the southeast corner of Campground #2 This loop trail follows the river before ascending to one of the highest points in the park. An old homestead was located where the lilac bushes and yucca grow along the ridge. There are two additional access points; one from the top of the hill along Highway 112, and one across the bridge at the end of campground #3.

DEVIL’S KITCHEN Length: 1.5 miles Estimated hiking time: 1 hour, 30 minutes Trailhead: In the small picnic area across from the CCC Lodge

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This loop trail’s name is derived from an odd rock outcrop that formed a room-like enclosure. According to legend, this room was used as a hideout by Civil War guerrillas. It has since collapsed. A self-guided interpretive brochure for this trail is available at the nature center and the park office. There is also an access point near the junction of Highway 112 and the hatchery road.

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DEER LEAP

Length: .20 miles Estimated hiking time: 15 minutes Trailhead: by the sidewalk that goes up to Roaring River Spring near the hatchery This short loop trail leads to an overlook and boardwalk above the fish hatchery and the spring. From the overlook, you may be able to see the axle shaft from an undershot waterwheel that powered a gristmill in the mid-19th Century. There is another access point near the twin waterfalls.

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SPRINGHOUSE

Length: .40 mile Estimated hiking time: 20 minutes Trailhead: At the southwest corner of the Emory Melton Inn parking lot This loop trail passes by an old homestead site with a springhouse that was used to keep food cold by using the cool spring water.

RIVER TRAIL

Length: .70 mile Estimated hiking time: 30 minutes one way Trailhead: Just south of the CCC Lodge; or along Highway F by Campground #3 This linear trail runs parallel to Roaring River between the lodge and campground. This trail was constructed by the CCC in the 1930s and is an example of the trail work done by them. Wildflower displays are outstanding along the trail in the spring.

TABLE ROCK LAKE Bridgeway Plaza State Hwy 39 Shell Knob 417-858-6826

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TROUT TIMES 2015 33

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Q& A With Roaring River Park Superintendent Kerry Hays Story and photo by Sherry Tucker

Roaring River Park Superintendent, Kerry Hays, took time to answer some questions about the park.

What is your position at the park and how long have you worked for Missouri State Parks?

I currently serve as the park manager and have been at that position since April of last year. Prior to that, I served as the assistant manager for five years. Cheyne Matzenbacher, who previously served in the park as the interpretive resource specialist, is now the assistant manager.

What are some of the important numbers to call if you want information about the park and its services?

Roaring River State Park includes three different organizations that strive to provide quality services to our guests. Each group is listed below with their phone numbers and primary areas of responsibilities: MISSOURI STATE PARKS Park Office 417-847-2539 Ozark Chinquapin Nature Center 471-847-3742 Camping Reservations 877-422-6766 ROARING RIVER HATCHERY (Missouri Department of Conservation) Hatchery 417-847-2430 MO PARKS, INC. Reservations for cabins and the inn Park Store

417-847-2330 417-847-4971

Why is Opening Day such a big deal at Roaring River State Park?

Opening Day of Trout Season has been a tradition at Roaring River State Park for more than 75 years. Generations of families have come to the river each March 1st to get re-connected, meet with friends, and of course, catch trout. It is a true community event — the local Chamber of Commerce helps out and Cassville schools provide a day off when opening falls on a school day. For many in the area, Opening Day marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring.

If someone were to visit for the first time, what activity at the park would you not want them to miss out on?

Roaring River State Park is a destination where visitors from all over the country can enjoy an extended vacation trout fishing, camping, picnicking, swimming, hiking or attending one of the excellent interpretive programs offered by the staff of the Ozark Chinquapin Nature Center. Programs are held regularly during the season and cover topics such as spiders, snakes, wild flowers, and being “bear aware.”

The park also includes plenty of reminders of the Civilian Conservation Corps, who were integral in development of the park. Many of the structures we still enjoy today were carefully constructed by the young men of the CCC in the 1930s.

The campsites are peaceful and very family friendly. What are some of the factors that keep the park that way?

It’s important to us that camping at the park remains a family experience for our visitors to enjoy spending a night out under the stars. We often hear stories from visitors whose first camping experience as a child was here at the park. Now, they are joined by children and grandchildren who come back, year after year, to sit around the campfire and enjoy the experience of being outdoors.

Is there anything new in the works for the park in 2015?

This is an exciting time at Roaring River State with many changes taking place to enhance the experience for our guests. Last year, all of the grills were replaced in the park and staff worked hard during the off season to improve the appearance of the park and get it ready for the 2015 season.

Do you take time to enjoy the park you spend so much time managing?

Absolutely! Most of my free time is spent in the park enjoying everything it has to offer.

My wife, Heather, and I walk the trails regularly and visit with guests we meet along the way. I didn’t know how to fly fish when I first moved here, but people are always willing to help and now standing on the river has become one of the things I enjoy doing the most.

TROUT TIMES 2015 35

Did you know?

Fun facts about Roaring River

Roaring River State Park has three independent organizations that work together as one unit to provide park visitors with a wonderful experience.

Those organizations are: the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Division of Missouri State Parks, the Missouri Department of Conservation and Roaring River Concessions.

The Roaring River Spring is the 20th largest spring in Missouri, producing 20.4 million gallons of water per day.

In the past, two lakes were located in the Roaring River State Park area. One lake was located between the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Lodge and the fish cleaning station. Campground #3 was once the location of the park’s other lake, known as Bass Lake.

The elevation changes by over 500 feet from the highest point to the lowest point in Roaring River State Park.

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Divers have only descended 224 feet down into the Roaring River Spring. It is believed that the underground waterway is much deeper.

The Ozark Chinquapin Nature Center, which is located adjacent to campground #3, is known as the “best kept secret” in Roaring River State Park.

The state record rainbow trout was caught at Roaring River State Park. It weighed a whopping 18 pounds and one ounce.

Glade and open woodland restoration is the major focus of the natural resource management at Roaring River State Park.

In 1928, the State of Missouri paid $1 for the land that became Roaring River State Park.

36 TROUT TIMES 2015

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TROUT TIMES 2015 39

Tying flies as a means of self-expression Story and photos by Brad Stillwell

R

oaring River is the type of place to fish where anglers new to the sport can learn at their own pace. Some would even say that there’s a progression of sorts – learning how to river fish, trying out a fly rod for the first time, being able to select the perfect fly that works every time, and finally learning to tie your own flies.

“It’s self-satisfying to take a trout on a fly I’ve tied,” said Marc Landith, of Cassville.

“Being able to tie different patterns on the different types of food that trout eat and tying 40 TROUT TIMES 2015

flies to simulate that is real satisfying. When fishing on the stream, it’s very satisfying knowing that what you have created can catch or fool a trout to take it as a bait.”

Marc was 7 years old when he fished for the first time at Roaring River. When he was 12, his grandmother gave him a fly rod for his birthday. Two years later, he received a fly tying kit as a birthday present. Nearly 50 years and thousands of flies later, Marc still feels that thrill when hooking a trout on a fly that he’s shaped and created.

Tim Homesley, owner of Tim’s Fly Shop, agrees that a fly-tying kit may be the place to start – unless of course your goal is to learn to tie a limited number of flies.

“If you’re not sure what you want to tie, it’s good to buy a kit,” said Tim. “If you know exactly what flies you like to use because you’ve got four or five favorites, sometimes it’s actually cheaper to buy the tools and materials to tie just those flies.”

Tim believes that if you do buy the tools you need to tie your own flies, and it’s best to purchase quality items that will last.

It’s like fly rods and reels,” Tim shared.

“If you think you’re going to stick with it, buy the best you can. If you buy cheap it won’t last as long. I’ve got vices that will never wear out, and they’re warranted for a lifetime. “ Tim ties thousands of flies each year to sell in his store to anglers who fish at Roaring River and the surrounding waters. According to Tim, the easiest fly to tie is a San Juan Worm, but he suggests that learning to tie a good wooly bugger is a better training experience.

“If you can tie a wooly bugger and tie it correctly, a wooly bugger will teach you the steps to tie almost any tie you need to tie.”

Tim said. “To tie a good quality wooly bugger – a wooly bugger that looks proportionately correct, you can tie almost anything.

Tim believes that learning to tie a wooly bugger is not just a learning exercise. He

considers the wooly bugger to be an effective weapon in the arsenal of the Ozarks angler.

“A wooly bugger will catch anything in Missouri that feeds on other fish or crawdads,” Tim stated. “It is as productive a fly as any out there, and it’s been tied for years and years.”

Tim suggests that asking others and

watching people tie is a good place to start.

He suggests that there are certain steps to follow that will yield a fly that will entice a trout to strike.

“The hook has to be placed in the vise correctly, people have a lot of problems with that,” Tim shared. “It’s not hard, you just need to ask somebody who ties or pick up a good book. Reading books really helps a lot. What’s nice about a book is that you can open it up and read. I think sometimes it’s easier to see the pictures” Early on Marc learned by talking to older more experienced anglers and by referencing the limited books available at the time. His favorite book, Fishing the Midge

by Ed Koch, still holds a place of honor in his fly-tying sanctuary.

Tim also suggests that the Internet is another good source when just beginning to learn how to tie a fly.

“I know a lot of people who have taught themselves how to tie just by watching YouTube,” Tim said. “Like all video, some of it’s really good and some of it’s not.”

Tim recommends several standard steps to follow regardless of the fly being tied.

“Put the hook in the vise correctly using the correct thread for the fly you’re tying,” Tim shared. “Decide whether or not you want to put a bead on it or fish without a bead. Of course, if you’re fishing a dry fly, you won’t put any weight on it.”

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“Even ties that aren’t tied correctly will catch fish,” Tim shared.

Marc strongly recommends taking advantage of the wealth of resources that line the riverbank every day.

“I was influenced greatly by gentlemen that were easily 30-40 years older than I was,” Marc shared. “I had an opportunity to fish with them and learn the patterns that they used adapting them to the flies that I tied. This enhanced the number of fish that I caught here.”

Marc also contends that learning to tie flies and fish in this area provide valuable experiences that can be used when fly fishing anywhere in the country.

Tim also advises that careful consideration be given to scale whenever tying a fly.

“Proportions are really important on flies,” said Tim. “There again, you learn that by tying. You can tell when your fly isn’t proportioned correctly.”

Tim suggests that learning how to tie a limited number of different flies can yield incredible results when fishing for trout in local waters.

“Around here, if you can tie elk hair cadis, blue wing olives, Adams and Griffiths gnats that will actually cover you for about 90 percent of your dry fly fishing on Roaring River,” Tim stated. “There’s a lot of other dries that will work, but those four flies are my ‘go to’ flies. If I put a dry on, it’s usually one of those four patterns first. One of those flies will work almost every day.”

Fly tying kits – complete with everything you need to tie a particular fly are available and recommended by Tim. “These are really handy for guys that are trying to learn,” Tim shared. “They give you proper proportions, proper hooks and it tells you exactly what thread to use. It also gives you a blow-by-blow detail on how to tie that fly. It gives you enough material to tie 12 flies, and it also gives you the fly.”

Both Tim and Marc are very meticulous and exacting about making sure that the flies they tie meet their rigorous standards.

Nevertheless, both men agree that fish don’t necessarily share the same concerns.

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“Missouri’s trout get more pressure than probably any place in the country,” Marc stated. “If you can catch fish here in Missouri on a consistent basis, you can catch fish anywhere in the United States.

When you’re fishing across the United States there are three groups of people you’ll find that catch fish. The people from California, the locals who fish there all the time, and the people from Missouri are the ones who catch the most fish. If you’re able to tie a fly that will catch fish here, and you know how to properly use it, you can adapt that to the flies in the local area and know that you’re going to catch fish there.”

Delicious Trout Recipes Some great ideas for preparing your catch of the day

HOW TO MAKE FRIED TROUT To dress the fish, scale fish first and remove the head. Split belly and remove innards. Rinse thoroughly inside and out. Place the fish in a pan of cold water until ready to bread. Leave wet so cornmeal will adhere.

Pour 2 to 3 inches of oil in a heavy frying pan (large enough to cover fish). Allow oil to heat while breading the fish.

You may also cook these outside on a propane burner. Great recipe to use when camping.

Pour cornmeal (how much depends on how many you caught) into a bag along with some salt and pepper to taste.

Shake to mix. Place a few wet fish in the bag and shake to coat completely.

Carefully drop fish into the hot oil; don’t overcrowd. Fish will float when done and will be dark golden brown.

Remove from oil and drain on paper towels or paper bags. Continue breading a few more fish until all are done.

TROUT MARSALA 2 lbs lake trout fillets 1 medium onion, sliced thinly 1/2 lb sliced baby portebella mushrooms 1-1/2 cups sweet Marsala wine 1 stick butter 1 cup flour Skin the fillets and wash with cold water. Dry with paper towels.

Cook for another 4 minutes uncovered on medium heat. Remove the fillets.

Add the remaining 1/2 cup wine and deglaze the pan (scrape the bits from the bottom of the pan).

Place a fillet over buttered wide egg noodles and pour 1/4 of the wine mixture over it. Repeat with the remaining 3 fillets.

Heat stick of butter in a heavy skillet.

Saute the onion and mushrooms uncovered in the skillet until tender.

Put the flour in a bag and add fillets, shake to coat completely. Move the mushrooms and onions to one side of the pan. Place fillets in the skillet skinned side down. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes and turn over.

Add 1 cup of the Marsala wine (reserve 1/2 cup) to the pan. Do not pour directly over the fillets.

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PAN FRIED TROUT

FOIL BAKED WHOLE TROUT

This recipe starts out on the stove and finishes in the oven in three easy steps. A delicious sauce is made when deglazing the cast iron pan.

2 trout, gutted 1 TBS oil kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste 1 orange, thinly sliced 6 sprigs of fresh dill oil for frying 4 TBS (1/2 stick) cold butter, quartered 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice PREHEAT oven to 425 degrees.

Rinse trout in cold water and blot trout with paper towels. Rub with oil and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Tuck 3 or 4 orange slices and 3 sprigs of dill into each cavity.

Preheat cast iron pan (or oven proof skillet) and add enough canola oil to generously coat the pan.

When the oil is hot, fry the trout over high heat for 2 minutes. Lower heat to medium-high and cook another 60 seconds or until the skin is crisp and browned.

Carefully flip the trout over. Fry for 3 minutes and then transfer skillet to preheated oven and bake another 5 minutes.

Remove fish from pan and pour off any excess oil.

For the sauce, return skillet the burner over medium-high heat and add the butter. Tilt the pan and with a spoon, quickly and repeatedly baste the trout with the melting butter (approximately 20 seconds).

Remove the trout and place on warm plates. Deglaze the pan with the lemon juice until the sauce reduced slightly. Drizzle over fish and serve.

44 TROUT TIMES 2015

4 trout, gutted and scaled 1 small chopped onion 1/2 cup white wine 4 TBS fresh lemon juice 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper (optional) salt and pepper to taste lemon slices, garnish

You may also place the foil covered fish over the grill at the campsite and check after 15 minutes (carefully flip foiled fish over 1/2 way through).

PREHEAT oven to 400 degrees.

Spray each piece of foil with oil and place each trout in a piece large enough to wrap and seal it.

Mix all of the ingredients together and place equal amounts over each fish and seal tightly. If you are cooking more trout, just double the other ingredients.

Place fillets on a baking pan and bake for 20 minutes or until the fillet easily flakes. Serve in foil so everyone has their own to enjoy.

Best Served with:

FOIL GRILLED POTATOES If you are camping, the best side dish would be foil-grilled potatoes. Just thinly slice up several potatoes and add chopped onion (and green pepper); mix well. Place in a large piece of foil and top with pats of butter. Salt and pepper to taste (I use seasoned salt).

The potatoes will take a little longer than the trout, so you will want to start this first. Check often so they do not burn.

GRILLED TROUT

J&J Processing

For this recipe, the easiest method delivers the best flavor. Grilling fresh trout lends a slightly smokey flavor that is delicious.

Customized beef, pork and deer processing

Preheat the grill until the coal is white hot.

Business Ph.: 417-476-5451 • Cell: 417-529-8273 2757 Lawrence FR 2225 Pierce City, Mo.

Cut into fillets and coat with olive oil to prevent it sticking to the grill.

www.jjprocessing.com

Place on hot grill and cook for 5 minutes with the skinned side down.

Carefully turn the trout over and cook for another 4 minutes. Do not turn again because it may fall apart. Fillets should easily flake when done.

FULL SERVICE DELI AND BAKERY

24 HOURS

FISHING & HUNTING LICENSES You can find a fish grilling basket at most retail stores with prices ranging from $7 to $25.

Recipes and photos by www.misshomemade.com

LARGE LINE OF TACKLE CAMPING GEAR RV & HUNTING SUPPLIES BOATING SUPPLIES TROUT TIMES 2015 45

BILL VANCE MARINE Boat Sales & Service on all Outboards & I.O.

Fiberglass Repair • Mercury Marine Certified

Hwy Jct. 76/86/112 (Hilltop) Cassville, MO

Local: 417-847-3284 Toll Free: 877-847-3284

Now featuring The Prop Shop!

Servicing all steel and aluminum props Free pick-up and delivery in the Northwest Arkansas area - 5-Day turnaround or less.

Welcome Fishermen Barry Electric Cooperative Providing Quality Service For Over 50 Years

North Bus. Hwy. 37 Cassville

417-847-2131

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CARING FOR YOUR COMMUNITY Featuring great DENTAL and MEDICAL provider teams DENTAL PROVIDERS: Michael Fast, DDS

MEDICAL PROVIDERS: 4016 North Main, Cassville • 417-847-0057

Brian Basham, MD Pamela Whitlock, MD

We accept payments with: MO Health Net / Medicare Some commercial insurances Sliding fee discount for those who qualify

101 West Patterson, Mt. Vernon • 417-461-0688

www.accessfamilycare.org

KING’S 858-6429 RIVER MARINA (417) (405) 496-7775 kingsrivermarina.com

27504 Big Rock Road, Shell Knob, MO 65747 office cell

OUR MARINA OFFERS MANY SERVICES, INCLUDING: RENTAL OF BOATS

BOAT SLIP RENTALS

GASOLINE

PUMP-OUT STATION

CONCESSIONS

BEER AND ICE

BAIT AND TACKLE

BOAT & ENGINE REPAIR

BOAT SALES TROUT TIMES 2015 47

Opening Day Photos by Joshua Boley

ROARING RIVER 2014

48 TROUT TIMES 2015

Fishing at Roaring River State Park

REGULATIONS Trout fishing is permitted in accordance with the state wildlife code and posted restrictions daily from March 1 through Oct. 31, and during the winter catch-and-release season from the second Friday in November to the second Monday in February on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday only.

Each angler shall display a daily trout tag purchased on the area and bearing his or her signature.

Roaring River is known for its premier trout fishing. The river is stocked regularly by the park’s hatchery, which is managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation. Fishing licenses and tags are available in the park store (located at the intersection of Route F and Hwy. 112), which also sells fishing equipment, tackle, camping supplies and groceries.

TROUT FISHING REGULATIONS

Roaring River State Park is divided into three zones each with the following bait or lure and creel restrictions.

ZONE 1 From the hatchery to the posted sign at the mouth of Dry Hollow Creek, only artificial lures, soft plastic baits and flies are permitted. An artificial lure is defined as a manufactured lure. Soft plastic lures include synthetic eggs, worms or grubs. Flies are a lure constructed on a single point hook of feathers, tinsel, chenille, yarn, fur, silk, rayon or nylon thread or floss, with or without a spinner. No putty-dough baits, other natural baits or foods may be used in this area.

ZONE 2 From the posted sign at the mouth of Dry Hollow Creek to the old dam in the lower end of Campground 3, only flies are permitted. In the area of Zone 2 designated as catch-and-release only (from the posted sign at the mouth of Dry Hollow Creek to the posted sign below the bridge on Hwy. F) trout may not be possessed and must be returned to the water unharmed immediately.

Trout Fishing Hours This portion of Zone 2 is designated BEGINNING ENDING as a multiple-use area with wading and March 6:30 a.m.*/7:30 a.m.** 6 p.m.*/7 p.m.** April 7 a.m.

7:30 p.m. swimming allowed.

ZONE 3 From the old dam to the park boundary, artificial lures, soft plastic baits, flies and natural or scented baits may be used.

Natural and scented baits include live bait or any other substance designed to attract fish by taste or smell including dough, putty or paste-type baits.

May June and July August September October

6:30 a.m.

8:15 p.m.

6:30 a.m.

8:30 p.m.

7 a.m.

8 p.m.

7:30 a.m.

7:15 p.m.

7:30 a.m.

6:30 p.m. * Central Standard Time ** Central Daylight Time

Catch and Release Season Second Friday in 8 a.m.

Nov. through the 2nd Monday in February (Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday only)

4 p.m.

Each angler shall have a state fishing permit except those 15 years and younger or Missouri residents 65 years and older.

Each angler shall keep their trout separate at all times and identified with their name and address.

Daily limit is four, all brown trout must be equal to or greater than 15�. There is no length limit on rainbow trout. Possession limit is 8 trout.

Only a single pole or rod may be used. Gigging, snaring or snagging is not permitted.

No person shall continue to fish for any species in these trout waters after having four trout in possession.

The use of game fish or parts thereof for bait is prohibited; chumming is not permitted.

No trout may be possessed in the catch-and-release area.

TROUT TIMES 2015 49

Advertising Index Access Family Care

47

ReMax Flat Creek Realty

17

Shiners

37

All Points Recycling

21

River Run Outfitters

24

Shumaker Tire

36

Amazing Painting Service

16

Roaring River Health and Rehab

20

Sportman’s Corner

17

Roaring River Resort

22

Swartz Tractor

21

Roaring River State Park

52

TH Rogers

20

Ball and Prier Tire

6

Barry County Farmer’s Cooperative

24

Barry County Ready-Mix

29

Rowdy Beaver

2

Totally Home

24

Barry Electric

46

Royal W Resort

4

Turpentine Creek

22

Big Creek Resort

38

Security Bank

38

Vacation Rentals

25

Bill Vance Marine

46

Shell Knob Chamber of Commerce

21

Walmart

45

Bookmarks

26

Shell Knob Small Engine

29

Whitley Pharmacy

39

Bruton’s Country Marine

4

C & C Cabinets

37

Cappy Harris Realtors

26

Cappy Harris Realtors, Mike Williams

29

Cassville Area Chamber of Commerce

11

Cassville Golf Club

34

Cassville Health Care & Rehab

15

Central Crossing Center

26

Coast to Coast

24

Country Dodge

3

Country Fresh Market

38

Crane Family Dentistry

36

Fastrip

16

First Baptist Church

16

Four Seasons Real Estate

31

Four Seasons Real Estate, Bill Hill

37

Fox Fitness

12

Freedom Bank

20

Geraldi’s

15

Grande Tire, Inc.

37

J & J Processing

45

John A. Lewright

50

Jug N Plug

31

Kings River Golf Course

12

King’s River Marina

47

Les Jacobs Ford

51

McDonald’s

17

MFA

38

Mountain View Estates

25

Office Pub/Pierson’s Package

21

Ozark Mountain Trading Co.

10

Parkcliff Log Cabins

20

Paul T Enterprises, Inc.

25

Pinegar Chevrolet

23

Plymouth Junction

16

Preston’s Landscaping

36

Race Brothers

10

Ramey 50 TROUT TIMES 2015

34

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24667 State Highway 112 Cassville, MO 65625

52 TROUT TIMES 2015