issue 6
September 2017
Souther nTr out
“Ozark Edition” CLOSE LOOK: Beaver’s Bend
www.southerntrout.com
BRING YOUR KIDS TO WHERE THEY’LL
BRING THEIR KIDS
L A KE TA N E YCO M O
Vacations in Branson become family traditions. Cast a line, ride a classic wooden rollercoaster and take in an amazing show, all in the same day. Then enjoy our hospitality as your family decides what to do the next day. And the days to come, together in Branson.
877- BR ANS O N
Editors’ message
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productive waters. All are fun events where like-minded folks gather to enjoy their shared passion. Two of these shows are located in Mountain Home, Arkansas. The “Sowbug Roundup” is held in March and the Fly Fishers International Southern Council Fly Fair is held the first weekend in October. April offers the Tri-Lakes Fly Fishers Expo, held in Brighton, Missouri, and early May hosts the Smallmouth Rendezvous in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. This year Branson, Missouri hosted their first fly fishing show in late July. Put these annual events on your calendar and make plans to attend. We would be remiss if we didn’t encourage your support for our fine advertisers. It is their belief in supporting fly fishing that enables you to receive our magazine free of charge. We are very grateful for their support. We’ll see you later on some Ozark waterway. Until then, we wish you many beautiful vibrations.
utumn is a time of change. Subtly at first with still warm days but cooler evening temperatures cause the weather to transition into a more tranquil mood. The kids are back in school, and the fish population instinctively intensifies their search for food. Add to these seasonal Terry and Roxanne Wilson, Co-Editors benefits the comfortable feel of your favorite flannel shirt, the sights and smells of the region’s many festivals, and a generous splash of color from nature’s paintbrush, and once again it’s autumn in the Ozarks. The Ozarks region is presently home to five fly fishing shows where many outstanding fly tiers demonstrate their techniques, skills, and creativity, fly fishing vendors display and sell their wares, and programs and seminars covering tactics and techniques for differing species or
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THIS ISSUE
Publisher Don Kirk Assoc. Publisher Jerry Davis Editors Terry and Roxanne Wilson Managing Editor Leah Kirk Designer Loryn Lathem Assoc. Editor Adam Patterson Editorial Consultant Olive K. Nynne
Southern Trout Ozark Edition is a publication of Southern Unlimited, LLC. Copyright 2017 Southern Unlimited LLC. All rights reserved.
Missouri’s Amazing North Fork River
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Turkeys in the Front Yard 20 Tying Flies wih Found Feathers St. Croix SOLE Has a Classy Glass Soul
Contributors
John Berry Dave Wotton Keith Gann Boot Pierce Tommy DeHart Brandon Butler
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Peak RotaryFly Tying Vice 16
For Advertising Rates and general information please call 205-735-9500.
From the Editors
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Those Ubiquitous Worms 36 A.L. Swanson Wood Fly Boxes ON THE COVER
Nora Bushong Larimer. www.rockrungallery.com
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CLOSE LOOK Beaver’s Bend 53 Fishing the Oklahoma Ozarks
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Featured Fly Shop 66 Beavers Bend Fly Shop
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Featured Fly Tyer Rob Woodruff
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Featured Lodging 80 Beavers Bend Dream Cabin Rentals Featured Guide 84 Jenny Mayrell-Woodruff
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The “By the Book” Trout 88 Stream Fishing Grasshoppers
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Dead Horses, Wild Dear, 98 and Catch and Release
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Loon Rogue Quickdraw Forceps
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SweetWater Brewing Company • Georgia • SweetWaterBrew.com
MISSOURI’S AMAZING NORTH FORK RIVER Brandon Butler
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he North Fork of the White River is Missouri’s answer to western trout fishing. Spencer Turner once said that to me. Spence, as his friends called him, was the state trout biologist for the Department of Conservation. He was more than that though. Spence was a living legend of genius disaster. An enormous success mired by momentary lapses of dysfunction and hilarity. Spence built it, and we have come. He is now remembered as the Godfather of Missouri’s wild trout, and no place in the state showcases his successes better than the North Fork. Missourians have come to know the North Fork as our trout river. Sure, other Missouri rivers have trout. The Current, Eleven Point, Niangua, and Meramec are exceptional trout fisheries, but the North Fork. The North Fork is special. She’s a cover model.
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The majesty of Missouri’s natural resources never ceases to amaze me. Each time I feel I have found the most beautiful place in the state, I round another bend in the road, hit another stretch of river or stand upon another towering vista, and declare to have, this time, truly found the pinnacle of Missouri’s bliss. Yet I know, soon, another mesmerizing sight will eclipse all others. The North Fork of the White River is a gem. Tucked away deep in the Missouri Ozark Mountains, surrounded by lands where our bear population is restoring itself, is this fast flowing trout river offering the perfect getaway-fromit-all backcountry fishing destination. The North Fork is ideal for a family fishing adventures, or a few buddies looking for an escape. It’s so hard to believe how fast ten years go by. My wife and I just celebrated our 10-year anniversary. We were married in the Paradise Valley of Montana at a hot springs resort on the Yellowstone River. Rivers have been an important part of our married life, so to celebrate ten years we
decided a river should host. More than one person told me the North Fork of the White is the best trout river in Missouri, so we decided to see for ourselves. Yep. They were right. The North Fork flows for 67 miles across Douglas and Ozark counties before emptying into Norfork Reservoir near Tecumseh. It is heavily spring fed and has long stretches of riffles and even some class II whitewater. Smallmouth bass, goggle eye and sunfish can be caught throughout the river. The lower 12 miles of the North Fork are trophy trout sections. The North Fork’s Blue Ribbon Trout Area extends from Rainbow Spring to Patrick Bridge Access. There is a good number of rainbow trout in this stretch, with many falling in the 10-14 inch range. The Red Ribbon Trout Area extends from Patrick Bridge to Norfork Lake. This is where anglers can expect to encounter the river’s famed bruiser browns. Fish over 20 inches are a real trophy, so I hope if you are fortunate enough to land one, you’ll capture the moment with a photograph
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and then quickly release the fish so another angler may know your same excitement. Since the North Fork is so far south and located a great distance from any large population base, it remains rather less crowded than some of the more northern float rivers in Missouri. Don’t mistake less crowded for not crowded. The North Fork does have its floaters, but it’s not the Huzzah. Sunburst Ranch is an outfit to work with in the area. Their cabins are topnotch and the campground is a park like setting right on the river. They have over a mile of river frontage so that you can fish right out your door. And later on, when you crack a cold one relaxing on your front porch or by a campfire, you’ll be serenaded by river rolling by. They also offer canoes and kayaks for rent. Rafts and tubes are available for those wishing to lounge, but I wouldn’t recommend either for fishing. If you have your own raft, drift boat or other fishable craft, Sunburst has a private takeout, which is a must over fighting with the mess at Dawt Mill’s crowded public area.
We’ve got true McCloud trout
Outcastinn.com Come have a
new fishing adventure! Owner James Burgener
Newburg, MO (573) 762-0196
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Access to the river is fairly limited, as it flows through a remote region. There are MDC maintained accesses at Hebron, Blair Bridge, and Patrick Bridge. Twin Bridges and River of Life Farm also operate private access points. One day, while wade fishing at Blair Bridge and filming a portion of the documentary Spencer Turner: A Life Well Cast, an interesting cast of Missouri conservationists wiped up the trout in a clutch situation. Famed writer, Jim Low; modern day mountain man, Ron Kruger; Trout Unlimited president, John Wenzlick; and Rehan Nana and I from the Conservation Federation of Missouri had two professional film makers on the river with us to capture the bounty of what Spence started for all to see. And luckily, we didn’t disappoint.
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The fishing was incredible. All fly fishing. Many big browns caught. I spent four years fishing my way around Montana. I lived in Billings but traveled for work. Name a river out there and I’ve fished it, along with some of its tributaries. I’ll put the North Fork in the category of some Clothing of the greats running though your Custom Rod Shop mind right now. Yes, it compares to Fly Reels the Madison, the Boulder, and the Factory Fly Rods Stillwater. Flies and Fly Lines The North Fork is not a Fly Fishing Essentials tailwater. It’s a free following rocky Waders and Boots river with wild and wooly trout. But Fly Tying Rod Building perhaps the best part, it receives very little pressure. It’s a gem. And I can feel fine telling you about it Huge assortment of flies! because it’s out there. It’s out in a Many starting at 39 cents!! wilderness not often named amongst 803 West Scenic Rivers Blvd the must visits – Yellowstone, the Salem, MO 65560 573-453-2844 Smokies, Grand Canyon. But the Ozarks are amazing. They’re tough. Not at all an easy part of the world. want you want, right? You want to try something But incredibly welcoming to those new. Experience a place that leaves you shaking who come and visit to experience your head thinking; I can’t believe how amazing this river is. the region’s immense beauty. The folks who fish the North Fork have to want it. Shuttles, guides, and good dinners are not• *Huge selection of around every bend.• Wooly Buggers You better bring your• *We carry a large selection • of flies for streams own wine, and you’re• *Authorized Redington Let us help you land the next big lunker! not getting a pizza• and Rio dealer unless it comes from• *Flies start at .65, no a gas station freezer.• minimum Discount Code strout for 15% off orders over $20 A trip to the North Fork is an adventure. That’s
JCookFlyRods.com
“Your fly fishing specialist.”
www.woolybuggerflyco.com
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Peak Roatary P
urchasers of fly tying vises have nearly an infinite number of choices. Some are inexpensive because they are so cheaply made they are incapable of functioning properly while others are extremely expensive. That should require tiers to consider the qualities they want and need in a vise. Over five decades of fly tying while using most popular vise brands has led to identifying four qualities that a vise must satisfy: 1. It must be easy to set up. No tier wants to spend time reserved for tying flies struggling to set up the vise. 2. It must be easily adjustable to the tier’s needs and to the fly that’s tied. 3. It must securely hold a wide variety of hook sizes and shapes. 4. It must be extremely durable and capable of a lifetime of service. The Peak Rotary Vise completely satisfies all of those demands and at a price that is only a fraction of other quality vises.
The Peak Rotary Vise is made of stainless steel, brass, tool steel, and aircraft aluminum. It will hold hooks securely from 2/0 to the smallest available size. The purchaser can choose either a pedestal base or a C-clamp mount. The pedestal base is large and extremely stable. It is powdercoated white for a durable surface and one that enables the tier to see materials better. The base includes an integrated hook/bead pocket with rounded edges for easy removal. The C-clamp mount is operated by an extremely strong large tri-lobal clamp screw capable of holding securely without marking the table’s surface. The Peak Rotary Vise has a rotation adjustment screw which enables setting at any angle. The height and length of the bobbin cradle are also adjustable. If you’re looking for a quality fly tying vise with all of these features at a reasonable price ask your local fly shop owner about the Peak Rotary Vise or for more information go online to www. peakfishing.com.
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Fly Tying Vise
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Turkeys In Th
Tying Flies With Found Feat
O
ne of the blessings or curses of living in a semi-rural urban area is the gradual influx of wild animals that as far back as only forty- years ago were rare and almost non-existent. At my age, I can remember never seeing a deer or turkey in the wild, let alone in my backyard nibbling on my wife’s flowers. We’ve had whitetail deer breeding down in the woods next to my orchard for several years now. I like to think that my apples, plums, and pears have helped return the deer from near extinction, but city ordinances against firearms and the lack of natural predators probably had something to do with it too. Several years ago, my neighbors down in the valley started to see an occasional wild turkey. Last year, the flock had grown to 30 birds, and I began to see evidence of them up on my side of the valley too. Finally, this summer two adult females with eight poults moved in and took over part of the orchard. It was not uncommon to see them a few times a week sunning themselves along the edge of the woods, and pecking away at whatever they peck away at. Keith Gann
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he Front Yard
thers
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Toward the beginning of fall, I came home from a good week’s fishing trip to the Missouri Ozarks. Checking my phone messages, I found one from my neighbor lady who has the twelve acres that butt up to my north fence.
“Keith. Saw my turkeys eating acorns in your front yard as I drove by this morning. They were hatched in my woods, and I’ve been watching them grow all season. Knowing how you are always catching or hunting something, I thought I’d ask you not to shoot them since I’ve grown a little fond of them. Maybe just ‘shoo’ them back across the fence if they become a bother. Okay?” Of course, she’s right. I have so many feathers in plastic bags down in my shop from birds that I’ve shot that the executor of my estate will probably go into the fly materials business after I’ve gone on to the land of never-ending trout streams.
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The next morning, I walked the front yard. Sure enough, several scratch marks, a few piles of droppings, plus four turkey feathers all gave evidence that they had discovered the bounty of my two huge pin oaks. I picked up the feathers. Here was another opportunity knocking at the door. Why not design a new fly made from wild feathers found in your front yard? If nothing else, it will give me some talking points around the next campfire.
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I figured that something in the way of a down-wing, with lots of hackle, and maybe an indicator would do. Several sketches later, I had what I thought would be something that would work and be somewhat easy to tie. Then I started to do some research and found that my design was almost identical to Bing Lempke’s Turkey Wing Caddis. Since I enhanced the fly with a bright-colored polypropylene indicator, we’ll just call it the Lempke/Gann Turkey Wing Caddis Variant to make sure that Mr. Lempke and I become friends if and ever we should meet.
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I have never liked to fish down wings. They’re fun to tie, but they tend to act like little propellers, and after several casts, your tippet is a twisted mess. So, I figured that if I added a thick indicator acting as sort of a wind break then trimmed the bottom of the hackle to a “V” pattern to add as a set of outriggers, I could cast the thing for several minutes without losing my temper. After several tries, it got easier to tie, plus it seemed to cast okay without messing up my tippet. As for shooting the neighbor’s turkeys (since I’m now providing part of their upkeep, I think I have some ownership rights too), it maybe never crosses my mind. But as a friend pointed out, you CAN bow hunt in the city and smoked turkey breast with wild rice dressing is awfully tasty! But then again, sitting on your front porch dressed in camo clothes holding a cocked compound bow could probably get the neighbors calling 911with a suspected terrorist report, too.
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Recipe: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Hook: TMC 100, Mustad 94840 or equivalent, sizes 12 to14 Thread: UTC 70d Tan Indicator: white, yellow or orange polypropylene Body: Kaki UNI-Yarn Hackle: brown, ginger, grizzly or ginger variant
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TYING THE FLY
1. Spray the turkey wing with some type of sealer. I use Crafts Etc! Clear Acrylic Hi Gloss from Hobby Lobby. 2. Form a thread base and tie the poly indicator on, one hook’s eye width behind the hook eye. Wrap back towards the hook bend a short distance, trim off the poly next to the wrap, then cover the poly with thread. 3. Wrap forward past the poly tuft and lift it up, wrap several wraps in front of it, then make several wraps around its base to force it up to vertical. 4. Tie in a piece of Uni-Yarn and form a thin body. Tie it off on the hook side of the poly tuft. 5. Cut a wing segment from the turkey feather. 6. Fold the segment in half then tie it on behind the poly tuft. 7. Tie in a hackle, making sure its barbs are at least 1 -1/2 hook gaps long.
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Make one test wrap to compare the height of the poly against the height of the hackle. Trim the poly to about the same height, then wrap 4 to 6 wraps behind the poly tuft and maybe two in front. Tie off and glue. Option: Trim the bottom hackle barbs so that they form a “V” bottom much like outriggers, to give the fly stability on the water’s surface.
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F
ollowing a brutal twenty minute session of “Scissors & Rock” for first cast rights, I waded waste deep into Deep Creek to make my initial cast with the freshly uncased St. Croix SOLE 9-foot, 4 weight. We normally are not this competitive regarding who gets into the water to test a rod, but this was not one of the run-of-the-mill fly rods that come and go here every month. Other than JD throwing rocks in the creek while I tried to fish, all and all it went pretty well on the SOLE’s maiden shakedown run. After an afternoon of casting the SOLE in the stream, our collective opinion of the SOLE was that it is indeed an impressive performer. Short cast presentations were as soft as velvet. Power stroke long casts were as accurate as we have ever enjoyed. Despite its high-tech credentials, our test rod was quite forgiving and made us look like better casters than we really are. (What we lack in classy casting we make up with soppy passion).
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Has A
Classy Glass Soul
Quite unique in more ways than one, this 2-piece fly rod, has one 7’ section plus a 2’ tip. Rather unusual is that SOLE comes with two, twin tips. This is a state of the art, graphite modulus fast action fly rod. Casting a SOLE and playing fish on it is similar to the first time you fish a glass or a cane rod. It’s an experience in itself. It is constructed of graphite butt to tip, but when casting or a battling trout— you just know the latest release from this 70-yearold, American rod maker has a fiberglass soul. St Croix’s SOLE is best described as an inventive, well-formulated blend of modern tech design with materials that have been wedded to give this fly rod a warm, heritage feel.
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Whenever I’m faced with an unabashedly unique product such as the SOLE, the first question that springs to mind is, “What was the manufacturer aiming for?” So, I asked just this of Jeff Schluter, V.P. of Sales & Marketing at St. Croix Rod and Owner, St. Croix Rod. “SOLE features a unique blank design providing a new path to one-piece performance”, says “Featuring an extralong butt section of 80” without ferrules, the SOLE tracks straight for extremely accurate casts. The key to the improved tracking is the long, non-ferruled butt section. “In terms of engineering, the SOLE blank design increases casting accuracy by the elimination of the ferrule(s) in the lower section of the rod. SOLE’s spare tip section included with each rod provides insurance so the angler’s day on the water or trip is not interrupted,” notes Schluter. Every fiber in the SOLE’s longer lower section is arrow-straight, which allows the rod to cast further and more accurately as does a 1-piece fly rod, all the while removing the difficulty transporting a full 9-footer. Just remove the slightly over the 2-and-a-half-foot top and the rod is reduced to a shade over 6 ½ feet. Because the graphite fibers run so true, the rod casts like a cannon, and the accuracy of those long casts are spot on.
The eye-pleasing royal blue blank of the SOLE is constructed with highmodulus, high-strain graphite topped with FRS super resin. The SOLE fly rods is finished off with two coats of Flex Coat slowcure finish for unparalleled strength and durability. St Croix offers the SOLE in nine models covering 4- to 12-weight blanks— also created with IPC, ART technologies— cover the full gamut for freshwater and saltwater tactics. Adorned with Kigan Master Hand Zero Tangle stripper guides with solid-titanium frames for the ultimate protection from saltwater corrosion, and REC® Recoil® snake guides for lightweight, corrosionproof performance, each guide, including the Kigan solid-titanium hook-keeper, is held steadfast with high-quality thread. The SOLE’s Fuji® TVS reel seat holds fly reels solidly in place while delivering durable, corrosion-proof performance. This, while a super-grade cork handle offers superior grip, yet is easy on the hands. Retailing at $340 to $360, the SOLE includes a dual-ply mesh sack with two tip section pockets and is backed by the outstanding, industry-leading 15-year transferable warranty buffeted by St. Croix Superstar Service. Dollar for dollar, there is no better fly rod on the market. While clearly not a glass or cane, the action of the SOLE is a bit of a walk back to a simpler time. What the SOLE lacks in portability it more than makes up in fluid performance. (Left) SOLE RODS FEATURE KIGAN TITANIUM FRAME STRIPPER GUIDES. (Right) SOLE RODS FEATURE REC RECOIL SNAKE GUIDES.
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THOSE UBI
WO
RM
Davy Wotton 36 l September 2017 l STOE l www.SouthernTrout.com
IQUITOUS M
MS
y memories of my infant days fishing in the 50s were with the use of a worm, and to this day, in my book, there is no other natural bait that can compare to the many species it will catch be they fresh or saltwater species.
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Back then to go fishing either l or my dad would dig in the garden for worms and check in the animal dung heap or the compost heap for the different species of worm that could be found there. The trick at night was to set out a hessian (burlap) sack on the lawn and soak it with detergent water as this would most times draw worms to the surface. Those were fun days as I set out on my bike to local waters to fish, one day it might have been for the small brown trout or other freshwater species, another to the ocean foreshore to fish for eels, sand dabs, flounders, and at times a prize Dover sole. In fact, l got so good at catching eels from the rivers, dikes, drainage ditches and the local harbor that l was able to sell the live eels to the local fish monger. Jellied eels are a considered a delicacy in the UK. Back in the early days after l got interested in fly fishing to some extent worm fishing lost its appeal but not totally. One of the most deadly ways to catch trout for the table was with a technique known as a “running worm.” That is accomplished with the use of the fly rod and fly line, a small amount of lead shot weight and a worm which was tracked more or less in the same manner as we know today as EU style nymph fishing. Back then in the UK, the use of indicators for trout fly fishing was not used, albeit for other freshwater species float fishing, as it is known, had become very well established. Today it is a very skilled method of fishing in the EU countries. That said, make no mistake that fishing a natural running worm is one of the most deadly of ways to catch trout
and most other freshwater species as are maggots, the larva of the house fly. There was a time here in the White River before the days of Power Bait, corn, shrimp, and other now manmade so-called trout baits that the local guides would harvest the natural worms from the river bank for the day’s fishing. I know of no guide who does that today, albeit nothing will beat a natural bait found local to that particular water system. That one l have proved to myself. It was in later years that l became aware of what is called the San Juan Worm, and from what l can determine the river where the chenille worm was born. To this day l cannot recall where it was l first fished this fly, but no matter. Since that time it has accounted for thousands of trout provided you use the right worm under the different prevailing conditions. Almost all bodies of water will contain aquatic worms, Oligochaeta, of different species, which will vary in size and color. Factors that may determine the species are largely related to the substrate, percentage of available oxygen, geographic location of that water and other factors. We also have species of worms that are not aquatic as such, although in many cases they are often found in waterways due to runoff from flooded lands or any other water source of influence. That may result in those worms becoming food base for trout or other species. Aquatic worms are not to be confused with the larva of chironomids (midges), also known as bloodworms though they may be found in different colors. Chironomids, one of the most common worldwide of aquatic
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insect species, are very much a diet of trout found in any water they habit. The variations and combinations of worms that we can tie are endless. Combinations of different hook profiles, size of fly, colors of chenille, wire, body flex, vinyl round, D-rib, stretch tubing will allow a worm to be tied. You will find that certain patterns will work well on the waters you fish while other worm fly patterns are not so effective. After years of fishing such flies myself and with my customers, I would say there will also be prevailing conditions that will increase the odds that trout will take worm fly imitations. In water with some speed, fishing in faster riffles and run offs and after or during rainfall when the water becomes colored is most often a time when worms are flushed into the water from the surrounding banks and the river bed. If you fish the mud line, often as not, you will find trophy browns eager to take a worm fly. Is it important to match natural worm color? For sure at times it is, others not. Yes, size and color can make a big difference, make no mistake about that. There will be times that a simple chenille red, tan or pink worm will kill ‘em, other times worms with additional attraction such as my dynamite and prism worms may do better. In many respects, the trick to fishing effective worm patterns is how you rig up the system to do so. Are you wade-fishing, which amounts to short line drifts, or are you boat-drifting which allows for very long continuous drifts? Sure the same worm may do the business, but you will have to rig it differently to suit the conditions. Either way, you will need additional weight. www.Southerntrout.com l Ozark Edition l September 2017 l 41
The one major tip l will offer is do not have your added weight too close the worm. The more that worm can animate the more likely it will interest a trout. In faster, deeper water the added use of tungsten beads to the fly can greatly improve the catch rate. Combinations of egg and worm can be the ticket as are combinations of worm and nymphs such as White Tail Midges, Hares Ear, Prince, Pheasant Tail. Here are a couple of simple rigs to use for worms. Personally, l do not use tapered leaders for the reason that more weight is needed to sink the thicker section of the leader. I add to the fly line approximately four feet of butt section, then add my additional leader, normally of the same X factor. In the case of worms, as a rule I use 4X or 5X. For a single worm rig, at least 15 to 20 inches from the worm position, form a surgeon’s knot; this will act as a stop knot to halt your added lead shot from sliding down the line. For a double hook rig, 15 to 18 inches from the stop knot add another section of 15 inches of line (minimum) using a surgeons knot. Make sure when you form this knot that you leave at least 6 inches of line as a tag, which should be the lower tag, the one close to the end fly. You have the option to tie the worm to the tag or the end of the line. Personally l like the worm as the tail or end fly. At times two worms of different colors can be a killer. Some prefer to tie the first fly to the eye the second using line attached to the upper hook bend. It works, but l prefer a detached dropper for many reasons. I can chop and change the dropper fly very quickly, and it allows for better animation of that dropper fly.
bamboo for you
There are other options, such as forming two tags by use of the surgeon's knot 15 to 18 inches apart from the tail end of the leader, which is where your weight is added. In other words, you will have the weight at the tail end of your leader and above it 15 to 18 inches a fly, and 15 to 18 inches above that your upper fly. By what ever means you rig your system the fly will track and animate in a different manner which may or may not appeal to the trout. It's fun to figure it out right. Happy worm fishing!
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A.L. Swanson
Wood Fly Boxes 44 l September 2017 l STOE l www.SouthernTrout.com
T
he soul of the fly fisher is deeply rooted in an appreciation of the decorative arts. We are drawn to the beauty of the places where fish live, the tight loop of a well-executed cast, and the transcendent feel of a favorite rod. Most devotees constantly strive to acquire gear that reflects their love of the sport.
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Any practitioner is certain to covet a wood fly box made of exotic hardwoods, brass, and shell created by master fine furniture craftsman A. L. Swanson and his artisans at his studio in Helena, Montana. Only the finest materials available are used in their construction including beautiful woods from sustainable lumber, solid brass internallymounted hinges, and inlays of wood and shell to form the detailed designs on the
fly box lid. The finish of each box is water resistant and feels as smooth as a silk pillowcase. A replaceable rippled foam insert holds the flies and a unique lanyard post made from solid brass allows confident use on the river. Each of these meticulously crafted fly boxes bears A. L. Swanson’s handwritten signature. 46 l September 2017 l STOE l www.SouthernTrout.com
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If it’s time for you to replace those ugly plastic fly boxes in your vest, consider upgrading to the ultimate in enviable, distinctive fly fishing accessories. These boxes are certain to be heirlooms. To select the wood, inlaid decorative art, and size of your A. L. Swanson wood fly box, go online to www.alswanson.com or call the studio at (406) 439-6397, but understand neither the photos here nor those on their website can do justice to these masterpieces. There is simply no substitute for admiring their beauty and construction first hand. You can even choose to have your fly boxes custom made with inlaid decorations and/or your name or initials.
Visit www.ALSwanson.com for more information. www.Southerntrout.com l Ozark Edition l September 2017 l 49
SCHULTZ CUSTO P.O. Box 693 West Fork, AR 72774
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$335.00
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Natural State Fly Shop is located within walking distance of the fabled White River, just up the road from the Cotter boat launch and public access. A full-service retailer and outfitter, Natural State Fly Shop offer flies, tackle, rental driftboats, shuttles, guided float trips on the White and Norfork Rivers, and guided wade trips on Dry Run Creek. Featuring products by Winston, Ross, Galvan, TroutHunter, Catch Fly Fishing, and many more; Natural State Fly Shop offers everything that the visiting fly fisherman needs. Natural State Fly Shop Shop: (870) 471-9111 Shop: 870-471-9111
3392 Cotter Road Mobile: 870.321.2792 Mobile: 870-706-0820
Cotter, Arkansas
www.naturalstateflyshop.com flyfishcotter@gmail.com 52 l September 2017 l STOE l www.SouthernTrout.com
Southern Trout Ozark Edition
CLOSE LOOK Beavers Bend
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BEAVERS BEND
FISHING
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BEAVERS BEND CLOSE LOOK
THE OKLAHOMA OZARKS O
f the tailwater fisheries that make the Ozarks and the Midwest a destination for many trout fisherman none are as unique as the Lower Mountain Fork River in Southeast Oklahoma. Running through beautiful Beavers Bend State Park and framed by the Ouachita Mountains this fast-flowing stream acts like an Appalachian creek in some places and a traditional Ozark river in others. Its healthy population of rainbow and brown trout draw anglers looking to escape tourist traps and noisy resorts in the tall pines and clear water.
Tommy DeHart
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Trout friendly cold water flows from Broken Bow Lake in two places instead of one making this tailwater extremely different than the famous rivers of Arkansas, Missouri’s Lake Taneycomo, and several others. One of the two points at which water is released into the river is a manmade flood control barrier called the spillway. Current and flow in this area fluctuate rarely, resulting in some of the most consistent tailwater trout fishing in the Midwest. The beginning of the spillway is narrow and loaded with fast pocket water, deep seams, and waterfalls as tall as ten feet. Further downstream it flattens out into traditional pools and riffles dotted with large boulders and fallen tree limbs. A few miles from the spillway the water used to generate power enters the river at an area known as the powerhouse. This section of the river looks and acts more like any other tailwater. With no generation, the river is about twenty to thirty yards wide and flows with normal shallow runs dumping into deeper holes. However, if any water is released from the dam, current and depth increase significantly until it reaches the re-regulation dam; a tall concrete structure used to hold back water and control the depth and flow of the river below it.
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BEAVERS BEND CLOSE LOOK
The area from the spillway to the powerhouse is arguably the most popular stretch for anglers. Here generation levels are irrelevant and wade fishing opportunities are consistent 365 days of the year. The fast pocket water directly below the spillway offers anglers a shot at challenging drifts through erratic current. Dry flies such as mayflies, blue wing olive imitations, and small elk hair caddis flies can all draw rises if presented realistically in the fast, swirling water. Although an aggressive feeder may venture up for a surface offering, nymphing is the most effective way to fish the bottomless pools in spillway creek. Small zebra midges, hares ear nymphs, and prince nymphs will all draw some interest. The fast water warrants heavy weight, sometimes as many as three BB split shot, and large highly buoyant strike indicators.
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Once the water banks right and out of the spillway’s steep gradient it enters an area known as the evening hole. This short stretch of river is never more than forty feet across and offers much simpler drifts and overall easier fishing. The slower water has solid numbers of fish that rise often and are aggressive to well-presented flies. Match the hatch if it’s happening, but small midge patterns, size 20 or smaller, can pull fish up even on hatchless mornings and evenings. Terrestrials such as hoppers and small stimulators are also a good choice. When nothings chasing the surface bite nymphing with scuds, San Juan worms, or midges can fool lazy fish in deeper water. For bigger fish, swinging an olive jig or wooly bugger through the main channels is a great way to lure one up from the depths.
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BEAVERS BEND CLOSE LOOK
From the evening hole downstream until it hits the “old park dam” the river is heavily used for canoeing and swimming in the summer. Trout fishing in this stretch is more effective in the winter time when recreational use all but disappears. The water from the “old park dam” to the re-regulation dam is wide and subject to heavy change in flow and depth. Wading and fishing here is very dangerous due to the potential for water levels and current to increase rapidly. Fish can certainly be caught during times of no generation and typically fish in this area are larger than upstream, but it is inconsistent and difficult to target safely.
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After the re-regulation dam water flows are somewhat more consistent and safe but in summer the water temperature gets too warm for fish to feed aggressively. Furthermore, the river is covered in canoes and floaters looking to beat the heat. This area is popularly fished in the winter when casual canoeists are rare and bigger fish are willing to feed. The winter is widely considered the best time to fish the Lower Mountain Fork. Not only is there more river to fish, but there are significantly less people fishing it, swimming in it, or floating it. The water temperature throughout the winter also permits fish to be more active than in the hotter months of summer. Not to mention a wide variety of hatches occur in the colder months including caddis flies, march brown flies, and of course a variety of midge hatches.
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BEAVERS BEND CLOSE LOOK The Lower Mountain Fork has a great remote feeling to it despite being just minutes from Hochatown, Oklahoma. The area is loaded with great local restaurants and quaint places to stay. Cabins and camping slots of all kinds are available within Beavers Bend State Park or, more luxury cabins such as Beavers Bend Dream Cabins are a short drive from the water. Just outside the park Adam and Eve’s offers a great variety of coffee flavors and a perfect wake me up before a day on the water. Shady Oak Cafe provides a wader friendly, fisherman friendly lunch as well as great onion rings. Dinner at the locally famous Grateful Head Pizza and a glass of wine from Fish Tails Winery is a fantastic way to round things out. For anglers looking to learn the water quickly, Rob and Jenny Woodruff are Orvis endorsed guides that know the river better than anybody, and can really cut down the learning curve for anybody. They have years of experience fishing for trout in the area and across the west.
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Fishing tailwaters is typically a hit and miss game. For a lot of anglers looking to wade, high generation, depth, and current can ruin an entire trip. The White River, the Norfork, the Little Red River, Lake Taneycomo, and others are difficult fisheries for anyone due to heavy fluctuation in water. Trout fisherman are at the mercy of generation schedules that are frustrating and never accurate. The Lower Mountain Fork in Oklahoma has over three miles of trout water that is subject to little or no change in depth or flow. The consistency, and quality of the fishing makes this river a breath of fresh air for traditional Midwest anglers.
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BEAVERS BEND CLOSE LOOK
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Davy Wot World Class
www.davywotton.com
tton Fly Fishing American International Schools of Fly Fishing Outfitter and Guide Services for the White River region Custom Flies and Fly Fishing DVDs
Office: 870-453-2195 Cell: 870-404-5223
davyfly@ozarkmountains.com
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BEAVERS BEND - Featured Fly Shop
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Featured Fly Shop - BEAVERS BEND CLOSE LOOK
A
s has latitudinal things go, Beaver Bend is over 200 miles south of the Great Smoky Mountains and over 600 miles south of Shenandoah National Park, Appalachian trout fishing two favorite pet ponies. Those who try hard to keep the great fly fishing for trout available at Beaver Dam don’t give a hoot about Appalachian and are only a little intrigued by fly fishing opportunities in the Rockies. Beaver Dam’s fly fishing faithful all have one thing in common. Their only must stop in Broken Bow, Oklahoma is Beaver Dam Fly Shop. Located on the banks of the Lower Mountain Fork River, this sparkling fly fishing oasis is owned by long time fly flicker, Coach Eddie Brister. He is more than willing to share what it is that makes the Ozarks fishery special destination for fly fishermen. “The Lower Mt Fork River is a special trout fishery,” says Brister. “It has both a stocking program as well as fish that are spawned. The Lower Mt Fork River holds brown and rainbow trout that can and do reach the 24-25 inch size.” www.Southerntrout.com l Ozark Edition l September 2017 l 67
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BEAVERS BEND - Featured Fly Shop
Having witnessed the fast-growing interest in trout fishing in the Ozarks over two decades, Coach Brister and his wife Roberta bought Beaver Bend Fly Shop in 2012. Since that time they have enjoyed huge growth in their retail sales as well as the shop’s guide service. According to Brister, over the last five years, business has grown at least 40 percent. Fly fishing here has had a very positive impact on the entire area. “It is very important to be a fullservice outfitter, and Beaver Bend Fly Shop is the only full-service shop in the area,” says Brister. “We pride ourselves on our knowledge of the Lower Mt Fork River, and it is just as important to make available up to date information about the river to our customers. We have a full staff of fulltime guides that work for the shop. Peter Breeding is our Head Guide and oversees a staff made up of T.A. Stockton Jr., Dan Orr and Ryan Ellis. They are the fly-fishing experts of this river, and are more than capable of handling clients on these waters from both the novice to experienced fly fishermen.” “During the course of a couple of months, I’d estimate that 20 percent of the people that come into the shop,” says Brister. “Beaver Bend Fly Shop offers would-be fly fishermen the best equipment options possible for them to have a great experience. Additionally, we are always available to provide Information on a fly pattern, casting instruction and information of the better spots to fish.”
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Featured Fly Shop - BEAVERS BEND CLOSE LOOK
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BEAVERS BEND - Featured Fly Shop
Fly tying is an important part of any fullservice fly shop. The fly tying section at Beaver Bend Fly Shop rates as one of the best in the Ozarks. It has a large dedicated area to fly tying as well as an in-house fly tying table with supplies for anyone to come in, sit down and tie one or several flies. Most of the shop guides tie as well and are willing to help. Product lines you carried at Beaver Dam include Redington, Rio, Umpqua, Korkers, TFO, Fishpond,
Pacific Fly, Trout Hunter, Loon, Buff, and Blackstrap, plus an endless array of caps and shirts. “Our mission is to attract and service fly fishermen all along the Lower Mt. Fork River,” says Brister. “We are very outbound, often reaching to speak about our trout fishing to as many organizations where it is possible we try to bring in new fisherman who may not be aware of our shop or the great fly fishing in our area.”
“More and more people are showing a greater interest in trout fishing and fly fishing in general. In the Ozarks. If you want anyone wants to know more, they are cordially invited to visit us at the shop. Stop by for a cup of coffee, information or some flies,” says Brister. “We’re located at 545 Beavers Bend Road. Broken Bow, Oklahoma, or call 580-454-6071.
beaversbendflyshop.com
Wilson Featured Fly Shop - BEAVERS BEND Lefty CLOSE LOOK
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BEAVERS BEND - Featured Fly Tyer
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Featured Fly Tyer - BEAVERS BEND CLOSE LOOK
Rob Woodruff
Woodruff Guide Service Quitman, Texas
O
zark magic flows steadily into the Lone Star State. You’re more likely to encounter a Texan fly fisherman on these waters than any other non-Ozark state visitor. Rob Woodruff grew up in Plano, Texas and these days and now splits his time between Quitman Texas and Broken Bow, the first “South of the Red” fly tier to be chosen as one Southern Trout “Ozark Edition” issue’s Featured Fly Tier. “Growing up, my family occasionally vacationed in the Rockies where I had lots of opportunities to fly fish for trout, the majority of my early fly-fishing and fly tying experience was for warm water species, especially sunfish and bass,” says Woodruff. “When I was ten years old I caught my first trout on a fly at a small beaver pond near Woodland Park, Colorado.” “In those days I really didn’t have any memorable mentors for either casting or tying. I taught myself t cast by a lot of trial and error and an illustration in an encyclopedia. As far back as I can remember, I had a keen interest in fishing and hunting. That led to devouring outdoor magazines as soon as I learned to read. The articles on fly fishing intrigued me,” says Woodruff. Oddly, Woodruff explains that he was actually tying flies before he made his first attempt at fly fishing. When he was nine years old he rigged up a makeshift vise by using a pair of vise grips in a clamp. Using grizzly colored chicken feathers plucked from an old pillow and bright colored sewing thread, his first creation was rigged with a lead split shot. Using a casting rod, Woodruff sat about the task of catching some bream at Lake Texoma. Family members so impressed by young Rob’s rudimentary fly tying efforts, on his tenth birthday he received a fly rod and fly tying kit. www.Southerntrout.com l Ozark Edition l September 2017 l 73
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BEAVERS BEND - Featured Fly Tyer
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Featured Fly Tyer - BEAVERS BEND CLOSE LOOK “Adequately supplied to begin a life at the vise, for a very long time I learned to do everything on my own,” say Woodruff. In 1975 there was no internet, fly shops or fly fishing clubs in North Texas. I learned to tie flies by imitating pictures in magazines like Outdoor Life and Field & Stream, and trying to imitate the things I knew the fish were eating.” When Woodruff began tying trout flies, some of the traditional patterns be finished off included a lot of streamers patterns such as the Mickey Finn and Black Nosed Dace. Because the instructions and material were provided in his first fly tying kit, his early wet fly tying efforts were the ROLeadwing Coachman and Woolly Worm. Woodruff was success fly the seat of his pants. Now a professional fly fishing guide, fly patterns have been featured in many magazine articles and books. Orvis has commercially produced several of his fly pattern originals. “I am convinced that while it is not a substitute for proper presentation, having flies that well represent the local food base can make a difference,” says Woodruff. This is especially on those difficult days. I have a degree in Entomology from Texas A&M University so I think that makes me look at the insects and other invertebrates in a stream as the starting point of why it is a good trout fishery. When fishing a new river, I usually sample what is available for the trout to eat and choose fly patterns accordingly.” www.Southerntrout.com l Ozark Edition l September 2017 l 75
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To book a trip, a seminar or just ask a question, contact Rob Woodruff. WGSFlyfish@aol.com
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Featured Fly Tyer - BEAVERS BEND CLOSE LOOK For a number of years Woodruff tied commercially, something he no longer has time to with the demand for his guide service and Entomology for Fly Fishers Seminars he is frequently asked to present. Woodruff does offer fly tying classes for his patterns and his Tenkara class that includes instruction on tying traditional Japanese Tenkara style flies. When fly fishing for trout at Oklahoma’s Kiamichi River and Lower Mountain Fork River, Woodruff go-to four are the Pheasant Tail, Zebra Midge, Olive Woolly Bugger, and Zonker. The Gold Ribbed Hares Ear wet, as well as soft hackles like the Partridge & Green and Peacock & Starling are examples of older, traditional pattern he likes to fish and tie. A couple of relatively new fly patterns Woodruff says that he has come to really rely on that in recent seasons a is the Mercury Midge and RS2. He also expressed a growing fondness of Senyos Lazer Dub. “My advice to would-be fly tiers is to avoid the temptation of starting out trying to try to tie too many different fly patterns,” says Woodruff. “Rather, pick a few staple patterns and master them before moving on.” Woodruff Guide Service 3371 N. FM 14 Quitman, TX 75783 Tel: (903) 967-2665
Woodruff Guide Service www.Southerntrout.com l Ozark Edition l September 2017 l 77
ÂŽ
Don’t go home empty handed! www.sunbursttrout.com
Sunburst Trout Farms Is located below the Shining Rock National Wilderness in the Pisgah National Forest. Since 1948 they have been growing rainbow trout, and the farm is now run by third generation brothers Wes and Ben Eason.
Sunburst has a long standing commitment to quality. Their fish are hormone and antibiotic free, and the feed is made especially for them containing no mammalian by-products. All trout are cut to order in small bathces, mostly by hand, thus ensuring all products are of the highest standard. In addition to Sunburst’s flagship fillets you can also find their award winning caviar, as well as trout jerky, hickory smoked trout, cold smoked trout, smoked trout dip, trout sausage, and even some non trout products, pimento goat cheese and smoked tomato jam. Be sure to stock up on their Original Jennings Jerky! It’s shelf stable and perfect for those long days fly fishing. To order go online to www.sunbursttrout.com
314 Industrial Park Drive Waynesville, NC 28786 828-648-3010 • 800-673-3051
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Beavers Bend Dre
BEAVERS BEND - Featured Lodging
A
re you tired of leaky tents and voracious flight of mosquitos operating on a 24/7 schedule? Perhaps you can handle the trials of a ‘strong, hearty outdoorsman’, but can the same be said for your bride, girl friend or family? Here’s a bit of inside information that will transform your status in their eyes from a suspect trout bum to godfather of good times. Find a luxury resort that has great coffee---pretty simple, eh? Beavers Bend Dream Cabin Rentals is your bail out friends when visiting Oklahoma’s Quachita Mountains. True one stop shopping, this purveyor lodging can set you in your choice of their very comfortable economy to luxury accommodations. They have one to four bedroom cabins in secluded areas or group settings. Whether you’re traveling alone or have a group, large or small, they have just the right accommodations to suit your needs. Beaver’s Bend Dream has the perfect place to suit your imaginings whether you’re looking to fish the spectacular Lower Mountain Fork River, enjoy the beautiful Beavers Bend State Park or want something close to Broken Bow Lake. With towering trees in a rugged terrain amid lush vegetation and clear flowing mountain streams this area is an outdoor lover’s paradise. Beaver Bend Dream boasts a wide array of cabins that are scattered throughout the captivating, beautiful Ouachita Mountain Range in Southeastern Oklahoma. Choices include fully furnished one, two, three and four bedroom cabins. All properties are privately owned, furnished and equipped by the cabin owner. Internet service is available at some properties. 80 l September 2017 l STOE l www.SouthernTrout.com
eam Cabin Rentals
Featured Lodging - BEAVERS BEND CLOSE LOOK
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BEAVERS BEND - Featured Lodging
Nearby Beavers Bend Resort Park offers miles of hiking trails that attract not only day hikers, but the serious hiker as well. To challenge the entire family, try tackling the David Boren Trail, which includes 16 miles of hiking trails and four miles of multi-purpose/mountain bike trails. This trail brings you across creek bottoms, over mountain ridges, through heavy forest and through areas so remote it will be hard to remember what civilization looks like. For hikers not wanting the full 16-miles, there’s good news—this same trail can be broken down into a series of short or long hikes. Forest Heritage Tree Trail: This looped trail begins and ends at the Forest Heritage Center Museum. The trail starts downhill from the large Indian sculpture and travels to Beaver Creek, along the creek and over a covered bridge and loops back to the museum. This trail is marked by white paint on the trees. Approximately 1.1 miles. Level of difficulty: fairly easy to walk, but you do have a couple of climbs. Beaver Lodge Nature Trail: This is a one-way trail, so when you reach the end, you’ll have to backtrack. It is a wide and easy trail suitable for families, but a short section of it has suffered flood damage. Park officials suggest following the wide trail until it becomes too narrow and/or steep before turning back. Approximately 1 mile total length. Level of difficulty: easy to walk except for aforementioned damaged areas. 82 l September 2017 l STOE l www.SouthernTrout.com
Featured Lodging - BEAVERS BEND CLOSE LOOK Cedar Bluff Nature Trail: Starts across from Dogwood Campground and should be walked clockwise. Families can start on the left and turn right at each junction. The trail is marked with blue on white blazes on trees, and hikers are urged to stay on the trail and avoid shortcuts. Occasionally, the creek floods, making the lower part of the trail somewhat hazardous. Approximately one mile in length. Level of difficulty: Both easy grade and a hill climb. Pine Ridge Nature Trail: Almost a figure-eight trail that loops back to the beginning. Starts across from the park’s tennis courts and continues right. You’ll venture through hardwood forests, a sewage lagoon (don’t swim here!) and across a mountain ridge. On the way back, you’ll explore forest and floodplains. Approximately ¾ mile. Level of difficulty: fairly easy to walk, two up-hill and two down-hill grades While in this neck of the woods, be sure to explore Adam and Eve’s Coffee. Here you’ll find Espresso, snacks, breakfast, and lunch. They specialize in gourmet coffees and their unique frozen hot chocolate. The shop is located directly across from Beavers Bend State Park. For info contact Pam Jackson, owner of Beavers Bend Dream, at (580)236-0362 or visit www. beaversbenddream.com. www.Southerntrout.com l Ozark Edition l September 2017 l 83
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BEAVERS BEND - Featured Guide
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Jenny Mayrell-Woodruff Fly Fish Beavers Bend
E
very great fly fishing guide has a mission. Jenny Mayrell-Woodruff, it is to introduce new people to fly fishing, improve the skills of more experienced anglers and work hard to insure that the Lower Mountain Fork River continues to improve as a trout fishery. “The Lower Mountain Fork River has a healthy population of wild trout and also gets supplemental trout stockings every 2 weeks year-round,” says Jenny. “This tailwater River has a variety of water types from fast and rocky to smooth and tranquil. Unlike other Southern tailwaters, there is quality water that is not affected by power generation releases.” Located in extreme Southeastern Oklahoma, the Lower Mountain Fork River below the Reregulation dam is a popular recreation spot. At medium flows, this is an excellent river for whitewater kayaking. Water quality in this clear, rocky stream is very good, with water temps kept at or below 70 degrees to support a healthy trout population. “I started out guiding for a local fly shop in 2010,” says Jenny. “At the time I had no intention of becoming a full time guide, much less making a career out of guiding fly fish. It began when I was asked to help out on some trips. That’s how it all started. Upon their return, the clients who I took fishing demanded to go back out with me. In short order they suggested to their friends to book their Lower Mountain Fork River trip with me. In a few short years. I became an independent guide and started guiding full-time on my own.” Jenny has been enormously successful as a career guide. See spends over 200 days a year guiding. She as earned the prestigious status of being an Orvis Endorsed Guide. Her guide business has expanded well beyond Lower Mountain Fork River. Jenn hosts fly fishing trips twice a year to the flats and rivers of Belize. “All of my trips are instructional based,” says Jenny. “I strive to help fly anglers improve their cast and learn how to correctly present the fly in all types of fishing situations. I provide all tackle, flies, and Orvis rods/reels. Waders and boot rentals are available. I provide lunch on full day trips. Water is always provided on trips.” www.Southerntrout.com l Ozark Edition l September 2017 l 85
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BEAVERS BEND - Featured Guide
Jenny’s is to teach clients to improve their casts, make the correct presentations to the fish, and show them tips on playing/ landing the fish. Her goals is for clients to walk away with a solid foundation of knowledge on how to catch trout on a fly rod and be able to produce more fish. Trips are exclusively fly fishing only strictly catch and release. Jenny is a member of the Lower Mountain Fork River Foundation and she strives do her part in protecting and enhancing the Beavers Bend trout fishery. All of Jenny’s trips are wade/wade out; therefore. She does use a boat or offer guided float trips on the Lower Mountain Fork River. Her most popular repeat trips are those booked by clients during the winter months and good reason. The fishing is outstanding during the winter on the Lower Mountain Fork; and according to Jenny, at this time the big trout are aggressive and abundant.”
“My bi-annual hosted trips to Orvis Endorsed Lodge, El Pescador is also a favorite repeat trip for many of my clients,” says Jenny. “Located on beautiful Ambergris Caye in Belize, you can’t beat big tarpon, bonefish, barracuda, jacks, and permit you can take on the fly. A great deal too, I offer an eye catching two anglers for the price of one angler special on all of my hosted trips to Belize.” “Regardless of where and when, I tailor my trips to every skill level and to every angler’s goal for the day,” says Jenny. “I am passionate, enthusiastic, encouraging and take pride in teaching with patience. Anglers will walk away with an increased knowledge of the river and fly fishing in general. Anglers will also learn how to apply their new skills to be more productive while fishing on their own.” Jenny says “Please take a moment to follow Fly Fish Beavers Bend on social media. Instagram is a great way to see the latest catch from Jenny’s clients; follow her by typing @ flyfishbeaversbend. Fly Fish Beavers Bend is also on Facebook and Twitter. I recommend booking during the week and not around busy holidays in order to avoid crowding on the river.”
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The “By the Book
T
he very thought of small stream trout fishing in Missouri brings to mind one place, Blue Spring Creek in Crawford County. An old timer once told me that this creek was a “By the Book” trout stream. When I asked what that meant, he said the stream was so small that it made it hard to move about without spooking the fish. So he advised that once I sneaked into the spot I wanted to fish, I should then pull out my book and read a few pages to give the fish time to relax. I am not sure that extreme is necessary, but if you are looking for a challenge and want to test your fly fishing abilities, then Blue Spring Creek is for you. The Blue Spring Creek headwaters drain southward out of the town of Bourbon as it flows toward the Meramec River. This short stream, with only about 4 miles of fishable water, is the northernmost and probably smallest of all of Missouri’s Blue Ribbon Trout Streams. While the data is minimal, stream measurements collected over the last few years show an average flow of about 7.5 cubic feet per second (CFS) or about 5 million gallons a day. This stream is narrow, the water is shallow, and the trout tend to be spooky. Stealth and patience are both qualities that will ultimately result in more trout.
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k� Trout Stream Boot Pierce
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Large root wads and Chinese Privet line large portions of the stream bank. The trout love hiding under these structures so getting your flies into position can be a challenge, and rest assured that you will lose a few flies in the process. The hatches are not predictable, but if you turn over a few stones you will see several different EPT nymphs and lots of scuds. The most prolific nymph species are a small golden stonefly and green caddis. If you like dry fly fishing an Elk Hair Caddis or Parachute Adams cannot be beaten and in the summer you might also throw a black ant. It is a spring fed stream, so scuds work wonderfully. I prefer either an olive scud or a beaded pattern called a Coulee Scud. If you prefer nymph fishing a Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear or Zebra Midge are both productive patterns, and if streamers are your choice a size-10 Mike’s Mohair Leech in an olive or blonde color is recommended. Missouri Department of Conservation has designated Blue Spring Creek as a Blue Ribbon Trout Stream. Only flies and artificial lures may be used. Soft plastic baits and natural or scented baits are prohibited when fishing for any species. The legal creel limit is one fish over 18 inches, but as with all wild trout streams please practice catch and release. The stream is easily fished with a pair of hip waders and wet wading is possible in the summer months. In an effort to prevent the spread of Didymo, an invasive alga, the use of porous soles shoes, boots, or waders is prohibited by MDC Regulations. Also, the trout spawn in the winter months so please be careful not to step on redds as you walk. www.Southerntrout.com l Ozark Edition l September 2017 l 91
Blue Spring Creek starts flowing at Blue Spring in what is now called Camp Mihaska, a Salvation Army retreat and convention center. There are rumors of fish stockings as far back as the 1890’s and confirmed stocking as early as the 1920’s. The trout in Blue Spring Creek are said to be wild, but escapees from Camp Mihaska’s stocked spring pools do occur. However, in 20 years of fishing the creek I can honestly say that I have only caught one fish that I was positive to be a stocker. These beautiful wild fish have a combination of both brawn and brains that will provide and any fishermen a real challenge. Natural adversities are amplified in this small stream. Summer heat waves can warm up the water and stress the fish so to help them survive, fishermen must land and release them quickly. While heat waves are temporary and the water will cool back down as fall approaches, droughts really take a toll on the overall health of the fishery. In 2011, Missouri experienced one of its worst droughts in recent years and the trout population plummeted. Luckily, the weather has been cooperative in the last few years, and trout populations have rebounded significantly. To reach the creek, follow Highway N south out of Bourbon. It parallels the creek, and the Blue Spring Creek Conservation Area encompasses most of the trout-holding waters. There are several pull-offs and parking lots scattered along the length of the creek, and the result is great access to most of the water. Water temperatures in the lower half mile of the creek can warm up, especially in the summer, but that is not a bad thing since it just attracts smallmouth bass out of the Meramec River. 92 l September 2017 l STOE l www.SouthernTrout.com
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When in the area don’t forget to check out the town of Bourbon. The main street through town is old Route 66 and Bourbon’s water tower is said to be one of the most photographed features along the historic highway. If you are looking for a bite to eat on Route 66 stop by Uncle Ernie’s Restaurant for one of their famous “Ernie Burgers.” If an old fashioned malt or vanilla ice cream cone is more to your liking, try the Circle Inn Malt Shop. Thinking about staying overnight in the area? Blue Spring Ranch Resort is located on the lower end of Blue Spring Creek and offers great camping and cabins. They also provide canoe and raft rental for floating the Meramec River, trail rides, and a zip line course if you are really adventurous. So when you make it to this beautiful “By the Book” trout stream, I recommend having a copy of John Gierach’s world famous1989 book Fly Fishing Small Streams in your pocket. I have to think that a stream like this is what he envisioned as he wrote that book. Blue Spring Creek is the very essence of small stream trout fishing. It will challenge your ability, test your patience, and in the end you will be rewarded with some of the most beautiful trout you have ever caught. www.Southerntrout.com l Ozark Edition l September 2017 l 95
Fishing Gra My favorite aspect of fly fishing is fishing dry flies. There is something about seeing the take that flips my switch. I anxiously await our caddis hatch and always enjoy the sulphur hatch. However, late summer is the best dry fishing of the year. That is due to grasshoppers. Grasshoppers are my favorite dry fly. Their large size makes them easy to see, and the fact that they are terrestrials and not accustomed to the water makes them fairly easy to imitate. All you have to do is let them plop down with a splash. There is no need for a delicate presentation. The takes usually occur as soon as the fly hits the water. If that doesn’t happen immediately, I give them a twitch to simulate the grasshopper struggling in the water. This can initiate a vicious strike. There are a lot of grasshopper patterns out there, but I prefer the western foam-style patterns (my favorite is the Western Pink Lady). Rubber legs are a plus. I also like to have a brightly-colored quick sight device on the back of them to make them even easier to see. My most effective color this year has been tan. My wife, Lori, always tells me the most prevalent color of grasshoppers in the garden. If I run into selective trout, I will switch over to a Dave’s Hopper. It is a dead-on imitation of the natural. The only problem I have with this pattern is that you have to dress it with fly floatant, a minor inconvenience. Rigging them is a cinch. I just tie one onto the end of a seven and one-half foot 4X leader. This can turn over the heaviest hopper. To increase their effectiveness, add a dropper. I tie on a 5X fluorocarbon tippet to the bend of the hook on the grasshopper. I then tie a small bead head nymph, usually a midge. This way the grasshopper can act as a strike indicator. If the fish hits the grasshopper, set the hook. If the grasshopper goes down, set the hook. You can’t lose. A hot trend among my fellow guides is to use a Pat’s rubber legs or a girdle bug as a dropper, with their hoppers. Both of these are stonefly imitations. We don’t see stoneflies around here, but that doesn’t mean they are not here. I have seen their husks at Rim Shoals, so I know that they are there. They are large tempting morsels that can produce large trout. Be sure and use a large grasshopper to support this kind of heavy fly. 96 l September 2017 l STOE l www.SouthernTrout.com
rasshoppers
John Berry
On high water fish them by banging the bank. On lower water target any interesting water near the bank. Remember that they are terrestrials that fall into or are blown into the water by wind. I fish them year round. This year I caught a nineteeninch Cutthroat on the Norfork in February using a grasshopper. Trout do not have calendars. Grasshoppers can add some excitement to an otherwise slow day. If you notice some top water action, don’t be afraid to give them a try. John Berry is a fly fishing guide in Cotter, Arkansas; he can be reached at (870) 4352169 or http://www. berrybrothersguides. com.
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Dead Horses, Wild D
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Deer, and Catch and Release N
Keith Gann
ot too long ago, my wife and I were out to dinner in the company of a couple with whom we just recently began to spend time. During the conversation, it was brought up that I spend a lot of time away from home fly fishing. “Yeah,” my wife offered, “he drives six hundred miles, catches some fish, takes pictures of them, lets them go, THEN…… turns around and drives six hundred miles back home. Does that make sense to anyone?” It got a laugh from the other couple, but I felt that the other guy laughed just to be polite to my wife, but secretly was sympathetic to my hobby since we had established that he spent a lot of time on a golf course, chasing a little white ball. His wife offered that at least he was getting exercise until he mentioned that he always used a cart and ended the day in the clubhouse drinking several beers. I tried to add that I got a lot of exercise from fly fishing since it was not unusual for me to hike several miles to the stream, then fish for a mile or two, then hike the several miles back to the truck. That sounded like a pretty good comeback until my wife interjected, “But you still release all of your fish! You could get the same amount of exercise by just walking a few miles every day up our roads, and it would be a lot cheaper, and not near as hard on your truck.”
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One of the reasons I was attracted to her in the first place was her practical approach to situations. I was too young and beguiled in those early years to think that her pragmatism would come back to haunt me some day. Oh, she’s right of course. My thinking
processes and value systems are in constant conflict most of the time. Later, she mentioned another of my friends who lived in Detroit, who was a General Custer buff. One weekend he drove from Detroit to Lawrence, Kansas to see Comanche, a stuffed horse that was Capt. Miles
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Keogh’s horse in the battle. It was the only living remnant of Custer’s regiment left on the battlefield. It was on display in a museum on the University of Kansas’ campus. Before my friend left, his wife said, “Now let me get this straight, you’re going to drive six-hundred miles to see a dead horse,
then drive another six hundred miles back home.” “That’s right,” he answered. When he got back to Detroit, she had loaded up the furniture and had filed for divorce. Well, during the somewhat heated conversation that ensued, I gradually realized that my
wife was right again and that my friend’s hobby was no different than mine. I finally apologized, we laughed about it, and we were back talking to each other when we got home. All of this deep thinking was brought on by something that happened this morning. It’s Sunday,
and I normally start my day by rising early, driving to Parkville, Missouri, walking three miles along a river trail there, then coming back home in time to put on a pot of coffee and take the Sunday paper out on the deck. This morning before reading the paper, I walked down to the shop to turn on the A/C unit knowing that it would be a hot day and that I had to work on rods and knives. As I got down to the shop, one of the little does that I feed on a regular basis, came out of the woods, along with her new fawn. I stopped, she stopped, and the fawn kept coming. Before it was over, they both were within thirtyfeet of me, and the doe had her head cocked. I wasn’t sure if she was challenging me because of the fawn or if she was just hungry. I filled a couple of coffee cans with cracked corn, walked down to the feed pan, and they both backed away, but only a few feet. As soon as the feed pan was full, I walked back up the hill to the shop, and the doe moved directly to the pan and began to feed.
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As I stood at the shop window and watched her eat, I realized that this was another case of “catch and release.” As much as me never shooting the small covey of quail on the place or the twelve to fifteen turkeys that come into the orchard on an irregular basis, the thoughts of ever shooting these animals has never occurred to me. Yet I don’t hesitate to chase and shoot other folks’ quail and turkeys. Trying to figure how I justify killing some and letting others go, is almost beyond me. All I know is that the whole hunting,
finding, fishing, feeding, and releasing experience gives me a lot of pleasure. Evolutionary biologists tell us that man is pleasureseeking. He runs from pain toward pleasure. Trying to define what is one person’s pleasure and another’s pain is centered in the release of serotonin and dopamine in our brains. We know that the more you do something pleasurable, the more of the hormones it takes to get to the same level of pleasure. Thus habits form, addictions begin, and the secreted hormones put a person on a downward spiral to Skid Row or just a never-ending
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quest for more pleasure at increased levels of risks or effort. Thinking this through now tells me that either I don’t fish and hunt enough to release enough hormones, or……I hunt and fish enough, …but maybe I just don’t catch enough fish or shoot enough quail. Thinking about it makes my head spin. Maybe I’ll just drive over to Lawrence and see Comanche, or better yet, …….I’ll just drive two hundred miles down to a small Ozarks spring creek that I know, catch some small trout and release them instead.
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loon rogue quic
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A
ny tool in the fly fisher’s arsenal must be rugged while performing the tasks they are designed to assist easily and quickly. Loon Outdoors’ Rogue Quickdraw Forceps delivers on both accounts as its flat geometric jaw design enables easy hook removal regardless of the fly size. The Rogue is also capable of crimping even the heaviest barbs. The jaws of these forceps also have a compact cutting surface capable of cutting the heaviest leader or tippet. It also has a needle capable of removing head cement or paint from the hook eye. By performing these many necessary functions, it eliminates fumbling through multiple vest pockets searching for just the right instrument for each task. The Rogue Quickdraw Forceps is thoughtfully designed by fly fishers for fly fishers. It has an oversized thumb and finger hole capable of accommodating either very large or gloved hands. These forceps are 6-1/4 inches long and have a carabiner finger loop which allows it to be easily attached, removed, and reattached to its storage location. This feature provides the “Quickdraw” in its name. The Loon Rogue Quickdraw has a black rust-resistant finish and double-dipped handle for added comfort. The handles lock conveniently in place on this rugged tool made from surgical quality stainless steel. This is a quality tool that will accompany the angler for a lifetime of fishing. More information is available at local fly shops and online at www. loonoutdoors.com.
ckdraw forceps
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CONTRIBUTORS
BOOT PIERCE
JOHN BERRY
DAVY WOTTON
Boot Pierce is a geologist by trade and has been a fisherman all of his life. In the early 1990’s he ditched his spinning rod and began fly fishing all the crystal clear trout streams that the Ozarks had to offer. He now travels the Midwest demonstrating fly tying and speaking about fly fishing techniques and destinations. Boot is the owner of Rainwater Fly Fishing, which features fly fishing and fly tying classes, guiding, and public presentations on the sport. He calls the Blue Ribbon trout streams of Missouri home.
John Berry is a fly fishing guide on Arkansas’ White, Norfork, Spring, and Little Red Rivers for trout and Crooked Creek for Smallmouth Bass. He teaches fly fishing and fly casting for Arkansas State University and has been a seminar presenter and fly tier at the Federation of Fly Fishers’ National Conclave and many other venues, and served as a guide for Hooked on a Cure. John is a fly fishing columnist for the Baxter Bulletin in Mountain Home, Arkansas and wrote three chapters of the highly successful fishing guide, Home Waters. John was recently awarded the Charles E. Brooks Memorial Lifetime Award by the Federation of Fly Fishers.
Davy’s professional career began in the 1960’s as a professional fly tyer from his home in Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom. From that he progressed into the mail-order business and in the 1970’s began to both develop and manufacture fly tying and fly fishing products and further the knowledge of fly fishing through written articles for publication. Home now to Davy finds him near the pristine waters of the White River System which was first introduced to him by his longtime friend, Dave Whitlock. Davy engaged now more than ever in the world of fly fishing as the Managing Director of the America.
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CONTRIBUTORS
KEITH GANN
TOMMY DEHART
Keith Gann is a retired manufacturing executive who lives with his wife Martha in the Kansas City area. When not fly-fishing or quail hunting or shooting on the local range, he is building and restoring bamboo flyrods, or making hand-crafted hunting knives. He has been a freelance writer for fifteen years. He and his wife have three adult children and six very active grandchildren.
Tommy DeHart is an engineering student majoring in Mining Engineering at the University of Missouri: Science and Technology in Rolla, Missouri. He is the lead author and owner of fishnflies.com, a proactive fly fishing blog and website. He is also the recipient of the IFFF Southern Council “Junior Fly Tyer of the Year” award and the Sowbug Round-Up “Best Warmwater Fly”. .
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A Museum for the Southern Fly Fisherman
The Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians — originally
located in Cherokee, NC — has a new home in neighboring Bryson City where it shares a building with the Bryson City / Swain County Chamber of Commerce. It’s centrally located on the town square across the street from the visitor center. The Museum is open Monday thru Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm and admission is free.
The scope of the museum covers an
area with more than 14,700 miles of accessible trout streams — the nine Southern Appalachian States of North Carolina, South Carolina, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama; the Qualla Boundary, home of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians; as well as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Bryson City, NC
PHOTO BY JIM HEAFNER
Through exhibits and videos you’ll
learn about legendary “Stream Blazers,” the evolution of rods and reels, basic knots, fly-tying, types of gear, types of gamefish, regional fishing waters, and the history of fly fishing in the Southeast. Whether you are a long-time fly fisherman, or have only attempted or never tried fly fishing, you will find something to enjoy and to learn from in the museum.
FLY FISHING MUSEUM
OF THE SOUTHERN APPALACHIANS
Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians 210 Main Street Bryson City, NC 28713 800-867-9241
FlyFishingMuseum.org
Moose Creek Rods and Knives *Classic Bamboo Fly Rods *Custom Sheaths *Bamboo Display Rods and Reels *Handcrafted Knives *Custom Fly Tying Tools *Bamboo Rods *Restored and Repaired kmgann@sw bell.net 913-299-960 w w w.moosecreekrodsandknives.com