Rockbridge June 3, 4, 5th, 2022

A group of 20 guys had a super weekend trip to Rockbridge in southern MO.  The group was comprised of members of Legacy Builders and/or FATC members. Several guys are members of both.

FATC Attendees (in no particular order) were: Tony Kalinowski, John Muckerman, Vern Mansfield, Steve Stipanovich, Dan Staggenborg, Vernon Preston, Bill Keenan, Derrick Kassebaum, Jeff Nagle, Jeff Layton, David Knight. Notable attendees from Legacy Builders included  Stan Bower and his buddy Michael, the British Texan who drove 8 hours from Dallas.

Tony Kalinowski, John Muckerman, Jeff Nagle did a terrific job of planning, buying and preparing gourmet breakfast and dinners for the guys.

John Muckerman prepared grilled elk heart kabobs as an appetizer and trout on the grill for dinner on Friday night.

Tony K and several guys brought pies and ice cream for dessert each night Saturday evening food was ribs from Dalies Smokehouse.

The food always forms the basis for easy fellowship. Several guys admitted they made new friends and met interesting guys on the trip.

Having heard stories about fishing at Rockbridge for over 30 years, and finally getting a chance to fish there, was a real treat.

The stream is very well stocked with nice sized fish. Almost all fish over 2 1/2 pounds, with some 4 pounds and over. The cost was $5.15 per pound live weight (before being filleted). The cost included cleaning, packaging and freezing. Plus a one time $35 fishing permit.

Some purists would argue that going to a “pay per pound” place, such as Rockbridge, gives the fisherman an unfair advantage. There may be some truth in that. But maybe not. “First timers” as well as seasoned fishermen, find the experience very enjoyable and rewarding. For example, fishing a stream that has abundant, big, cooperative, trout provides great experience for hooking and playing nice sized, hard fighting fish. Having “cooperative fish” gives guys the opportunity to try and perfect certain techniques. Steve S. got pretty good using a dry fly to catch trout and will probably use that technique more often. Many guys argue using dry flies is the most fun & satisfying type of trout fishing, since you see the fish take the fly.

Other guys spent their time becoming proficient fishing soft hackle and others fishing streamers. Vern Mansfield, who graduated just last week was able to enjoy success using 4 different styles: nymphing, soft hackle, dry fly and stripping a streamer. At the trout parks, it would take many months to have enough success to develop the confidence he got this weekend.

The flies that seemed to work were the elk hair Caddis, parachute Adams, soft hackle (chartreuse, orange, red, or pheasant tail soft hackle), streamers (white, rust, olive, thinmint, olive & black hackle), 

The guys were introduced to the Coffey sparkling minnow by some kindly fisherman from another group, which he swore by. 

The euro-nymph guys were tearing things up as well (red or black zebra midge, Iron Lotus Jig, Pink Hog, Sparky Leech, Thread Frenchie in black, Two Tone Surveyor).  At least one FATC member may have retired his indicator rig and picked up a euro rig as primary method.

Funny story (from John M):John spotted a FATC friend fishing and noticed his fly reel was on backwards (crank on the right).  When John suggested they re-rig, the FATC friend somewhat stubbornly replied, “that’s the way I like it”.  Shortly afterward, the FATC buddy tried to rand noticed the line was spitting out like a ticker tape. He turned to John and said, “maybe it’s time to change!”

It was fun to watch the FATC ethos at work: more experienced guys helping newer fisherman. It was nice for the experienced guys to “stop the meter”. Worked out good for everyone.

A lots of good memories and friendship were made on this trip.

Submitted by Bill Keenum and Dan Staggenborg 

Updated: June 17, 2022