George Wong from the Springfield gang completed his graduation at Lake Taneycomo (LT). Kenny took him out for class number VI and was joined by Randy Stephens. Since they are both part of the Springfield gang, Kenny decided to fish at LT, which is only 40-minute drive from Springfield, MO. The Table Rock Dam has been off with no generation before 3pm for some time now. That makes it perfect to wade fish LT. So, on this day the generation flow didn’t start until after 3pm and the guys got in a full day of fly fishing.
On arrival LT had almost no flow but upon further investigation the flow was actually about 20 cfs. Awfully slow but ok to wade. Trout were rising sporadically but enough to “target” the rising trout. Kenny recommended to start with tiny flies. George had several hits but lost them. Even Kenny threw a few casts and lost the trout on the same tiny flies. This was perplexing – the trout were taking something just below the surface. The guys noticed very tiny flies but could not get the trout to take. The trout had plenty of tiny flies to choose from and were very fussy. They also did a little nymphing and Randy pulled a couple of trout to the net with a scud (extremely popular fly on LT). But no luck there for George.
Finally, George said what about his old favorite the wooly bugger. What do we have to lose – give it try. Kenny suggested olive and after about four casts George yells out “fish on”! The fight was on for a beautiful rainbow that was about 20”. There you go George – graduation fish is a trophy. George’s second fish was, well, more fun to watch – sort of. Upon his set the trout ran towards him, and Kenny yelled out strip – strip. George decided to back up instead and “down he goes”! Kenny helped him up and lo and behold the trout was STILL ON!! Number two in the net. George ended up with one more and it was a successful day. I think Randy had 2 or 3 trout also. Kenny spent an hour using his new Spey rod which he will need a little (ok, a lot) more practice on casting.
If you are in the Branson area LT has been low and wadable from early morning until 2-3pm each day. BUT always check our website for the water conditions. They only announce the predicted schedule flows the night before (usually around 5 pm). The fish are big, fat, and feisty. The browns seem to show up around October. With the drought they are having in the Branson area it could be wadable water for the rest of the summer and fall.
