Kenny Klimes

Dave,

There is another access to the Current River and it can be great fishing in the Spring (uncrowded). You take road 652 which sits between the Baptist Camp road and Pinecrest campground (by the way Pinecrest Campground has some wonderful owners – Ethan and Marie Tuttle –  that if you get lost they will gladly help you). Anyway, between Baptist camp road and Pinecrest campground (nearer to Pinecrest)  is road 652. Last time I drove down the road it was pretty rough. But they have been doing some building down there so it might be better now.

Once you get near the river there is a right turn that leads to a little campground area. I usually park there and then walk up or down stream – explore. Fishing can be tough but at times good!

Also, to find trout streams all over Missouri and the United States you do know we have a large discount with TroutRoutes. I have it and it works great. Think about that! Check our discount sheet for details.

I am not sure what I want to be said at my funeral but I do know what I want God to say when I meet Him – just this – “Well done, good and faithful servant”. Wouldn’t that be awesome!!

Hmmm, did the Father give us the FATC for restoration? I think so….. Take a FATC fly fishing trip and restore your soul. But that doesn’t mean to cast, cast, cast! It means to observe and settle your restless soul. Be quiet, be still and just listen. Did you know that we have two bald eagles nesting at Montauk State Park – have you seen them yet? Did you see the pileated woodpecker that lives there now? He has a glorious red head! And there is a big fat Missouri mink that is stealing a trout or two each day near the “boulder”.

Yes, stop a restore your soul. We ALL need to do it.

MOfishMO,

First, where have you been? Let’s get back in the game and join us on a few trips this winter. We miss you (you can’t work everyday)!

Haakeg,

Six states and several countries have banned felt bottom wading boots (Missouri being one) to include Yellowstone National park. Think about it. How many fly fishers go to Yellowstone National Park (YNP) to fly fish? – hundreds of thousands! The year they changed the rule in YNP the local fly shops sold a record number of rubber bottom wading boots. I know because we had a trip to YNP that year.

Now, a few years back some scientist did a study and concluded that the Didymo algae, also known as Rock Snot, could be carried in the felt of wading boots. So, many states and countries decided to ban felt bottom boots. Unfortunately, several years later this scientist recanted his study and said maybe his data was not complete. But the bans were in place and many wading boot companies started mass producing the Vibram bottom rubber soles. Now, will the few states and countries (New Zealand being one) change their rules – I don’t think they will take the chance. So we will have, at least in Missouri, rubber bottom boots for the foreseeable future.

Me personally, I have not had problems with rubber bottom boots (with cleats) but it has been so long since I have worn felt bottom boots. I don’t remember if they would be any better. MOfishMO is correct in saying that if you buy Korkers boots you can buy several different types of “soles” to interchange and attach to their bottoms. I find that I can’t wear Korkers because I have a wide foot and I do better in Simms boots (which I would have to buy two different boots if I wanted felt bottoms).

But you have a choice! I recommend buying a good staff when walking too.

Tight Lines,

K

Ken

I know that the Sensei is a busy man so maybe I can answer your question or dilemma.

Here are some tips I can give you:

1. Make sure you are tying your knots correctly.

2. Don’t skimp on tippet when tying your knots. make sure you have more tippet/leader material than you need to tie the knot correctly.

3. Always, always moisten your knot before pulling your knot tight. Whether you use your saliva, the stream water, chap stick that is on your lips, or whatever – definitely moisten the knot before pulling tight.

4. Test your knot strength after you have tied it by pulling on it with a little force – do not “yank” it but pull with a “steady” pull. Also make sure you are pulling tight all leads – to include the tag ends coming off the knot when tightening your knot.

The knots should not break when you have consistent force on the fish. Remember with light tippet (7x or 6x) a stiff or fast action rod may be putting too much force on the knot. So it’s not the knot but could be the rod you are using. Light tippet you may need a more flexible rod like a medium fast or medium rod. Also when setting the hook it is a “lift” and not a Bass set.

I use a Double Davy when I am tying to a tippet ring and if you get good at tying it, try it from tippet to hook. A double surgeons knot is plenty good and strong if tied correctly so no need for a triple surgeons knot. I use a clinch knot and not a improved clinch knot when tying from tippet to hook. It is super easy to do when using my “precious” or Ty-Rite tool.

Hope this helps and I hope the Sensei doesn’t mind me answer his post!

Kenny

Bill

Where is your location? Our fly fishing fellowship (the one that owns this website and forum) teaches and does all types of fly fishing from dry flies, dry dropper, Nymphing, Euro-style Nymphing, swinging flies etc,

If you are in Missouri we are your guys. If you live in another state we can help you get started with your own organization. We have 215 members – the largest fly fishing organization in Missouri. Feel free to email us at [email protected]

Also, since you found our forum then you found our website. Peruse it and let us know what you think.

Jeffblev,

There are 1oo’s of thousands of trout streams in the United States and no one organization can put all of them together for us fly fishers. Troutroutes, that has only been out for just a few years, is trying. Of course they would start with the more famous streams and rivers and then work down to the rest. They are continually working everyday on finding trout streams. Our association with them, as a sponsor, is invaluable with their discount for our members.

With that said, Troutroutes is ALWAYS asking their members to provide information to them to make their app better. For example, we (FATC) are working with them to make trout streams, locations, access points, etc. in Missouri and Arkansas more accurate. If you have any streams that you have fished, small streams or large rivers, that you fished for trout and want TroutRoutes to put them in their app, get them to us and we will work with TroutRoutes to add them to there app. If you find locations that are NOT accurate in TroutRoutes, then let us or TroutRoutes know so they can make them accurate. This way if we (FATC) plan a trip to lesser known streams the information from the app will be accurate. As you may or may not know TroutRoutes briefing given at the Denver Fly Fishing Show in 2023 gave information on all of the ways, besides using TroutRoutes, that you can find the tiniest of trout streams in each state. Their job is trying to put all of this information in one location – a monumental task.

I have used TroutRoutes on several of my trips this year (Colorado, Wisconsin, etc.) and it has worked great – saved time in finding some awesome trout streams. If you have spots that you have fished for trout that are incorrect or non-existence, please contact us and we can pass them on to TroutRoutes to make their app better.

KK