MOfishMO

Jim great question. I have the same issue with peacock herl. I’ve found when I pull a herl from a full length peacock feather with eye. I’m able to consistently get the iridescent color to show (not always) when wrapping. As oppose to trying to wrap a peacock herl from just a package of herls. I’m not sure if this makes a difference, but have noticed this with my fly tying. I’ll be interested in what a more experienced fly tyer has to say.

I’m new to fly tying. But, I use loon UV fly finish (thick). No smell, easy to apply and spread, hardens quickly. It works great for me. I have a loon UV light but, feel it really does not matter how bright it is, just as long it’s a UV light.

I have Sprint, coverage on the Meramec but not on the Current.

Another suggestion from having this happen is prevention. I use paraffin wax on the rod ferrules. Applied every couple of months. So far it has worked for me. Never had a stuck rod yet but, I’m new to the fly fish addiction of only about 1 1/2 years.

I have seen you Czech Nymph. Impressive!
I’m to new to fly fishing, still trying to learn that Nymphing thing. Greg, when I grow up, I want to Czech Nymph like you.? Please keep carrying the split shot for us newbies. What you said about split-shot makes sense with Czech Nymphing. What do you think about using a Czech Nymph fly on a regular 9 foot rod, without a Czech Nymph rod?

Matt, I have the same desire as you, to explore the smaller streams and creeks. Thanks to Bill Byington, he shared his experience by taking me to Mill Creek and Little Piney for my first time about a month again. What a fun trip! The fishing on the smaller streams and creeks are usually better after some rain. The fishing is very technical with skinny water. You have to be very stealth like. The expectations should be realistic when fishing the smaller streams that majority of the fish will be about 3 inch to 8 inch. Not saying there isn’t any larger fish but the 12 inch or greater are there but difficult to catch. The fish are small but are wild and in my opinion fight harder then the stockers.

Mill Creek: This creek has 2 access points, that can be easily found with the MDC maps. Either location gives you easy access to the creek. Again, Mill Creek is very skinny water best after some rain.

Little Piney: We gained access at Lane Spring Recreation Area. It has a self pay parking lot (I think $3) to gain easy access to the Little Piney. If you go to this access point check before going because I think they close the access from October to March. Nice little stream with a lot of ripples and runs with a lot of pocket water. Again, very technical but, a better chance of catching a larger fish.
Hope this is helpful! Happy Thanksgiving.