With Montauk State Park destroyed by the devastating flood we had at the beginning of the month, we had to cancel our first graduation trip for two members of the newest class. The instructor team got together, decided to call an audible and use Bennett Spring State Park as our alternate graduation site. Bob Born was next in line for graduation. With beautiful weather (i.e., sunny skies and no rain) for the last two weeks the graduation trip was scheduled for Monday, November 18^th, which was the one day it predicted to be cloudy and rainy – go figure. But that didn’t stop seven of us from heading out to fish Bennett Spring State Park – Jim Craig, Bob Palisch, Bob Hassett, Bob Born (is that too many Bob’s to take on one trip?), Scott Payne, Ryan Young, and I (Kenny Klimes). The weather was “perfect” for fishing – low clouds and no rain. Did we mention it was Bob Born’s Birthday too?

We arrived at the park around 8:30am. The gang dressed and took off to all parts of the park. Jim was going to instruct in the morning before lunch and Kenny would take over in the afternoon. Bob Born had some fly fishing experience but was ready to learn the finer points of the sport. Jim went through the usual techniques with Bob. Bob had his “graduation” trout early and could relax the rest of the day. But no one was able to “relax” since the fishing was – how you say – awesome!

Most of the guys (and Bob, Jim, and Kenny) fished above the Dam and below the spring until lunch. Except Scott who loves to fish the fast-moving waters below the dam. We joined Scott in the afternoon below the dam. I couldn’t say it was a fishing day – but actually a catching day. No one had less than 20 fish a piece while some had a fish count much higher than that! Most trout were caught using nymphs – house of Payne, hair of the dog, zebra midges, perdigons and whatever you threw. It didn’t matter much as long as you were in the zone, good drift and hung on! Streamers and swinging soft hackles/Barr’s emergers worked well and EVEN trout were caught of Caddis dry flies, ants, and beetles!

It was a memorable day as very few other fly fishers were in the park (very unusual). When the sirens went off to indicate the end of the day, we were all ready – with sore backs and arms! We received a recommendation on where to have fellowship dinner in Lebanon from a gentleman who was fishing with us at Bennett – Mexican restaurant – El Sombrero. He was spot on as everyone enjoyed their dinner. The long drive back home included heavy rainstorms which I think we didn’t mind since they waited until we were done fishing!

The winter catch and release season is here. We just received a report that the Meramec River is fishing well just outside the park (check the website). It’s a lot closer to STL (1 hour 15 minutes) so try it. Park at Maramec Spring Park, walk to the river and work downstream (remember Maramec Spring is open seven days a week).