When you’re in the Air Force you know that you don’t have long at the assignment you are at, so we unfortunately have to say farewell to Msgt Patrick and Stacie Gallagher.  Patrick joined us about 3 years ago wanting to learn more about fly fishing. After attending his first FATC charity dinner he wanted to start the first Mayfly Project here in Missouri. Foster kids, the FATC and the people of Missouri are glad he did.  So well done good and faithful servant.

But let’s talk about the Gallagher’s farewell trip!  Arranged by Mike Oldani (who will be taking over the Mayfly project) our trip was on a Saturday. A cool, cloudy forecast still found Montauk park crowded so the group consisting of Patrick and Stacie Gallagher, Kenny Klimes, Don Varner, Jason Ludlum, Glenn Haake and Mike Oldani headed first to fish the Tan Vat area. Kenny’s first cast had a fish on but lost it in the jump – then it went dead.  Glenn caught three trout (one brown) and the rest of us saw no trout in the net.  We saw plenty of trout, but they seemed to spook very easily.

We went back in the park for lunch where on behalf of the FATC, Kenny presented Patrick and Stacie with a certificate for their dedication to the Mayfly project and the FATC. After lunch we all decided to stay in the park and fish the fly only area as the crowds cleared out for the afternoon.  The fishing was excellent in the afternoon with numerous flies catching fish – midges, nymphs, san juan/cerise worms, cracklebacks, leeches and buggers, even some dry flies did well.  It seemed the faster moving water produced more fish.  Fish in the 15-inch range were caught. And several of our FATC members were seen helping other fly fishers in the park with flies and fishing suggestions that brought them a couple fish to the net. Finishing up at five o’clock the gang decided to eat at Olig’s, a small restaurant south of Licking. The food was good, and our waitress dished out as much “ribbing” as we were giving her.

We are sorry to see Patrick and Stacie go but I’m sure they will be back as Patrick reminded me that he “should” be number one on the Lake Taneycomo trip. Thanks Patrick and Stacie!