New Graduate Takes Advantage of a Beautiful Day
Kirk Miles luckily picked a picture perfect day for his graduation from the 2026 Spring Fly Fishing class. The temperatures started out in the mid 60s and ended up around 80 degrees. Kirk was joined by his good friend Darrel Durst, along with Ken Welter, Larry Mangels, Steve Baker, Christopher Beahm, Bill Byington, and Don Varner. Derrik Kassebaum who was already at Montauk State park camping joined us. Kenny Klimes was Kirk’s instructor and started the “graduation” with loads of questions for Kirk.
While the others spread out throughout the river. Kenny took Kirk to the usual spot for the morning graduation period. Here Kirk practiced his casting, stripping streamers, swinging wet flies and dead drifting techniques. He had a few hits but really got “rocking” when the two started the dead drifting techniques. Kenny put on a black zebra midge and Kirk immediately said, “Man, that’s small!” But the fish were eager to show Kirk that SIZE DOESN’T ALWAYS MATTER. Kirk had about 4-5 in the net by lunch time. Great job!!
Everyone met up at the “Stag” tables for lunch talking about their morning. Some did well and others believe it or not were skunked. The exchange of ideas took place – what flies worked and which ones didn’t. Fueled up with drink and food they headed back out to change their fortune.
Kenny and Kirk headed up to the very top of the river near the spring. The crowds were not too bad except in the area some call the “aircraft carrier”. It’s that long smooth stretch of water before the cables – that was crowded. Kirk caught a few more and missed a few more during the rest of the afternoon. Overall the fishing or should I say catching wasn’t super good but everyone caught fish on this day. The ones skunked in the morning did much better in the afternoon.
As tradition we let Kirk pick the spot for our fellowship dinner on the way home. He picked pizza at first. I think when he saw the total disappointment on everyone’s faces he said “Then where should we go then???” Someone yelled out a new place we had never been before – J.B. Malones. So Kirk immediately wanted to go there (sorry Jim). It was in Salem, MO. A little sandwich bar and grill with larger meals there too. We all ordered and celebrated Kirk’s graduation.
There are only a few more weeks until the parks close for two weeks and reopen to catch and release season starting November 13th. Did you know that we already have graduation trips on November 13th and 16th scheduled!!!
