Another trip to finish two graduates from the STL Fall fly fishing class was a tremendous success in more ways than one. Scott Morris and Rick Miller came out to Bennett Spring State Park to complete their graduation and were joined by six others: including Kenny and Jim (FATC Instructors), Ted Madden and Bob Born our latest graduates, Denny Garner and Raul Vargas. I love it when we have a bunch of “newer guys” and the help that the “old heads” freely give them on the water.

The weather was predicted to be in the high forties (in the afternoon), but it sure seemed colder than that as the humidity made it a bit chilly in the morning. It was a cloudy day, so we didn’t have the sun to warm us up. But each of us said each time we caught a fish it got a little warmer. Funny how that happens! Jim started out with Rick Miller and Kenny took Scott Morris for the morning period. Both did exceptionally well, and all caught several fish before the lunchtime. We worked on their casting, stripping techniques, swinging flies and of course dead drifting nymphs. The others spread out on the river anywhere from the spring down to the dam to past the bridge.

At lunch most had smiles on their faces as we discussed which flies did well and what areas were good fishing. The best flies varied as olive mohair leeches and woolly buggers did the best for streamer fishing. Several went to swinging smaller flies like soft hackles and the like and were rewarded with some nice fish. The nymphs used were House of Payne, black zebra midges, Hair of the Dog (like a Walt’s worm pattern), San Juan worms, and egg patterns. All flies did well as we found the fish hungry and ready to fight. One of the best parts was that no one fell in either!! Another plug to wear the proper clothing under your waders and vests – NO COTTON! With the low temperatures now, hypothermia can set in quickly if you are wearing the wrong gear.

Plenty of fish were caught, as no one was worried about getting skunked but more about how many could they put in the net on this day. Ted Madden, on only his second time out, caught twice as many fish than on his graduation trip (hmmm, what does that tell you about his instructor!?!?). The siren ended the day at 4pm as everyone fished right up to the end. We met at the cars and the new guys picked our dinner location. Since we had two headed back down to Springfield, MO, and the rest to STL, we decided to eat in Lebanon, MO. Mexican food won, and we chowed down at El Sombrero. Someone picked out some fancy margaritas (see pictures)!

Of course, there was talk of let’s do this again! If you haven’t been out in a while – let’s, GO. Set up your own trip or get on someone else’s. Check our FATC calendar for details. And don’t forget our fly-tying sessions – doesn’t save you money but it’s a terrific way to delve deeper into your sport!! Again, see our calendar!

This may be the last trip before Christmas, so I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and happiest of new year’s!!