I have always said that winter fishing is the best time to fly fish here in Missouri and it is proving me right so far. This past Friday (Dec. 6th) we had nine FATC meet up at Montauk State park to test out their skills on the water. The park was empty and allowed everyone to spread out throughout the beginning of the Current river. Al Blair, Pete Drochelman, Jim Anzer, Kenny Klimes. Don Varner, Bob Beckett, Mike Oldani, Larry Farrar and Steve Mahan (from Atlanta) joined forces at Montauk to fish. New friendships were made, and old ones rekindled – good times.
The guys hit the park anytime between 8am – 9am (depending on who got lost driving there and who didn’t). I guess we proved you can’t trust these new-fangled navigation systems, or you should just pay attention while you’re driving!! Anyway, we all were on the river by 9am and fished pretty much the entire park (except the campground area – we have to get down there at least once this year). Pete and Kenny fished below the bridge at the park entrance but after losing at least six euro-style flies in the trees Kenny cried “uncle”. Not much room on this stretch of water but great fishing. The rest of the guys hit the fly fishing only area of the park and did very well. Lunch at noon gave us the opportunity to chat and get to know each other better but after about 30 minutes the guys were eager to get back on the water. The afternoon was good too. And at the end of the day the vote was 50/50 on which part of the day was better for them – morning or afternoon.
Ok, I’m guessing you want to know which flies did the best. A myriad of flies was used and all caught fish – that’s how good it is right now. Euro-nymphing flies, nymphs, midges, San Juan worms, woolybuggers, leeches, soft hackles, Barr’s emergers, and more. Don’t forget good technique will catch you fish! To show you how good it was Kenny hit one of his secret holes where he catches at least two and on occasion maybe three. But this time he pulled out four then Pete went into the spot and pulled out two more!!! Yes, it will stay a secret – maybe. Several caught fish in the 14-16” range too.
Lots of laughs on this trip as always. We even learned a few names to call someone when your upset with them – they won’t be repeated here of course (right Al?). If you see a trip on the calendar join in. If you have a day that you can fish add it to the FATC calendar and I’m sure you will get someone to join you.
