Branson, MO

There is much more to Branson, Missouri than music. It is an anglers paradise. Since I can bass fish any time, I skipped Tablerock Lake and tried my hand at fly fishing for rainbow trout.

Guide, Darrell Lundberg met me at River Run Outfitters where I was fitted with waders and got my fishing licence. I also got a t-shirt, cap, and assorted goodies from this well stocked fly shop. River Run Outfitters is the "2006 Orvis Endorsed Outfitter of the Year". They provided everything..... waders, rods, flys, even drinks, lunch, and snacks.


Lake Tinicomo, formally the White River, starts below the dam at Tablerock Lake. It's 40 degree water is thick with rainbow and brown trout thanks to an aggressive stocking program.


Darrell launched our boat and handed me a feather light, 5wt Orvis rod. The fly was a very, very, tiny Midge. These flys were so small you could put 6 of them on the finger nail of your little finger. I looked at the fly and then looked at the 10 or 15 nice rainbow trout holding in the slow current and thought "no way".



A few casts later as the line floated down current the strike indicator ducked below the surface and I had a nice 2 pound rainbow trout dancing on the end of my line.


Fish could be seen everywhere in the clear shallow water. Some attacked the fly with wild abandon, while others ignored the fly completely. Darrell used the oars to position the drift boat, sometimes using the anchor to hold on a likely spot. He was constantly changing flys and handing me another rod to try. It was just a matter of "matching the hatch". I'm glad he was tying on the flys... the 4# test line and mini-micro hooks were way too small for me to see. LOL



It was a wonderfully relaxing day of drifting down the river enjoying the fall colors, good company, and frequently being interrupted by a frisky trout.



Mahalo to Darrell for sharing his fishing skills and good company on a wonderful day on the water. I can't wait to go again.

Aloha,

Stan

only 6 on your fingernail? Those a BIG midges :)

If your fishing with "bass" type and size streamer flys for peacock bass like I do here in Hawaii.... those are little tiny things. LOL I still can't get over how you guys can hook those big trout on so small a fly. It was an amazing experience.
Aloha,
Stan

I'm glad you liked your trip to Taneycomo. It's my home water and I'm proud of it. I'm surprised Darrel made you use the big midges. I guess he didn't want any strangers in our local 20/20 club (20" fish on a #20 fly).

Just kidding. I'm glad you enjoyed yourself.


P.S. There's music in Branson? Huh, who knew!

I hope to return one of these days and do some more fishing with Darrel. If I book the boat would you like to go along??? :D Think he would fish his "secret spots" with you with us? :lol:

I'm not going with a tour group next time.... 3 shows a day for 6 days is way to much for me. That's why I took a day off for fishing. I can't keep up with all those 80 year olds.

The food was out of this world.... Chicken fried steak.... B-B-Q.... grits..... and all the potatoes I could eat (no rice on this trip for me.)

After hearing the weather report, I can see why everything shuts down people head for Florida... I can't even imagine those hills all covered with ice. Tour buss hell.

Aloha,
Stan

Hey Stan..

Sounds like you had a great time on Taneycomo.. The Guys (and gals) Knows that water. I myself dont think you could have picked a better group to start with when fishing Taneycomo..

MisterPaul...

Hey neighbor how are you??
I didnt know you were over here on this board too..


Leonard