Song of the Week- Mistress Named Music by Eric Church- Week 6

If you follow the website Moldy Chum, you will recognize where the idea comes from.  If you don't follow the site, they have a post every Sunday called "Sunday Toona".  Essentially, the post contains a song of the week.  I liked that idea so much that I decided to start a similar tradition.  I plan on posting a YouTube video every Sunday and this post is the first of many more to follow.

I wouldn't blame you if you wonder how music connects to a fly fishing blog.  Well, the bottom line is that it really doesn't, at least on the surface.  However, if you fish, then you probably listen to music.  Maybe you listen to some tunes in your boat.  Maybe you slip in some earbuds and listen to jams while you fish.  Most of us probably listen to music on the way to go fishing.  So there is a connection between fishing and music, albeit a small connection.

The other reason that I want to start this routine is that I really enjoy music.  I have ZERO musical talent and that might be the reasoning that I appreciate the talents that other musicians have.  I don't like all music though.  I like music that has heart.  I like music that tells a story.  Most of all, I like music that I can relate to on some level.  For those reasons, the music that I share might not be to your liking...and that's ok!  I listen to a lot of music that you won't find on radio stations and that's why I want to share it with others.  

I started this blog cause I wanted to share my experiences with others in the hopes that others might learn and benefit from what I do.  Sharing music that touches my heart, or makes me laugh, or brings a tear to my eye falls in line with the aforementioned ideal.  I hope you dig what I share and I hope you find something that you can connect with.  For the first Song of the Week post, I present to you "Mistress Named Music" by Eric Church.

Link to Eric Church YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/ericchurch/featured

Lunch Money Assortment

Link: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1342390655/lunch-money-assortment-lunch-box-lunch

It would be wrong to NOT call this the lunch box, right?  It also felt right to offer an assortment of the best selling fly from the online store in 2022.  There have been a lot of these puppies get mailed to some very happy customers that had some great things to say about them, just check out the reviews that folks have left.  With those things in mind, this felt like a no-brainer.  There are only two of these assortments available right now but I will try to keep up with demand.  As part of the assortment, I am throwing in a box that has a 50% discount.  I would love to send some an assortment your way for you to use or for you to gift to that streamer junkie this holiday season.  Also, if you want a custom order with different color combinations, just email me and I will let you know if I can whip up what you are wanting!  My email is showmeflyguy@gmail.com.

Link: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1342390655/lunch-money-assortment-lunch-box-lunch

Stocked Winter Trout- Catch and Release List

Hopefully today's post helps to show you determine where your best trout fishing options might occur in your area.  I have taken all of the lakes that are a part of the Missouri Department of Conservation winter trout program and broken them down into the lakes that you can catch and keep fish immediately and those that are catch and release until Jan. 31.  Myself, I prefer to fish the catch and release spots because they're just going to have more fish in them.  If you are a release into grease person though, you might prefer the column on the left.  Good luck regardless of your affiliation and I hope this sheds a little light on your potential fishing plans.

Link to Statewide Trout Stocking Information: https://mdc.mo.gov/fishing/species/trout/winter-trout-fishing-areas

Catch and KEEP

Catch and RELEASE from Nov. 1-Jan. 31 Flies, Artificial Lures, and Unscented Soft Plastic Baits Only

Lake Chaumiere- Kansas City Cleveland Lake- Belton Coot Lake- James A. Reed in Lee's Summit Capital Federal Sports Complex- Liberty Honker Pond- James A. Reed in Lee's Summit Jesse James Park Lake- Kearney Johnson Lake- Raymore Plover Lake- James A. Reed in Lee's Summit Beuth Park Lake- Moberly Lakes 7, 22 and 23- August A. Busch Conservation Area- St. Louis Boathouse Lake- Carondelet Park- St. Louis Gendron Lake- St. Ann January Wabash Lake- Ferguson O'Fallon Lake- St. Louis Susan Park Carp Lake- St. Louis Susan Park Island Lake- St. Louis Vlasis Park Lake- Ballwin

Cosmo-Bethel Lake- Columbia Kiwanis Lake - Mexico Lake Minesa- Marshall McKay Park Lake- Jefferson City Veterans Park Lake- Fulton Liberty Park Pond- Sedalia Everyday Pond- Missouri Western State University Huckleberry Lake- Hannibal Krug Park Lagoon- St. Joseph Spur Pond- Kirksville Giessing Lake- Farmington Legion Lake 1- Perry County Rotary Lake- Cape Girardeau Lakes 7 and 21- August A. Busch Conservation Area- St. Louis Jefferson Lake- St. Louis Koeneman Park Lake- Jennings Tilles Park Lake- St. Louis Union City Lake- Union Walker Lake- Kirkwood Wild Acres Park Lake- Overland

Sikeston Recreation Complex Lake- Sikeston- no information on this one

Monofilament versus Fluorocarbon Leader

For some reason, I can't seem to keep the differences between monofilament and fluorocarbon straight.  I can't always remember which should be used in specific situations.  For that reason, I am sharing their individual traits and characteristics.  If you're like me and you need a refresher course over these types of line, I hope this helps!

Buy One Fly Rod, Get One Free!

I saw this sale on Facebook yesterday and I thought some of you might be in the market for a new fly rod.  I'll be honest, I don't know much about Allen Fly Fishing but I know a good deal when I see one!  If you are in the market for a new rod, looking to give a fly rod to someone for Christmas, or wanting a certain weight of rod that you are missing in your collection, this might be an option worth exploring.  Again, I cannot speak to how these rods perform on the water as I don't have any experience with these rods.  If you do a little research though, I bet you could find some folks that are willing to share their opinions.

Link to Fly Rod BOGO Sale: https://www.allenflyfishing.com/rod-bogo/

Link to Allen Fly Fishing: https://www.allenflyfishing.com/

I Got Greedy

Remember last week when I stated that I went on my last bass fishing trip for the year?  If not, just click here for that post.  Anyway, I thought that my bass fishing was done for the year...until Wendy convinced me to give it one more shot for the year.  She told me that it was a nice day and that I should go wet a line because I looked bored and antsy.  To make a long story short, my last bass of the year was not caught yesterday.  I got skunked.

I should have seen the writing on the wall.  When I arrived to Watkins Mill State Park, it was closed for a managed deer hunt.  Strike 1.  I quickly assembled a backup plan and decided to hit a farm pond that belongs to a friend of mine in Kearney.  On the way, I saw something that I couldn't believe.  In a high fenced area right off the highway, I saw a zebra.  I've seen these critters before but they are still a rarity.  I might have also come close to causing a traffic accident by taking a picture.  Strike 2.

When I arrived at the pond, I didn't see a lot of activity and all of the cover was almost nonexistent.  Also, the fly that I created last week that I thought was going to behave amazingly in the water...did not look good.  The tail didn't behave like I wanted it too and it needs refinement.  Strike 3.  To top things off, I didn't catch a bass and couldn't even get a bluegill to hit a jig under an indicator.  However, I did see the biggest doe I have ever seen in my life on my walk back to the truck so that was pretty cool.

I should have known better.  I knew it was late in the season.  I knew that my fall fishing expertise is subpar.  I hate getting skunked but I still learned a few things and got to see some amazing wildlife.  I got to spend time on the water and Waylon got some good exercise.  This experience just cemented the idea that my fall fishing techniques need to be honed and that it is time to focus on those stocked trout that I posted about last week.  So goodbye 8 weight and big streamers, and it is time to say hello to the 4 weight rods and nymphs!

Song of the Week- Thunderstorms and Neon Signs by Hank Williams III- Week 5

If you follow the website Moldy Chum, you will recognize where the idea comes from.  If you don't follow the site, they have a post every Sunday called "Sunday Toona".  Essentially, the post contains a song of the week.  I liked that idea so much that I decided to start a similar tradition.  I plan on posting a YouTube video every Sunday and this post is the first of many more to follow.

I wouldn't blame you if you wonder how music connects to a fly fishing blog.  Well, the bottom line is that it really doesn't, at least on the surface.  However, if you fish, then you probably listen to music.  Maybe you listen to some tunes in your boat.  Maybe you slip in some earbuds and listen to jams while you fish.  Most of us probably listen to music on the way to go fishing.  So there is a connection between fishing and music, albeit a small connection.

The other reason that I want to start this routine is that I really enjoy music.  I have ZERO musical talent and that might be the reasoning that I appreciate the talents that other musicians have.  I don't like all music though.  I like music that has heart.  I like music that tells a story.  Most of all, I like music that I can relate to on some level.  For those reasons, the music that I share might not be to your liking...and that's ok!  I listen to a lot of music that you won't find on radio stations and that's why I want to share it with others.  

I started this blog cause I wanted to share my experiences with others in the hopes that others might learn and benefit from what I do.  Sharing music that touches my heart, or makes me laugh, or brings a tear to my eye falls in line with the aforementioned ideal.  I hope you dig what I share and I hope you find something that you can connect with.  For the first Song of the Week post, I present to you "Thunderstorms and Neon Signs" by Hank Williams III.

Link to Hank Williams III YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCItZ684XgwPYsb3Gt7FdKxw

Now Available: The Streamer Assortment and Streamer Box!

Link: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1270946532/streamer-assortment-streamer-box-big-fly

Alright, here they are!  I've talked about these assortments for a little while now and they are now ready for purchase.  These streamers are all of my favorites!  I tie them, I fish them, and they have all worked for me, I promise!  All of these will work on smallmouth and largemouth bass and for those chasing big rainbow or brown trout, I don't see why they wouldn't chase one down as well.  I've also caught white bass and hybrid stripers on some of these patterns as well as channel catfish and even a flathead catfish.  In other words, if it's a predatorial fish, chances are that it will take these flies down.  I tied these in an effort to give a streamer angler a good assortment of flies in a lot of different situations.  It doesn't matter if that means that you are buying them for yourself or looking to give this package as a gift this holiday season.  I am working on a few more assortments for the holidays so keep your eyes peeled for more.  For example, the next assortment will be called "The Lunch Box".  As for this assortment, here's what you get:

1. 3 mouse flies- size 1
2. 3 howitzer baitfish poppers- size 1/0
3. 3 shad colored braves- size 1
4. 3 baitfish colored lunch moneys- size 1
5. 3 shad colored complex twist buggers- size 1
6. 3 chartreuse complex twist buggers- size 1
7. 3 baitfish colored bunny clousers- size 2
8. 3 chartreuse clouser minnows- size 2
9. 6 white wooly buggers- size 6
10. 6 olive wooly buggers- size 6
11. 6 white and olive wooly buggers- size 6
12. 1 large, hard-sided streamer box with drying patch

As for the box itself, it is approximately 13 inches by 12 inches and about 3 inches deep.  The box is made of DENSE plastic and even has a drying patch on the front.  These things are awesome!  They have a gasket to make the contents water resistant and for better or worse, they even have my logo in the lower right corner on the back of the box.  The boxes are solid as well.  It would appear that they could take a beating and keeping on ticking.  

The purpose of these boxes is to house lots of big streamers.  While they will definitely do this, I would argue that they are capable of so much more.  These boxes could house hundreds, literally, of dry flies, and potentially your entire collection of nymphs.  You could use it as a dry box on a boat.  The possibilities are endless.  I wouldn't be selling this item if I wasn't extremely impressed by it.  I would use this box myself and plan on ordering one for myself on the next order but wanted to offer them to you first.  

That's a total of 42 flies and one tough-as-nails streamer box that can hold them all plus many more!  The total cost on this assortment is $190 with FREE shipping.

I get it, this assortment is not cheap.  I've never offered anything at this price and with so many flies so I'm interested to see how this goes.  There are only two available for this very reason.  I think of myself as a cautious optimist.  Thank you in advance for looking this assortment over and if you're interested in a custom assortment, I would be happy to whip you up something to your specifications.  I'm all caught up on orders and my graduate classes are slowing down a little so feel free to email me and let me know what you are interested in.  My email is showmeflyguy@gmail.com.  

Link: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1270946532/streamer-assortment-streamer-box-big-fly

The Trout are Coming! Information About Trout Stocked Ponds and Lakes in Missouri

The Missouri Department of Conservation has started stocking some lakes around the state with rainbow trout.  This is part of the Winter Trout Stocking Program and brings trout to areas that might not otherwise be able to access them.  This is a really fun program and can extend your fishing season a few months which I greatly appreciate!  For more information, just click on the link below.  I have also listed out the lakes that are a part of the program and their locations.  You can also stay up to date on which lakes and areas have been stocked by accessing the news releases link as well.  Please keep in mind that some areas are catch and keep while others are catch and release for the time being.  I am in the process of determining which lake fits each criteria and will publish that list when I get everything in order and accurate.  Good luck on the water and I hope that there are rainbow trout headed your way or already nearby.

Link to Statewide Trout Stocking Information: https://mdc.mo.gov/fishing/species/trout/winter-trout-fishing-areas

Link to Missouri Department of Conservation New Releases: https://mdc.mo.gov/newsroom

List of Missouri bodies of water that are part of the Winter Trout Stocking Program:

Liberty Park Pond- Sedalia

Cosmo-Bethel Lake- Columbia

Kiwanis Lake - Mexico

Lake Minesa- Marshall

McKay Park Lake- Jefferson City

Veterans Park Lake- Fulton

Beuth Park Lake- Moberly

Spur Pond- Kirksville

Everyday Pond- Missouri Western State University

Krug Park Lagoon- St. Joseph

Huckleberry Lake- Hannibal

Giessing Lake- Farmington

Legion Lake- Perry County

Rotary Lake- Cape Girardeau

Sikeston Recreation Complex Lake- Sikeston

Lakes 3, 7, 21, 22 and 23- August A. Busch Conservation Area- St. Louis

Boathhouse Lake- Carondelet Park- St. Louis

Gendron Lake- St. Ann

January Wabash Lake- Ferguson

Jefferson Lake- St. Louis

Koeneman Park Lake- Jennings

O'Fallon Lake- St. Louis

Susan Park Carp Lake- St. Louis

Susan Park Island Lake- St. Louis

Tilles Park Lake- St. Louis

Union City Lake- Union

Vlasis Park Lake- Ballwin

Walker Lake- Kirkwood

Wild Acres Park Lake- Overland

Lake Chaumiere- Kansas City

Cleveland Lake- Belton

Coot Lake- James A. Reed in Lee's Summit

Honker Pond- James A. Reed in Lee's Summit

Plover Lake- James A. Reed in Lee's Summit

Capital Federal Sports Complex- Liberty

Jesse James Park Lake- Kearney

Johnson Lake- Raymore

Potential Big Change to James A. Reed Wildlife Area

If you live in the Kansas City metro area and like to fish, you have probably at least heard of James A. Reed Wildlife Area.  It is a HUGE area with many lakes to fish.  It is also what I would consider the premier fishing destination for bank fishers.  I have fished there, taken kids there, and shed hunted there.  For years though, I have always wanted to put a small boat on some of the lakes though.  There are obvious spots that would be great for fishing that bank fishing just can't access.  Well apparently enough people feel the same as me and have made their voices heard because a few lakes at Reed just might offer small watercraft to be utilized.

My first thought was excitement!  I think this could provide excellent fishing opportunities for people with small boats.  It is what people have wanted for years and they might be getting what they asked for.  On the other hand, maybe (and I'm not a biologist by any means) it is those inaccessible, secluded areas that keep fish populations steady and healthy.  I'm a little torn on this decision because I can see both the positives and the negatives.  You can provide your input by clicking the link below.  You will get the chance to read more of what is being proposed and provide your own feedback to the decision-makers that will ultimately determine what path to take.  Let your voice be heard if you feel strongly one way or the other because MDC really does want to hear from you!

Link: https://mdc.mo.gov/newsroom/public-can-comment-through-nov-16-mdc-boating-regulation-changes-reed-wildlife-area-lees