Author Archives: mkflyfishing

As fall slips into the quiet of winter its a good time to reflect on another wonderful year of fishing. I cherish everyday on the water and I know those days should never be taken for granted. I think about the many smiles, the excitement of fish caught, memories made and relationships forged. Fishing isContinue reading “Reflection”

From the river.

The days have become shorter and the sun stays low on the horizon longer each day. We fish in a glow of light that requires bigger dry flies or brighter indicators to detect strikes. Its mood lighting for the fish too and the first redds of the season are appearing in the pool tailouts andContinue reading “Autumn Glow”

That’s an appropriate question at the moment. A few days of cool “fall” weather last month led to some much needed rain. But now we’re back to hot afternoons and dry weather. A hoodie feels good in the morning, but its shorts and T-shirts by afternoon. The fish seem to be more active in theContinue reading “Summer or Fall?”

As the old song goes, “Its summertime and the livin’ is easy. Fish are jumpin’…” you know the rest. For fly anglers in the Ozarks it means we get on the water early, leave the waders at home, and enjoy the best part of the day. The river cools the air around us, and weContinue reading “Summer Livin’”

Summer weather in the Ozarks is fairly predictable: hot and humid. To my friends who live in the arid western United States, I tell them its like living in a jungle. The landscape is green, the woods are a thick tangle of vegetation and they are full of insects. Yes, its like a jungle. ButContinue reading “Welcome to the Jungle”

One thing is certain in the Ozarks: dry weather will eventually yield to wet. Sometimes, too wet, for too long and fishing suffers. Such was the case through most of June. But hot and drier weather have returned and our Ozark rivers are once again in great form. A few rainy days and bumps inContinue reading “High Water-Low Water”

One of the most enjoyable parts of being a fly fishing guide is helping families and friends enjoy time together. I get to see the smiles, hear the stories, laugh at the jokes and observe the satisfaction that comes from a good cast or a nice fish in the net. I particularly appreciate the thoughtfulnessContinue reading “Father’s Day Fishing Trip”

Fly fishing is difficult, right? It takes years to master. You need hours of casting practice before gaining any chance of actually catching a fish. Even the terminology is designed to intimidate. I mean, no fly angler uses a “bobber”, only a “strike indicator” and you can’t find fly rods in a tackle store youContinue reading “Simplicity”

A relatively dry, warm, month has pushed spring right along here in the Ozarks. Combined with low, clear flows and our trout are actively feeding on a variety of aquatic insects that have awakened from our rivers. Caddisflies seem to be the most widespread and most targeted by the trout. While a few fish willContinue reading “Caddis Time”