Category Archives: Uncategorized

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”

At the risk of tempting fate, or maybe just rushing ahead on the calendar, its starting to feel like spring. For most folks, it’s the calling of the spring peepers from shallow ponds, green stems appearing here and there in the grass or just a few sunny, warm days that signals the change. But forContinue reading “Spring Awakening?”

Christmas is just a few days away. If you still have someone on your list, why not give them a fly fishing trip to enjoy in the coming year? You could introduce them to a wonderful new outdoor activity and perhaps a new passion. Or maybe you just want to make sure you get toContinue reading “The Gift of Fly Fishing”

Fall hasn’t officially expired on the calendar, but winter weather has already arrived. Winter in the Ozarks isn’t the same thing as it is in the north. Mostly, we ride the temperature roller coaster and rarely have to deal with snow. Our springs keep the water ice free all winter and lots of days areContinue reading “Staying Warm”

Its nice to live in an area that experiences all the seasons. Every time of year has its charms, but it’s easy to love the fall. Whether it be the changing leaves, the colors of spawning trout, or the warm glow of the fall sunlight, there’s something beautiful everywhere you look this time of year.Continue reading “Fall Beauty”

The splash of red cardinal flower, the first yellowing leaves and the low clear water on a warm afternoon all tell us that summer’s days are numbered. We still get out of the boat in just sandals and enjoy the sensation with cold spring water that only wet wading can provide. Yes, we’re still inContinue reading “The Last of Summer”