Bennet Springs

Bennet Springs, MO
(1-2 May)

Dale Learns to Fly Fish and Hooks Up!

This was the last few days of a short fly fishing trip to Missouri. We started at Mill Creek then went to Spring Creek. Tough fishing! Both places were experiencing low water and challenging fishing conditions. Crystal clear water, bright sunshine, and a skittish low population of trout. Paul Mann (a close friend stationed at Fort Leonard Wood) acted as our guide. He fishes both places regularly.

Paul challenged me with a 20 foot leader on his 5 wt while Dale learned to fish with my favorite rod. This was tough due to the wind, my inexperience with this long a leader, and too much time on the 7 wt fishing for Bass in Kansas. Learned a lesson here.

Anyway, the fishing was okay, but I really wanted to hook Dale on to some fish in a more productive location. Decided on Bennet Springs since I know the pressure would be low on Monday morning and Tuesday. I was right. Since I've done the weekend thing there before, I would never recommend that anyone plan a trip on weekend during the open season.

The fishing was really good. We focused on using natural flies versus the attractor patterns that everyone else was using. Didn't catch as many fish as some folks, but a great time with nymphs, woolies, and some very small dries. Had a small caddis hatch on Monday afternoon that was real productive.

Tuesday morning was a little tougher, but enough fish were biting that it kept us interested. Mostly nymphs and woolies (light olive), but if I would have bought the #32 midges at Readings Fly Shop I would have done some damage in the morning.

Back to the Kansas Page