Trout Fishing

Lake Taneycomo Report 10/3

Seems like some days the trout eat, though, and some they just don't as well. Talked to a couple of guys Saturday evening who have fished the last three days. They said Thursday and Friday were pretty slow but Saturday made up for it. They caught "lots of rainbows" on sculpin jigs, several pushing 18 inches in the trophy area. I believe they were throwing 1/8-ounce jigs with no floats the way their rods were rigged. Fishing is still fishing, right?

Saturday evening there were rainbows midging, which is the first time in quite a while that I've seen that many trout on the surface. Also saw swamps of tan midges, about size #18s, bouncing all over the surface -- which were what was stimulating the trout! Also saw a dozen cream mayflies behind the dock. Don't see them very often. I took the boat out but didn't take my fly rod. I threw 1/8-ounce jigs from Andy William's house down. The trout didn't jump in the boat, but the ones I did land were nice rainbows. Caught a few on sculpin-colored jigs, but most were netted with white. Yes I was going for browns . . . again.

I did throw a rapala the other evening up in the trophy area and enjoyed some action. It was an F-7 silver floating crank bait. I worked it along the bluff bank below Lookout, jerking it down, pausing, then jerking it again. This stop-and-go action is just like that used for bass fishing in the spring. Had one brown on and several rainbows. If you throw that bait enough, I think you'll hit a good brown.

If you're going to fish below Fall Creek this week, be advised that the current has been running, but very slowly. Reduce your weight to the point that it's just reaching the bottom and bumping lightly. You don't want to use too much weight or you'll get snagged up and miss the bite.