"There he stands, draped in more equipment than a telephone lineman, trying to outwit an organism with a brain no bigger than a breadcrumb, and getting licked in the process."
by Paul O'Neil, 1965
"A trout is a moment of beauty known only to those who seek it."
by Arnold Gingerich
Trout are not native to Missouri. They were first introduced to the Show-Me State by the Missouri Fish Commission in 1879. Today, exceptional trout fishing can be found in several areas including four state trout parks, catch-and-release areas, wild trout management areas, trophy trout management areas, regular trout management areas, Lake Taneycomo, and Table Rock Lake.
Ask any trout fisherman why they fish and you might find a wide variety of answers. I remember reading about the perceived expectations of fly fishing as part of my parks and recreation curriculum in college. Most beginners base their satisfaction with fly fishing on the catch. As a fisherman acquires more experience with reading the water, identifying the aquatic insect life commonly referred to as matching the hatch, presenting the fly or nymph, and even tying their own, they base their experience less on catching the big one and more on the serenity and challenge of the experience. Fly fishing for me is a luxury. The everyday routine of work, child rearing, and even distance education classes places a premium on the time available to fish. When I do have the opportunity to travel to one of Missouri's scenic areas, I enjoy the experience immensely. While I don't have the time to devote to explaining the many facets of fly fishing in this assignment such as gear and tackle selection, knots, and techniques, I will describe one of my favorite streams, Roubidoux Creek in Pulaski County.
Click On Missouri Department of Conservation Map
Located in southcentral Missouri, the Roubidoux Creek is fed by the Roubidoux Spring located in Waynesville City Park. This beautiful three mile stretch of clear water hosts two different species of trout. Brown trout pictured above are easily identified by their yellow abdomen and slightly forked tail. They have orange or red spots on their side. Rainbow trout pictured below have their trademark pink streak along the body and a spotted forked tail. Both of these trout were caught and released on Memorial Day 2006. Roubidoux Creek empties into the Gasconade River. The creek below the utility line that crosses the creek near the lower end of the City Park became a Red Ribbon Trout Management Area in 1991.
Much of the creek lies below State Highway 17 and numerous pull-offs allow for accessibility. The creek is 20 to fifty feet wide and their is usually room for backcasting. I have had success with a wide variety of flies including the gold ribbed hare's ear and pheasant tail in the small hook sizes.
"Time is but the stream I go a-fishing in. Its thin current slides away, but eternity remains."
by Henry David Thoreau