[Editors Note: As used in this report “Trophy Area” refers the portion of Branson’s Lake Taneycomo between the mouth of Fall Creek and the base of Table Rock Dam. It is treated separately because of its unique topography, it’s a trophy management area, and the special regulations and limits in effect within the area.]

With spring comes Spring Showers, and with Spring Showers, comes water running into Table Rock Lake. As we started to see the levels rise in Table Rock, we also saw almost constant water generation into Taneycomo. Wading has been limited to select locations around the Hatchery area. Most of the folks fishing here are catching some fish, and even a few nice ones. Gray scuds, 16-14, egg patterns, and red San Juan worms.

Out of the boats, you’ll find some good fishing. We had lots boats out last week, and the flies that usually work in high water are still working. It’s no real surprise the red tungsten bead midge (16), fished under an indicator with split shot to get it down, was the top fly for the week. The other good rig was a sinking line with the green holographic crackleback (12), the olive filoplume (12), or the olive wooly bugger (14-16).

When the fish were rising, you could fish the crackleback or filoplume without the sinking line. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” they say. These old stand by flies caught fish every time out. These methods did especially well at Lookout Island and on the shallow side of the river below Lookout Island.

Other patterns that worked this past week from the boats were black zebra midges (18), gray scuds (16) and San Juan worms in your fly box too. San Juan worms fished deep or dropped under the red midge are a good set up for the high water. March went out like a lion, so let’s hope spring comes in like a lamb and you get to the water and catch some fish.

Submitted by Carolyn Parker, River Run Outfitters