Blog/Adventures/Thoughts

Reflecting on the 2033/ 2024 Missouri Winter Fish For Fun Season for Fly Fishermen

by Chris Miller

As the final days of winter bid farewell to Missouri, fly fishing enthusiasts are left with hearts full of joy and memories from the triumphant 2023/2024 Winter Fish For Fun season. Despite the challenges of the season, this year's program has proven to be a resounding success, leaving anglers with tales of excitement, camaraderie, and remarkable catches that will echo through the seasons to come.

The winter of 2024 presented its own unique set of challenges, but true to the spirit of the Winter Fish For Fun program, fly fishermen embraced the cold with unwavering enthusiasm. As icy winds swept across the landscapes, intrepid anglers ventured to the cold rivers, discovering that the brisk temperatures only added to the thrill of the pursuit. The resilience of both seasoned anglers and newcomers alike transformed the challenges into triumphs, creating an atmosphere of shared accomplishment.

The 2024 season witnessed an abundance of fun catches that added an extra layer of excitement to the Winter Fish For Fun experience. Fly fishermen, armed with specialized gear and techniques for cold-water angling, found themselves catching and releasing trout. Smiles were as abundant as the catches, with the joy of success radiating across the frozen landscapes. Each catch became a story to be shared, contributing to the collective jubilation of a season that exceeded expectations.

One of the most heartwarming aspects of the 2024 Winter Fish For Fun season was the flourishing sense of community among participants. The camaraderie among fly fishermen persisted and even deepened. Shared stories, tips and tricks exchanged on the cold banks, and the collective celebration of each other's successes created a sense of connection that transcended the physical distance, making this season truly special. 

A truly special moment was Bill Butts depositing Dave Whitlock's ashes at the base of Holland Dam at Bennett Springs.  Bill shared the story of when Dave thought of the Winter Fish For Fun program and suggested it to the state, making Bennett Springs the Beta test run for this fun winter program. Bill said, “It took me a long time to decide where best to place the ashes. But, at one point, the obvious hit me. Bennett Springs State Park (BSSP) in Missouri. Why? Well, for those who enjoy the winter catch & release trout fishery in MO trout parks, we have Dave to thank for the idea. I don't recall the year (I am researching it for Emily) but sometime in the 1970's, Dave asked the Missouri Dept of Conservation if they would consider allowing such a special season, and whoever he talked with said possibly so. So, he introduced our Springfield Chapter of the Missouri Trout Fisherman's Association to the idea and encouraged us to pursue the opportunity. We did, and eventually a beta season was tried and successful at BSSP. The rest is of course history, as it is now open in all 4 trout parks, from Friday through Monday each week during that special season. Today, coincidentally, was the last day of this year's winter season.  Just one of hundreds of reasons we have to be thankful for the lifetime of contributions Dave made to the sport, art and conservation of fly fishing!”

-Bill Butts casting beautifully during our Bennett excursion.

As the 2024 Winter Fish For Fun season comes to a close, fly fishermen are left with a treasure trove of memorable moments. Whether it was the breathtaking beauty of frozen landscapes, the thrill of a successful catch, or the warmth of newfound friendships, each angler took away a unique set of experiences that added to the joy of the season. The program succeeded not only in providing a platform for winter fly fishing but also in creating a tapestry of memories that will endure long after the cold has gone.

The 2024 Missouri Winter Fish For Fun season has proven to be a resounding success, a testament to the indomitable spirit of fly fishermen who found joy amid the challenges of winter. As the season concludes, the echoes of laughter, the camaraderie, and the triumphs achieved in the cold waters of Missouri will resonate, leaving a legacy of happiness that will be eagerly anticipated in the seasons to come. The Winter Fish For Fun program has once again proven that, even in the coldest of seasons, the joy of fly fishing can warm the hearts of those who dare to embrace the frozen landscapes of Missouri.

-Mastering the Art of Soft Hackle Swinging: Channeling Sylvester Nemes' Legacy 

by Chris Miller

In the realm of fly fishing, there's a timeless artistry associated with swinging soft hackles on a fly rod. For enthusiasts like myself, this technique is not just a method of angling; it's a connection to a rich tradition. Drawing inspiration from legendary fly tier and angler Sylvester Nemes, I have worked to become a maestro in the delicate dance of soft hackle swinging, adding my own flair to an age-old practice.

Sylvester Nemes: A Legacy in Soft Hackle Fishing-

Sylvester Nemes, a name revered in fly fishing circles, was a pioneer in the art of soft hackle flies. His approach emphasized simplicity, elegance, and an innate understanding of the underwater world. I have read all of Sylvester Nemes books, and am influenced by Nemes' teachings, and have taken up the mantle, carrying forward the legacy of soft hackle fishing.

Soft hackle flies, characterized by their sparse construction and mobile fibers, imitate emergers, nymphs, and drowned insects. What sets this technique apart is the rhythmic swing of the fly across the current, mimicking the natural movements of aquatic insects. With a deep appreciation for the subtleties of this dance, I have perfected the art of soft hackle swinging.

Central to the soft hackle experience is the choice of equipment. Like Sylvester Nemes, I understand the importance of a balanced setup. A moderate-action fly rod, a carefully selected fly line, and a keen sense of timing are all integral elements in executing the perfect swing. As the soft hackle moves through the water column, it entices trout with a lifelike presentation that is hard for them to resist.

My soft hackle swinging excursions often take me to local waters that echo with the spirit of tradition. Whether it's a quiet stream in the Ozarks or a meandering river in the heart of fly fishing country, or a massive Tailwater,  I apply Nemes' principles to adapt to the unique characteristics of each waterbody. The result is a seamless fusion of timeless techniques with a contemporary touch.

In the true spirit of passing on knowledge, I am not just an angler but also an educator. Much like Sylvester Nemes, I am dedicated to sharing the art of soft hackle swinging with fellow enthusiasts. Workshops, tutorials, and on-the-water lessons are all part of my commitment to preserving and disseminating the techniques that have stood the test of time.

My dedication to swinging soft hackles on a bamboo fly rod pays homage to the legacy of Sylvester Nemes while adding my own chapter to the story. As I navigate the currents with the grace of a seasoned angler, I invite others to join me in the dance of soft hackles—a tradition that transcends time and connects fly fishers to the essence of their craft. In the rhythmic flow of the water and the gentle swing of the fly, a profound connection to the roots of fly fishing is forged, echoing the sentiments of Nemes' timeless teachings. -Chris Miller

I have a baby with Tom Rosenbauer

By Amanda Miller, Ozarks Euro

Yes, I have informally adopted a baby with Tom Rosenbauer but that is the end of the story. 

Let us start at the beginning.

It is hard to actually say when the story began. Chris, my husband, might say it was several decades ago when he met Terry Tanner, Steve Fritz and Darren Sadler at the White River Fly Shop. This started a chain of friendships that has lasted the test of time.

Maybe it was  when we joined Southwest Missouri Fly Fishers. This club has proved invaluable for us. The friendships we have made will last us forever. Not to mention the expert advice, new access spots recommended and trip offers that would take me months to complete.

However, I think it began when we posted videos of our fishing adventures. We did this to serve as a way for us to go back and remember our trips. Now it has evolved into so much more. We gained so many friends through this process.

One of those friends is Josh Miller. You might know him as Trout Yeah! on Youtube. Josh is a former member of the USA Fly Fishing Team and an expert euro-nympher. He contacted us after viewing one of our videos.

We had the pleasure to show Josh several of our favorite home waters. The days Josh visited we experienced very high water levels. These high water levels led us to take Josh and his father to experience Crane Creek and Taneycomo tailwater fishing. They found this tailwater to be somewhat difficult but both caught fish before the trip was done. This time spent with Josh and his father helped elevate our euro-nymphing skills well beyond where they were before.

While fishing with Josh at Taneycomo we met Simen Reinemo. Simen is from Norway and has recently relocated to Missouri. Simen was amazed at Josh and Chris’s fishing abilities. Chris exchanged contact information, gave Simen some flies and told him to contact us if he ever needed help.

Simen did indeed contact us but not to fish. Simen is a filmmaker, Lensfox, and actually produced a film about us called For The Love of Fly Fishing Missouri’s Wild Waters. This was a gift of a lifetime! Simen’s skills are amazing. His video caught the attention of Trout Unlimited in KC.

Trout Unlimited in KC is doing amazing things on the water- including the Redband Project. We got to participate in the Redband Project on Crane Creek. During this fishing trip for science, we met Chris Selle. Chris is the president of Trout Unlimited KC. We had an amazing day on Crane Creek with Chris and many others. We were able as a group to collect 50 fin clippings for the project.

Now, onto what you came here to read about- Tom Rosenbauer! Some people may not know but Tom is an amatuer chocolatier and enjoys making his own chocolate.  Did you also know that one of the world's best chocolatiers lives in Kansas City? Tom does and is friends with Christopher Elbow and Gordon Roe. Christopher Elbow is an award winning, world renowned chocolatier. Basically, Chris is the “Tom” of the chocolate world. Chris and Gordon are also members of TU. They arranged for Tom to come to town. He gave several presentations during this time but as we all know- he really came to fish!

Tom has expressed, during his podcast, his interest in one day fishing Crane Creek. TU knew they could make this happen. Chris and Gordon had watched our video and recommended that we take Tom fishing. Chris Selle informed everyone that he had fished with us before and made the contact.

This led us to two days spent on the water with Tom Rosenbauer, Christopher Elbow and Gordon Roe. They all experienced multiple locations on Crane Creek. This includes our water quality monitoring site. Stream Team #57, Tom has fished our monitoring site!!!!!

Tom also got to experience Missouri’s wild weather. We had humidity, rain, hail, wind and fast rising high water- all in one morning. We did not let this stop us. The rain and hail drove us to the pavilion at the city park. Tom could not get over the fact that we have a public park with wild trout! I think this may have been his favorite spot!

In the end, Tom experienced Crane Creek plus two additional spots. These two additional spots are wild areas with wild trout that we hope one day might be included in the trout slam and have better regulations for protection. We caught beautiful wild trout at all three locations.

If you ever wondered, Tom is an amazing angler. I watched him fish with his dry dropper setup.I might have snuck some footage of his cast! Plus, I totally fangirled out when I got to hold his rod and reel!

The entire day was not all about fishing. I got to speak to Tom, while hiking into a spot, about our shared passion for foraging. We both love to hunt mushrooms and even talked about our favorite mushroom recipes.

I found it interesting that he watches the land as much as he watches the water. He is a rock hound, bird watching, foraging angler and an avid outdoorsman.  He is always looking to see what the land and water may offer.

The baby? While on Crane with Tom I found a babydoll lodged in a log jam. I freed this little girl. Tom, Chris and I laughed at the weird find and proceeded to take photos with our little tike. We both agreed it was an informal adoption. And yes, I did pack out the little girl. She now sits proudly on my desk alongside my framed photo from that day.

These two days will forever remain in my memory. But more important than those two days are the connections made along the last 35 years that lead to this culmination. These chains of friendships are the most valuable thing in fishing. It is not the rods, reels, the gear or the fish- it is the people that make this sport invaluable and amazing.

Thank you Southwest Missouri Fly Fishers, Trout Unlimited, Tom Rosenbauer, Christopher Elbow, and all of those that lead to this moment for being my friend!

5/25/2022

A Haiku by Chris Miller

Perdigon

I plunge to the depths

Penetrate to the bottom

To find my query.