B3rd Loc: WDC

Hi There, my name is Eroica and I live in Washington DC/Monroe, VA. My husband taught me to fly fish [I've been spinner fishing with my Dad since I was a child] when we first met in 2007. I took to it like, excuse the pun..."a fish to water!" We are driving to Branson mid-October and want to stop either on the way or back at the Roaring River State Park. We've heard there is excellent fishing there. While we're not much for "combat" fishing; we'd really like to experience the Park with a guide--does anyone know of a good one, reasonably priced? I'd love to chat a bit with anyone who has fished at Roaring River and get your impression.

Looking forward to "tight lines" and pleasant conversations! Thanks.

Randyhartford Loc: Lawrence, Kansas

Welcome to FS, Eroica!
As a kid growing up, we used to go camping there often. I haven’t been there recently (about 10 years), but it’s a beautiful stream and State Park.

Randyhartford Loc: Lawrence, Kansas

There is also another good trout stream and hatchery in the general area of Branson/Roaring River called Bennett Springs. Worth checking out! I once watched a guy fight and net a rainbow trout there that weighed 8lb.-4oz.!

B3rd Loc: WDC

Hey Randy, thanks for the response! OMGosh, Bennett Springs sounds great...would love to catch even half that size! We're hoping to get in at least a few days of good fishing in and around MO and TN!

Randyhartford Loc: Lawrence, Kansas

You’re welcome. Good luck when you go! Please let us all know how you do and remember, we love pics.
(even if they’re just scenery). Y’all have a great time….

B3rd Loc: WDC

Thanks, Randy! I'll definitely do that! Photos also.

Tablerockbass Loc: Table Rock Lake

Eroica, good afternoon from the tail end of Roaring River! I grew up within walking distance of the river, fished it obsessively as a kid, now I fish the lower end as it merges with White River to form Table Rock Lake. As you've probably learned just from reading, the park is trout-only. I've honestly never heard of a guide as it's bank-only, no boats, but if you'd like me to poke around, I'll check out with some friends down here to see if they know if anyone who might at least meet you to show you the ropes. The park store is an excellent place to pick up trout-specific gear and I bet fishin folks there would offer tips. Most importantly, no live bait at all. Folks who think they're being cute usually get caught, and while you'll likely not go to San Quentin, being arrested for cheating with live bait would suckkkk. My question to you is, have you ever fished for trout? They're a finicky fish, demanding super light line and some finesse past the first couple of hours after the whistle. And Branson, about 43 miles from me, is great! The Landing, a business development built smack dab on the shores of Lake Taneycomo, offers many fun shopping spots, great restaurants and even a Bass Pro Shop. There'd be a place to round up some trout info as Taneycomo is a trout fishery, as well.
Good folks around here- I bet you'll sense the hospitality wherever you go.

B3rd Loc: WDC

Hey There, TRB! Thank you for the great information! Yes, I fly fish...so use only artificial flies when fishing for trout especially. We have found in most places with fishy folks, they're very hospitable. Your offer to "poke around" would be greatly appreciated. The reason we really try to find guides for new places, is to learn the turf. But local folks and fly shops [even Bass Pro!] we've found are really forthcoming with helpful hints. We are very much looking forward to fishing that part of the country. It'll be the first for both of us. Hope to be in touch and maybe we can meet up when we're in town. Have a great weekend and tight lines!

Tablerockbass Loc: Table Rock Lake

Sounds awesome! Thought of another fact that folks visiting the park in the last several decades wouldn't know about a key part of history, that once you understand, gives a really cool perspective of the lower end of the fishing zone. Back in "the day" (now you know my age), the school bus would take us by, ok......in the 60s 😜, what was then known as Bass Lake. There was a dam, paddle boats and, yes, bass. They busted that dam out forever ago, planted trees, put in campsites and now that area is restricted to fly only fisher peeps. No worms or fake eggs and such. Plus, as a flyrodder, you know ya gotta have the area behind you clear or you'll take off someone's hat. The upper end regularly has people wandering all about, and now that we're in a me, me, me environment, many will ignore that sacred space where your line needs to go, then blame you if you snag em. I digress.
If you're already fly rod-capable, you're sitting in tall cotton. Fish are gonna love you.

B3rd Loc: WDC

Hmmm, sounds like a roll casting area...and that's what I meant about "combat fishing!" I rather like it when it's fewer folks; but when it's good fishing ya gotta take it as it comes! But depending on the size of the water, I'll use my 2 weight. That's what I used to catch my first 5lb Rainbow--my husband was quite impressed. I used my 2 weight rod with a pretty light tippet [5lb] it took me nearly an hour to bring her in, but I did it! I changed flies about five times, she finally went for a size 18 Royal Coachman. I was quite proud of myself being that I'd only been fly fishing for about one year. While my hubby was impressed...he was a little bit envious; as he had tried to catch her first but gave up after about 15 minutes. :-) I did, however credit him with being such an excellent instructor which contributed to my good catch. I also shared dinner with him! You've got me very excited to get to your area...life has interfered with our fishing frequency. So it'll be good to be in the water again in a different area. Thanks, again!

Video Bob Loc: Norfolk, Va

Thanks for reviving the memories table rock bass. Did a lot of fishing from those paddle wheel boats at Roaring river in the late 60's, early 70's. In 72 (my last trip there) I caught what the park rangers thought was a record or near record large mouth bass which they had mounted & hung in the bait store for several years.

Tablerockbass Loc: Table Rock Lake

Cool beans, friend! I probably saw that bass hanging in there. Several things have changed in the park over the past 50 years, but the best parts are still intact. In fact, they did a major overhaul of the spring area last year. Took forever, but the finished product shows they worked with full respect of the work done back in the early 1900s. It's such a special place and we're blessed to live here and enjoy it.