Fly Fishing Missouri's Roaring River State Park

[@MrTataBear]

You know it’s a funny thing, but then again an answer to prayer...I have a few years till my retirement but have been fly fishing on and off since the 90’s. I go flying when I can usually alone. Pacific shore line to the San Gabriel Mountains, and try to take lessons at the local Fly Shop out here. Now I was talking to a friend about going out and getting a guide out of state to catch trout. Found you while searching utube for info on learning to get better on fly fishing and learn more about catching trout in lakes and small creeks/rivers. Well I’m hooked and am going to continue learning from you and then give you a call!!! Thanks Jeff...Be Happy, Healthy, and Hopeful!!!

[@jcarmichaelable]

Stevn, Glad you found me...I just retired this past May after 35 years of teaching special ed at the high school level...so, I get the excitement. Fly fishing has always been a part of my 'medicine' and still keeps me going. I will be up north in Wisconsin from Mid May on, guiding on the St. Croix, Namekagon and other rivers....you should make a trip to the great northern woods of Wisconsin for some incredible fly fishing. Jeff

[@benbarnes2819]

Sir You do an excellent job with your videos. I am enjoying your channel. Living in Missouri we camp at these same parks.

[@jcarmichaelable]

It sure is nice to have one of the trout parks to visit in the winter when everything else up north is locked in ice...thanks for the kind words.... jeff

[@benbarnes2819]

I live 3 hours north of Bennett Springs. I’ve been there several times but have never caught a trout. Your videos give me a new confidence to keep trying. Again thanks for taking the time to video and post. God Bless you.

[@johnbelusko6347]

To anyone who has never been to Roaring River……even though it may not be a wild non human touched mountain stream it is not “corky/odd”. It is an extremely fun exciting place to take your family to that love to fish. He did nail it on the head when he said it is BEAUTIFUL country there. Some of the sights ive seen throughout my life of going there every yr has been absolutely breath taking. And if you are in the right place at the right time u can catch some giants outta there. I personally cant wait to go back there!!! Only one wading spot or not!!!!

[@alexhendrick8288]

Love that spot Jeff . always good ror streamers

[@rickwright3046]

You can actually wade fish past the bridge down in the campground for a bit. Some pretty good spots with a riffle and deep run. Good in catch and release season and in the mornings or late evening in summer months (lots of kids swimming there during the day in the summer months). Thanks for the video.

[@jcarmichaelable]

Rick, You are exactly right and I didn't know that at the time I did this video. The next morning, Saturday...this run filled up and I wandered down stream and put 2 and 2 together. I entered at the cut off between the zones and fished back upstream (wind was at my back). I had no one in the area and frankly caught more fish than ever before in the 100 yards or so in the bottom of the zone. Last year I was down in zone 3 and standing on the edge, had my waders on....not in the water but close and another fisherman took it upon himself to 'inform' me that I couldn't wade....so, a little cautious when directing others towards the park. Thanks for pointing this out.... Jeff

[@rickwright3046]

@@jcarmichaelable Yep, some of the locals can get a little persnickety but most are good guys and gals. I camp in campground 3 a lot with my sons and that part of zone 3 just downstream of the bridge is my favorite spot in the park when the kiddos aren't too festive :-). I tied some of your trout candy and plan to give it a try next time I'm down there if the weather will ever cooperate. Quick tip for the dry fly guys out there...Adams #14 down to as small as #20 are my go to dry fly (deadly most of the time).

[@michaelhamilton5418]

Jeff what length is your 3wt rod? thanks you

[@LIVE4THEADVENTURE]

What size and length of leader is good for RR? Thanks for any info. Great video

[@jeffcarmichael9195]

If you are fishing a streamer...then you can go with 3X or maybe as light as 4X on the tippet....I would keep the length short, probably 5-6 feet in total length. If dry or nymph fishing....increase your leader length to 7-9 feet and go as small as 5X as the water is usually crystal clear....best of luck...Jeff

[@LIVE4THEADVENTURE]

@@jeffcarmichael9195 thanks!!

[@markthomason8396]

I've have really enjoyed watching and learning from your videos. I fish Bennett pretty regular in zone 2 mainly. What size leader do you normally use and what length? Also would you consider tying me up some trout candy flies or recommend a website that sells them. Thank You

[@jcarmichaelable]

Mark, Leader and tippet selection is an ongoing topic....I fish streamers and therefore I don't need as long of a leader as do the nymphing or topwater guys....as the fish aren't apt to see the leader. As for size, it all depends on water clarity. If it is clear I use 3X or maybe even 4X....but if it is dirty or stained I usually go with 2X tippet. As for the flies....I am not doing any more tying to send abroad.....You should really consider getting a fly tying kit if you aren't already tying flies. It is great winter pastime and the trout candy flies are honestly super easy to tie.... Jeff

[@blaineschlagetter8983]

Hi Jeff...do you ever catch, keep and cook your trout?

[@jcarmichaelable]

Blaine, I keep a few trout each year. Usually when I am at one of the trout parks during the regular season. We both like a filet of the trout and have figured out how to cook the trout so it is tasty. Jeff

[@wesleywillard]

Nice. I didn't make it over there today. About 8 miles from my place.

[@jcarmichaelable]

Wesley, I was a little surprised at how 'full' the stream was? I wouldn't say crowded...but enough around to know that they were there....it is a beautiful place so I am guessing lots of people want to take advantage of it. I also think the smaller wading area causes some overcrowding? Jeff

[@mikeervin3147]

Are wooly buggers good?

[@jeffcarmichael9195]

Mike, For sure a bugger is the best fly going....it just covers so many different portions of the water column....bottom line, it looks like a lot of things a fish would like to eat....if given one fly, for me....it would be a bugger, probably black.... Jeff