Safe and fast release of a fish gives better chance of survival

Don Boys, 89, from Osage Beach, caught his first muskie recently ay Pomme de Terre lake. He has been fishing for muskies for about five years. (submitted photo)

It was too good of a day not to go fishing, so Bob Mckenzie, Aurora, headed for Roaring Ricer State Park to do some catch and release winter fishing for trout. Mckenzie has fished Roaring River for more than 20 years, but never keeps a fish, he is all catch and release. He said, "I enjoy fishing for the trout in the winter program. There are no big crowds like on opening day March 1, or summer weekends. Its not too far from home and it's a great way to spend a winter day, especially on days like today." This catch and release trout angler likes to "sight fish" and in the clear water of the stream, an angler may see a lot of trout swimming around. He is a fly fishing angler who also ties some of the flies he uses. On Saturday, using a brown color lure that produced 18 rainbow trout and hooked many others before heading home.

Last weekend with temperature in the high 50s, trout anglers from all around took advantage of a nice sunshiny day last Saturday. I talked to fishermen from Springfield, Joplin, Kansas City, Pittsburg, Kansas and other nearby towns and everyone was haveing a successful trip to the stream. Paul Nieghch, Pittsburg, has fished at Roaring River for more than 45 years while Robert Palson, Joplin, is a newlywed angler who just started fishing at Roaring River. His wife said, "He is hooked on fishing here now." After just a few hours of fishing, Palson had hooked and released 21 trout. During the winter program, there is no limit on the number of trout that may be caught, but they must be released immediately. Safe and fast release of a fish gives it a better chance of survival.

All the winter trout anglers,I talked to at Roaring River mentioned the benefits of the winter fishing program at Missouri's trout parks. No large crowds, good fishing as well as a cure for "cabin fever" draw anglers to the parks.

Bob Mackinzy, Aurora, and dog Maddie, watch as a trout is brought in to the net. (Submitted photo)

The winter trout fishing at Roaring River as well as the other Missouri trout parks: Maramec Springs, Montauk and Bennett Spring, runs from the second Friday in November to the second Monday in February. Fishing days are Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. At Roaring River, winter trout fishing is allowed from the hatchery to the bridge below the old dam at the lower campground. Only flies are permitted during winter fishing. A fly is defined as an artificial lure constructed on a single point hook using any type of material except soft plastic bait and natural scented bait.

The Roaring River hatchery is one of the states oldest and produces more than 250,000 rainbow trout each year, most of which are raised and released in Roaring River's seven miles of stream. Each year more than 100,000 people visit the park to fish, camp, hike and other outdoor activities. Besides the trout fishing, the park is popular with campers. Many of the campers also fish, but some like Tom Miller, Kansas City, visit the park just to enjoy the scenery and watch the anglers enjoy the fishing. Miller was on hand last weekend to check out the area in December. He said, " I bring the family to Roaring River several times each summer. We hike, swim, shoot many photos around the area and just enjoy getting away from the city. This is the first time we have been here in December, but the park and people we met are great. I met a neighbor at the stream last Saturday and I didn't know he was such a big trout angler. When I saw him, he had already caught and released more than a dozen trout and was having a great time."

Harold Pitts, Joplin, was at Roaring River last weekend and said, " This was the first time I have been to the stream in the winter, but after watching all the action the anglers were having, I plan on coming back soon. I am a big believer in catch and release so its right up my alley. I have been here on March 1 before, but this winter fishing is much different. I will dig out my long johns, insulated boots and burr suit and be ready for the winter trout fishing. It will be a very good way to beat cabin fever. Besides, in Missouri, you never know what the weather will be like. There will be days like this weekend to enjoy."