JCook Fly Rods

05/06/2020

https://www.ky3.com/content/news/Buffalo-National-River-reopening-in-phases-570228851.html?fbclid=IwAR3L_Sbj1ZErRvgRodwOy3Mgf7_ggJkkcRJXHAr2Quurwoqs7E2PBpLP1MQ

The National Park Service (NPS) is working service-wide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and is using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis.

05/06/2020

Daily trout tags, along with a fishing permit, unless exempt, will be required beginning May 16 for fishing at all four trout parks: Bennett Spring State Park near Lebanon, Montauk State Park near Licking, Roaring River State Park near Cassville, and Maramec Spring Park near St. James. MDC hatchery staff will resume stocking the parks on May 15 to provide angling opportunities prior to May 16. State Parks will begin to reopen retail operations in parks leading up to May 16. For more information, visit Missouri State REMINDERS ON SOCIAL DISTANCING IN THE OUTDOORS
With the current public-health emergency caused by COVID-19, MDC reminds people to continue to heed recommendations for hand washing, physical distancing, and all other public-health measures during outdoor activities. MDC advises people to make outdoor activities as safe and enjoyable as possible by taking the following actions:

If you have been sick in the last two weeks, please stay home for your health and the safety of others.
Travel in a small group of 10 people or fewer.
If a conservation area looks crowded or an area parking lot is full, please do not stop and find another less-crowded location.
Keep a proper physical distance of at least six feet while visiting areas and especially on trails.
Avoid popular spots where people congregate, such as scenic overlooks, fishing docks, etc.
Pack water, soap and/or hand sanitizer.
Parks website at mostateparks.com/.

Daily trout tags at Bennett Spring State Park, Montauk State Park, and Roaring River State Park are $4 for adults and $3 for those 15 years of age or younger. The daily limit at these three parks remains four trout per day.

04/09/2020

https://www.nps.gov/ozar/learn/news/ozark-national-scenic-riverways-suspends-commercial-services-activities-and-updates-current-operations.htm?fbclid=IwAR0Goa-ywdI6zQU1QVLmIjbGGGpOYxiOPwrZgir8QW1thfQUQvlxW7AE6Jo

04/09/2020

Reynolds County, Mo is telling outsiders to stay away
The Southeast Missouri county is asking visitors to stay out to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
CENTERVILLE, Mo (KMOX) - If you’re planning on floating the Black River or going turkey hunting in Reynolds County, Missouri when the season opens in a couple of weeks, think again.

Reynolds has joined neighboring Iron County in issuing a limited access order, asking those who don’t live in the county to stay away until at least May 11.

Related: Union calls for Missouri governor to make masks mandatory in grocery, retail stores

County Health Center Administrator Frances Vermillion tells KMOX it is an enforceable order.

"If I have somebody who is non-compliant repeatedly, I have the opportunity to go to the prosecutor and get a court order. That's something I never want to do," Vermillion says. "I believe I could talk to people and make them understand better. You can't force people."

Vermillion says there is an exemption for people who have business in the county, "Non-residents are allowed to come in, but we ask them to take care of their business and then return home."

She says county officials decide to issue the order after seeing thousands stream to parks and rivers despite the social distancing orders.

As of noon Tuesday, Reynolds County had two confirmed COVID-19 cases.

The state of Missouri is reporting 58 deaths and 3,327 total cases of COVID-19.

© 2020 KMOX (Entercom). All rights reserved

04/09/2020

https://www.kfvs12.com/2020/04/03/iron-co-issues-stay-at-home-order/

The Iron County Commissioner’s and the Iron County Health Department have issued a stay-at-home order.

04/05/2020

https://wadeoutthere.com/what-to-do-when-its-raining-trout/?fbclid=IwAR2vj5gPML2hY1yH5eayF6SYifH8URrZvEHtoAZfGJxPfdrCW_AFxIJvA3U

Fly fishing article about what to do when the dry fly hatch is so intense that it looks like it is raining trout. Six techniques to help. Wadeoutthere.

04/02/2020

National Park Service closed the Buffalo National River to recreational use until further notice.

Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson asked the federal government to close the access to the river Wednesday after reports of large crowds.

03/31/2020

Al Bourisaw of Ozark Fly Fishers sent this message out to the fly fishing group yesterday. Wonderful information.

Getting bored while at home?. Tied enough flies for two seasons? This would be a good time to review or learn a little more about the bugs trout eat, Go to http://www.renegadefishers.com and in right menu click on Bug University. More information than you really need to know, but you might see something that catches your interest. Might also help with proportions when tying.

03/24/2020

https://mdc.mo.gov/newsroom/mdc-temporarily-waive-fishing-permits-starting-friday?fbclid=IwAR3dbnXjNFuTdU5wLUjRPkUl2HiErZFsngDaEBvqt42iaThuEttGNT3pjdg

Starting March 27, people may fish in Missouri without a permit through April 15.

03/23/2020

Interesting email from Westover Farms

We are all closely monitoring the news and are very mindful of all affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in Missouri and around the world. School closings and travel restrictions across the Nation have made significant impacts in many travel plans. While Westover Farms is fortunate to continue to remain open for business, we are working diligently to make sure our property is clean and safe. We are taking additional steps to make sure Westover Farms remains a healthy place for your family and our team but need your help as well. Westover will NOT penalize you if you want to reschedule your reservation due to concerns about traveling during this pandemic.

We ask that you be aware of and follow these new guidelines as we navigate through these uncertain times:

If you have had a fever or respiratory infection, or if you or someone you have been around has experienced any symptoms of COVID-19 or any flu-like symptoms within the last 2 weeks, you will need to reschedule your reservation. Please do not come to Westover Farms.
Reservations are necessary – Please call 573-743-6284 or email ahead for day trip fishing or lodging. We are limiting the number of people on our waters. You must receive a confirmation number before fishing or staying overnight. Please do not show up unannounced.
For your safety and the safety of our other guests and staff at Westover Farms, we ask that you practice social distancing measures when around others, including when fishing. This includes keeping a distance of at least six feet between you and others at all times.
To promote social distancing, support public health and reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, we are also limiting access to several public gathering spaces at Westover Farms.
This includes closing the Fly Shop beginning Monday, March 23, 2020. While the Fly Shop is closed, we will take payment information during the reservation process.
The Conference Center, Dry Creek Center and kitchen will also be closed beginning Monday, March 23, 2020.
The total number of fishermen allowed on the creek at one time shall be limited to 15, and no fisherman shall be within 6 feet of any other fisherman.
In accordance with Missouri Executive Order 20-02, social gatherings, of more than 10 people in any single space at the same time shall be prohibited.
We are taking extra precautions throughout our lodging establishment including applying disinfectants during cleaning of guestrooms and lodging. We ask that you also bring a disinfectant spray/wipes and wipe down your surfaces before you leave your building.
Also remember, you can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect yourself and your family from becoming infected by washing hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds; the Barn bathroom will be open for use.

Again, your family and our team's safety are our top priority. Please give us a call if you want to get away for a day on the water or for an overnight stay. We look forward to hearing from you!

03/21/2020

Message from Maramec Spring and the James Foundation:

Attention Maramec Spring Park Anglers and Visitors,

We will be closing the gates on Sunday March 22, 2020. To help slow the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic and encourage people to stay home. All activities at Maramec Spring Park including fishing will be suspended until further notice. We know that being outdoors and away from people are encouraged, but a trout park brings in hundreds if not thousands of visitors from all over Missouri and other states. This has been a very difficult decision and one we did not take lightly. A lot of time has been spent this week researching the virus, how it is transmitted, and talking with local officials about safeguards. We know you are very passionate about the park and the trout fishing it offers but please take this time to stay home with your families and come visit us when the threat is over.
We hope to see all of you enjoying the park again in the future. We can help assure this is a possibility by closing the park and urging you to stay home.