Ozark Fly Fishers is an affiliate of the Missouri Stream Team program - Stream Team #31. Since its inception, Ozark Fly Fishers has been associated with numerous conservation endeavors such as stream bank stabilizations, skyhook construction, riparian tree plantings, water quality monitoring, watershed clean-ups and monetary contributions to preserve stream habitat along with education programs such as Passport to Clean Water.

EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

If you have questions about the following, contact Scott Darrough at: 314-560-1335 or swdarrough@yahoo.com

April 4, 2026: Biologic Stream Monitoring - 9:30 am - Krautmann Farm, 8095 State Road BB, Hillsboro, MO 63050 - by invitation from the Belews Creek Watershed Partnership - Stream Team 3853

Hey OFF members! Can you identify the classic aquatic organisms that fly fishers imitate? Mayflies, Stoneflies, Caddisflies, etc.…If you cannot, then here is an event that will let you do so. Whether you are versed on this subject or not, we want you to attend. This will be hands on “fun” learning - easy to comprehend. The first thing attendees need to understand about this event is that there are NO stupid questions. All questions and queries are welcome and encouraged. Questions are how we learn. We want you to learn about the awesome biodiversity in this beautiful Ozark stream. We will look at the insects, crustaceans, worms, mollusks and possibly fish inhabitants. Our nets will “tell” the story of the stream. We can also discuss the riparian plant life and the watershed in general, if there is an interest. All members and non-members are welcome. Parents are encouraged to bring their children. Depending on the number of attendees, we may deploy multiple net racks. Other Stream Teams will be invited as well. This typically is an awesome time of the year to monitor. The organisms tend to be bigger and more plentiful, as they have not yet emerged and left the stream. Waders are not necessary for those who do not have them as, the nets will be carried to dry land where we can study in comfort. Attendees will be encouraged to pluck specimens from the nets (with forceps) and place them in divided trays for better observation and identification. Please notify Scott Darrough at 314-560-1335 or swdarrough@yahoo.com if attending. Environmental conditions this time of year can be unpredictable, and the event may need to be cancelled or rescheduled. This was the case last year as the night before the event brought a tornado a few miles away tearing massive sycamores from the stream banks and obliterating homes. Also, the creek was blown out, unsafe condition to monitor. Note- there will be adequate parking. This stream is a short drive from St. Louis. Come, enjoy the camaraderie, and learn about this beautiful stream.

July 17-19,2026: 15th Annual Missouri Stream Team Outing- Montauk State Park

This event spotlights the Missouri Stream Team Program offering numerous opportunities combining the sport of fly fishing and science. Keeping with tradition, various presentations and activities are planned. Note that this year we are organizing a very special nocturnal event. We are arranging the use of lights to attract adult specimens of the larval forms that we typically observe in the stream bottom. Anyone interested in dry fly fishing will want to attend this endeavor. Currently this outing is in its planning stage. Continue to watch for upcoming details, but for now mark your calendars to save the date.

July 25, 2026: 30th Annual Watershed Celebration - Meramec State Park

- by invitation from Stream Teams United

Do not miss this “Grand Picnic”! There will be opportunities for OFF members to volunteer for casting and fly-tying instruction, tying safety pin flies and manning the Stream Team macroinvertebrate display. Lunch is provided. Experience the massive raffle. This event provides an opportunity to promote conservation and recruit new members. It is also a fun time.

August 22, 2026: 59th Annual Operation Clean Stream - Byrnes Mill City Park

- by invitation from the Trashmanian Devils Stream Team 3797

Ozark members are invited to attend this clean-up of the Meramec watershed. Details will follow in the months to come.