If your favorite lake or pond is sparse on cover, you can make some improvements that will enhance both the future of the species as well as your spring harvest.

The Eleven Points River flows from its origin at Willow Creek, in the picturesque Ozark hills of southern Missouri, through Arkansas where its waters blend with the Black River and ultimately through a convoluted path to the mighty Mississippi. Among others, Greer Spring, the second largest in the state, pumps out 220 million gallons of water each day, feeding the Eleven Point. Its naturally meandering course is carved casually into the shadows of steep bluffs, through sloping forest valleys and a low-lying riparian ecosystem.

After battling 50-pound lake trout, stalking the diminutive Arctic grayling might seem like a real yawner, but with a 4-wt fly rod it was a challenge that left me wanting more.

Far below the placid surface of Lake Guri life hangs in a delicate balance. Life belongs to the quick: dinner belongs to the quickest. I would imagine that piranha swim around thinking that they are pretty much in charge of the buffet table. 

They've got a mouth full of razor sharp teeth, and they can reduce a grown pig to pulp in a matter of seconds. 

Enter the payara: exit the piranha!