Ham

My understanding is they stock them in Norfork in October. I try to fish there within a few months of stocking for my best shot at one. I have seen a large Brown working over a group of small brookies in the mouth of Dry Run Creek. I suspect Brown trout eat a lot of the Brookies.

We looked for Painted Rock to use as a take out for a good long while and NEVER found it. Lol The river flows and flows and flows. 10-12 miles is the pace I would suggest planning on.

It's pretty uncommon to catch a brookie too far from a Dam. They really don't stock very many at all comparatively so it's a treat to catch one at all. Y'all did great. Good Job!

Pretty a rookie. Did you catch it within sight of the dam?

It's a beautiful River. You'll be trout free in the section you're talking about fishing. On the weekend, there will be jet boat traffic. During the week, it usually isn't too bad. After school goes back in, it isn't nearly so crowded at all. I'm quickly falling in love with the Current. For better or worse, I live far enough away that I'll only fish in a few times a year.

I knew I only had a couple of hours. To my shame, I let my scoutmaster Norman Carter down. I was not prepared. I did not have a jerkbait rod. I also did not have a couple of other options that I should have had onboard. I'll do better. I'm somewhat hard headed. I'll go again soon, but I think I'll go to a different spot.

I really like the Ouachita River above the lake, but I have ZERO clue what the water is down there right now. I really think the high flow rates will continue for weeks at a minimum. I actually think it will be November before they get back to normal. Give me < 2000 CFS and I will deliver a beat down. I went today and it was awful. I stunk.

I had this great idea that I could find areas that were not completely overwhelmed by feet of fast flowing water. I was wrong. I finally got to throw those 1/4 oz jigs I've been toting. They got down, but found wood. Over and over and over. 1/8 oz jigs just got blown away.

I went fishing down at Buffalo City. The app for checking real time release data is on the fritz. If I had known how much water was being released, I likely would have stayed home. I truly believe that <10,000 CFS the White River Zig Jig is the best lure day in, day out for trout. Today at >20,000 CFS, almost any other lure in the world was almost as good as the Zig Jig. I caught one small Largemouth bass. That's it. I missed two bites and had a trout follow my jig to the boat. I found small areas with less flow and I expected to catch fish, but I did not. I really stunk it up today. I did at least have the sense to get off the water before fog developed. I might wait until there is a lot less generation before I try again.

Normally, that would be a fantastic plan. Unfortunately, with Bull Shoals being super high, they are running a crap ton of water 24/7. This makes it tough to catch fish at least for me anyway. You won't have to do much paddling and you'll go between 4-6 miles per hour downstream.

So it's pretty clear that most of us could have a Top 50 or Top 100 instead of 5.

Band of Brothers, the Seachers, Forest Gump, Shaun of the Dead, Airplane!

You got a good shot at both. You would have a better shot at a Brook Trout if you came back after they stocked them in October. As far as I know, they only stock 15,000 once a year in October. Brown trout eat a lot of them. Put your time in and you will get a cuttie. My best advice is try some dry flies. The cuts seem to love bugs on the surface. You may have to fish your way thru a lot of rainbows and Browns, but there are worse things in life than that.

I'm totally fine with other ppl having their dogs with them and we've takn one of our current pack of dogs with us on a float trip. He was great, but I just dont think I want to be worried about a dog while I am trying to fish.

This is a very good rod and a very good price. They are $80 if picked up direct at the factory and are only available periodically. This is my current favorite rod for fishing the Zig Jig. It is a good crappie rod or White Bass rod as well. I'm sorry the handle gets in you way when you are wade fishing. I give other folks a chance at it first. I have been steadfast in my recommendation of it. I'll call several folks attention to this post.

I've been sorely tempted. Try calling Dorber Rods in Flippin, Arkansas. They have a 7 foot rod they call a "UL", but it really is a fast action "L" that I love for trout and LIGHT bass fishing. The call it the OMT UL 84. When I say light bass fishing, think thin wire open hook jigheads and finese hardbaits. Its gonna throw really light lures 1/32 to 1/8 oz well and protect light line, but it is not gonna drive a big nail.

You know I fish creeks / rivers too right? I've caught big smallmouth in both scenarios in multiple states and multiple countries. It's not a big deal. I'm glad you're confident in your lures and your techniques.

I tend to over spend on baits BUT lots of walk the dog baits work really well. There really is no actual need to spend Megabass money on creek smallmouth, but I understand people doing so.

You're right. I ain't worth it.

I LOVE Dogs and I LOVE fishing. I have no desire to mix the two.

do they sell those. I could use one for Christmas. Hint Hint

Big ole Hen. Beast!

I ordered one based on Dave's recommendation and I LOVE IT. At this point, I have about 5 rods that fish a Ned pretty well, but the Eyecon is what I generally reach for first.

My month is all jacked up as well. Lots of overtime and long stretches without a day off, but its NOTHING compared to the long, hard hours that you have been putting in. I'm likely going to have to start getting in an hour or two at a time when I can go just to keep the shakes to a minimum.

Having a good time with friends and family IS the deal. No worries.