repocrazy12

So last weekend I parked off of NN Hwy and waded down river a ways. I caught some very decent fish on the creek. BUT, I caught something I have never ever caught before on the Jacks Fork or any of the prongs leading into the Jacks Fork. I caught a green colored catfish that measured 12 inches long. I was told that it was a bullhead catfish and that they are all over the Jacks Fork but are hard to catch. Has anyone else caught one?

I went out on Saturday and the water was real stained and nasty from run off. The lake was packed but didn't really see anyone catching much. I fished the Fout area and tried all the tricks I had and nothing was working. So I decided to resort to something that has always produced for me and thats trolling a suspending chrome and blue rogue. I paddled up and down by Fout boat dock and landed one after another. I'd say a fish every 2-3 minutes. Mainly caught whites but I did manage to land a small hybrid and a small stripper. I also trolled a Gary Yamamto Chikara in sexy shad and did very well with it. My biggest bite of the day was on it but the fish manage to get off mid battle. I did see a few fish (not many at all) hitting top water but I didn't give it a try.

I'm surprised. January I went out and kayak fished the bridge by Panther bay and caught a 20lb striper on my kayak. Lots of fun and they guys in there boats looked a me like I was crazy. But, there is a thrill in landing big fish in a little craft. I'm heading out today and hopefully the fishing is good. Good luck to anyone else heading out on this beautiful weekend.

Just curious has anyone else out here gotten into kayak fishing? I moved to the Ozarks from FL and it was a very popular sport because of the challenge element. I've gone several times and never scene anyone else.

Every spring for the past 4 years I hit the upper jacks from the prongs to 17 bridge during the flood stages. It brings VERY VERY nice class 2 rapids. The ideal time is when the water level is between 4 and 5 feet. Thats when you see plenty of white water and some challenging rapids. I typically go on my kayak and have seen others do it on a canoe. Some will argue and say this is foolish and dangerous. But understand people use these waters to prepare themselves for class 3 and 4 waters. This is dangerous to the unprepared and unskilled with there water craft. Its a challenge and its fun. That being said I typically go at it alone every year. Every now and then I will run into others who are up for the same challenges but its only happend twice the past 4 years. Is anyone interested in tagging along this year when the spring rains come and the river is up? Some may be thinking how is the fishing. The only times I have ever caught pickerel in the upper jacks is during flood stages. The fishing is challenging because your moving so fast but I typically catch A LOT. Nothing really work bragging about and maybe 1 or 2 keepers but the smaller fish bite aggresively. All in all its a challenge and its fun. If anyone is interested in tagging along this year let me know. Its safer in numbers and also more enjoyable when you see others taking the challenge.

LOL. Yea yea I guess we all have our own preference.

If your soul purpose of being on this river is fishing I highly recommend a good fishing kayak. I own a Ascend FS12T. It does spectacular and even when the gauges are low dragging is never a real big issue.

With a loaded canoe you will be okay with buck hollow gauge reading 1.7 or higher. Windys canoe has pretty accurate times. Keep in mind if your fishing you could add hours EASY. Those times are based on just floating.

Plan on doing a fishing trip this weekend and my cast net is MIA. Wondering if anyone could point me into a direction to get some Gizzard shad or if anyone will be on the lake this sunday and monday who could help me out with getting some live ones.

Anyone know where I can get some? Needing some for a fishing trip this weekend but my cast net is MIA.

The 18inch limit starts at 17 bridge and ends in Alley. The fishing is really really good on those parts and always has been the past 5 years I have been here. I can honestly say I have ever had a bad day of fishing on the Jacks Fork or on any of the prongs. There is plenty of fish in that river and plenty of trophies in there also.

Went yesterday. Fishing was GREAT. Caught about 30 smallies. Most of them were 12 inches or better. Keep in mind that they are not in season and they cant be kept until May 25th. I limited out on goggle eye. Water was a little chilly. This is going to be a good year for smallies.

Monday is supposed to be beautiful. Going to get my kayak out on the Jacks Fork and hopefully land me some Smallies. Anyone else planning on doing the same?

Well did a little fishing today between 17 and bachers (if thats how its spellt). I used some senkos of various colors and a few different craws. Didn't really catch much. Anoyone else have any luck lately?

The gauge is active again guys. Just thought I would share.

So has anyone taken the time to do any fishing this winter? Im thinking about hoping in the Kayak tomorrow since it will be near 60. Im curious with the extreme cold setting in if all the smallies worked there way closer to the Current.

You will be fine. Water level is up real nice. In my kayak as long as the water level is above 1.4 feet at 17 bridge I will drag but not bad enough to have to get out. Where the water level is now you should be just fine. I would try to catch it while the water is still moving pretty nice. Make sure you give us a report when you get back.

Regarding google eye on this part of the river there is no length limit. But your daily limit is 15 or 16. Can't remember off the top of my head. Regarding gear I noticed 8lb test flouro yields me the best results. I use a medium heavy 7ft rod with an Okuma trio reel. As far as lures I will say that the Jacks Fork is very unique regarding what will and won't work.

Welcome to the area. I live 1 mile from Buck Hollow. I spend most of my spring and summer fishing the Jacks Fork. If I put in at Buck I usually fish down to Blue Springs because its convenient to take out. The water usually stays low during the summer. I found that using a kayak is best because I drag very little and very seldom have to get out. What that one guys said about cotton mouths is VERY TRUE. There is not shortage up here but its also a good sign of a healthy eco system. Regarding your question about goggle eye YES THERE ARE TONS in this part of the river. If your looking for a quick easy meal fish at Blue Springs hole right next to the giant rock in the middle. You will limit out in less then an hour. Any questions just let me know.

Thanks for the feedback guys. Trust me I appreciate the value of the Smallies in this river. I plan on doing this within the next few weeks. I wanted to be able to take in the fall colors along with scenery of the float. I float Y to 17 all the time. I fish it pretty hard and it takes me about 9-10 hours when fishing. When I am just floating it takes not time at all. My plan was to paddle all the way down to 106 and then take is easy. I will be using a kayak and it floats very well and moves pretty fast. My plan is to leave on a early Fri morning and be done Sun night. If it takes another day I won't be terribly upset. Where would be the best place to take out once I hit the current?

Hey guys, I plan on floating majority of the Jacks Fork. Putting in at the Prongs and going all the way to the current. Has anyone here ever done it? Does anyone have any advice or anything I should prepare for? Also does anyone know how long it would take? I don't plan on doing any serious fishing until I cross 106 due to the length limit starting at Hwy 17 with the smallies. I may spend an hour or two fishing for some goggle eye for dinner until then. Once I pass 106 I plan on slowing down a little bit to enjoy some smallie fishing and even reward myself with a good dinner with them.

The float wasn't to bad. The water level was 1.49 at 17 bridge. I dragged a few times in between holes. Nothing that really drove me crazy. I was using a kayak so I had a much easier time. I did finally catch a drum. It was in Gar hole. He was 18 inches. There were a few more in there. I also caught a nice 17 inch Smally by fishing the bottom of Gar hole.

Last weekend I took a float from the Prongs to 17 bridge. I saw a ton of Drum. Does anyone have any tips on catching them?