catman70

Two suggestions: I image the scope of Branson's tax base is small compared to that of Taney County who probably stands to loose more revene should the fishery be hurt and result in decreased tourism. Secondly, players such as Bass Pro and even Wil Fisher may be interested to know that a damaged fishery could hurt sales. Can and will key them in myself, but thought some on this forum may have a larger voice with the aforementioned entities and others with similar interests.

Well, finally got the pic back from my buddy. Had to scan it, so I hope it shows up alright. Heading back down this weekend to keep an eye on my younger brother and his friends, but might find some time to wet a line. Let me know if anyone else will be down there too.

Cut and copied from Conservation Issues: Just saw this ad in the Baxter Bulletin (http://www.baxterbulletinonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060721/NEWS01/607210316/1002) talking about new gravel mining permits. Paper begins the argument by talking to someone who loves smallmouth fishing, but thinks that not mining gravel and sand from a local source would cost too much. And, therefore, the growth of the twin lakes area would be stunted. One question: What would the cost be to go into the river after mining and engineer habitat that was destroyed due to the mining? The same has to be done by foresters, although when they harvest an area it is blatantly obvious to all who pass by - thus fostering more support for replanting. What can be done to prohibit gravel mining on this beautiful smallmouth fishery altogether? If a tree in my yard falls on my neighbor's house it's my responsibility, right? Well, following that logic; if a landowner allows mining on their property and the result of that is detrimental to my property downstream, does that mean I can sue the landowner upstream for damages? If so, I'd bet that access to the creek would be severely limited in the future. Please add thoughts and forgive my spelling.

Just saw this ad in the Baxter Bulletin (http://www.baxterbulletinonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060721/NEWS01/607210316/1002) talking about new gravel mining permits. Paper begins the argument by talking to someone who loves smallmouth fishing, but thinks that not mining gravel and sand from a local source would cost too much. And, therefore, the growth of the twin lakes area would be stunted. One question: What would the cost be to go into the river after mining and engineer habitat that was destroyed due to the mining? The same has to be done by foresters, although when they harvest an area it is blatantly obvious to all who pass by - thus fostering more support for replanting. What can be done to prohibit gravel mining on this beautiful smallmouth fishery altogether? If a tree in my yard falls on my neighbor's house it's my responsibility, right? Well, following that logic; if a landowner allows mining on their property and the result of that is detrimental to my property downstream, does that mean I can sue the landowner upstream for damages? If so, I'd bet that access to the creek would be severely limited in the future. Please add thoughts and forgive my spelling.

Floated from Hodgson Mill to Warren Bridge this past Saturday. Caught a few fish, but didn't do much fishing. Did see a number of people fishing with live bait and keeping smallies less than 12". One fella had at least a half-dozen fish that were illegal on his stringer. I suppose the trade off for having a river all to yourself almost all the time is that there is less enforcement available. I saw more folks on the river that day than I ever had before.

Yes and no. My buddy had a film camera with him. I'll try to get pics from him, scan them and post them.

I'm in Springfield. My folks have a place on Bryant and my grandfolks left us a place on the 6mm in 4 Seasons at LOZ. But to the fishing: Never did get over to NFWR. It's just so easy to walk down to the Creek that it's hard to get the motivation to drag all the gear over there. From what I've heard the fishing is particularly good at night, and I wanted to hold some larger Rainbow Trout swim baits just above the larger holes in the Red Ribbon area to see if I could coax some big brown into biting. Maybe I'll get to that next weekend. The Bryant seemed to be rather slow. Caught a few smallmouth every hour, with most being less than 12 inches. Tried dropping nightcrawlers next to deeper brush for catfish, but only caught one small channel. On Monday downstream from Warren Bridge I caught the largest Smallmouth of my life out of an Ozark stream. (I should mention that I've never fished any of our state's reservoirs that contain Smallies.) It was an 18-20" fish, probably about 3-4 lbs. I was using light tackle (6 lbs. line - I prefer green) and 1/8oz. Chomper jig head with a 4" watermelon Chomper - the one that has two twister tails and a skirt at the top. It was a heck of a fight and he almost wrapped me up a couple of times. Took a bit to revive, but he's still swimming in there somewhere. Should mention that we saw maybe one or two other canoes all weekend on the Bryant. Also, you'd know us if you'd saw us. We have a camo canoe with a trolling motor, seats, anchor and full sets of sun gear. Last time I was on NFWR some girls made fun of us for "overdoing it." Didn't reply, but I'm sure she ended up drunk and sunburnt by day's end. Anyhow, if you're spending all day in the sun as many times during the year as possible you need the extra protection. And I've heard fish can smell sun lotion.

I can see two places where county roads cross the creek below Yellville, and many that appear to track along side of it. They are not named on my map, however.

Me and my buddy were going to float the lower wilderness over Labor Day weekend. Figured it would be less crowded than any other part of the river, and by taking one day off work we could have four days to do it in. Please report back on your experience.

Heading down to our place on Bryant and was wondering if anyone had been fishing on it lately. Haven't been since Turkey season with the crappie, bass and cats at LOZ, but figured Bryant would be the only place that wouldn't be nuts this weekend. Therre was some (what seemed like good) pointers on cats in small streams/rivers in this past issue of MO Game & Fish that we might try. Even may do a day on NFWR - probably Monday or a short trip one evening.

Can you still access at Kelly's Ford? Tried to find it last year and started down a drive that we thought was correct, but then saw a sign that said "No River Access" so we turned back. Went upstream, rode in the canoe train all day and have not been back since. Thought about giving it a shot this weekend.

As one who has yet to take to the intricacies of fly-fishing, I throw large Rapalas at night. It only took one trip to realize the folly of not going barbless, and now that's standard procedure. I recently read that I should also be removing the front treble, but it seems like I catch the majority of the fish on that particular hook - probably because the trout are trying to eat the head first for easy swallowing. I'm I committing a crime of etiquette by not removing the front hook, or do you think that it's ok so long as a fella is going barbless?

I saw that as well. Currently, the only known colonies are around the 8-mile marker - which probably means someone vacationing at 4 Seasons brought the mussels with them. Other than baitshops I don't recall seeing warning signs anywhere. At least not at boat ramps and marina docks where they should be. I think a common misconception is that they are primarily transferd by fishermen with livewells. Like the car owner who doesn't even know how to add wiper fliud to their vehicle, too many boat owners don't understand that their IOs (jetskis included) hold water in the engine unless flushed out when dry docked.

Those look like Jewfish to me. Hope all were released unharmed.

Went down this past weekend mostly to work, but had a couple of chances to wet a line. Caught some nice bass on 10" watermelon lizards fished close to the bank around structure. Didn't seem to do very well around the docks in deeper water. Seemed like all fish came from 5' or less. Catfish are beginning ther spawn and a large number of them can be caught in the rip rap that has begun to adorne the many sea walls along the lake points. Seems like early June is about the only time of year the cats can be caught regularly on crankbaits. Caught a fair share of small drum while catching cats. Heard that gar like to eat drums and suckers rather than bass and other game fish, so I thought about keeping some for bait. Anyone ever heard of this? Also, drinking is heating up on the lake along with the weather - so be careful out there! We spend most of our time down around the 6 mile marker and with the boat traffic rarely make it up to the slower portion of the lake. LOZ used to be a fantastic Walleye lake until they built Truman and stopped the migration. We come across a few Walleye now and then, but not nearly as many as folks do in the upper arms, or so I've heard. Was wondering if anyone had pointers (location, methods, etc.) on fishing the upper lake arms (like around Ha Ha Tonka or in the State Park) for this species. I hear the MDC has been stocking quite regularly and perhaps they are in my area and we're just not fishing for them properly. Does anyone have any thoughts? Also, don't know where to get large minnows. Can only seem to find ones that are 3" at the most.

Bass should be in late, if not post, spawn mode. I've ddone well this time of year on 13" watermelon lizards or purple and black 3/8oz jigs on beds, transition shoreline and secondary points. May also try hitting docks with jerks that resemble perch.

Was wondering if anyone could recommend a good place to rent canoes on Little Red. I've searched the net and was able to find a couple for the middle fork (warm water fishery), but nothing for below the dam. Thanks, Tim

Wayne, there should be plenty left for you in there. I was floating with my uncle and cousin with my brother in the front of my canoe on Saturday. Caught a bunch of small smallies on plastic crawdads and a couple on topwater as the light level dropped, but didn't slay them by any means. In fact, I did much better by myself on Sunday right in front of our place with soft plastics. Biggest smallie was probably about 15". Maybe the water has risen since the storm Sunday night (not sure if any more came through Monday afternoon/evening), but with it being so low and clear stalking quietly is the key and I think we were too loud in the canoes. If I had to do it again I would have taken the saine and worked the deeper holes with minnows. Oh, my brother did snag about a five pound Rednose (I think that's the type of sucker) by the tail. Got us excited when it was ripping drag for the first couple minutes. Went down to Bridges Creek and tried for whites a bit, but to no avail. Brian, I must admit I don't exactly know where stump hole is, and I may have passed it going to Bridges. My neighbor told me he was catching them down there and that I just had to take the road on the right as I came to the top of the hill on 160 heading East from Norfork Bridge. Can you help on this a bit? Stayed down Sunday night because I had to drive to Eminence to talk to some folks about a log home on Monday. It was wet come Sunday morning, but I got out while it was still dark and waited in silence for dawn to break. As it began to become light enough to see my surroundings I let out a couple of yelps. Then the whole valley exploded with gobbles. I worked a bird for about thirty minutes who must have been right in front of me but just out of sight while one flew in behind me and others were sounding all around. I think I called too much (should have been quiet and scratched the ground) and then got impatient and tried to flank him. Well, that didn't work. I'm still a little wet behind the ears when it comes to the turkey, but I'll get it. Anyone ever try floating while calling, then getting out of the boat to hunt when you get a reply? Heard it works ok on rivers that are boardered by public land.

Just wanted to let everyone know that I'm headed to the Bryant this weekend, and until they recover there probably won't be much action after I've fished it out. Seriously though, Can't decide which of the two rivers we'll hit. Always seem to catch more on the Bryant, but i'd like to float NFWR before the crowds start coming next month. When I was down a couple weeks ago they said the whites were hitting at stump hole, so maybe we'll try down past Techumseh Bridge a bit. Tim P.S. - What's this about night floats on NFWR? I thought that might be a little tricky with all of the obstructions, but have done well with big Rapalas on the larger trout waters in the past.

Don't know - never been. I think I recall there being a motor restriction on the lake, and I'd imagine the whole thing is fairly shallow. It's really below the lake that has caught my interest. It would seem to me that below that dam would be an excellent place to fish during the spring runs of whites, walleye, etc. I'd think there's cats in there too, just like below Truman.

A little closer to home might be Lake Niangua, the Gasconade River or the Osage Fork of the Gasconade.

Thanks, Bobber! I had done a little more research on the net and come across Wild Bill's - I think that's who we'll go through. Appreciate the advice on the water levels. I don't think these guys will be doing much fishing. I think they'll be more in to the experience and the scenery. You wouldn't have any other river suggestions between Mountain View and Greer's Ferry, would you? I was considering going below the lake on the Little Red, but was trying to find something a little more remote. I'm assuming that it is a lot like the White below Bull Shoals in terms of traffic. Is that correct? Tim

I've only floated the upper Buffalo, although we have long toyed with the idea of doing the Lower Wilderness over a three-day weekend. We are considering taking a shorter trip during the second week in May - from Buffalo Point to Rush. I will have clients with me who are considering moving to the area. Can anyone recommend a reputable livery who will service that stretch? We'll be driving out of Rushing, AR (about 20 miles South of Mountain View) and trying to crap this float into a half day. I'd be open to suggestions or livery referrals on any of the tributaries of Greer's Ferry, but I thought for scenery nothing would beat the Buffalo. Like I said, though, I've never floated the lower portion. Thanks, Tim

I'll ususally turn mine inside out before filling them with water. Then you can make the repair to the inside of the waders, which will remain dry. It should be noted that I once fixed a pair of leaky waders by drinking less beer on the next trip.

In the channel of a cove with about a 6/12 slope to the surrounding banks - probably about 10-12' deep. We caught them during the warmest part of the day between 2 and 5. As we progress into the warmer months they will become more active throughout the day and fight harder. Now it's just like reeling in a big log.