It's not a darn theme park. It is intended for experienced paddlers. It's really simple, if you don't have whitewater experience don't go there. Everyone in their tubes and Colman canoes need to stick to the Oklahoma section of the river. The park is perfectly safe for experienced paddlers. There are smallmouth in those rapids as well.
We wade fished below mnt. Shira access. Started around 11 pm and fininshed up around 3:15 am. Best baits were a pumpkin tube and a black buzz bait. At one point I snagged into something huge. Fought it for like 10 min before the 6 lb test snapped. I figured either a big carp, catfish, or a beaver.
I think he is saying he inserted a maribou jig in the tube. Still doesn't answer your question of the tubes size. Smallmouth can throw the hook. That's why they jump. The guy I fished with Saturday night lost 8-10 in a row. I think it's more luck than technique.
Well, I figured a weekend or two, between the holidays, offer something that encourages the floaters to bring back bags of trash. Even if you have to offer a free rental.
I have been reading this forum for months and finally got inspired enough to join. I fish the elk and it's tributaries a lot. I had an idea a while back where the outfitters all get together and offer free shuttles one weekend if you show up at the take out with a bag of trash per person. The difference would attract more business for the outfitters. A true win/win.