Patricks on the White

I waded the BS dam early Easter morning; the first time I've had the opportunity to do so since the area re-opened on Feb.1. The didy is there in mass. Thick and soft, wavy white tips,very comfortable to walk on. Certainly not an expert on this subject, I think that this is the condition it takes on when first appearing. I live at the tip of Cane Island, about a mile and a half below the dam. The didy here has changed over the winter from soft and comfortable to a thin, tightly woven, "pool table top-like", slick as snot, covering. Again, not being a biologist, I would tend to think that it doesn't start from an organism brought in on the bottom of a boat or boot. The fact that "fresh didy" seems to start right at the foot of the dam suggests to me that its already in the water as it is released through the gates. Does it cover the bottom of BS lake, I've never heard anyone mention its presence. Maybe the lakes too deep and it can only thrive in shallower stretches,i.e., the river. Hopefully, the biological studies that are underway are taking this point into consideration. Patricks

I just had a client a few weeks ago that had a TFO, cheapie,rod break while fighting a big fish; good graphite rods aren't supposed to do that. An acquaintance of mine has worked for Sage for over 20 years. He told me years ago that theres quite a bit of engineering and design that goes into the higher quality graphite and that it definately makes a difference if you've got big fish in mind but that the lower priced rods are fine for most dink fish. I own one, pricey Sage XP 4 weight that brought in a 17 pounder last year after 20 minutes of rod stress; don't know what my cheapies would have done.Guides probably have a great feel for the difference. Patricks

Does anyone know who sells molds for 1/80 or 1/124 oz. lead heads? Have looked at various sites and no one displays them. Patricks

Silver Mallard: I said that Cartney "appeared" to be void of fish, not that it was. Have caught a few trout there, but, more importantly, its a great place to let the dogs swim without bothering anyone else. Patricks

Phil: You're right, its early. Takes me a pot of coffee to read and digest anything. Heading to Branson next week for a day, any suggestions on where to wade, water permitting. Same flies as here on the White? Pat Brennan

I've got two girls that I hang with that love to swim in any weather condition. They wear no clothes, love to romp and play unrelentlessly and will steal fish from anyone nearby. Privacy is of utmost importance to me since I don't want to disturb others. My friend, Dale Fulton, sent us to Cartney walk in a few months ago. Theres gravel as far as you can see, appears totally void of trout; I guess trout fishermen prefer water that appear to hold fish. I've only shared this spot with other fishermen once. Perfect! My Labs love it. Thanks Dale. Patricks

A friend of mine was just digging into a beef brisket at KT'S recently when the owner, MoMo, came over and suggested that, since he noticed my friend using a knife to cut the beef, it wasn't tender enough and replaced the meal. I normally don't order beef, its stringy a lot of the times but MoMo has restored my appetite and confidence in ordering beef, at least at his restaurant. Overeating is one sport that I excel at and can't afford to make many mistakes. Patricks P.S. You might also try the rib tips at Al B's in Lakeview. He does a little trick with sugar prior to smoking. You also get a man sized portion, an overeaters dream.

Crippled Caddis: Clean up Arkansas politics? What about the other 49 states; ain't gonna happen. Typical big business BS; the little guys get the crumbs, like it or not. Patricks

Arrived at Norfork Dam around noon, haven't seen so many people on a weekday. Early Sowbug arrivals and spillover from McClellans, I guess. Everyone seemed to be catching fish, including me. Haven't fished here in months and didn't do well at all when I did fish here since the runoff started. With McClellans closing, they'll have to start assigning tee times, parking spots and selling cleats to those that don't have them. Might be a good spot for a PI lawyer to set up a booth. Patricks

Had a room cancellation for Sowbug weekend; $65 a night for two; located at the tip of Cane Island, 400 yards of runs and riffles. Flyfisher bar-b-que next door. 870-656-7589 Patricks

STL Call Janns Netcraft at 1-800-NETCRAFT for replacement bags. Patrick

Whats a featherlight; a micro spinning rod? PB

I live a mile or so below BS dam on the White and have for over two years. I fished Bennett Springs for 17 years prior to moving here. I always loved to throw dry flies and had sporadic success at best. A guide here showed me the effectiveness of fishing emergers during a hatch and I'm sold on the idea. Now, whenever a hatch starts and fish begin to rise, I simply fish a midge pattern about 14 to 18 inches under half a palsa indicator and have much more success than trying to match the hatch. I cast to the rise circle and they either hit it immediately or not at all. Line control isn't an issue, you're almost tightlining. Would love to see John Berry fish dries, though. Pat Brennan

I've had a ton of likable emails from overseas. I must have responded to a mailing long ago that opened up the floodgates. Patricks

Morning Dano, The weather passed us by, thank goodness. Pat was in town with me,and as the crow flys, it wasn't too far away! Prayer and thoughts to that family also. Headed to the river and poor Pat, if he thinks he has seen wind knots, JUST WAIT! MsMidge