Morgan F.

Happy Monday, Survived the North Fork trip this last weekend...and so did the fish! This trip ended up morphing into about everything other than what I had planned. Ended up floating Hammonds to Blair. We were told that the water was running low on upper parts and one of our party recenctly had hip surgery so was not able to get in/out of canoe and dragging would have been out of the question for his wife! The float was great. A little slow in 1st half (Hammonds to McKee Bridge) but picked up after that. I was so excited to get back on a stream that I never, in my head at least, thought about anyone else being on the water...I was WRONG! The river was crowded for my fishing taste so I put the rod down and went more of the kayaking/river exploring route...had a good time...a very nice river! Talked to two guys drift fishing and a couple of spinners and they all had mild luck with the river traffic. Mostly small smallmouth and goggle eye. Never saw a trout on the end of anyones line, though I was giving wide berths to any fisherman I spotted. Won't mention the canoe outfitter that my group went through, but it was not a pleasant experience. After floating past the River of Life strech...I will definately be giving them a call next time! Thank you all for your pointers...I will try and actually put them to use in the near future! Morgan F.

Thank you all! Wasn't sure about using plastics on that stretch of river...from what I have read in the reg book I thought it wasn't allowed...will have to do more reading in the truck on the way down as I am leaving right...about...now! BM - will have to inquire as to the Bryant Catfishing situation while down ther and will try to post next week upon return, though I am sure Brian will know more than I will be able to dig up in a weekend! Have a great weekend of fishing...hopefully! Morgan

Hey Brian! I have to ask...how was the 417 guide trip? I read the article and thouroughly enjoyed it! Thank you for the info on that section of the river. What is a "gitzit"? I was planning on running a teeny weeny craw or two...possibly some rooster tails / maribu's off of the spinning rig. I will be taking the fly rod with, but don't know how well I am set up for smallies in the fly tackle dept. Also a little concered about managing the 9' rod in 8.5' kayak! (I guess I could break it down between stops). Any particular streches of water I should keep an eye out for on that strech? Best Regards, Morgan

Hank, Thanks for the heads-up! I am traveling with a group...and I'm just a tag along, but will make sure to check on that. Wouldn't hurt my feelings if we had to float a lower section with trout possabilities! Have a great weekend. Morgan

Thanks guys...smallie gear it is then!

I will be floating the Twin Bridges to Hammond Camp Access on Sat. for my first visit to the North Fork of White. Have been told that there are not many trout in that section...mostly smallies and goggle eyes...is that in fact the case or have I been led astray? Plenty happy with whatever is there, I just want to be properly rigged! Would appreciate the help/info! Morgan F.

Brian, So glad to see an Eleven Point report prior to my heading South this weekend! There is a possability that I can make it over on Monday. I looked at your www. but did not see any price info. Would you mind emailing me 1/2 day - Full day pricing for guiding on Monday Aug. 13th? My email address is mforganf@yahoo.com. Thank You, Morgan

Hello All, I have been reading this forum for some time now and finally decided to get myself signed up after introducing my self to a couple of the streams this summer. I have so far only hit the Eleven Point (Thank you Brian and Ryan), Niangua, and Current rivers. These rivers have all been effective in every way as I now find myself with a Calendar in hand trying to figure out when I can get back down to trout waters...I am hooked. Origionally from the Fayette, MO area and now live in Columbia, MO after a stint out in Vegas for a few years...GLAD to be HOME! I look forward to reading many more great posts and hopefully a little luck on the North Fork of the White this weekend! Take Care, Morgan