Troutdude

Floated from Sycamore to Warren on Sunday the 25th. What a beautiful creek! I have floated the North Fork many times and always intended to hit Bryant Creek one day, I'm glad I did. The scenery was gorgeous and since the area had heavy rains 3 days prior to my float, the creek was moving along at a pretty good clip. The smallie fishing was pretty slow having only landed one 12". It hit the rebel crawdad about 6 inches from the bank. I also managed to catch a slew of sunfish which made for some great fun. The only downside of the float was a tree had fallen across the entire river just after a bend where the current was very strong. This obstruction came up on us fast and we had little time to react. Had our group not been experienced paddlers it could have spelled disaster. Following a short portage we were back in action, enjoying this little traveled jewel. On behalf of my boatless friend who came in from California, many thanks to ROLF for renting our group a canoe to take over to Bryant Creek.

Always lurking, rarely posting.

Thank you Brian. I will be giving ROLF a call about that canoe. I'm so anxious to get to the NFOW I can hardly concentrate while at work and I still have to work tomorrow before I leave. Grrrr!!!!

It is time once again for the Fall Classic Float and Fish on the NFOW. Last year was filled with beautiful colors, great river conditions and a few nice fish. We are hoping for the same this year. Most of us have our own kayaks, however, as a couple of people will be flying in we will be short one canoe. Would someone please advise me who rents canoes at this time of year? Secondly, I'm wondering what cfs I should be expecting should the rain hold off. Lastly, where in the heck is that huge trout that took my last black rubber legs in October 2008? Not really expecting a reply on that, but I sure would like to know.

Yes, MO MO was the term used for what was described as being a sasquatch or whatever you want to call it, when I was on staff at a scout camp in the Ozarks in the 80's. Never saw him or her, but the reports were frequent enough to make you think twice.

Thank you for the detailed response fellas. I will have to let my friend know what the REAL DEAL is with the branch. As with most everyone, I would also hate to see the branch over run with people. Leaving the branch as a hike in only access if it is ever opened to the public would be the ideal situation in my humble opinion. I have no doubt that yes, a very limited number would actually make the effort to hike a kayak and gear to the spring to make the run if permitted. However, the skill set required to make the run is held by so few I would not see this being a problem. Furthermore, most floaters would rather make a longer run on say the St. Francis, Mulberry or other similar whitewater river/creek as they offer considerably more bang for your buck in overall distance. As far as the prospect of someday fly fishing the branch... I will, like so many others, remain patient until that glorious day arrives. Thanks again!

A close friend of mine was recently told by his MDC agent friend that Greer Spring branch is now owned in its entirety by the MDC. The transfer of which was completed within the last couple of months. I would appreciate it if someone could shed some light on this subject as the prospect of fishing the branch has always appealed to me. Not to mention running it with my whitewater kayak.

Heading down to NFOW with a group of friends and our yaks Thursday the 23rd and will be headed back to KC on Monday the 27th. From what I understand stones, buggers and rubber legs will be in order. My last visit to the NFOW was a learning experience. The first morning was lackluster to say the least, a few takes and only one to hand. Sometime during the afternoon I ran into a man that informed me I was not fishing deep enough. I honestly thought I was fishing deep enough. NOT!!! After heeding this gents advice I had steady great luck the rest of the trip. My lesson learned is... if think you are fishing deep enough on the NFOW you probably aren't. A good indicator for me is loosing a few flies to the bottom. I'm hoping the fall colors are in full swing this trip. Last year I hit the Eleven Point for my fall float and the colors were nothing short of spectacular. Any words of wisdom would be appreciated.

My hat is off to Rick and his catch of a lifetime. Regardless of how he took the fish or what he choose to do with it, those decisions were his to make, not ours. The catch and possession was legal, end of story. The catch and release of such an enormous fish presents a catch 22 IMO. If the fish comes to net in what seems like a disproportional amount of time considering the enormity of the beast, I would think it might be ill or dying to begin with. Consequently, a drawn out battle on 6lb test would surely tax the fish's constitution to the extreme. Even the best revival efforts may not be adequate enough for the lunker to survive. My catch of a lifetime to date happened at Taney in 98. After a 20 minute battle a fat rainbow as long as my arm came to net. Followed by a nearly equal amount of time ensuring the monster got a proper revival before releasing. I can only hope the fish made someone else as happy as it has made me. Then again, there is only one guarantee in life.

Thanks for the tip SIO3.

Hey all, I have the same predicament as duckkilla. I was going to head to Roaring River this weekend but now that it is flooded with more rain on the way it's a no go. The alternative is Tanney, however I will need a boat. Any good boat rental recommendations?

Have seen them on the Eleven Point as well. No clue as to their identity.