huz001

It has been for sale for almost 4 years now. It is on the Little North Fork bank which now bypasses the mill dam now. In 1996 it was gorgeous and the grounds including the log cabin near perfect. I almost bought it because it was close to Spring Valley Ranch Trout resort on Turkey Creek (about 3/4 mile walk). Saw a black bear near the mill in 1996 also.

Nice Brian. Steve

Brian did you get a tape measure on him (what a kipe) ? Steve

Brian, I have done that before and the river seems different at night; my senses play tricks about distances on me and the riffles seem louder. It's a great experience though. Steve

Nice. Steve

Walleyes are more of a springtime thing; they are deep now; can't say about Stripers but my guess is by July they are in the lake; not the river. You can catch some nice schooling Kentucky's in the lower river in the evenings. Steve

Real good; the river jumped from 400 cfs to 1300 cfs after last weekends rains. Steve

6/24 - Caught a 15" Brown just at total dark, size 10 Kauffman Stone Fly with a Prince drop; he took the Stone Fly; also surprised caught a big goggle eye on the next cast; I mean big (about 9-10") and just as black as they come. 6/25 - Caught 2 smaller rainbows at Kelly Ford at 6:00 AM on dries. Size 16-18 Blue Winged Olives in the fastest part of the chute. One was par marked. Didn't measure but I'd say 8" and maybe 9-10". 6/26 - Caught a 15-16" rainbow at Jacks Riffle at 5:50 AM. Lost one too. One of the guests that left the day I arrived caught 8 Rainbows on dry flies; mostly on a version of Elk Hair Caddis (real light hair; almost white) size 16 around the mid stream rocks and sand washes, very early in the morning. I am was humbled by this stream; although I only fished about 4 times in the week for two hours each. (sorry for the bad pics but the light was poor and I was worried about reviving the rainbow) Steve

IMHO; I think 600 CFS would make that possible (still). Steve

Well, I don't expect to catch her; but my plan for next week is simple. Fish real early; fish real late; fish during the weekdays. Steve

Great day; great news too. Steve

Nice fish, I'll bet he was excited ? Steve

Brian, Cool stuff. I think we might be in for a pretty good early summer ?? I'll be glad when the real wading starts; but then it is harder to catch fish. Steve

Brian, here is 2000 CFS at the falls and 1280 CFS; (as far ledge starts to re-appear. I'm sure you have seen it a thousand times. Three days makes a big difference !!

For you who are unfamiliar, here is Topaz on the North Fork. In the late 1800's; it was abandoned in the 1940's. A few people have moved back and keep it real nice. There is a large spring and mill at Topaz. Great smallmouth and goggle-eye water; occasional trout. Pictures follow;

Under the Falls; this was a trick at 1900 CFS.

Brian, I stayed at Ann and Myron's. Fishes mostly from falls down beyond Jack's Riffle. I like the icon you used. Largest wild rainbow I ever caught in Missouri; 19", but the 17"er was a real stud. What do you suppose all those larger trout were doing at the falls ? They were holed up in the seam on the near side of the river along the brush; almost like they made a feeding lane just outside of the fastest water. Maybe that is why. Thanks, Steve

What a great trip. Lots of large fish. All caught wading in tough fast water. 5/18 water too high 2200 CFS and very turquoise in color. 5/19 river looking nicer but needs another day; went up to Topaz and floated to Hale with a friend. Smallmouth spawning beds are everywhere; did not fish. 5/20 1500 CFS and clearing nicely. Caught 4 fish, all rainbows, 17" (WOW; maybe the strongest fish I ever hooked; took all the backing), 14", 12", and 12". 5/21 1380 CFS. Caught 5 fish, Brown 14", Rainbows, 15", 14", 10", 10". 5/22 1220 CFS. Caught 3 fish, Rainbow (19" - largest wild rainbow I ever caught; I think this fish pushed about 3-4 pounds), 14", 10". 19" fish on golden stone #10. 5/23 1200 CFS, Fished an hour caught 1 fish; rainbow 13" on golden stone. Fished with a long rod, 5 DT silk line, 9' 5X, plus long tippet. Most fish were caught drifting a #14 Prince bead headed Nymph with plenty of split shot; no indicator (I forgot them). Unforgettable trip. A few pictures; some from under the falls.

Tough spring, for North Fork, you know. But, maybe this will lead to a good summer season with plenty of water and less algae. Thanks for the info, I think I will go anyway and hop for a few days at the end of next week. Steve

Brian, I looks like it's above 2000 CFS again. I am going to the NF for the week next week. How does the river color look now ? Thanks, Steve

The wading can be a humbling experience until the water gets down; but the river is so nice, catching is secondary to me. Steve

Getting across the river at Kelly Ford was not easy. It would have been comical to have a video of me trying. I slipped down about a dozen times; but was determined to get across. The gravel is soft and loose and footing is real bad. I waded upstream about 50' where it is deeper to cross but it was still really swift there too. On the left side of the chute (facing down river) are 2 new sycamores facing branches downstream and root-wad upstream. There is about 6-8' hole under them and plenty of water straining through the roots. Luckily, most of the boating traffic is on the near bank (parking side) or we would certainly have a drowning. At 1200 CFS the water is roaring down the chute and I used a 10' rod for "high sticking" and plenty of spilt shot to get down. Steve

Fished 50 yards of Kelly Ford twice for about 2 hours. Lots of new sycamore root wads (upstream facing) with deep holes on gravel bar side. Caught 16" Brown in first hole. Caught 3 Rainbows 9"-12" long in long run. Used smaller Golden Stones with some brown with and partridge Soft-hackle point fly. Swift water; hard wading and very windy; both days.

Nice. I love that light colored phase smallie.

Great story; wish I was doing that today. Lots of trips come down to that ONE fish.