kkparks_3

I was just wondering if any of you would be so kind to let me know of any good smallie creeks to wade around the Theodosia, MO area. I ask this having almost no idea about the area, I plan on doing some research tonight. I do know it's right on the lake, but I don't have any boat access, not to mention I prefer creek fishing anyway. I'm not trying to out anyone's secret spots, so PM's would be also appreciated. I'm a catch and release only smallmouth fisherman too, by the way. I have had the ozark stream section bookmarked for a long time and never really dug around in the forums until the last couple of days and I have to say this is some great reading guys. I'm from central AR, but still I love to read conversation about other smallie experiences. Especially all these pigs you MO guys are catching. I'm ashamed to say I've only cracked the 17" mark down here in my little over two years of fishing for smallies. Still, though, in that short period of time they have become my favorite species hands down, no contest. Thanks for the info, Kevin P.S.: Al, you responded to this question last year on another site, but when I went I didn't get to get any fishing in.

Awesome story Al! Even though I read your story already on another site, I have to admit I read the entire story again here. That was almost as descriptive as your paintings. Good read. Kevin

I was wondering if anyone had an update on Crooked Creek. I am planning a trip up there in late May and I'm hoping the spawn will be over by then. ANy info would be appreciated. Thanks, Kevin

FYI (for those that are interested) I emailed the USGS about the unusually high water level on their website. They responded very quickly saying that they were in the process of moving the gauge at the Kelly's slab location. (I don't really understand why after recording over twenty years of data) Anyway, just thought that some might find this interesting. Kevin

The USGS site says the water level has been over the slab for well over a month. I was wondering if it is even fishable at that depth. I've never seen it that high. The highest it's ever been when I was there was five feet. So being three times that height made me think it might be kinda wild for a float tube fisherman. Kevin

I've been planning to take a trip to Crooked Creek in early March, but it doesn't look like its going to come down anytime soon. It looks as though, by what the gauge height has been, it's getting a good flushing out. Any thoughts on how this might effect the fishing this year? In your opinion will this have a positive or negative impact on this year's spawn? Thanks, Kevin

Guys, I'm an Arkie who will be visiting Bull Shoals Lake near Theodosia next weekend. Since most of the lake time will probably be swimming and skiing with the wife's family, I was wanting to know some good smallie water that I could wade and/or use my float tube in. I see on the map that there are a couple of creeks running in to Bull Shoals near Theodosia, but I don't know if they are good fishing or not. I'm a catch and release only guy and would really appreciate any info you could give me. Thanks, Kevin

Guys, I've been looking at the map and was wondering if anybody knew of a CR-771 just east of Yellville. On my last trip I tried to find this road, but I couldn't locate it. Do any of you know what the nearest access past Yellville bridge? Thanks, Kevin

Guys, I'm planning to go fish the short stretch from Ozark to Pruitt next weekend with a buddy of mine. Do you guys have any reports as to how the water is looking in that area? Thanks for the info, Kevin

I rented my canoe from Riverside and yes it was a some guy's farm where we put in for an eight mile float back down to the 62 bridge. I got this info from some guy they were calling Doc. The fishing was alright for as fast as we floated (I had the wife along and she gets a little impatient). I didn't get to get out and fish the riffles as much as I wanted to, but I managed to catch about a dozen. I floated over many nice fish that appeared to be 14-15 inches, but they were protecting beds so I left them alone. I was suprised to see so many fish still on the beds, I figured they were already done by this time. I was on Crooked Creek about a month ago and some were already on the beds. Kevin

I thought that sounded kind of ridiculous. Ridiculous in a fantasy that could never be true kind of way.

I floated the King's last weekend about 8 miles down to the 62 bridge and the shuttle driver for the canoe rental said that the game & fish stocked something like 30,000 14" smallies near Marble. Have any of you guys heard this? I've never heard of fish that big being stocked. If it is true, I know where my next float trip will be. Thanks, Kevin

Thanks for the great input guys. The Pruitt to Carver trip sounds like that might be the best for me. I appreciate your input. Kevin

Hello all, I am from central Arkansas and am a spinning tackle using, catch and releasing, smallie junkie. From the posts I have read, you guys are really informative and friendly. I have been fishing for smallies for a little less than two years and am always looking for new water to fish and new ways to catch them. I look forward to learning more from you guys. Thanks, Kevin

I'm planning on taking an over night trip on the Buffalo sometime in the middle of next month, but I can't decide where I want to go. I've been on the lower part around Buffalo Point, but I have heard good things about the upper part and I have never been. Which part do you guys prefer? I also have to mention I'm a pretty slow floater. I find a good-looking hole and I just can't help but fish all of it. For an overnighter on the upper part, what stretches of river do you prefer? Since I don't have my own canoe, I will have to rent. Any advice on who to rent from would be appreciated also. I use Dillard's when I am on the lower, but as I said I am totally unfamiliar with the upper end. I appreciate the help, Kevin

Brian, Have you got my PM yet? Thanks, Kevin