Ozark Sweetwater

Yep I have been up and down both trails. Neither are listed on any maps. You just need to make sure it's fishable before you make the trek down. It's really no fun to hike in and find out you can't cross the river. Unfortunately, I know from experience. Here's a few pics The reward...

Great report Billet!. That is my favorite area to fish as well. I spend a couple weeks out there every year, unfortunately it's not going to happen this year but next year, I'll be there for sure. The Tongue river can be tough in spots but it is a really fun stream to fish. The North and Southfork are my favorites followed by the canyon section of the Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone. No fun at all getting in and out of the canyon but worth every effort.

Congrats!

More trout this time of year in that stretch but you will pick up the occasional smallie. The river is super low right now so find the deeper holes and structure.

If you want to throw hoppers, the White is a much better option. On the Norfork you're going to have better luck with midges.

Wayne is right, what I do is build a keel using 3 strips of lead wire on the underside of the hook shank. I tie in 2 pieces side by side then add a third on top and in between the other two. It should form a triangle, if I'm explaining it right. The lead wrap on the bend of the rear hook that Lancer was talking about, gives the fly a kick when you pause in between strips.

Great fish Seth, Congrats! In regards to taking photos, to me there is nothing more boring than the standard "hero" shot. It has nothing to do with trying to make the fish look bigger, it's just about having a better picture. In my opinion, I would rather have pics like the ones below over a "hero" shot. Just my opinion...

Strip set, strip set, strip set! I doubt it's rod related, unless you are using an old noodle like fiberglass or bamboo.

What the hell, I'm game for another round.

Here ya go! http://www.flytyingforum.com/pattern4142.html

Hell Yes! Fine work on the popper and the story.

If you like the wiggle minnow, you should check out Todd's other pattern. The Tobo Craw

One of my favorite patterns. The key is getting the face cut at the right angle and making sure you get the hump in the middle.In order to get the right action, tie it on using a loop knot and fish it on a sink tip line.

That's it, definitely no invites for you.

Guiding, like any other job, you can have good days and bad days, and then you can have one of those days that reminds you why, you do what you do... This trip was one of the latter. Our own Glory Daze booked a trip with me for his Dad as a gift for Father's Day. We set the date and I met Glory Daze and his Dad early in the morning. After speaking with Glory Daze, we decided that the drift boat was the most comfortable option for his Dad for this particular float. We loaded up the suburban with the Clacka in tow and hit the water prior to 7AM. The action started right away with Glory Daze and his Dad missing several fish within 1/2 mile of the ramp. The ring rust was evident early on but they both got up to speed quickly and brought several decent smallies to the boat. As we approached the midway point of the float, I was really trying to hit the spots that I know hold some nice fish. I instructed Ken's Dad to make a few casts along some large rock with some decent current. I believe it was the second cast in, he was hooked up. I didn't see the take so I had no idea how good the fish was. By the bend in his rod I knew it was decent. When I got the first look at the fish, my suspicions were right. It was better than decent. Bill fought it like a champ as the fish bulldogged under the boat 2 or 3 times. I was finally able to net the "fish of the day." We all hollered and I looked at Glory Daze and said jokingly, "I'm glad your Dad caught this fish instead of you." By the smile on his face, I knew he was way happier having his Dad land that fish instead of him. We still had several miles to go and we landed a few more but it didn't really matter because we had got what we were looking for, in 2 ways, Bill landed a great fish and Glory Daze got to spend a memorable day on the water with his Dad. I got to witness both and got the reminder of why, I do what I do. Thanks Glory Daze and I'm looking forward to doing it again.

On minimum flows or low flows you would be ok but you cannot always predict the flows. I would not take a canoe on it, but that's just my opinion.

Gravel has filled in quite a bit just below the ramp at Patrick, you should be able to fish the run right there and you should be able to walk down to the island below Patrick and hit that as well. Another option is to pay Justin at Sunburst and fish around on his property.

PM sent

Dominic at Two Rivers Fly Shop in Norfork can take care of you, if not try Bill Thorne at Dally's Ozark Flyfisher

Keep in mind that if you're floating the Blue Ribbon section ( Rainbow Spring to Patrick Bridge) your limit is one fish over 18", and if your'e floating from Patrick Bridge down to the lake (Red Ribbon) your limit is 2 fish 15" or over.

Hell Yea! Nice catch!

That is the weekend of the FFF Southern Council Fair so, expect lots of folks on the river.

This!

It can be done but it's difficult do to the lack of camping spots. There is a campground in Cotter on river right, the name escapes me at the moment, but you could float from the dam to Cotter and the Cotter to Rim Shoals. Being able to motor back up is going to be the problem. I'm assuming you can't run much more than a 6 hp motor on your pontoon, that's a long way back with such a small motor especially if they are generating. I would call Bill Thorne at Dally's Ozark Flyfisher and have him run a shuttle for you.

I would highly recommend it.