Chris Gates

The river is fishing well right now with Pats and RFSN. We fished from Kelly to Sunburst last Saturday and had a good day. I will be down next Friday to hit it again. Good luck, in my opinion this is the best time to fish the NFOW between now and Memorial Day!

Nice report Ted. I have had those special Caddis days on the current as well. It seems like when I've fished the river quite a bit, fought the crowds and generally starting to get sick and frustrated with the current, I will have a special day like that. Those days keep me coming back to the Current. Generally now those special days are only on warm winter days. I seem to average one day a year that is real special to me on that river.

I've never heard of that law but who knows. The more I fish in Arkansas the more I realize they have practices and rules I disagree with. That's another story, but it wouldn't surprise me. Arkansas Game and Fish probably want to keep john boats from anchoring up in swift water and getting in trouble. That would be my guess.

Like mentioned above, check out Kirk's Fly Shop. I recommend reading lots of reports, talking with a fly shop and being prepared prior to going out. Good luck and have fun!!

I used to fish Montauk quite a bit in the winter however it has gotten more crowded lately. Nothing like regular season but still too busy for my liking. However, one tip I found, in the winter, hit the bait water areas, all the flyfisherman head up to the fly only area and some of the best water is the bait area that you usually don't get to fish without a huge summer crowd. Always trying to do what others aren't!

Some of the guys in Arkansas can probably speak better than I about the details but I believe it was sold 3 or so years ago. The reason it is closed is because it sold. I always heard it was someone who was going to develop the land into residential lots but that may be hearsay, I don't know the exact details. I just know you can't reach the water by driving up and paying the rod fee any longer. That is why a pontoon or boat is so beneficial.

I've had my drift boat down the Norfork quite a bit and it works fine. Like the White if there is no generation you are pushing through some slow water but those spots that you tend to have to push through also often hold lots of fish. I agree with previous posts that a pontoon or drift boat is the only way to fish the Norfork anymore. Since McClellans was purchased the boat allows easy access to the "Holy Water" of Arkansas. Also it is a fun float for two down by McClellans because you can drop anchor on no generation and typically bank em' up on Midges. The boat works well to fish to those deep spots a wade fisherman can't reach. Warning, an aluminum drift boat would suck because it sticks to the rocks so badly however with fiberglass you won't have any major problems. Also, two units on the river and your in for a short float. I think the ideal is to have no generation until evening, then you can fish all day and ride the generation out as the water comes up, the shallowest parts that are the most difficult are toward the bottom, below the handicap access if I remember right. If you see that generation pattern for several days hit the river and if the generation stays the same, your probably in for a heck of a day!!

These recent years of good water and snow should only help all the fisheries in the ozarks. I don't think the drought years do any good, High water is a hassle some times but it pays dividends for the fish population in the long run, imho.

Great Report Justin! Wish I was fishing in the snow. I'll see you down there soon. Chris

Justin, I think that is the only downside! Oh yeah, dealing with drunk floaters is a downer too. I promise not to get too drunk this weekend! Ha. See you guys soon.

Nice post and nice bow Brian. I need to get down to the Eleven Point soon. I've been spending a lot of time at the NFOW which I love but I need to hit the Eleven Point more. Thanks for sharing and nice boat!

Thanks again, you guys are a wealth of info. I Like the Current River Icecicle avatar Gavin.

Great Video, Gotta love the NFOW! Looked like an awesome year!

Thanks guys, I will be floating somewhere on the upper. I will rent a canoe, I don't have a canoe, just a drift boat and that is too big for that river I'm sure. I appreciate everyone's advice.

This is my first post on the forum, I've been lurking for a while and like the site. This late spring I am planning on taking my oldest boy on a float trip down the Jack's Fork. I would like to do an overnight on the river. What is the camping situation? Do you pull over and camp anywhere along the river or are there designated campgrounds for overnights along the way? Any help would be appreciated.