3/2/08 Report Lower River

[Brian Sloss]

Took a couple of buddies from West Plains out on the lower river scouting for fish for an upcoming guide trip. Bad weather and high water had kept me off the water for a couple of weeks. The water was about 8 inches above normal and moving pretty quickly with a little stain. Regardless, the fishing was good, at least for them as the wind was crazy and I could not get off the oars and cast out of the boat. The wind held the drift boat in a fast shoal with me paddling downstream and I wasn't moving, must have been 40 mph. I only got to fish at a couple of spots where wading made sense, and that didn't happen too often as we had to make time down river because the wind slowed us so much. Stoneflies, eggs and a white jig drifted like a dead minnow did the best. Good fishing, crazy wind. Hope today and tonights rain does not raise the water too much more.

[Mark]

Thanks Brian,

We're starting to get nervous about the water level for our trip on Thurs/Fri/Sat before Easter. We have a group of 8-10 guys going for like our 11th year in a row alternating between the Eleven Point and the White River. This year we're back to the Eleven Point. The weather has always cooperated until last year when we went to the White River in Arkansas. Friday and Saturday were like artic conditions. Spent a lot of time playing cards in the cottage. Hope that doesn't happen this year, although I guess there is worse ways to spend a couple of days. If you take any trips before March 19, we would appreciate a report on fishing and water levels.

Thanks, Mark