White Bass

[OzarkKid07]

Hey guys! I'm wanting to take my wife somewhere in the Ozarks for this white bass run I keep hearing about, but since I don't live down there and it's a 4 hour drive minimum, I want to make sure it's a good trip for her (and me). Plus, I don't know what the flood situation is in different areas, so maybe you guys can help me out here. Where would be the best place to go and rent a canoe or a jon boat and do some ultra-light/fly-fishing for whites, that isn't flooded and scary water, where the whites are known to be numerous, and when will be the optimum time to go? Is it NOW? Would the next couple of weeks be too late or early? Also, I see that everyone is talking about Beaver Creek down at Bull Shoals... I'd like to not drive all the way to Arkansas if possible. The closer to St. Louis the better, but I don't want to compromise good water and fishing. I appreciate your help and look forward to giving a great report!

[Phil Lilley]

Well.... Beaver and Swan have been hot till today. Heard it's pretty dead because of the cold front and cold rain. Sounds like James is the same. You have to watch the weather forecast and catch it on the 2nd or 3rd day of a warm up. Then these and other wb places will be good again.

Places to rent... very few. There are places on the James River. Don't know if they rent anything at Beaver Creek Boat Dock. Getting a guide is a possibility or fishing with someone on the forum.

[Trav]

Lower Taney has them running if you want to chase. They never stop moving for long here. Have to follow the herd.