Took Advantage Of Low Water Onthe Norfork

[John Berry]

I took a client, an Army Major just back from Iraq, over to the Norfork for a half day yesterday. We caught a nice period of low water in the morning. I was pleasantly surprised to find very few anglers in the Catch and Release Section. We were able to move around and fish all the choice spots. He landed around thirty and missed the grand slam by not catching the brook. It was all black zebra midges size eighteen. When the water came up, we headed out and noticed an angler trying to cross the river. He had waited too long and could not make it. We advised him to not attempt the crossing. Eventually a boat came by and ferried him across. When you notice the water rising, get out!

[SamC489]

I got caught in the water last november w/ the gf. I have been fishing on the norfork ten or twelve times and heard the horn blow maybe, MAYBE half of the time before the water starts coming up. The time we got caught, she had just hooked a fish and I noticed the water start to rise. She was fairly new to trout fishing, so it took her a little while to land the fish, as I tried to guide her toward the shore. We started getting out as fast as we could, but got swept up and floated a way downstream before we got to the shore and told we were idiots by some guys in a boat.

The people who let the water out of the dam know that the Norfork is a very popular trout stream, so why not give adequate notice when water is going to be let out? Put multiple horns up along the bank instead of one (seemingly) hidden so it is hard to hear throughout the river? I am far from inexperienced on a river, and I got caught up in it. I have seen many novice anglers on the Norfork for the 4 years I have been going there, who could really find themselves in trouble if they panicked. It seems like an easily remedied, unnecessary risk that is being taken.

Monday morning rant over; good to hear you and the vet. did so well, and caught the Norfork low for a few hours.

[Greg]

The people who let the water out of the dam know that the Norfork is a very popular trout stream, so why not give adequate notice when water is going to be let out? Put multiple horns up along the bank instead of one (seemingly) hidden so it is hard to hear throughout the river?

Totally agree with you. I consider Lake Taneycomo in MO my home waters and there is no comparison between the warning system on the Norfork and that on Taney. On Taney there are multiple horns on the upper lake and they ALWAYS sound 10 to 15 minutes before the water comes up depending on where you are. ALWAYS plenty of time to get out safely and even cross if need be. I've never gotten in trouble on Taney. But as much as I love the Norfork it is downright scary when it comes up. You can't always hear the horn and it seems like when you can hear it - most of the time the water is already on the rise. And it rises so FAST. I think it could be done much better and safer.

Greg

[Oldschoolcane]

Plan A: To help monitor the rising water, leave a $5 bill under a rock on the shore. If it goes under, most of us would notice it. Plan B: Wear a CO2 life vest. Plan C: Fish with a guide.

Tim

[SamC489]

Plan A: To help monitor the rising water, leave a $5 bill under a rock on the shore. If it goes under, most of us would notice it. Plan B: Wear a CO2 life vest. Plan C: Fish with a guide.

Tim

[ ] helpful

[ ] funny

[ ] constructive

[x] none of the above

[Oldschoolcane]

SamC, actually Dave Whitlock who fishes far more on the tailwaters than either you or I suggested the dollar bill as an indicator of rising water. I do the same. I also plan to buy the CO2 vest just in case. You obviously have your own ideas, I didn't leave my comments as a joke. I've learned by experience to take my safety on the water very seriously. You may want to consider the same? Good luck.

Tim

[SamC489]

SamC, actually Dave Whitlock who fishes far more on the tailwaters than either you or I suggested the dollar bill as an indicator of rising water. I do the same. I also plan to buy the CO2 vest just in case. You obviously have your own ideas, I didn't leave my comments as a joke. I've learned by experience to take my safety on the water very seriously. You may want to consider the same? Good luck.

Tim

[x] lolwut?