New Member That Likes Smallmouth Fishing And Ozark Streams

[Crooked Creek Angler]

Great to get so many responses just from an introduction. Again, I look forward to swappin' stories and info with everyone. I already recognize many of the names of the responders from forums that I've read prior to joining.

[Crooked Creek Angler]

Hey CCA, At some point I'd like to pick your brain with general questions about the great unknown sections of CC between Y Town and the 101 bridge.

I can tell you that I have floated every inch of CC from Pyatt to the mouth. In the drier years there is virtually zero water between Yellville and Flippin due to the fact that the creek goes underground. In the wetter years it can be floated, but I wouldn't personally recommend it. Too many willow thickets in the middle of the creek and not enough fish. However, once you get down quite a ways past Flippin to the 101 bridge some of the water starts coming back up and there are year round pools at the very least and pretty managable floating after good rains. The AGFC put in a pubic access below the 101 bridge that is a good place to put in and float to the mounth, probably about a 10-12 mile float all in all, but can feel longer if the water is a little too low. The Ranchette White River access is the place to take out on this float. The lower end has more largemouth than smallmouth, but both can be huge. I've caught LM's over 8lbs and heard of them being caught over 10lbs, (which I personally believe). My biggest SM from this section is only about 3.5lbs, but I've seen some I thought were larger. Easily the best place I know of in this area to catch a LM over 5 lbs. Also the VERY best place I know to see lots of cottonmouths. I'm not the least bit afraid of your regular old garden variety water snakes of which CC has many of, but I do get a little spooked after almost stepping on a big thick cottonmouth. If you go in the warmer months keep an eye out.