Big Sugar And Big Storms

[Chief Grey Bear]

Dylan, Sis and I took a trip to Big Sugar Saturday. There was to be a 50-50 chance of rain but I thought what the heck, I really didn't think it would happen. According to the weather man, the majority was to be in Arkansas. I guess we were just a little to close to Arkansas.

Now I know storms can't follow state lines, or weathermen's directions, but they could have layed off just a little.

We put in at Cooper's ford and began our migration down stream. We started passing through what appeared to me to be some outstanding water for bronwies. But nothing. Nothing for me anyway. Dylan started picking some longears and a brownie here and there.

So I started changing plugs at a more brisk pace than usual. I strung up all my usual favorites without any luck. At one point, Dylan keeps trying to hand me his rod so I can reel one in and see what a fish on the other end feels like. I used to do this to him when he was smaller, so I guess this was some pay back.

About two hours into the float we run into our first storm. It wasn't too bad. We waited it out under some cover to stay dry. While there we decide to eat our sandwichs and enjoy the view until it passes.

Sun comes out and we head off. Sis is now tagging along behind us on her "doughnut" tied to the back of the canoe by rope. It created a lot of extra drag for me but, what the heck, she will always remember it and how fun it was.

After about another hour, storm #2 hits. It was a little rougher than #1 and we had a hard time staying dry. In fact, we didn't.

At this point I am still fishless and Dylan is giving the the old man a lesson and loving every minute of it. I should have brought my spinning rod. I did notice that there were a lot of bass on the nest. There were nest every where. The ones Dylan was catching were all in the 8-12 inch range. And I think that is why.

We finally get just below the low water bridge and storm #3 hits. And this one is not messing around. Just before it hit though, I did catch my one and only fish of the day. A nice looking Goggle eye. Just a few cast after that a really nice brownie looking to be in the 15-16 inch range followed my plug back to the canoe and took a swipe, missing all together. I made about 5 more cast to try him again and the bottom fell out of the bucket.

It started raining so hard you could hardly see across the creek. And at this point, the creek is not very wide. We hid out under a tree hanging over the water to no avail. We were soaked to the bone. Thank goodness it was a warm rain and a warm day.

After about 5 minutes of this Sis says, "Let's go for it!" I agreed. I was done. The day was a wash. Like a trooper, Dylan paddled his butt off for the next mile or so. It rained so hard we had to stop to drain the water. It was about 6" deep in the canoe.

Even though, we still had a great time and will hit it again in a few weeks after the bass get off the nest. I didn't get many pic's this day but here is what I did get.

[KCRIVERRAT]

Chief, you're a lucky man. Great pics of the kids and your trip! You and Buzz got anything happening next weekend?

[Chief Grey Bear]

Thanks KC.

Just a little fishing going on next weekend. Looks to be a good weekend according to the weatherman so far. You coming this way?

[denjac]

Chief, And all we got here in Joplin was a couple of sprinkles. Daughter and son-in-law were riding horses around Craig a lee this weekend, Havent heard how they faired. Looks like you still had a good time anyway. Woulda thought it would be crowded but you didnt mention it so it must not have been. Your girl sure is a toughy.

[KCRIVERRAT]

Thanks KC.

Just a little fishing going on next weekend. Looks to be a good weekend according to the weatherman so far. You coming this way?

I've finally got an open weekend. Just looked at the weather myself, looks perfect to be on the water somewhere. If you or Buzz got room in a canoe that would be great, as long as I'm not taking up one of the kids spot!

[creek wader]

Chief, my plans to head your way fell through. I started a project on the house, that turned out being much bigger than I thought. Once, I started this project there's no turning back, till it's done. My buddy called last night wanting to head down this Thur. But, my wife 86'd the trip. Looks like no fishing for a month or better, for me..... keep sending those reports, I'm still holding some hope for late July.

[Chief Grey Bear]

denjac - It was kinda funny that way. As soon as I got service back on the cell, I checked with the wife and she said she could here thunder south of the house but no rain. When we hit the big slab headed north from P'ville, it was wet all the way to Goodman and then bone dry. Never did get any rain at home until Saturday night-Sunday morning. And very light at that. I was suprised myself how Sis hung in there. She even wants to go back! Sweet!

KC- come on down. What day do you want to fish? Sat or Sun? Float or wade?

wader- don't you better than doing these projects at any other time except winter???? Just whenever you guy's are ready, let me and Buzz know. We will do everything we can for you.

[Chief Grey Bear]

Oh for got to mention the crowds. There were tents set up at many areas along this stretch. I saw very few 10 maybe Kayakers.

[KCRIVERRAT]

I've finally got an open weekend. Just looked at the weather myself, looks perfect to be on the water somewhere. If you or Buzz got room in a canoe that would be great, as long as I'm not taking up one of the kids spot!

Chief, It's your deal down there. Floatin' or wadin'... It don't matter. Indian, Big Sugar, or Shoal... you name it. Heck, you know the deal, wading you catch the biggun's. Floatin' you see the scenery, get lucky from the canoe every once and a while. Pull over and fish the holes. I'm good Sat. or Sun. Let me know when and where. My In-laws just moved from Shell Knob (right on the lake for 17 years) to Cassville. We helped move 'em a few weeks ago. Sad day buddy. I might run over there from your neck of the woods to stay overnight after we fish. Lokking forward to meeting you guys!

[Buzz]

Chief, my plans to head your way fell through. I started a project on the house, that turned out being much bigger than I thought. Once, I started this project there's no turning back, till it's done. My buddy called last night wanting to head down this Thur. But, my wife 86'd the trip. Looks like no fishing for a month or better, for me..... keep sending those reports, I'm still holding some hope for late July.

I was just asking Chief the other day if he had heard anything from you. Sounds like my luck. I think I have an easy one day job and it never fails to turn into a week long ordeal. I hope you make it down later this summer.

Chief, It's your deal down there. Floatin' or wadin'... It don't matter. Indian, Big Sugar, or Shoal... you name it. Heck, you know the deal, wading you catch the biggun's. Floatin' you see the scenery, get lucky from the canoe every once and a while. Pull over and fish the holes. I'm good Sat. or Sun. Let me know when and where. My In-laws just moved from Shell Knob (right on the lake for 17 years) to Cassville. We helped move 'em a few weeks ago. Sad day buddy. I might run over there from your neck of the woods to stay overnight after we fish. Lokking forward to meeting you guys!

KC, I spoke to Chief today about some possibilites. I'm like you I don't really care. I do like to float and wade fish the better looking spots. We sometimes spend too long fishing the good ones though.