6/15 Report

[OKFlyFisher44]

Cole and I got down to Zink around 4:00 or so. Water level was primo! And the water temp. was perfect for wet-wading as well (Phil, I risked it anyways, too darn hot!). We started at the big hole below the gates on east side of the river with the usual fly, the char/white clouser. TONS of gar and spoonbill cruising in this area. It was absolutely ridiculous to be honest.

We hooked several gar but didn't bring any to hand. I hooked into a toad of a buffalo that put up a great fight. I made my way over to shore to land him and as I was making that last pull to slide him up on the bank....the fish made a run and I had my drag set just a touch too tight and POP!

That's right...broke my 7wt TFO off at just above the ferrule. Couldn't believe it. Totally my fault as I tried to horse the fish way too much. So after probably 15-20 minutes fishing...I was done for the afternoon. Thank god for the lifetime warranty on TFO rods...its going in the mail tomorrow! I played guide with Cole and we walked around to the normally productive spots with no luck. Actually Cole foul-hooked a spoonbill that had to be at least 4ft long, it was awesome for the time he had it on. He broke it off as there was no chance in landing it...

Don't know where the sand-bass or stripers are. Either they're not there or the water is too dirty...or something! Not really sure what to think...

Anyone have any thoughts?

[DaddyO]

Chance,

I googled the topic that we were talking about. It was the Oklahoma River in Oklahoma City where they had the problems.

Too bad about the rod. I don't know what is going on with all of the fish. I also noticed that there were a ton of carp in the Lower Illinois. I don't know what to make of that either.

[ColeM.]

Wait a minute there are 2 Cole's? Awesome!

Sucks about the rod, but TFO has a great warranty from what I hear. You guys going to give it another run tomorrow or are they running water? I will be getting back into town on Wed. so if they generation holds off, I will be there as well. As far as no stripers/hybrids, do you think the water is too dirty? I would have thought you guys would have nailed them today. Weird........

[Hopper]

The stripers and hybreds are in there, fished sunday afternoon and yesterday afternoon caught two stripers both days a couple of hybreds, one spotted bass, one gar, and several sand bass. The fish are there but are getting hammered by all the other people fishing. Plus most people seem to be keeping there catch.

Gregg

[OKFlyFisher44]

Phil...

Nothing wrong with carp, those are an absolute blast to chase with the fly stick. Kinda like a freshwater bone-fish...in a way. Lots of fun. Definitely taking my 7wt (when I get it back) when I go fish the lower illinois...i'll take carp all day long!

Lol, yes there is another Cole. Its one of my buddies from OSU who lives in BA, he's _c_A_c_ on this forum actually, just doesn't post often.

Gregg, you are right on the people. LOTS of people down there yesterday for a monday afternoon, I was surprised. I was hoping it'd be off a bit. Probably the warm weather and low water presenting lots of chances for people to fish...just like us. I'm thinking the next time I go fish Zink, I'm going to park at the soccer fields and fish further down river away from the people. See what happens!

I won't be out at Zink for at least week, maybe longer, depending on how fast TFO gets my rod back to me. Freaking sucks too...I was excited about this low water! Should be primo today too...same generation schedule as yesterday I believe!

[FlyfishinOK]

Had good luck below Zink at the end of June. Caught some nice stripers. So far this month it's been real slow.

I also caught a big buffalo on my 8wt. It was pretty tame fight until I slid him up on the sand/gravel. When I got close to him he came alive and made a big run. First time I've doubled over the new 8wt...good times.

[ColeM.]

Thats the weird thing about the buffs, sometimes they fight hard and sometimes it seems like they just flop over and act dead. I just dont understand it.

Chance did you get your rod back?

[OKFlyFisher44]

Yeah, I got it back that week. I sent it in on wednesday and got it back on saturday. And I didn't have to pay the $25 handling fee! TFO is a great company, I'm a customer for life.

I was going to get up this morning and go to the lower illinois to chase stripers and trout, but I couldn't get myself outta bed this morning. Decided to catch up on some sleep after this past week, my lil' girl had a double ear infection so we didn't get a whole lot of sleep the last several days!