Suggestions On Smallmouth

[smallmouthjoe]

Hey everyone, I have a question for all you fellas out there that know about this river. Ive heard good things about the smallmouth fishing on the upper portions of the North Fork and I was wondering if anyone would be kind enough to give me some info on it, like where to go, what to expect, etc.. I'm going on a little road trip this Sunday in order to relieve some of the pressure that school has put on me this semester and I've decided to head out there because I've never experienced this river and would really like to fish it. Any information I would greatly appreciate. Thanks.

I should probably mention that I'll most likely be looking for places to wade.

[Brian Wise]

For the most part the smallmouth water is upstream of Rainbow Spring. When I usually think about the smallmouth portion of the river I immediately think of the Hammond area. Really the best way to fish this (or any) part of the river is to float it but there is some pretty good wading around that area. Having said that, we have been catching quite a few smallmouth in the trout water around Kelly Ford....and some nice ones at that, so you could be a little mobile and fish the upper part of the stream and then drive downstream to fish some new water.

I would keep an eye on the weather though, we are supposed to get some pretty strong rain starting Thursday. You can check water levels on the main page of the NFOW part of the forum.

Brian

[joeD]

Anything above Twin Bridges, Hwy. 14. Hebron Access. Hale Ford, Topaz. I've only floated these sections, and that was back in the days of yore, so I don't know how far up or down from the accesses you can wade. You might want to consider Bryant Creek, which is nearby. Bertha Ford is a possibility. Weather and river levels will be key.

I should probably mention that my brain cells are expiring at an alarming rate.

[smallmouthjoe]

Thanks guys, I'll check out my conservation atlas and see if I can find some of these spots. Does anyone know if I have to have a trout stamp even if I'm not fishing the trout areas? I would hate to drive all that way and have to come back because I didn't have one. Thanks again for the info, really appreciate it.

[Guest]

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[ozark trout fisher]

Thanks guys, I'll check out my conservation atlas and see if I can find some of these spots. Does anyone know if I have to have a trout stamp even if I'm not fishing the trout areas? I would hate to drive all that way and have to come back because I didn't have one. Thanks again for the info, really appreciate it.

No need for a trout stamp. You don't need one even if you're specifically targeting trout (which it sounds like you aren't anyway). You only need one to actually keep trout.

[Gavin]

I'd head over the ridge to Bryant Creek if your after smallies...Less canoe traffic and better SMB fishing, IMO. Hope its fishable this weekend.

[Wayne SW/MO]

I'd head over the ridge to Bryant Creek if your after smallies...Less canoe traffic and better SMB fishing, IMO. Hope its fishable this weekend.

Gavin beat me to it, definitely would favor Bryant Creek. I haven't fished it a lot, but I've never seen anyone targeting Smallies from a watercraft.

[Brian Wise]

I would agree on the Bryant as well...but the accesses are fewer and farther between and more off the beaten path. But CLEARLY a better SMB fishery.

Before the "canoe traffic" on the NFOW talk gets too carried away again...I have been on the NFOW for the last several weekends--probably saw 6 canoes in over well 40 hours on the river. After Labor Day the canoe traffic slows down a TON and it just seems like someone always has to drop a line about that.

Brian

[smallmouthjoe]

If I was to go to Bryant where would you guys suggest? The only public access I found is Vera Cruz, I've been there before and wasn't impressed. I did like it's remote feeling but i couldn't find any bass there, only long-ears and greens.