Plaaning A Trip End Of March

[Beachmaster - Piney Pirate]

Hello, all! Just came across this site recently and very pleased that I did. It's nice to see so many with so much in common.

A small group of us are heading down to do the upper stretch (Buck Hollow to Bay Creek area) towards the end of the month / beginning of April? It's my first trip down to the Jack's Fork but I am a Big Piney veteran. Anything we should know? Does anyone have any idea about what we can expect the fishing to be like or offer any tips?

Also, we plan on making this float last three days / two nights. We will be fishing ALOT and probably wading and checking out the area so we will be stopping often. I understand the river flows much faster than the Big Piney. Is this about right or should we plan on covering more river? Should we go to Alley Springs? Are there any must-see landmarks besides Jam Up Cave?

Any tips from yo pros is most appreciated. Let me know if I can help with any Big Piney questions!

[eric1978]

You will have plenty of time to kill doing that stretch in 3 days. I've done Buck Hollow to Alley Spring in two, and the last 5 miles is a bit of a grind in spots. So take your time. Fishing should be good to great if the river isn't blown out...it will be April...keep your fingers crossed.

Remember Jack's Fork is a Smallmouth Management Area, with a limit of one smallmouth daily greater than 18", but I'm sure you'll release them all anyway.

[fozzie.]

Weather will be the biggest factor, the Jacks Fork is well known for rising rapidly during rain. Flooded campsites are not uncommon, especially in the spring. Be aware of the weather, and plan accordingly.

As for lures, I've had my best luck on Slider jigs (white, pumpkin, and some funky color- I guess pumpkin with a purple/grape colored tail). Rebel Crawfish, wiggle warts, little cleo's, roostertails, and a basic assortment of soft plastic jigs. Senkos and flukes kill there, too.

Good luck!

[GloryDaze]

I think you are in for a real treat if you haven't floated that section-- here's what you can expect to find when fishing..... location undisclosed, but the fishing is terrible- never hurts to spit a little Grizzly long cut wintergreen on your bait !

By the way, in my experience when the level on the USGS is at 2.0-2.5 at Mountain View, fishing is the best- if you get where it's above 3.0, hang on tight it can be fast and furious!!

[eric1978]

Man GloryDaze, your pics are makin' me wanna get back down there real bad. Gotta be my favorite stream.

[Beachmaster - Piney Pirate]

My God, I am so happy I found this site!

Eric1978....from what you are saying it sounds like we need to cover a little more water than Buck's Hollow to Bay Creek. We really want to take our time though and fish and explore as much as possible and I just don't want to commit to having to go too far. I would rather have too much time than too little to do very little. Make sense? Did I mention we are in canoes? Not only that but we aren't sure how early in the day we will be able to get on. All that said though I am taking your advice into serious consideration. I appreciate the words o' wisdom! BTW, I live in St. Peters too so HOWDY NEIGHBOR!

I am used to fishing the smallmouth management area on the Big Piney as well and my book says that bass aren't in season until May anyway

fozzie....thanks for the tips on the lures!

GloryDaze...the fishing looks like it stinks alright

I can't wait to get on this stream! I think I can speak for everyone here when I say that I have really been looking forward to getting out for the first time this year.

Anything else about the Jack's Fork o' wizards of the rivers?

[Gavin]

Buck to Bay is a good float...18 miles if I recall it correctly. You could do it in two if your not stopping to wade fish alot, but it usually takes me 3 days because I dont like to go more than 5-7 miles in a day. The upper half from Buck to Rymers has some sporty little runs and lots of submerged rocks to watch out for, but it gets wider and slower below there. The scenery is drop dead gorgeous when the woods start to come alive in the spring so I'm sure that you will have a memorable trip.

[Beachmaster - Piney Pirate]

Thanks, Gavin. I can't wait.

I am hearing really great things about this river so I hope we have good weather and water.

Anyone know what kind of water depths we should be looking at at normal water levels? What are normal water levels for this stretch in late March anyway?

[steve l]

Fozzie mentioned the river coming up quick on the rise. For real...

somewhere back in the 2008 postings you can read my full report on that event.

Arrgh, I hate reading of people getting down there - no trip for me until the traditional third week of May.

[GloryDaze]

Buck to Bay Creek is great- you could put in at the Prongs, but the fishing and scenery aren't that great up there. By the way, I'll be doing the same section the first weekend in May- I floated that section 3 times last year so it's one of my favorites!!

Have fun-