Fishing Near Ponca

[darbwa]

I will be heading to the upper portion of the river this weekend to do some camping with the family. We will not be floating as I have a 2-yr old with me. I will be bringing the fishing poles though. I have only been to the Buffalo (middle section) one time so any info that might help me catch a few smallies up river would be appreciated.

[Zack Hoyt]

I havent had just a ton of luck around the Ponca area. During low rain spells it gets really low, so the larger fish dont seem to congragate there. We did have a very high water year, so this may be off base. I like to use something in the green w/watermelon speck. Not too large.....3" or less(unless you are using a worm). Work it around the tailouts of rapis or turbid water. Texas rigged. I am a big fan of a Yum Vibra King or simple tube in about a 3" size. You can get the football head jigs to fit down inside these and poke the eye out through the tube. Kinda keeps it all inclusive. Don't discount worms or otehr live bait.....especially if fishing with the little one. Take a walk up to the old homestead on the opposite side of the bridge. Weather this week looks great for warming the water, but the fish may still be a bit lethargic, so finesse and slow would be my thought. Of course variety will help you figure out exactly what they are wanting. Be sure and bring a camera and take plenty of pics. The Boxley valley in spring is amazing.

[darbwa]

I havent had just a ton of luck around the Ponca area. During low rain spells it gets really low, so the larger fish dont seem to congragate there. We did have a very high water year, so this may be off base. I like to use something in the green w/watermelon speck. Not too large.....3" or less(unless you are using a worm). Work it around the tailouts of rapis or turbid water. Texas rigged. I am a big fan of a Yum Vibra King or simple tube in about a 3" size. You can get the football head jigs to fit down inside these and poke the eye out through the tube. Kinda keeps it all inclusive. Don't discount worms or otehr live bait.....especially if fishing with the little one. Take a walk up to the old homestead on the opposite side of the bridge. Weather this week looks great for warming the water, but the fish may still be a bit lethargic, so finesse and slow would be my thought. Of course variety will help you figure out exactly what they are wanting. Be sure and bring a camera and take plenty of pics. The Boxley valley in spring is amazing.

Thanks for the info Zack. It sounds like the fishing gets better the farther downstream you go. How far downstream from Ponca do you think I have to go to improve my luck?

I am sure we will have a great time even if I don't catch any smallies. I will try to post a few pics next week.