Questions About Heading To Ep This Weekend

[antlers&gills]

I am new to this forum, so howdy everyone!

After a successful July trip last year, my friends and I are heading to the Eleven Point this weekend. Brooke and I use a spin reel, but Dustin uses a fly rod. Last year, I had great luck with my spin reel and blue fox spinners. We did not camp on the river, did not have an anchor, nor our waders. It was difficult for Dustin to fly fish a lot last year. However, this year we are bringing our waders, our anchor and river camping supplies.

For my questions, I know the river is running a little high. What is the water quality like? Is it murky?

What is the best advice for the fly fisherman? Which flies should we bring?

For my spin rod, are jigs working well right now? How about spinners? In July last year, the jigs were no luck, but since it is earlier in the season I am not sure what to fish with. I am guessing fishing deep is the way to go, correct?

Now for fishing and camping along the river. Do any of you have some favorite spots to stop and camp? We are practice leave no trace principles and hope others do here as well. So I am hoping camp sites will be hard to detect. Where do you recommend?

We are doing a two day float, but are unsure where to put in and pull out. Last year we floated Cane Bluff to Greer on Friday and then Saturday we floated down stream from Greer, but I forgot where we pulled out. It was a very long day of fishing and we were very crabby with the inconsiderate boaters. We were just ready to leave. I hope in April we won't have to put up with too much of that. So...what are your suggestions for two day fishing floats?

I appreciate all your insight!

[Brian Sloss]

Cane Bluff to either Turners or Whitten depending on how far you want to travel. Day one float to big gravel bar just above Greer spring fishing smallmouth with the outside chance of a trout. Day 2 do 6 more miles to Turner Mill fishing the blue ribbon area, though it is fishing a little spotty now. If you want to travel further, continue 6 miles further to Whitten where you may find a few more stocker trout. Bring jigs (marabou in different colors) in 1/16oz or bigger. 1/16 oz can be thrown on fly rod and you can fish it under an indicator. Smallies love it and so do bigger trout. Bring some soft plastics (tube baits) crank baits and spinners. Remember Greer Spring to Turner, no soft plastics, live bait, power bait, corn etc. Also, heavy sonefly nymphs (Pat's rubber leg stones have done well lately), Don's crawdads, San Jaun worms, squirrel nymphs, eggs and anything big and meaty that can be bounced along the bottom. Lots of caddis lately, so some caddis pupae may work.

[antlers&gills]

Brian,

What a detailed response! I'm making our packing list straight from this. Thank you so much! We heard the fishing was slow right now, but we are hoping to make the most out of it anyway.

[snap]

...another option for you if you are putting in at Greer. Float to stinking pond, the campsite across from the bluff approx 1/2 mile down from Turner at the first shoals. Great campsite and produced trout over Easter. You could then float into whiten. The water is running clear!!! ...and the camping is great!!! late evening and early morning fishing ....does not get any better than that!!!

[steve l]

Just a caution that camp sites can be few & far between. give yourself some leeway on time just in case one of the spots quoted above are taken.

[antlers&gills]

Had a great weekend. Spent two nights at some fantastic camps. The first night we camped on a rock bar just after Greer Spring. The second night we camp on a sandy island about 1 mile or less from Whitten. Fishing was slow, but we caught a few. We could not have asked for better weather, and the river was nearly empty of people. I already can't wait to make a trip again next year!

[ozark trout fisher]

Had a great weekend. Spent two nights at some fantastic camps. The first night we camped on a rock bar just after Greer Spring. The second night we camp on a sandy island about 1 mile or less from Whitten. Fishing was slow, but we caught a few. We could not have asked for better weather, and the river was nearly empty of people. I already can't wait to make a trip again next year!

Sounds like a great time. I love that river, just for the reason you say... It's real pretty and its not too crowded. The fishing's alright too.

I went down last summer, and have now decided to make the 11 Pt an annual trip.