Floating And Fishing Lower Buffalo

[budman]

I will be floating from Spring to Rush between May 4-7. I have never been on that part of the river and am looking for some advice on what to expect in the way of floating and fishing. We will mostly be using ultra light gear but plan on bring my new fly rod this year. What type of flies work in the area and any advice of color. We hope the water is a little lower this year and doesn't come up 10 feet over night like last May. We will also try to float Crooked Creek one day also. What is this about them taking out Kelly's Slab and has this affected the flow any.

[24KGold]

We float from Spring Creek or the 14 bridge to Rush quite often. It's a great float with very good fishing and nice camping spots on the gravel. The section between Spring Creek and the bridge were really productive this past weekend, especially the stretch just before the bridge. That section would be great for your fly rod because you have a lot of open area without overhanging limbs. There are shallow areas that drop off and I imagine a larger sinking fly that would be a crayfish pattern would work. I really didn't see any mayfly hatches but it shouldn't be long. Try to camp on a gravel bar where the riffles flow into a deeper pool. that would be perfect for using your fly rod in the evening. Have fun. sorry I don't have any info on Crooked Creek.

Terry

[hoglaw]

I would think the impact on crooked creek from the slab down would be minimal. I don't know that it would affect anything above the slab at all. Anyone feel differently?

[budman]

We float from Spring Creek or the 14 bridge to Rush quite often. It's a great float with very good fishing and nice camping spots on the gravel. The section between Spring Creek and the bridge were really productive this past weekend, especially the stretch just before the bridge. That section would be great for your fly rod because you have a lot of open area without overhanging limbs. There are shallow areas that drop off and I imagine a larger sinking fly that would be a crayfish pattern would work. I really didn't see any mayfly hatches but it shouldn't be long. Try to camp on a gravel bar where the riffles flow into a deeper pool. that would be perfect for using your fly rod in the evening. Have fun. sorry I don't have any info on Crooked Creek.

Terry

Thanks for the reply, we plan to float that same stretch if the river stays down. Will be glad to see a new part of the river and see if it any different then the upper part. We have heard that the fishing is better on the lower end but not sure if they ment the last 25 miles before the white or also in this section. Will give a report when we get home and attach any good pics.