Report, 5-1-10

[OKFlyFisher44]

Took a trip down to the Lower Illinois today to do some scouting for stripers. The run should be starting anytime...I've been hearing of striper guides catching them at the mouth of the river already. We covered some water today throwing deceivers and clousers but no stripers were found. I'm thinking the cold winter and the recent cold fronts/rain storms have kept the water temp in the Arkansas river low enough that it hasn't got the fish running yet. It was still a productive morning, we found some new holes that will hold stripers once the run starts along with seeing that some old favorites were filled in with gravel

On a more positive note, while throwing a big deceiver for stripers this morning...I stuck this toad of a rainbow and was able to bring it to hand. It slammed the fly and missed it resulting in me missing the hookset but I cast right back out on top of her head and she slammed it again! It was an awesome take and an awesome fight. A few good jumps and impressive runs, even on the 7-weight! Along with the rainbow, I caught a couple of hybrids which I thought were a little random but whatever...

There's also a TON of carp (or buffalo?) in the river spawning. There was HUNDREDS of them stacked up in the river, it was crazy to see. We messed around a caught a few of them as well on brown/orange clousers, they put up an awesome fight.

We put the big rods away and went up to the Watts area to chase some trout. We caught a bunch of stockers just above the access on san juan worms...lots of fish cruising. Everyone was catching fish...it was a nice day to be out on the water.

[troutbum479]

don't forget this fish

[OKFlyFisher44]

That picture turned out great Joey...thanks again for taking it!

[GoodFisher]

Thanks so much for the info. you shared! We are heading down to the Lower Illinois next weekend, for the beginning of our season, of Striper fishing! We are so excited and your report made me even more anxious! I will post how we did, when we get back. Thanks Again!

[FlyfishinOK]

Great trip! Congrats on the big Rainbow! As soon as the Striper bite is over in Tulsa I'll be making a trip down there.