Osage Fk report

[BrianK]

Went down to the Hwy B access this wknd to try to avoid some of the crowds and paddled upstream about 2-3 miles.

Water in good shape, some color and after all the good reports I thought i'd do well....not to be. much slower than i expected.

A couple decent smallies in the 13-14" range but otherwise just a few small guys. Back out by about 12:30.

Started fishing the OsageFk 2 yrs ago and have generally done fairly well in the DryKnob to Davis stretch and up from Hwy B. It is a beautiful management stream that can grow some big fish.

Anyone have any recent reports? Was it just me?

On a previous thread, it was mentioned that the Empire Ranch owner runs folks out. I know he owns the town, police, etc in that area but does he throw a fit if you float through his property or just wade?

I was thinking about putting in at Orla (can you access there with canoe? ) and paddling upstream from there? is it safe? What about putting in upstream of him and floating through? i know it is a long stretch.

Brian

[Wayne SW/MO]

I fished it Saturday with another canoe down to Hazelgreen. Its in excellent shape, but be sure your paddling skills are up to date. We did fair, with a 15" the largest. It wasn't any slower than the G'nade however.

You can put in at Orla on the north side of the bridge, but I haven't gone upstream, it just doesn't seem worth the hassle with so much more stream lightly fished. I have heard, not experienced, that they hassle you if you're discovered. I have also heard that if you approach them they will give you permission to float through. What I've "heard" isn't verified by me however.

The stretch from Orla to B is long, but I think its lightly fished for that reason.

[BrianK]

sounds good.

where did you put in?

I haven't fished the lower stretches from Davis to Hull or Hull to Hazelgreen. pretty nice water down there?

[Wayne SW/MO]

We put in at Hull, and its farther than listed, trust me.

It is nice water, but not without hazards, nothing dangerous, but there is no place for someone inexperienced, such as a youngster paddling alone, on it.

We just found the fishing slow this weekend, on the Fork and the G'nade. One of out party did well on the G'nade Friday fishing north of I-44.