Big Piney Question

[ozark trout fisher]

I am hiking this weekend in Paddy Creek Wilderness, and plan to take along the rod along for a little side trip over to the Big Piney after I'm done. Do you think the bass will still be in their normal warm-water lies, or will they be starting to move do the slower, deeper water? I know of a couple accesses that are have really good wade fishing during the summer, but I'm not sure about now.

[joeD]

I'm assuming you'll be around Slabtown, if I remember the Paddy Creek hiking trails correctly. Regardless, fishing will be tough, as the water is low and super clear. Add some falling leaves to the mixture too. Right now, they'll be in the deeper water. But, if you can find a riffle that dumps into a fairly deep hole with some downed timber right below,then, maybe. It'd be shame to hike next to the Piney and not bring a rod and flail away.

[Al Agnew]

You never know this time of year where you'll find them, since they are beginning to move to wintering places, but could still be in the faster water if the water temps are still above 60 degrees or so. As I remember, there are some really nice rocky runs with good current in that area, and it's possible there are still some fish in them.

[ozark trout fisher]

If nothing else it looks like the forecast is coming together pretty well-light rain and very warm temps-that may just be enough to keep water temps where they need to be.

In any case I'll give it a shot. It would be hard to have a bad time on the Big Piney.

[GloryDaze]

I've had my best luck on the Big Piney fishing the shoal that's right there where Paddy Creek runs into the river. I love that section! Spent many nights camped on the river right at that location- give it a whirl