Two Weeks?

[timr0123]

I agree with rps completely. If we do not have any heavy rains in the next two weeks, most areas will be okay. I would still be very cautious when running on plane in some areas, especially around the main lake bends. One cannot believe the amount of current that is in the main lake being the result of the amount of water being released through the dam. Debris is moving rather quickly in some areas but it will take a lot of time for it to settle or flow out. As of yesterday the dam area of the lake was still relatively clear in color and virtually no debris. The very upper most of the James and Finley were clearing up quickly. I crossed the Cape Fair bridge yesterday and did not see much debris. When I crossed the Shell Knob and Kimberling bridges Tuesday evening, there was some debris but not especially heavy. It is so strange to cross any of the bridges and not have to look down to see the water, especially on the Hwy 13 and 39 bridges.

[lildave]

I have taken a spring trip to Table Rock every year for almost 20 years. It means a lot to me, so I understand how you feel. I too have prayers with folks who's livelihoods and properties are affected by this disaster. But I was there in 2008 and I'll be there this year. Coming down on 5/4, staying until 5/22. We've refined it over to the years to optimize good weather with good fishing.

My advice? Stay where you fish. Runs are dangerous. But I'm staying at Big Creek Resort, and I don't even have to start the big motor to slay 'em. And I can fish for a couple weeks at idle speed. You gotta play the cards you're dealt. In my humble opinion, 2 weeks at Table Rock under hisorically bad conditions, beats the hell out of record fishing at Truman. Spots and Smallmouth on topwater in May on Table Rock are worth the minor inconviences of historical flooding.

I'm not sayin... I'm just sayin...

Li'l Dave

[vernon]

Thanks everyone for taking the time to respond. And thanks Whack em' for the kind words - I'd like to think that what you said is accurate but I might have a tuff time convincing my wife! At any rate, after considering the input that you all provided, we've decided to stick to our original plans. We're plenty versatile to adapt to whatever the prevailing conditions might be insofar as we will still have a great time no matter what. We've been there thru rain, wind, snow and sleet and never fail to think that it's the best week of the year. Just didn't want to be a couple dummies out running around tearing up folks' docks or causing problems for those trying to clean up the mess. While we're usually pretty successful in locating some fish to catch, that's quite secondary to the overall enjoyment of the trip - feel really fortunate just to be there for a few weeks each year. So, thanks again and best of luck to all of you as you continue to try to put Humpty Dumpty back together again. We'll be there starting the 13th so if you see two guys in a red and gold striped Ranger 520 please feel free to give a yell over our way. I know the lake will still be very high but for y'all's sake, I sincerely hope everything else is back to near normal by then. Here's to blue skies and dry days for your foreseeable future.

[SRV1990]

Thanks everyone for your feedback, it's much appreciated. I also contacted Sue at Holiday Hideaway and she gave me some good information on conditions, etc. We were there in 2008 when it was high and adjusted our approach and were more cautious while out on the water. Will do the same this year.

Thanks again and all the best!

Tom

PS, thank you too Vernon for starting this thread, and for letting me tag along for the ride ;-)

[vernon]

SRV1990 - No problem - as there are over 650 "views" of this thread, you and I obviously weren't the only intetested parties. As reluctant as I was to post it in the beginning, I'm glad now that I did. The last thing that I wanted was for anyone adversely affected by the mass flooding to think that I was placing my "vacation" above their daily challenge to save their property or make a living. I should have known better. The folks that populate and moderate this site are certainly among those that I classify as "Great Americans" and I'm proud to be able to spend my leisure time at their "home". It's reassuring to know that, as many times before, most of these guys look upon times like this as another mere opportunity to excel and will again come thru better and stronger than ever. Just listen to somebody like Phil (who's very home and liveliehood are on the line) continue to speak supportingly of the Corps and the difficult job that they do. Thanks again and God bless you all!