Planning A Trip To The River

[On The Fly 6]

Im wanting to fish the NFOTW this Saturday. It will be my first time and I know little about the river except what I've been reading on this forum. I'll be driving from NWA and I plan on wading. What should I look for as far as water levels etc? What are some of the better places to try my luck? What towns are nearby for lunch or dinner plans? Any information would be much appreciated!

[Chris Gates]

Plan on getting a canoe, Justin at Sunburst Ranch is a good place for this. You'll be disappointed if you just try to wade. Better to use a canoe and riffle hop and wade from there. Nymphing is a good way to go for numbers. Bring some Pats Rubberlegs size 4-6, heavier, some red fox squirrels, size 8 -12, Caddis work well on the double nymph rigs as droppers, as well as Pheasant tails, Bloody Marys. 9 ft. 3x to the point fly and 4x to the dropper. Should be good with the warmer weather and good flows. Also, bring some larger indicators for these heavier rigs such as Thingamabobbers. If you fish the Arkansas Tailwaters quite a bit this is different. Good luck!

[Brian Wise]

Defenitely rent a canoe. Water levels 'are' going to be good, but not super friendly to the average guy wading in. Fish DEEP!

Other than that Chris is dead on the money.

[Gavin]

Chris's advice is spot on...the only thing I'd add to the list is a 6 or 7wt & lots of split shot (BB's, AA's & SSG's). Start with two AA's and adjust from there. Adjust your weight often. Justin has a pontoon, and some kayaks if you arent good in a canoe. Have fun!

[sean c]

Like the other guys said you will want to rent or bring some type of watercraft at the current cfs. I would go with the pontoon very safe and easy to get in and out of. Stay at Sunburst Justin will hook you up with flies, watercraft, shuttles, advice and anything else you might need to have a good day on the river. If you don't want to trhow or struggle with the heavy two nymph rigs you can always strip a wooly.

Dining near the river is pretty limited bring a lunch and eat on the river for dinner you could hit the store in Dora(cheap and decent) or eat at Dawt mill again Justin will point you in the right direction.

The weather and flows look like they are going to be perfect this weekend and nothing beats a float down the NFOW this time of year you should have a great trip.