Another First Timer

[Dan Kreher]

Just got back last night from 3 days on Jacks - Buck to Alley. Water extremely clear and about as low as you'd want to float a loaded solo canoe. Water temps were from high 50s to low 60s by late in day. Fishing was OK but bigger fish hard to come by. Put in about 11 on Sunday and took out last night at 6:30. Mostly fished soft plastics - craws/slider worms/sinkos/small tubes with action sporadic. Goggle eye numerous and was able to cobble together a total of 10 over 8 inches (self-imposed minimum length limit) for a little fish fry before dinner.

Smallmouth sizes were generally from 9-12 inches for most fish with a few 14-15s thrown in each day but not a whole lot. Fish seemed to turn on about 1 pm on Monday/Tuesday and stay on for a couple of hours. Larger fish finally started chasing spinnerbaits around timber with some current yesterday afternoon. With cathing all those little fish -- a 15-incher seemed like a real pig when one would finally hit. Managed to take a 16 on Sinko not too far below Bay Creek and then biggest fish of trip -- nice 17-incher (photo on Matt's camera) -- hit weightless Sinko about 1/2 mile above Alley take out. A strong finish.

Smallies starting to get back on a few beds in choice spots below boulders in slower current. Had a few soft takes but behavior seemed pretty tame in regards to feeding. Expect spawning activity to pick up soon as weather warms back up. Saw lots of larger fish -- particularly in deeper holes below Bay Creek yesterday but not seemingly interested in feeding.

Saw two kayak/campers from Springfield area Monday night/yesterday as only fishermen on stretch. Nice fellas. A group of four day trippers below Bay yesterday and that was it for other people on 3 days of beautiful water. Jacks could use some more water though - another few inches in water level and perhaps some color would make trip even better.

Awakened by goggling turkey Monday morning before six camping right across from Jam-Up Cave. He went on for at least 30 minutes calling for a hen. Very cool.

make that a "gobbling" turkey.

[Dan Kreher]

Glad you had a good time Dan and thanks for the report. I was planning a JF trip in early June with gravel bar camping but I believe that's been nixed.

Lower back surgery in the next few weeks.

Looks like the canoe won't be out till mid to late summer.

Oh well... the lower river holds some doozie's! (with comfortable accomodations).

Lower back surgery in a few weeks? Me too it turns out. That's why I needed to get this 3 day trip on Jacks Fork in. Small world.