River Levels

[Justin Spencer]

Parts of the upper Bryant are very tight, but it usually isn't long before it opens back up before becoming tight again. One of my employees did a guide trip from the Monestary to Bertha a few weeks ago, the fishing was great and they said the water wasn't too bad, but you will drag some and may have to get out on occasion.

[Wayne SW/MO]

Awfully far to drive for four days of constant paddling for the guys from SW MO and NE OK. We'll do that run when the water levels are better and it's actually moving.

Pansy's If two guys , 69 and 71, can do it with a full Disco 169 it should be a cake walk for your bunch.

[chub minnow]

Thanks Justin, Ham - that's what I needed to know. We won't mind portaging some, so long as it's not too far. Looks like we might have to do a little scouting when we get there and decide where to start. We might float all the way to the NF if we do that. From all accounts it sounds like the fishing is very similar to Big Sugar or Indian Creek over this way, I think I might go fly rod only and see how I do. I assume crawdad imitations should work pretty well, along with woolies and streamers?

Pansy's If two guys , 69 and 71, can do it with a full Disco 169 it should be a cake walk for your bunch.

The Buffalo at St. Joe is at 35 CFS!! We are taking a 63ish year old man with us and it's a LONG hike out of the lower Buffalo. I'm sure we COULD do it, but if I want to hike the Buffalo, I'll take the Ozark Highlands Trail and leave the canoe behind. It hasn't rained significantly on the Buffalo watershed in months. The crazy thing is, if he wasn't going we would probably be considering it! You keep trying to discourage us from doing the Bryant so much that now I'm sure we have to do it!!

[Ham]

Knock yourself out. Have a good time.

[Justin Spencer]

I put two canoes in at Warren Bridge and they floated to the 160 bridge yesterday, they said fishing was great (all on buzzbaits) and they said they never had to get out, although they did drag a little and said you had to pay attention or you could get stuck. They caught smallmouth at the beginning and lmb, and kentuckies as they got down closer to the lake. They are doing it again today.

[Ham]

How far up river can one launch?

[chub minnow]

I'm hoping we can launch above Spring Creek, I've really got my heart set on fishing that confluence. I'm assuming that Spring Creek has a significant impact on the flow from there down? Are there enough escaped trout in Spring Creek that I might have a chance to catch one?

Looks like it's senior weekend at the resort, I think we'll start at 14 or below and save ourselves that experience. How's the access at Bertha Ford?

[Wayne SW/MO]

No, not trying to discourage you. I don't live all that far though and most of the rain here heads that way, but it hasn't been raining here.

[Ultralance12]

I read a few things that says there are a few trout that get into the Bryant from the rock bridge fishery (on this sight) and also read that the spring creek is the largest tributary of the Bryant.

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I am here: http://tapatalk.com/map.php?p0nski

[Riverwhy]

Yes, a few trout do get into the hole right were the spring runs in. It gets hit pretty hard and is best after some high water that helps dump a few fish in the lower end of the spring. My guess is that the water has been so low in the spring that few if any trout will be in the hole right now. Heck, but trying is part of the fun anyway.

There is no public access at Bertha. You have try rely on the local landowner to not make a fuss about putting in on the county road rightaway. I've never had trouble there but I do not leave my truck parked there because I do not want to give any landowner any reason to be upset. I just slide my canoe in and then get someone to move my vehicle.

Good luck and happy fishing.