Elk River 07/15

[troutbum479]

Decided to do an early morning trip. With the cooler temps I really didn't know what to expect. Well the topwater bite was still very good and the fish were hungry. The water is very low and the moss is starting to get thick and nasty. Caught around 25 fish total, mostly smallies with a few blacks.

same fish different angle

[Buzz]

Nice fish man.

[drew03cmc]

I am curious, what are you calling a black?

[fishinSWMO]

Very nice!

Check out the table rock forum Drew, i think it started there.

[troutbum479]

Blacks as in largemouth bass. For some reason the blacks eat alot better in the afternoons, I guess due to the warmer water. The few that I caught were smaller and not worth a pic.

[drew03cmc]

Smallmouth and spotted bass are also black bass if you want to get technical. You did well on that gorgeous river.

[ollie]

Nice fish. Another person told me there were thick mats of moss on the upper reaches. I found the bite to be the best in the morning between 7-10. After that for me it was tougher. I absoulty slayed them in that timefram though and most of mine were caught on flukes.

[kayaker]

Troutbum and Ollie,

I am coming down this weekend, staying at Russ's place. Bringing the kayaks with a buddy. Don't mind dragging in spots. What section would you recommend. Or are you guys just driving to spots and wading.

[troutbum479]

I've been wade fishing. Just down stream from Russ's place it gets too deep to wade, and a kayak would work awesome to float through that stretch.The whole river is fishing good, so other than dragging in a few spots any section you choose to float should be good. I've been using two flies, green zudbubbler and a big black foam popper with excellent results.

[ollie]

Kayaker, don't worry, Russ won't steer you wrong when it comes to fishin!! he stays in touch with whats going on and will be able to get you onto a good stretch of water. For me, I kayak to get to where I can wade if possible. If not then oh well I will fish from the yak!