Little Red: 2/1/13-2/3/13

[txspecks04]

Headed out to the Little Red with a group of guys the first weekend in February. I have never fished the Little Red before so I am looking for pointers, maps, access points, etc that those familiar with the river are willing to give. I am not organizing the trip, but I believe we will all be on foot wading and fly-fishing. I have fly-fished for trout in several of the other tail waters of the White River system (Beaver, Norfork, and Bull Shoals); would you say the Little Red closely resembles any of the other White River system tail waters?

Any info is greatly appreciated and I will definitely post a report after the trip (hopefully with some good pictures).

[Jason R.]

I'm sure you don't want GPS coordinates or anything but all the public accesses are pretty good- its not a huge river. Pretty much all techniques and flies for the White will work on the LR- except maybe think smaller. Midges in the classic colors, san juan worms are always good and maybe a few small dries. You may want to bring some streamers as well. I definitely do the best with midges at pretty much all times of the year.

[txspecks04]

Thanks! Do you usually use #20-22 midges?

[Jason R.]

Well, sometimes. I mostly use an 18 under a 16. Size 20s and 22s and sometimes the ticket but I hate dealing with them. I have all the way down to size 32 in my box but I dont think it is fun after about size 20 to tie the fly on or to land fish. I'd start out with a 16 with a tungsten bead and put on an 18 or 20 under that.

[marcusearlt]

In low water, no generation, JFK park has enough space to accommodate you and all your buddies. The water will be very cold here due to its close proximity to the dam so bundle up accordingly, you can dress lighter down river. All the standard patterns that Jason mentioned will get the job done. Don't forget your sow bugs too, especially if you intend on fishing right around pipe #2. They're are at least 3 species that can be found at JFK: bows, browns, and brookies! From the boar ramp as a point of reference, you can go down or up a good distance and cover some nice water. Tight lines.

[txspecks04]

Thanks again for the tips guys.

Can't wait for the trip, I would love to find a brookie down there. I have caught rainbows, browns, and cutts, but never a brookie.

[txspecks04]

Well, it looks like there has been a change of plans and my group will now be headed over to the White near Cotter for the weekend; should still be a good time, but my report for the weekend will be found in that section of the forum now

[Jason R.]

Good call. I'd hit the White every time over the Little Red if it were closer.