McClellans To Close

[John Berry]

I don't know if you have heard or not but McClellans, the best trout water on the Norfork, will close to the public on January 1, 2007. We talk about various threats to our rivers but loss of access is the worst. I don't care how clean the water is or how many big fish there are, if you can't get on the water it doesn't matter. In the six years that I have lived here, we have lost walk in access at an alarming rate. The water between the bridges in Cotter, Jenkins Creek, and now McClellans. The loss of Mac's is of course is the most painful. I have personally been fishing there for over twenty-five years and I vividly remember my first visit. This is my favorite place to fish on earth. I will now have to launch a canoe or river boat and float down to it. The heady days of sticking five bucks in the mail box and driving over to the pasture are now gone to be replaced by no tresspassing signs.

There have been attempts to purchase public access there by several groups including TU. They have not been successful. I am afraid that my favorite water is gone.

[Danoinark]

John

Was or is there not some discussion about AGFC trying to negotiate some access along Otter Creek?

Dano

[John Berry]

Dano,

I understand that there has been discussion along those lines but it has not resulted in a break through. TU was trying to put together an offer that included a grant from the Walmart Foundation but was unable to get Ruby and John to negotiate.

[Danoinark]

Thanks John for the info. I had heard various rumors even there being a chance for a membership access. But I can see all kind of issues for the McClellands with that kind of an arrangment. Maybe there will be a last minutes solution. I certainly hope so. Dano

[snagged in outlet 3]

I spent 3 days fishing at McC's during the Conclave and talked to John quite a bit about their decision to close. We sat around waiting for the water to fall out all 3 days. He said they're tired of the whole deal starting with opening the gate everyday.

John said nothing of memberships and along those lines said they were tired of chasing people down to get them to pay. Some people refused to pay and insisted it was public property. You could tell he was tired of the whole deal.

I haven't heard anything about Otter Creek access except stuff that was posted like you guys did here. Hope it happens though.

I, like John, think that is the best water in the world. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

SIO3.

[RiverRunner]

How hard of a walk is it from the handicap access to the best water in the C&R area? If I wasn't worried about getting stranded if the generators kick on, it might be worth the walk.

[Gavin]

It would be a lot easier, and much safer to float from Quarry Park down to River Ridge. Short shuttle too. Cheers.

[Terry Beeson]

I think a certain land development company should be forced to pay double the market value for it and then donate it to AGFC for public access...

[Don]

That Hurts,

I have good memories of McClellans. I can't help but think that someone would eventually buy the place and build a world class trout resort instead of another residential development. I also believe that there will be some unfortunate individuals who will acess downstream from Handicap and find themselves in high water. I need to see what I can do to get one more trip there before the shutdown.

Don

[Phil Lilley]

So he's not selling?

Seems like there must be a compromise... with local folk that would volunteer as gatekeepers or riverkeepers.

Even charge more and pay someone to keep an eye on things.

I understand the bother... it is unfortunate.