Going To Crooked This Weekend 7-19-13

[et84]

Hey all. We're going to head down to AR this Friday, gonna be staying at Wildcat Shoals, and we want to hit Crooked Creek. I've been reading past posts, and we're planning on wading, not floating. I've heard good things about wading at the 101 bridge, but I'm concerned about the water level. Right now Kelley's Slab is at 9.43 according to USGS. Do you all think there will be any water at the 101 bridge? If not, are there any other decent places to wade? We'll be hitting Crooked on Friday, the White on Saturday, tentatively. Thanks in advance for any info, and any P.M.'s with good wading spots would be greatly appreciated, and kept confidential.

[Ham]

I don't KNOW that there will be NO water at the 101 bridge, but I do know that it was BONE freaking dry last year and that I wouldn't want to try to fish areas that go dry. I would try to very wet wade from Kelley's Slab back to Yellville. It's three river miles that holds fish and would require a minimum amount of swimming.

[cnr]

Last summer the creek was dry before it reached yellville. If there's water all the way through it would be a good stretch to wade.

[et84]

Thanks for the input, guys. I talked with Becca at Dally's this morning, and she wasn't sure whether there was water at the 101 bridge. She did say that at the confluence with the White there is always water, and usually good fishing, but no park and wade access. Looks like we'll be hauling the boats down there just in case. Anybody have any experience floating to this section of CC?

[gotmuddy]

no boating on that part but I have waded. there will be pools at the lower acess but nothing moving.

[Danimal]

Might want to check with Shoestring Shoal Resort on the White. They're located just below the Crooked Creek confluence. They might allow you to access the creek from their place for a small fee.

[et84]

Thanks Danimal, I just checked with Shoestring and they will allow us to park there temporarily. Sounds like we'll have some options, thanks again to everyone who replied!

[Goggle-Eyed]

Please let us know how the fishing was! I recently "discovered" Crooked Creek and I am very jealous that this fishery is a 3 hour drive and a "state" away from me. I fished way up where it is only feasible to wade but it was GREAT!!!!

Joe

[Brownie Whisperer]

So how was the trip?

[et84]

Got back yesterday, we had a great time. Got on CC about 9 a.m. Friday, we fished the two access points on the AGFC land, up from Kelley's Slab. Caught several smallies, these were our best two. The larger of the two came on an olive pine craw, mine came on a firetiger Dahlberg diver. Fishing was tough, mainly because of the weather- it was almost 100º, no wind or clouds, and we had to do A LOT of walking. I think I drank 11 bottles of water throughout the day, but it was worth it. Looking forward to heading down again soon.