A trip to the Spring

[dubya]

Hello,

I will be camping at Many Islands the last weekend of July.

I will be fishing on a Thursday and Friday, and then doing a canoe float on Saturday.

Can anyone give me any pointers on what the best methods are to fish for trout? I'm interested in the rainbow and brown variety. I will be using a spin reel.

Since I'm driving 8 plus hours from KY any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated. I would like to make the best of my very limited time.

Thank You in advance!

[Brian Sloss]

Fish below Dam 3 by all means, that is where most people fish, but to get away from the crowds go above the dam and fish the Lassiter access.

[Danoinark]

I will defer to our resident Spring River expert Crippled Caddis...Dano

[Crippled Caddis]

It would be pretty hard to beat Brians' suggestions. But if you're feeling up to a bit of a hike the area below the falls above Bayou Access can be productive as can the water above the next falls downstream of BA.

And unless you are seeking the drunken Bachinal experience do your floating on Thurs.

[Ham]

Read the thread that discusses threats to the Spring river.

I will not be on the Spring river above Many Islands betwen 5-15 and 9-15 of any year ever again.

I've never used my flyrod on the Spring.

PM me if you wnat non flyrod tips for catching trout and smallies.

[RiverRunner]

I would avoid the Spring during the summer. Right now is the time to fish the Spring. I got to fish for about an hour the other day at Bayou Access and caught a few on Y2K's. There are just too many drunks and craziness on the river in the summer. I would reccomend anyone who is more interested in floating and fishing than drinking and partying to give the 11 point near Alton a shot. Its further from civilization and offers both trout and smallmouth. It may be closer to someone coming from KY.

[Brian Sloss]

Alton, Mo is only 18 miles from Mammoth Spring, AR. if you want to make a side trip for a day on the 11 Point.

[dubya]

Guys,

These tips are great, and please keep them coming.

I'm only familiar with getting to Many Islands and do not recognize the name Bayou Access or 11 point. Is there a good detailed map I can get that will have road access and other key points noted for direction?

I understand what you guys are saying about the weekend scene. I have been before and I was amazed/shocked/taken for surprise. I have seen some scenes like that on major lakes in coves, but not an entire river.

When I first went it was because of the party and canoing. But, after I got the chance to see all that and then realize what the more peaceful times on the river are about I wanted to take in some fishing. Due to work and school July is the only time I can go.

It is quite an ethical dilemma the local community faces. Run off the trouble and sacrifice profit, or keep the profits coming and continue to deteriorate a rare asset.

[Terry Beeson]

Click here for a map of the Spring River...

To access Bayou Acess (redundantly redundant, I know...) you have to take Hwy 9 to Hwy 289. There are plenty of signs to direct you to Bayou and it's some of the best fishing at times.

As for avoiding the Spring in the summer, you just have to work the canoe hatch. Fish Bayou or below early in the morning, then when the first canoe comes through, move to Lassiter or Riverbend or the park. You can also fish the west fork at Dam 3. Later, move to Dam 3 from the parking lot down.

[dubya]

Brian,

Where is Many islands on the map in relation to Bayou Access and the spot marked "end of trout waters"

Thanks!