December Fishin On The Norfork And Spring Rivers

[netboy]

Spent the last 3 weeks in north Arkansas chasing trout. Weather was a bit chilly with lows in the 20's and highs in the 40's. Hot spot this trip was the Spring river. Also spent 3 afternoons on the Norfork since they were running the generators in the mornings.

Best fly was a Y2K since the trout were in spawning mode. Also caught a few larger fish on a black woolly bugger. Lost 2 real pigs on this trip. First one was a Spring river rainbow that hit the woolly bugger in a deep shoal. Only had her on for a few seconds before the hook pulled, but got a good look at her and I would estimate around 24-25". Second one was a Norfork brown that took the Y2k. Set the hook and she took off downstream and then the 6x tippet broke just above the fly. I think she was hooked inside the mouth and the tippet frayed on her teeth. She looked to be in the mid 20's also.

Here are a few pics.

Wife with a Norfork rainbow

Spring river rainbow

Spring river brown

Playing one on the Norfork

Another Spring river rainbow

;

[laker67]

Very nice, I always enjoyed fishing the Spring, but it has been years back. If I recall , it was Terry Beason's favorite getaway. Nice pictures and thanks for the report. Makes me think seriously about going back.

[netboy]

Yeah, the Spring river is great during the fall, winter and spring when the canoe crowds disappear. Most days you have the river to yourself.

[SDB777]

Only time I've had a chance to fish the Spring was during camping trips in the summer.... Luckily, I am an early riser, and would beat the canoes by a few hours. Once those canoes start coming, they come in big packs and drive they fish to the bottom for the rest of the day.

If the drive wasn't so long, I could see trying to land a few of those big chunks.....very nice!

Scott (drunks in canoes are fun though) B

[Plastic_worm]

3 WEEKS!! That's a sweet life. Great report.

[Quillback]

Some great pics, thanks for sharing!

[netboy]

3 WEEKS!! That's a sweet life. Great report.

Yep, retirement is great!