Considering a trip over Christmas

[DainW]

I'm considering making the trip up from Oklahoma City to roaring river the weekend of Christmas and just had a couple of questions for everyone. 

Ok first question is about the regulations. I saw in some older posts that fishing is not allowed in zone 3 during the winter. Is this rule still in effect? Also just so I'm clear, a trout stamp is required, but not a daily trout tag like you'd have to buy during the season right? 

As far as flies go, I've been reading some of things that Tim has posted, seems like "junk flies" are pretty effective....woolly buggers, eggs, worms, etc. What types of insects typically hatch this time of year? Any other "must have" fly patterns?

I also wanted to ask about the roaring river below the park. Can fishing in this area productive this time year? 

Thanks,

Dain

 

[bassman1308]

I'm reasonably certain Zone 3 is considered 'below the  park' and is off limits for the winter C & R season.  I believe your correct regarding the trout stamp/daily tag.   Lots of trout are caught on a lot of different flies/lures. I'm not experienced enough to comment on a seasonal pattern. A single egg has worked well for me lately.

[trythisonemv]

Depends on weather as to pattern. I'd say if it rains a bunch stick to buggers and weighted nymphs.  If sunny weather continues there will be a few light hatches of very small may flies and midges.  I like using a muddler in the fast water also.

[JCW355]

No daily tag required, zone 3, below the dam is restricted. Park store is closed so get your license and stamp elsewhere. I forgot to add in my post on flyfish ok page on facebook, tims megaworm fly. He will be open when you go. I've only seen his videos using it plus when I was there he fished above me catching some with it then moved.

[DainW]

Man I didn't realize when I was talking to you on FB that this was your screen name. I guess it makes sense though lol. 

Thanks for the advice by the way. I've seen mention of the megaworm before. I wonder if there's a recipe for it anywhere?

[JCW355]

Is Tims fly shop one of your facebook likes? He has a video, it's the type of yarn he uses. It's an easy tie, finding that yarn is the question. Maybe hobby lobby has it. Bohemian yarn.

[Flysmallie]

License and trout stamp are all you need.

Zone 3 is closed during C&R.

You can fish below zone 3 and sometimes it's good and sometimes not. 

A Griffiths Gnat can be a lot of fun in the park. 

[DainW]

Thanks for replies everyone. Just one more question. It looks as though there is some rain in the forecast for early next week. Anyone know about how long it takes for the river to clear after a rain. In other words, if we get rain say on Monday or Tuesday, would it be fishable again by Saturday?

[ruthead]

We were down there Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving. It pretty much rained the whole time there but never real hard. The muddy water hit the stream about 2 on Friday which was ok as fishing ends at 4. With just basically a constant sprinkle all night by 9 am saturday the water was lightly stained but not muddy. Actually cleared up better than I thought it would.

[DainW]

Ok good deal. So unless we get an absolute deluge, it should remain fairly fishable you think? By the way, how did you do?