April Fishing Trip

[kevcarr59]

This will be a second trip to Norfork Tailwater, and was wondering what to expect on the river. The first trip I took my two sons, when they were in grade school, so it's been more than a few years. I'm guessing it was probably '98 or '99. All I know is we had a BLAST, and the boys got to fish Dry Run Creek. Forgot my fly reel bag, so we had to get casting bubbles, and the trout were mouthing them like sharks.

This time I'm getting the Mobility Card and will fish the creek. How easy is it to get around the area of the creek? My recollection of it, across from the walkways down by the hatchery, it was all brush and overgrown on the opposite side of the creek. Has that been cleaned up, because looking at some of the sat photos, they may have done some work.

This trip is going to be the 3rd week of April, looks like the 19th thru the morning of the 21st. Are we going to have freezing nights, or is it generally warmer by then? Obviously, it's all speculative weather-wise, but I'm thinking by that time I would expect upper 30's/low 40's at night. I did pull out my old copy of Home Waters(??) but it looks like most of those outfitters/camps are gone. I'm having a difficult time getting any new info on the area. Back in those days, there was a flyfishing forum from the area, but I haven't been able to find it for many years. Does anyone remember what I'm talking about? All I can remember is that the format of the site was a tan/light brown setup and it was highly trafficked, with many local users.

I know it's a lot of questions, but this is really the first chance I've had to be able to get up there to do some fishing there. We're also going to Branson, MO., for some shows, and for some Taneycomo fishing. Thanks in advance for any insights or suggestions.

 

[sfiser]

There was a restoration project on the creek and they now have a boardwalk that goes for a good ways down the creek to fish off of where there once was just a path and brush.  Might be chilly, might be warm... no way of telling what the Arkansas weather will do.  Stop by one of the local fly shops and they can help you with any fly/bait you may need for dry run.

[BFTMASTER]

Maybe this is the site:

Flyfishingarkansasandmissouri.com

This is the only site I know of that fits your description.

Not sure if a mobility card will fly, better ask 

[kevcarr59]

BFTMASTER....

Thanks for the site, just checked it out, and it looks VERY similar to what the second version of the site format from the early 2000's. The site was a FF site and the AR/MO forum had a lot of local fishers involved. This was a HUGE site with something like 8 or 10 regions, and the sheer amount of info was incredible. BTW,  I was curious about the mobility card comment. I'm getting the application online and getting my cardiologist and ortho to look at it, and get it filled out. Is there a bunch of hoops to jump thru??

Thanks again...

[snagged in outlet 3]

I think adults with mobility cards are restricted t to the boardwalk.  I don't know that for sure but it seems like I read that the last time I went over there to look around.

BFT is correct on the website.  It has slowly shrunk to what you see today. 

[BFTMASTER]

Good luck, have fun and please report. Some of us desk monkeys live for new reports. Especially before we have trips planned!!

[kevcarr59]

I work for a large outdoor retailer that's been around since 1961,(hint hint), and talking with a few of the guys in the FF dept. One of them goes and does a lot of tying at the Sowbug Roundup, so I should be able to get a decently updated report. The more I talk about the trip, the more excited I'm getting. Friday morning the travel trailer goes into the shop for some warranty work, so that will be done in plenty of time.

I've looked for some other boards & forums and have gotten a few more hits, but most of them don't have much participation. I'm just wondering, with the prominence of the fisheries, and supposed large number of anglers, isn't there more up-to-date  information.

[snagged in outlet 3]

I noticed a real turn down in activity surrounding the Mountain Home area the past 7 or 8 years.  Started during the big flood years and just continued with Min flow being instituted.

Heck even the fly shop closed.

[Ham]

5 hours ago, snagged in outlet 3 said:

Heck even the fly shop closed.

Blue Ribbon Fly has re-opened.

[snagged in outlet 3]

Yes I know.  But it did close.