Patrick Bridge CG

[Mark]

Is the Patrick Bridge campground open? With the current low river level, is it good wade fishing? Wanting to try something new, and interested in what it's like.

[fishinwrench]

There hasn't been much open discussion about NFOW since the big flood settled.  I'm sure the fish are still there, and I'm sure lots of holes have changed.  

I haven't been down, and haven't heard from anyone that has.   Hit it and let us know how it goes.

[Gavin]

I'm not sure. Twin Bridges & Pettit's CG's are open and Sunburst is running floats (no camping at Sunburst yet). Fish are still in the river.

 

 

 

[trythisonemv]

Glad that Justin and Amy are at least making some income... They got wiped off the map. 

[Forsythian]

According to the MDC the campground is open.  Let us know if you go, I'm not far behind you

 

[Mark]

My buddies are leaving our trip planning to me - none of us have been to NFOW. Need some first hand info with pressure on!!LOL

What is the scenery like in that section? We want to be "in the woods." Looks like on the map that the area is outside of Mark Twain NF. Watched youtube videos and stream looked tree lined. But doesn't appear to be big hills and bluffs. Is the terrain starting to level out to a flood plain? With fall colors popping, we're wanting a stream that is scenic. Also aware that upper section thru canyon is thru NF, but guessing that section is low and maybe not the best time for smallies?? And buddies will want to trout fish.

Also, it appears Red Ribbon Area starts at Blair bridge, correct?? We do like to harvest enough to eat one night. Red Ribbon is no bait restrictions too, right? Sorry to the purists, but we're "bait chuckers".  Almost exclusively power eggs. I believe this section is stocked with browns, correct? Some alternative baits suggestions??? We occasionally will throw artificials.

Bringing 1 canoe, buddies have jet boats. Should they leave boats at home? I believe I read they are only useful at the last section before entering the lake. Little advice there. please as well. But I'm thinking we can float from Blair to Patrick 3 miles, and Patrick to next access is 3 miles. That would be enough water to keep us happy for 2 days. Am I thinking right there?? Looks like easy shuttles so we could shuttle our own vehicles??

Thanks in advance. We fish almost exclusively on the Eleven Point, and hard for me to get my small group of buddies to go anywhere else, mainly because it's so scenic. small crowds, we always catch fish, and have a good time.

[Brian Sloss]

Was there the other day, it is open

 

[Brian Sloss]

Blue ribbon extends to Patrick bridge, not Blair.  Here is a fun kicker there now, you will probably find some stripers in the deeper holes and a lot of them are 10 pounds or more.  Actually caught a 5lb channel cat on a fly rod when I was there a couple of weeks ago that ran up from the lake.  The day I was there the trout fishing was a little slow, but my friend who owns Sunburst, said a couple of days earlier it was fishing great and his wife caught a huge brown.  Been hearing more good reports on the trout fishing there, than bad ones. 

[Mark]

Advice also needed on jet boats?? I cannot find info but thought I read at one time that the last few miles before entering the lake is jet boat accessible.

[grizwilson]

51 minutes ago, Mark said:

Advice also needed on jet boats?? I cannot find info but thought I read at one time that the last few miles before entering the lake is jet boat accessible.

I have not been down since the change in the Dawt dam, but in the past have put in at the 160 bridge at Tecumseh and ran up to the bridge below the dam.  I have only used a canoe above that point.  Hope this helps, beautiful river, hopefully recovering from the flood.

g