Total Newb With Questions

[WannabeAngler]

My wife and I are looking to get away at New Years in Tecumseh in a cabin. She’s excited, and I became even more excited when I saw the river. 
 

Not wanting to get my hopes up too much, understanding weather may not cooperate the two days we are there...but if weather cooperates, what could/should I expect? Our cabin will be about two miles from Petit’s. 
 

Just curious if it’s even something to consider on our trip given the potential weather patterns, or access from the bank. Is it even wadable? 
 

Thanks in advance for answering my newbie questions. Hoping to add this to my list of rivers I’ve caught trout in...which is only one right now. 😁

[snagged in outlet 3]

If the water is off drive to quarry park and fish the Norfork tail water.  

[Gavin]

Wrong North Fork Pete...The river is spring fed so it will be floatable & fishable. I don't know where you are staying, but you could wade at Sunburst Ranch or River of Life Farm if staying there. Its a bit of a haul for both, but you can wade up from Patrick Bridge or Kelly Ford as well. Fish deep, and wade carefully. The limestone bedrock on that river is really slick, the rocks are big, and the current is swift. Have floated my hat on that river many times.

[WannabeAngler]

40 minutes ago, Gavin said:

Wrong North Fork Pete...The river is spring fed so it will be floatable & fishable. I don't know where you are staying, but you could wade at Sunburst Ranch or River of Life Farm if staying there. Its a bit of a haul for both, but you can wade up from Patrick Bridge or Kelly Ford as well. Fish deep, and wade carefully. The limestone bedrock on that river is really slick, the rocks are big, and the current is swift. Have floated my hat on that river many times.

Thanks...that's really the biggest part for me is making sure I pack my gear if it is possible to use.  We're staying at an AirBNB about 2.5 miles from Patrick Bridge and 2 miles from Blair Bridge, so I assume parking at Patrick and wading up will work. Now for the weather to cooperate, I suppose.  Thanks for the suggestions.

[2sheds]

Patrick Bridge parking lot is immediately downstream on the East side of river.  There's a public campground downstream on the West side, but I recommend avoiding the walk down the highway.

From the Patrick Bridge parking lot, be sure to take the short walk downstream and slightly away from the river to check out Althea Spring.  Haven't been to Althea Spring since the great flood of 2017, but its always been one of my favorite hidden gems in the Ozarks.  Great spot to cool off in the middle of July !  The discharge into the river might also be another interesting place to throw in.

While you are so close, you might want to check out Sunburst Ranch (1/2 mile West of Patrick and North at the sign on CR352) as a potential spot for future stay on the river.  See their website for details.  The treehouse cabins at River of Life (closer to Dora) are also very unique.

[2sheds]

[snagged in outlet 3]

On 11/8/2020 at 7:27 AM, Gavin said:

Wrong North Fork Pete...The river is spring fed so it will be floatable & fishable. I don't know where you are staying, but you could wade at Sunburst Ranch or River of Life Farm if staying there. Its a bit of a haul for both, but you can wade up from Patrick Bridge or Kelly Ford as well. Fish deep, and wade carefully. The limestone bedrock on that river is really slick, the rocks are big, and the current is swift. Have floated my hat on that river many times.

I know the difference in the two.  If I was staying in tecumseh and the water was off at Norfork I would fish there over the north fork of the white.  Any day of the week!!

[gotmuddy]

13 hours ago, snagged in outlet 3 said:

I know the difference in the two.  If I was staying in tecumseh and the water was off at Norfork I would fish there over the north fork of the white.  Any day of the week!!

I agree, the fishing is way better.

 

I highly suggest getting in touch with Justin Spencer.  He will be able to hook you up with local flies, tecniques and he guides.

[Gavin]

Justin sold Sunburst to Bryan Bade, great guy. Very good flyfisherman,

[Flysmallie]

17 hours ago, snagged in outlet 3 said:

I know the difference in the two.  If I was staying in tecumseh and the water was off at Norfork I would fish there over the north fork of the white.  Any day of the week!!

I haven't been to fish the tailwaters at Norfork. I also haven't had a river be as hard on me as NFOW. But I'd pick NFOW over just about any other body of water for trout. That place has me. I don't know why.