Water levels

[techo]

Are the rains and northern floods going to affect the Buffalo much this next week?

We are going down in the middle of July. I see the levels are still pretty low currently, but wondered what to expect the next week or so. We are going to stay at Tylers Bend.

Thanks.

[bobber]

looks like you could expect a good shot of water for a day or two any more rain and we should see a good rise!.... http://www.buffaloriverandrain.com/cgi-bin/levelplotall ( if this link doesn't work copy and paste it) that section is good at 7.5 or 8 the river is moving , at a good clip... below 5, and it's alot of paddling between pools (the upper end is the white water near boxley and ponca ) but the fishing is always good,there is some really deep holes. it's not as pretty as the upper sections(ponca to kyles landing)..... hope this helps?

[catman]

I was at the Buffalo at Ponca Wed. very low at the old low water bridge....looks like a drag to me, it may come up? Maybe, maybe not.

There was 3' of air space at the old low water bridge, not good. I've been floating the Buf sence the early 70's when nobody else was. my .02

[techo]

Thanks. I will keep watching the levels. We are going to camp anyway. I is impatient though!

[catman70]

Bobber:

Would you say that some sections of the river are "fishier" than others? If I understood your post; the upper stretch is more for the white water and views while the mid to lower sections tend to hold more fish. My brother is moving down here and I wanted to introduce him to the river. Thought we'd hike around the upper section and fish/float the mid section. Any suggestions on a 5-8 mile float?

Thanks!

[Danoinark]

I like to start fishing below Ozark, anywhere down is good.

Dano

[techo]

What are you trhowing at the smallies? I have a fly rod, but I think I am going to take a spinning reel. Throw the old Mepps spinners? We are mostly float tripping, but I can't resist the chance to fish a little.

[catman70]

Crawdads tend to be their main forage in the streams. I like Chompers.

[bobber]

well here is the deal with the river, first off it's gin clear !! you see them. they see you! and that makes me a true beliver in green lo-vis line, i only use 4lbs. test..but i'm always just wingin' a bait up stream and dragging it along! no skills at all. alomst every time at the top of the pool... or, in the meanest parts of the rapids.. and. or at the start of slack water, still with a good eddieline of current and i'll have one!! i don't fish for size,(not that a few big ones don't matter ) i just fish to catch fish.note>> (THEY ARE ALL NUMBERED ,SO DON'T TRY TO TO KEEP ONE TO TAKE HOME) but, to fish, and paddle is a feat in it's own .... the best is when you hook-up a line-yanker just before you fall into a chute ,and you have the rod in onehand, and trying to paddle your way thru to calm waters all the while that drag is justa' singn'..... man i love that!! most folks don't fish. they are just happy to have made it thru THAT last rapid ) >>>>CATMAN.... IT'S ALL GOOD BUDDY! you just paddle more the farther down you go!..if your paddling skills are good! start up top ! and if your skills are weak start around woolum to the tyler bend, 65 bridge, gilbert ..if you have the time go wilderness! if you just can't make up your mind ,pack for the weekend and call me!!!!

[techo]

I finally managed to get the day off work and we are heading down there tomorrow. It is suposed to rain down there all weekend, which is my favorite time to fish. It weeds out some fishermen.

I'll let you know how it goes when we get back. Thanks for the tips.