Advice Needed

[rps]

Beginning in the 70's and continuing into the 90's. a group of us made an annual trip to fish below the Bull Shoals dam. We began by renting boats with a motor at the "boy scout" dock directly below the dam and tent camping. We later stayed at Rim Shoals when you could still see through the floor to the ground. We fished out of Cotter several times (both sides) and later at Sportsmans and Gastons. Later in the stretch we hired guides at Hurst's, CDC?, and Sportsmans. My last trip I hired Eldon, the Gassville police chief? to fish my father and I. It was my father's last fishing trip.

Since I have moved back to Tulsa, I have reconnected with the surviving member of the original group.

He wants to fish the river again. He has asked two elders (like me) to go with us. We plan on going during the week before Mother's Day. Drive over one afternoon, fish the next day, and drive back the third.

Two boats with four fishermen, two of which are less experienced. We will be spin fishing. Two of us prefer fishing artificials, but we are not married to the idea. If we fish bait, we will insist on barbless circle hooks.

Where do we stay? Who should we hire to guide? What should we expect to pay? All suggestions are welcome.

[Ham]

Probably Donald Cranor. He has a stable of guides that he works with. I think if you state out front that you want to spin fish with artificial baits he should be able to take care of you. I have no idea what it will cost. I went the expensive route and bought a boat. 

Ahhh Lodging. If you had a larger group, the answer would be Riley's Station and it still might be your best choice. I would consider Rim Shoals resort with Gary Flippin. Good barbless wade fishing right there at the resort which I guess wouldn't matter too much on this trip. Lots of rental options in Cotter for 2-4 people. VRBO or a web search. I wish you guys were going to be able to fish two days. 

 

[snagged in outlet 3]

What @Hamsaid about two days.   Two half days if you think 8 hours is too much.  Just throwing this out there but Comfort Inn up in town isn’t a bad option.   Plenty of restaurants nearby.  
Or ask the guide.  He probably knows someone or someplace.   And you could stay closer to where you will be fishing that way.   Keep us up to date on the trip please.  

[grizwilson]

I would concur with @Ham and @snagged in outlet 3 The accommodations at Riley's are me excellent, but a long ways to a restaurant if you do not want to bring all of your food. Gaston's are decent cabins, great restaurant.  Rim Shoals a bit out but Nina's used to deliver Pizza, good lodging and lots of fishing from the bank or wade.  I would call Rim, Gary runs many trips with many guides for Company outings etc. He can match you with the whole package, they usually will give you a discount on Sunday-Thursday.  Staying in town lots of restaurants but not the feel of being on the river.  Add a day if you can. 

[rps]

As usual, the members of this board are very helpful. Thank you all. It has made it much easier.

[rps]

Just booked two days the first week of June (mid week) with Don Cranor. Also booked a VRBO cottage at Cotter. Tied 10 white jigs today and 10 olive. I look forward to this trip. I will post pictures once back.

[Terrierman]

I read on a water tower this one time that Cotter is the Trout Capitol of the USA.  And it might be true.  Have fun you all!.  AND!  What Griz said about Nina's championship pizza will be ignored at your own peril.  As for me, it's a 100% when in the area.  You're maybe five minutes from their door.

[Ham]

KT’s BBQ in Gassvillie is as Good as any I can remember having eaten. Just sayin.

[rps]

I took notes on the food recs.

[Deadstream]

Terrierman. Grayling,Michigan claims they are Trout Capital of the World. It's on there water tower also...  I've fished both areas. Its a draw.😀