Fishing Mountain Home area on a day trip?

[tjm]

In about  a week I expect to make a quick trip to MH with the oldest son for a non-fishing reason, and wondered about easy access areas  (from US412) for a short fly fishing wade. I don't think we'll have much time for exploration, but the son and I would like to wet the lines and tease a trout.  If anyone wanted to suggest a spot or two we'd appreciate it. If you don't mind telling me, but don't want it public, send a PM.

[jdmidwest]

I always liked the Norfork Tailwater the best for wading.  You can usually catch it for low water.  Either around the dam at that access or down at the end at Ackman's.  Don't know how old the son is, but the Dry Run Creek can be fun for under 16.  Worth a visit, hatchery run off that they toss some nice ones into.

This should help some

https://www.agfc.com/fishing/where-to-fish/trout-waters/norfork-tailwater/

[snagged in outlet 3]

What @jdmidwest said.   Dam area is probably the easiest to access.  Parking at Ackerman can get limited if there are a lot of people there.    You can see the water flow on the USACE app.  
 

 

 

[Daryk Campbell Sr]

@gotmuddylives down that way.  Maybe he can chime in.  

[gotmuddy]

8 hours ago, Daryk Campbell Sr said:

@gotmuddylives down that way.  Maybe he can chime in.  

There's so many places you can wade in.  Right now water is very low pretty much all over.  You can stop at the kelly slab access of crooked creek if you want bass, or Cotter access if you want trout.  Both are right off the highway.  How far are you willing to travel away from 412/62 to wet a line?

[tjm]

oh, this son is past childhood going on 49, he might want to look at that kid's section though for a future trip with his kids. Since the trip is not primarily for fishing and scheduled around other reasons, the generation flows will just be what they are and given past trips over there years ago when my Mom taught at Theodosia, I fully expect too much water. Probably been in the area 15-20 times over the years and have never been there when they weren't running lots of water. It's his trip though, I'm just along for the ride and with  3+ hours each way and his business, there won't be much time for exploration and fishing. It's why I asked about easy access.

I hadn't thought about the North Fork, my initial thoughts were Cotter-Rim Shoals area as being on the route, and I can't recall how long it takes to get from a to b in that area. How long does it take from 412/62 to reach the Norfork Dam?

@gotmuddy time is more of a constraint than distance I guess, and travel time eats into any fishing time. Something less than 1/2 hour would be best I think. And will likely be afternoon or evening.

[snagged in outlet 3]

13 minutes ago, tjm said:

oh, this son is past childhood going on 49, he might want to look at that kid's section though for a future trip with his kids. Since the trip is not primarily for fishing and scheduled around other reasons, the generation flows will just be what they are and given past trips over there years ago when my Mom taught at Theodosia, I fully expect too much water. Probably been in the area 15-20 times over the years and have never been there when they weren't running lots of water. It's his trip though, I'm just along for the ride and with  3+ hours each way and his business, there won't be much time for exploration and fishing. It's why I asked about easy access.

I hadn't thought about the North Fork, my initial thoughts were Cotter-Rim Shoals area as being on the route, and I can't recall how long it takes to get from a to b in that area. How long does it take from 412/62 to reach the Norfork Dam?

@gotmuddy time is more of a constraint than distance I guess, and travel time eats into any fishing time. Something less than 1/2 hour would be best I think. And will likely be afternoon or evening.

About 15 minutes from 412 to Norfork Dam.  Water should be low.  All the lakes in the chain are below power pool.  Norfork has been off for a week.  Few people crossing the shoal at Rim since min flow was instituted.  

[gotmuddy]

1 hour ago, tjm said:

oh, this son is past childhood going on 49, he might want to look at that kid's section though for a future trip with his kids. Since the trip is not primarily for fishing and scheduled around other reasons, the generation flows will just be what they are and given past trips over there years ago when my Mom taught at Theodosia, I fully expect too much water. Probably been in the area 15-20 times over the years and have never been there when they weren't running lots of water. It's his trip though, I'm just along for the ride and with  3+ hours each way and his business, there won't be much time for exploration and fishing. It's why I asked about easy access.

I hadn't thought about the North Fork, my initial thoughts were Cotter-Rim Shoals area as being on the route, and I can't recall how long it takes to get from a to b in that area. How long does it take from 412/62 to reach the Norfork Dam?

@gotmuddy time is more of a constraint than distance I guess, and travel time eats into any fishing time. Something less than 1/2 hour would be best I think. And will likely be afternoon or evening.

half an hour would put you at a walk in access at norfork.

[tjm]

I've printed off the AGFC maps for both tail waters. Wait and see how much time we have on the day I guess (and how exhausted I am from the ride)

1 hour ago, snagged in outlet 3 said:

Few people crossing the shoal at Rim since min flow was instituted. 

What do you mean by crossing the shoal?

 

[snagged in outlet 3]

Just now, tjm said:

I've printed off the AGFC maps for both tail waters. Wait and see how much time we have on the day I guess (and how exhausted I am from the ride)

What do you mean by crossing the shoal?

 

There is an island at rim that is across the shoal.   You can fish along and behind the island down to the end of it.   Kind of tricky to cross at min flow.  But after they introduced min flow I quit going there except in a boat.  You do not want to be on the island if the water comes up.  Trust me😆