North Fork Views

[justfishing55]

Very interesting that the North Fork of the White board has some of the highest view stats on the entire Ozark Angler board, but defintitely some of the lowest posts.

Seems like many people are interested in this little beauty, but not too many people have actual experience.

Brian has done a great job of getting it started.

Any other insights???

[Phil Lilley]

Consider this - at any time there are more "guests" viewing the board than "members". I think that normal.

I don't post there cause I know very little about the river, except it's never been "friendly" to me. That means I've never done well- but that the angler's fault, not the fish's fault.

Brian has done an exceptional job.

[Gavin]

Most folks dont "get" the North Fork of the White. Its a really long drive from any major population center and there is better fishing to be had along the way from any of them.

Folks may go there on occasion but most seem to gravitate toward the easier fishing that you find on the tailwaters, at the trout parks, and on smaller wadeable waters like the blue ribbon stretch on the Current. Fine with me...I like the N. Fork a lot. The fishing is challenging, but its about the only place in Missouri that you can catch a big rainbow trout and be certain that its a wild fish. Some really nice browns down there too. Cheers.

[Phil Lilley]

I agree with Gavin. It's a challenge. It's as close to a mountain stream as we have in Missouri. But that doesn't take away from the fishery- it actually adds to it. I love fishing it... just wish I had more experience on it so I'd do better. Guess I need to hire a guide!!

[Greg]

It could also have something to do with the north forks distance from MO population centers and acessibility. I've never fished the North Fork and that is mainly due to the fact that it is so far from Springfield MO. I think many of us are busy with our families and careers - and as such you try to "maximize" your fishing opportunities. Plus it is my understanding that it is not as acessible as other areas. That you need a canoe to fully fish it. Personally even though I have a canoe I prefer not to mess with it because it lessens my fishing time.

But I am intrigued by the North Fork and plan to fish there this coming year. I was lucky enough to meet Brian a few months ago and agree he does a great job.

Just MHO

Greg

[Brian Wise]

Hey guys, thanks for the kind words.

I will concede that the river isn't the easiest river to fish. At times it can take some pretty keen senses and skill to really "slay" the river, other times you can't do anything wrong.

I think it is a "true" fly fishermans river in that you have to be willing to switch things up and figure the fish out......what is more fun than that, figuring out what the fish want and then sticking it to them.

Consider this though, most of the trips I take are with very novice fly fisherman. I get several fisherman a year that have never touched a fly rod and with a little talking to them they understand that catching a wild fish is as cool as it gets.

Give me the fight of a 14" wild rainbow over the fight of an 18" stocked rainbow any day.

Brian