DeepDiver75 Posted January 9, 2008 Posted January 9, 2008 I am planning a float on the NFOW later this month and was wondering what would be the best section for a single day float with lots of fishing time? I am only interested in the trout water. Not sure how much river is doable in a day float since the gradient here is quite a bit more than most I've floated. Also we'll be looking for somewhere to pitch a camp, any suggestions on places that are open this time of year and might also offer a shuttle if needed? I have fished/floated the river once several years ago and stayed at ROLF but that was more of a float trip with the wife and this is going to be strictly fishing! Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated,thanks.
Gavin Posted January 9, 2008 Posted January 9, 2008 I'd recommend Sunburst Ranch. Justin and Amy are really nice folks and they offer camping, nice cabins, boats and shuttles. Kelly to Sunburst is a nice 6 mile float, and Sunburst to James Bridge is a nice 3-4 mile stretch. I wouldnt recommend floating below James (James to Dawt) because its a really ugly stretch of river. Cheers.
Brian Wise Posted January 9, 2008 Posted January 9, 2008 Hey Deepdiver, You can't go wrong with either ROLF or Sunburst. They both have camping, they both have lower end cabins for a "guys fishing outing.", and they are both really good to work with. As for floating I would say to do the upper float and stay in the Blue Ribbon area. The upper Red Ribbon can be real good but that doesn't last long and then you get into the plain, boring, populated part of the river. My Youtube Channel
DeepDiver75 Posted January 11, 2008 Author Posted January 11, 2008 Thanks for the info guys. I checked out the websites for both ROLF and Sunburst. Sunburst offers a float from Hammonds Mill to their place as a day float, would that be a good float for fishing as well or is it perhaps too long to allow enough quality fishing time? Any advice will help, too long of a float and you don't get to fish the likely spots and too short of a float and your done before you're ready to be! It's looking like maybe next weekend if everyone can get out and the weather cooperates. Any suggestions on flies to tie up before we come? I would assume stones, copper johns, prince nymphs with weight to get down. What sizes of flies would you suggest for this time of year? Sorry for all the questions but knowing how tough this river is I am hoping to improve my odds by gaining a little knowledge, lord knows my fishing skills aren't going to cut it!!
Brian Wise Posted January 11, 2008 Posted January 11, 2008 DD, The float from Hammond is a whole lot of smallmouth water before you get to the trout water. I personally know that Sunburst will shuttle you to Kelley (about 3/4 mile downstream of where the "real" trout water begins). Here is my blog, scroll down to the January fly of the month and I would be sure to bring them. Fly Fishing the Ozarks Blog Also bring some egg patterns if you fish them. You looking at coming on the 19th? If you guys want some company, I might be able to sneak away that Saturday mornign.... Brian My Youtube Channel
Brian Wise Posted January 11, 2008 Posted January 11, 2008 I really didn't mean to make it look like I was pimpin' out my blog.. Here is a photo of that fly. Brian My Youtube Channel
Gavin Posted January 11, 2008 Posted January 11, 2008 Hammond to Sunburst is a long float..probably 10-11 miles..I'd rate the smallie fishing as fair at best but the scenery is good. If you want smallies, youll have better luck one valley over on Bryant Creek. Cheers.
WebFreeman Posted January 11, 2008 Posted January 11, 2008 You should pimp your blog, or at least add it to your signature. Pretty cool. I liked the slide show w/ your son. “Many go fishing all their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after.” — Henry David Thoreau Visit my web site @ webfreeman.com for information on freelance web design.
DeepDiver75 Posted January 13, 2008 Author Posted January 13, 2008 Thanks for all the info guys. Only looking to fish trout on this trip so we wouldn't want to do the Hammond float for sure. Brian, funny that you posted a pic of that fly cause I was just up at K&K flyshop yesterday and Ned was telling me about their favorite NFOW fly and that's exactly what it was! We plan on floating all day on Saturday, if you're interested in joining us we'd love to have you. It looks like we'll probably camp at Sunburst Friday night and Saturday.I'll be coming from KC but I'm meeting a couple of guys that I met at Conclave this year from the area. I plan on being down about 1:00 Friday afternoon, where would you suggest if I was going to fish from a bank access for a few hours after setting up camp? Is there any good wade fishing around the Sunburst area itself? I appreciate all the good advice, now I've got to go tie a few of those flies up that I don't want to be without!
Brian Wise Posted January 13, 2008 Posted January 13, 2008 There is some decent fishing right at Sunburst. I would recommend you the islands above Patrick Bridge though which is only about 1 mile from Sunburst. As you leave Sunburst and hit H hwy again go down the hill and take the first left(before you get to the bridge), that will take you to the campground. At the end of the campground there is a gate and beyond that gate is a trail that will take you to the islands. Great water! I doubt I'll be able to take a float Saturday but will probably stop by Sunburst and meet you guys if that is ok. Brian My Youtube Channel
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