Info On Dry Run Creek...john Berry...anyone?

[OKFlyFisher44]

Looking at taking a trip out to Norfork for a weekend trip coming up. Probably spend a day at Norfork (possibly get a guide?) and then like to take my 12 year old nephew down to Dry Run Creek on sunday.

So is Dry Run Creek open year round? Or does it not open for a few weeks when the "season" starts like at some of the trout parks in MO? Do you need a special tag? Or can ya just get a Ark. license and a trout stamp?

What are some good patterns for Dry Run Creek as well?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[Terry Beeson]

Dry Run Creek is open to all anglers UNDER 16 which means they do not need a license or tag. I've seen adults do the fishing and let the kids land the fish, but the regulations don't allow that. I don't think there would be a problem casting for a little one, but hand the rod over at the point the fly/bait hits the water. It's open year 'round.

STRAIGHT FROM WWW.AGFC.COM WEBSITE:

Dry Run Creek (from it’s source on the east side of Norfork National

Fish Hatchery below Norfork Dam to the confluence with the North

Fork of the White River).

(1) An angler shall use no more than one fishing rod or pole, and

must attend it at all times. No other devices shall be used to

catch fish.

(2) Catch and Release Stream. All trout caught must be

immediately released.

(3) Only artificial lures with a single, barbless hooking point shall be

used. Natural or scented baits are prohibited.

(4) Chumming is prohibited.

(5) Fishing is limited to youths under age 16.

(6) Fishing is allowed from sunrise to sunset.

(7) Fishing from the pier on Dry Run Creek is limited to mobility

impaired anglers only.

(G) Blanchard Spring/Mirror Lake (in

[RiverRunner]

I spent some of the best days of my youth on DRC, with several fish of a lifetime brought to hand. I would keep it simple there, 14-16 sowbugs and scuds, #10-12 WB's, San Juan Worms, and egg patterns. A soft hackle would also be effective as well. The one thing that I always noticed was the abundance of sowbugs in the creek, that should be a good indication of what to fish. Make sure to use at least 5X tippet, there are some real pigs in there. Also, just accept the fact that you will lose some flies in the trees and bushes, you just can't help it there.

[John Berry]

Dry Run Creek is open to anglers under 16 with no license required. Sowbugs are the fly of choice in size fourteen. Use at least 5X tippet and carry the biggest net you can lay your hands on. Do not forget the camera. Here is a photo of a previous expedition. David was ten years old. The brown weighed sixteen pounds. Where does he go from here?

[OKFlyFisher44]

Awesome...thanks guys! I tried getting my nephew on a some good fish at Roaring River during the C&R season but never could get any takers for him. He's doing really well for just starting in October. I gave him my ol' Martin 5-wt rod and bought him a new reel for X-Mas....let me tell ya, he's pretty good with the stick. A lil' rough around edges from time to time but he's coming along...

Are you pretty much sight fishing most of the creek or searching for "quality" water that should hold trout? I figured I'd start him out with a san juan worm with a sow-bug as a dropper maybe...or throw an egg pattern. He's really good with sight-fishing with the glo-balls...

Thanks for the info once again!

[John Berry]

Droppers cannot be used on Catch and Release waters in Arkansas. Single hook artificial! I do not like it either but it is the law. Also consider olive woolly buggers and Y2Ks. Forget sight fishing. Work deep fast water. Fish for the trout you cannot see.

[Ham]

I take my children frequently.

The fish are there. Lots of fish of all sizes. Some folks guide there and do move looking for the big ones only. I don't think it is necessary, but moght be the way to go if you are looking to get your youngin the fish of a lifetime in one trip.

I do even use a sizes tippet. I use a short piece of 10 lb green mono. The fish don't seem to be tippet shy.

I really suggest at less a #14 hook. The 16's and 18's get bitten, but it is really hard to land a fish of LARGE size in the bar fight conditions of DRC.

Take a plastic bag to pick up the garbage of the slobs. It sets a good example for your children and the place needs some TLC.

Take a camera.

Take a net desined for bass. Leave that traditional trout net at home.

It really is an unbelievable place.

[Greg]

I'm probably not as knowledgable as the rest but I'm going to chime in too. I've been there once. This past summer during conclave. My wife and I were among the grownups assigned to assist the youth group from the conclave. My son was among the participants and he had a blast.

He caught several on a weighted wooly bugger and a lot on smallish scuds and zebra midges. We used 5X tippet. One tip: The current is fairly swift - so wear waders, bring a big net and be prepared to jump in and assist your nephew with netting his fish. At the end of my day at dry run I was absolutely exhausted from chasing fish up and down the river with my net for both my son and the other kids. Worth it though. We'll be back several more times before my son is over the allowed age.

Here's a link to a pic - one of the many nice fish he caught that day.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/glm38/1520410...57602324841550/

Have fun.

Greg

[taxidermist]

I took my nephew a few months back, it can be pretty good we did see lots of large fish prespawn. I agree carry a big net. Olive wooly booger worked pretty good as did a jumbo black knat with red stinger.

[OKFlyFisher44]

Great stuff...thanks for all the additional info. I think we'll be prepared when the trip comes! So much fishing to do and so little time!!

Got this trip in the works...plus trying to go to San Juan in June and then to Montana in the fall (I HOPE!)....plus back to Taney in October/November for the big browns....

Good lord....I'm turning into a trout bum!