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I just returned from attempting to "slay" the record browns in the Little Red and White rivers of Arkansas. I knew it was going to be challenging due to the recent record rainfalls that raised water levels (+15') to disasterous levels. These rivers are controlled by a series of resevoirs and dams on each. Last years flows were around 400cfs and wading was the preferred method of approach. This year, however, flows were +20,000cfs! The Little Red (shown in the pic right outside our back door with the boat dock ready to relocate to the Gulf of Mexico any minute)was not only unfishable, it was un-navigable as well. A seventy five mile drive put us on questionable, but boatable water (Whte River). The method if fishing was designated by the conditions. I fished an ACR 10'8 5/6 switch (fantastic and highly recommend), Ross Canyon BG5 with a 300gr Scandi head. Here's the strange part (for mr), the set-up was a 5' poly xfast sinking polyleader, 3' of 8# leader and 2' of 6# tippet. At the leader/tippet connnection 2 lead weights were crimped above a two fly set-up. This was finished of with a 3" float at the line/ leader point. The object was to cast right up to the flooded brush edge (mostly now submerged islands) and keep your mend/float at the same 15mph current drift as the boat. Peachy! It made for some intersting rollcasts and more tie-ups that I prefer. Especially in 12-20 degree temps with a frozen thumb and forefinger. I don't care for gloves of any kind, but I wore 'em there!
We caught everything (but not numerous) from rainbows, browns, smallmouth bass, and, yes, even red lipped suckers! Fly of choice was a 3" San Juan worm 18" under an egg attractor pattern or like fly.
Regrettably, no fish that were pic worthy. I did have two hook ups (never seen) that took me to my backing, but some of that footage was spent the boat turned around in the current to pursue. Both were lost as a result of the tippet/leader broken by submerged brush, etc.bawling: Keep in mind the fish here can easily exceed 20#!!
My host in Ark is also a member of WWF and an outstanding fellow. I made his acquaintance when I acquired a beautiful Cunningham bamboo rod from him last year. Food and hospitality were memorable to say the least.
There is a pic of the "bar" in which you can see two mason jars of the infamous "shine". It is respectfully called "Monkeyhead" due to the cured peaches in it that remembled monkey heads. (see larger pic) The name also implied its effect.:clown:
Although I wish the big browns would have prevailed, I had an outstanding time and look forward to returning under more fishable conditions.
We caught everything (but not numerous) from rainbows, browns, smallmouth bass, and, yes, even red lipped suckers! Fly of choice was a 3" San Juan worm 18" under an egg attractor pattern or like fly.
Regrettably, no fish that were pic worthy. I did have two hook ups (never seen) that took me to my backing, but some of that footage was spent the boat turned around in the current to pursue. Both were lost as a result of the tippet/leader broken by submerged brush, etc.bawling: Keep in mind the fish here can easily exceed 20#!!
My host in Ark is also a member of WWF and an outstanding fellow. I made his acquaintance when I acquired a beautiful Cunningham bamboo rod from him last year. Food and hospitality were memorable to say the least.
There is a pic of the "bar" in which you can see two mason jars of the infamous "shine". It is respectfully called "Monkeyhead" due to the cured peaches in it that remembled monkey heads. (see larger pic) The name also implied its effect.:clown:
Although I wish the big browns would have prevailed, I had an outstanding time and look forward to returning under more fishable conditions.
