The last trout trip was so bad, I rushed back to Central AR and went after white bass the next morning. Nothing new to report...they were fun, but I really wanted to put the fly rod away and go look'n for spawning bass. Armed with the latest high speed baitcasters that you could buy 10 yrs ago, I was ready to try my luck Monday morning.
First spot was slightly flooded with good visibility. Still getting a bunch of water coming in from the rivers. I didn't stay long and made a 20 minute drive to another oxbow lake in SEAR.
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| 1st stop - water covering the boat ramp - keep driving |
Again...flooded...about 5 feet up and very stained. Saw 1 boat at the launch and figured that wasn't a good sign. I snapped this picture and kept driving.
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| 2nd stop - high and heavily stained - keep driving |
My last option was another, very large, oxbow lake in SEAR. The AGFC lowered the lake about 15 feet and left it down all summer to promote fish habitat. It's back to normal pool now and looked fantastic.
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| 3rd stop - normal pool with ~1' of viability |
Delayed b/c of all my stops along the way, I arrived after 9:30, and had to wait for a older couple to unload, "1" boat on a ramp made for "2" boats...not complaining...just say'n! I could have used the riprap shore line....but look at some of the wildlife in the upcoming pictures and see why I choose to use the boat ramp. Started fishing right at the ramp, depending on your level of superstition, I was cursed or blessed, 1 cast = 1 fish. I'll let you decide. Fished from 10 am - 1 pm and didn't cover much water...20 minute paddle back to the ramp. Some pics...!
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| 1st fish |
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| big fish |
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| Everything CPR'd |
Saw several, but only a few let me get close enough to take a picture. Being in a kayak makes going under trees and boat docks a little exciting...sometimes I look...most times I apply the,
I don't see you and you don't see me, philosophy! Whatever works right?!
It was great to be out enjoying some outstanding SEAR weather and great fishing! Gonna get back very soon and get an earlier start.
