Last minute trips, Little Red River and local flavor

Last weekend a few hours just fell in my lap.  All the ladies in my life had plans...I was literally sitting at home at 6 pm with nothing to do.  I usually keep my kayak on the truck rack for those last minute trips.  This was one of those trips.

Managed a couple bass

I grabbed some gear and jumped in the truck.  Drove down a back road until I was at a local spot that I haven't really fished this summer.

Caught lots of rock bass on a hopper

It wasn't an extremely productive trip in terms of fish caught.  But I wasn't really after fish on this trip.  I just wanted to be out fishing from my kayak.  If a few fish wanted to jump on the fly...cool!  Otherwise, I'd just be happy watching the sunset and thankful for it.  It was a beautiful sunset:

Stayed on the water until well after dark.  Had an encounter that was quite memorable...as I was wading out of the water, something hit my thigh.  It was a solid thump and my first thought was, I just got tagged by a snake.  I looked around and was happy to discover it was only...

He wasn't moving.  But his buddy landed a solid headbutt.  

Saturday was a family event in Little Rock.  When I checked the COE generation schedule for the Little Red River, I was happy to see low water forecast for the weekend.  I knew where I'd be Sunday morning.  I went to bed at 9 pm, only to wake back up at 1:30 am, not exactly what I had planned (plans are for golfers).  Didn't bother trying to get back to sleep.  Loaded up and started driving.  Below is what the river looks like at 4 am.

It was nearly impossible fishing.  Usually the dock lights provide enough light for slinging bugs.  But that morning the fog was so thick I couldn't see anything beyond the front of my kayak.  I gave it a solid attempt but nothing wanted to play.  No big deal, I love the river at night before anyone else gets out.

As the sun started to peak the fishing picked up.  I wet waded all day.  It was a little chilly in the morning.  But it was much appreciated in the afternoon as the temperature neared 94f.

In spite of the heavy boat traffic on the water, fishing was pretty good.  The low water limited the boat traffic to certain areas, deep pools between shallow riffles.  In my kayak I was able to get over a couple of the shallow shoals and had a long run all to myself.  I watched as a few boats made the run out as the water fell.  This is when a kayak has its advantages.

Had another encounter on the river.  However, she wasn't interested in headbutting me.

Ran into a couple other kayakers taking advantage of the low water.  Stopped to talk and heard they had a great weekend also.  Nice to see so many enjoying the river.  Look'n forward to the next trip.