Lower Mountain Fork–A Tailwater
The wife and dog and I took a vacation having rented a mini-cabin in Hochatown, OK at the Lower Mountain Fork and Broken Bow Lake. We arrived Sunday afternoon and did our planned exploring around before check in. We scoped out several river access points including the Spillway. I have never seen water so pounded as I saw this past Sunday. There were a crazy number of sticks everywhere. We saw spinning rigs in flyfishing only areas as well as many more downstream. Our trip was mainly a get away with much hiking planned so I couldn’t live with myself, if I fished overmuch. I did fish for a morning, as again–it would nto be fair to eat up the time away for myself. Anyway–I chose the area of Hickory Campground. There were guys fishing the pools up and downstream. The Evening Hole (I think it was) had three guys abreast not 10′ from each other pounding that hole and catching none. One of them fell into the water full face down with water in his waders for sure. Several downstream were going at it and none catching. Anyway, I had intended to fish small nymphs under an indicator, but I was a bit bummed about the situation and instead decided to swing a soft hackle emerger in mostly shallow riffles right at the campsite and just have a relazing time. I hooked into 3 bows on the swing or when letting additional line out after the swing or a wee strip. One was a feisty 12-14″ that fought hard–so I felt rewarded. Afterwards–speaking to a few who I had also seen at the spillway–all came up blank. I gave one fella who was being taught off water by an elderly guy and ready to fish for the first time—-that fly. I hope he was rewarded.
I may go back in winter when there are less rods—but gee wiz—its just crazy.
Mark me as tailwater disappointed–but there are fish there–that is certain.
Oh–as an aside–I wanted to fish the new JP Ross 3 wt S-Glass, but that morning a stiff wind came up bringing in that cold front. Below freezing temps, so I fished my trusty 5 wt Classic Trout. Man I just love that inexpensive rod.
LOL
PS–I left the phone in the truck.
Of Upland Birds, Setters and Trout 