Just gauging interest. A few of us have been discussing setting something up, probably in the Missouri/Arkansas ozarks to hit some smallie streams and trout streams. Probably between the end of March and early May or late September or early October (before and after the aluminum hatch). The first thought on location is the North Fork of the White River. Great trout stream, has naturally reproducing rainbows albeit limited reproduction, but you still catch the fish with parr marks on the sides of them! It can be a technically difficult stream to fish as far as I know, we will have to let Tom or Dan echo me on this. We are leaning towards this river as it is close enough for those of us from KS to come for a day or two, as well as Kentucky, Tennessee, Illinois, Arkansas, etc. I would like to have a dozen people there minimum, but you know how that type of stuff goes. Well, lets get a discussion going on about this, and set something up! Also, decide when would work best, spring or fall.

Well, will spring or fall work best for you?

Well, Tom, I am going to speak to River of Life Farm in Gainesville, MO about lodging, the conference room, etc. I spoke to their head guide Brian Wise this morning, and he recommended the fall for more consistent fishing, better weather and less chance for the river getting blown out. I will keep everyone posted.

The NFOW is amazing all year, but the fishing is more predictable in the early fall when there are large #s of hoppers, ants, beetles, etc on the water. Also, it appears the River of Life Farm is very religious (not that that bothers me, but I know us all and we would want to imbibe a little while down there), and pretty pricey. Other locations in that area are in the works. Any questions, let me know and I will get the answers, but so far it looks like the fall of '08 in the Gainesville, MO area. Pass the word on to fellow glass rodders to see if they are interested.

Well Darin, keep your eyes peeled, I be making a trip down there and we could probably run down there together. I am going down that way in April or so ... I will let you know.

We have considered a lot of places from the Niangua to the White, and NFOW is the preliminary winner. Hope to have something in stone by Jan-Feb and have something worked out for lodging as well by then. But, just keep your eyes on this thread and everything will be laid out for us. Thanks a million for the interest.

Wow, it would be great to have you Cameron.

As far as more reasons why the North Fork of the White River in the Gainesville area, there is a trophy "wild" rainbow trout fishery there as well as just up or downstream, great smallmouth bass water. I will post a few links to possible campsites, hotels, etc. Camping would be most economical, but if someone wanted to stay in a hotel, there are numerous close to Gainesville.

www.twinbridgescanoe.com is the one I will be staying at. Low rates, on the water.

Enjoy! We will have more information soon.

Hey ... that is my birthday weekend. I wonder if that will sell the wife that I need to take this road trip?

Anyone in the SC/NC area want to travel together to save on costs? And I would not be against leaving on Wednesday afternoon or early Thursday to give us Friday through Sunday to fish. Actually Sunday might be a travel back day for me. I think I am about 12 hours from the White River area.

Anyone bring drift boats? This is floatable water ... right?

Really? My birthday is the 13th also! I guess I have no choice but to attend!

What is the best way to float the water?

Tom

I will be camping! You are approved, and I might be able to get out there early by a day or two ... if the missus agrees ...

It will be a go for that weekend. Start negotiations. I am going to contact the campgrounds after the holidays and see what they will do for us.

That's my birthday too, (13th) and I have been given the aok!

Folks,
If y'all will have a poor Texas boy, I might try to make it ...