Brad Siegfreid
Tuesday, 01 November 2005
On November 19, 2005, at Spargen Hall in Ashland, we will conduct the second annual CFF rod-building workshop. The workshop will start at 8:30 AM, and probably go until 4:00 or 5:00 PM. You should purchase your kit and bring it to the workshop. All extra tools necessary to build your rod will be provided by the club. Based on last years experience, you can figure that we will not complete the rod during the workshop, and you may have to do some work at home to finish the rod. You will leave with all information necessary to finish your rod. Last year, participants selected their rod from Cabelas and the club ordered all the kits at once. This year, each participant will select and order their own kit, bringing it to the workshop. Lunch will be pot-luck.
What you will need to participate:
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Notify Lee Koch that you will be participating by calling 327-9276 during the day or 477-0580 during the evening. You can also use the contact form on this site and we'll forward the message to him.
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Tell us whether you will need a rod-wrapping stand or whether you already have one. The club will supply any needed stand which will be available for purchase for $20.
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Select and purchase your fly rod kit from Cabelas, Bass Pro, Anglers Workshop, Mudhole.com or any other supplier.
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Bring your kit to the workshop on November 19, 2005.
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Plan on having a good time.
Wayne Whitney
Tuesday, 01 November 2005
One of our favorite destinations is the Beaver dam tail water of White River in
the Ozark mountains of northwestern Arkansas. The area is about 45 minutes east
of Rogers, and about 25 minutes west of Eureka Springs.
The White River is home to Rainbow, Brown, Cutthroat and Brook Trout. Most of
the fishing we have done has been with nymph style flies, streamers, and small
caddis and midge dry flies. Because this is a tail water, and a river that can
run 60 feet to over 100 feet across, a 9 foot rod can really help with a longer
cast and longer drift. Tail water fishing can be unpredictable. Wading can be
cut short when power generation is started at the dam. When you hear the horn
blow, it's time to head for the river bank. It's wise to check with local shops
or guides to find out more about generation schedules and patterns.
We have done some wading in the area below the dam, but to get in a full day of
fishing first try taking a drift boat trip. You will cover a lot of water,
around 8 miles, and learn more of how the river and dam system work. If
conditions are right you can stop and do some wading too. This will help you
have a better and safer day of wading on your own the next time out. We have
fished several times with guide Scott Branyan of the Ozark Fly Flinger guide
service. Scott is very genial, professional and patient. His wooden drift boat
is a great platform to fish from, and to see the sights of the river. Another
fine guide is Brian Harris who works at the White River Angler in Fayetteville,
and can take you drifting or wading.
There are a number of local fly shops in the area. We always stop in at the
White River Angler in Fayetteville. There is always good advise, the latest
Orvis gear, lots of local fly patterns and tying materials. Wonderful folks to
do business with. There is the new Lewis and Clark Outfitters store in Rogers,
and the Beaver Dam Store just west of the dam.
There are some beautiful camp grounds both above and below Beaver Dam. The
areas below the dam have electric and water hook-ups and are flat spaces that
should fit most RV's. there are even showers and flush toilets. The
campgrounds are run by the Corps of Engineers.
The Rogers - Bentonville area has just about any price hotel you can imagine.
The same goes for restaurants. In the fall there is University of Arkansas
football in Fayetteville, huge craft fairs in War Eagle and Bella Vista, and
golf in Bella Vista.
Historic Eureka Springs has many motels, bed and breakfast's, and rural cabins.
Dining runs from mom and pop cafes to very fine establishments. You can spend a
day walking the hilly streets, checking out art galleries, hand crafted jewelry
and great local crafts. There is a steam train trip and antiques shopping , and
swimming and go-carts for kids to enjoy too.
The Ozark scenery can compete with any place, and the fall color is not to be
missed. Keep your camera handy and bring extra film. Lots of beautiful scenes
and lots of beautiful trout.
If you are planning a trip to this area in northwest Arkansas, some websites to
help you get started include:
