Spring River, Centennial Park, Quapaw, OK June 2nd 2010: Very, very fast section of river

This is a section north of the put in spot that I like to go to when I go to the Spring River in Oklahoma. It is technically a state park run, but it is not in that great of shape. I drove on the rock bank to get to the put in site. As I started to paddle upstream, the current got real intense w/ some undertows and sudden current changes. I was insistent, however, on getting to the other side of the bank so I made a couple of attempts before I got over. Portaged the kayak about 75' and got it back in the water (current was too strong to paddle up at that point). I had intended on fishing this point (the spot about 10 miles south was EXCELLENT for White Bass and Stripers), but with the current as strong as it was, this became a "paddle only" trip..probably was not the most safe out of all my floats....really challenged me as a paddler and kept me on my toes. The spot, however, is beautiful, big time! I do not know if the photos give it justice.

Fish ON!

MLT

Spring River, Oklahoma, May 3rd, 2010: White Bass and hybrids on Brown Rooster Tails

I got a chance to fish Oklahoma for the first time in my life today....what a kick! I was working in Neosho, MO. during the afternoon and had a couple of hours to get the "Bossy Flossy" out on the water. I originally went to the state park by where Grand Lake starts, but after taking a look at a map, decided to head north of the lake to the Spring River (which empties into Grand Lake).

This is the perfect river for me....it has somewhat of a sporty current, but not too much to overwhelm. Launched off around 3:30 p.m and started to paddle up stream. Got a quick bite on a roadrunner w/ a small white grub, but was not able to land it. This river has a TON of small shad running about all over.

Stopped at some wood structure and started to cast on the west bank as I was letting the current take the kayak down river. Got up on some white bass...what a kick!! They fight like trout! I forgot how much fun they were to catch. Caught 7 or so (released all of them). The biggest one was about 13", but you would not know it with the fight they provided...had a sensitive rod w/ 6# test, so that added even more to the excitement!

Left around 6:00 p.m. or so.....will be back!

Fish ON!

MLT