Trout Fishing in the Ozarks

Fish On!

August 16th, 2008

Yup, we went camping again! This time I wanted to do a little fishing and not spend our life savings in gas to get there. After reviewing a few places within a half days drive from Memphis we settled on Bull Schoals - White River State Park.

We called ahead to make reservations and were able to get a site that was actually right on the fast moving river. Having only been trout fishing once in my life prior to this trip I was looking forward to the adventure.

Back in 1951 the dam was completed, prior to that the only trout even near this part of the river was one that may have been served in a local eating establishment. Trout are not indigenous to this part of the Ozarks. The fish that used to frequent these waters before the damn were your garden variety bass, catfish and blue gill - staples of any self respecting southern fisherman.

You can still catch those southern fish but you need to be on the lake side of the dam were the water is warmer - you see, below the dam the water is darn right cold. The water is drawn to turn the generators from the deepest part of the lake, about 180 feet deep, its cold down there! Since bass, and other regular southern fish can’t handle the cold the trout were brought in, and they thrive in it!

There are four types introduced to this part of the river, the rainbow, cutthroat, brown, and the rarest of them all, the brook trout.

Once we arrived to the park, I must say the drive was beautiful, we put up the tent and immediately went to the trout dock and bought me a fishing license with a trout stamp. Once I over came my “hate to ask for directions” moment I asked the guy behind counter what was the best bait to catch a trophy fish. Well, after about ten 10 minutes into his tale of the best methods and bait to use (it was then I recalled why men don’t like to ask for any type of directions), I interrupted him and just grabbed the closest item that looked like it might work, paid and left - it was getting dark and I needed to get some fishin in!

For the first day and a half I perfected my casting. Lost about 5 hooks and sinkers - scared the crap outta some kid when I yelled after losing the sixth. Then it happened.

It must have been what felt like my millionth cast. BAM, FISH ON! It hit the bait like nothing I have felt in quite sometime. Most fisherman on the river were in small john boats, floating down to a point and driving back up only to repeat. I spent most of my day watching the same people drift then drive by and yes, they were catching fish.

Well, now this was my turn and everyone knew it. My pole was bent over and I was yelling for my wife to get the net. Oh, the excitement! Everyone’s eyes were looking my way - for a moment I had ultimate power, I had the worlds attention.

After what must have been a full 45 second struggle I landed my first (and only) trout of the trip - only those who were close enough to make out that is was really a fish snickered - I think the people in the boats were too far away… thank goodness.