Right now the fishing is good at home in NH and here in Arkansas. While we've been having a great time learning the waters of the Ozarks we are looking forward to returning home to test some new techniques out in the Granite State.
A mid-day streamer eater.
Fishing conditions here in Arkansas have been varied over the past few weeks with changing flows and weather we have been able to see the rivers in many different conditions which has provided a great learning experience. We have figured out how to catch fish in a variety of conditions, from sunny days with low flows to cloudy days with high flows and everything in between, we have learned that big fish can be caught no matter the weather and flow. It is more a matter of persistence than waiting for the "right" conditions around here. With so many large fish in the White River system it is just a matter of time before a large fish gets hungry.
A late day streamer eater. Took a rainbow trout pattern.
We have found that these big fish can be taken on nymphs and dries but the most consistent method of taking them continues to be with streamers in just about every condition. The key here is varying your pattern choice, water type, and retrieve based on flow and weather. Yesterday we enticed a few big browns to take streamers in sunny, windy conditions with low flow.
A nymph caught brown from the Norfork river.
With our raft we have also been able to explore some more remote waters here in the Ozarks. One such stream has proven to be a true jem with wild rainbows to 20" and big holdover browns to keep things interesting. We have really enjoyed the beauty and remote feel of this water. It is like a piece of Montana without the crowds.
A large wild rainbow from a remote stretch of water.
Back in NH our Guide Steve Bowman has been busy fishing and guiding the Lakes region of NH for large rainbows and LL salmon. Steve had a great day on the water the other day with brothers Mark and Luke Antal. Both caught twenty inch fish on size 22 flies and were able to join the prestigious 20 on a 20 club. See our facebook page for pictures of these beautiful bows!
We have two trips booked for this week here in Arkansas and then we begin our Journey home on April 16th. We plan to take the scenic route and should be back home to start fishing and guiding by April 25th. We are excited to test out some new streamer and nymphing techniques on the local waters of New Hampshire. The Saco especially has some potential for large browns in Late April and Early May (as we saw last season).
If you would like to book a trip for this season please contact us ASAP, Dates are filling fast especially in June. As of this writing Nate Hill is available June 1st, 2nd, 3rd, June 10th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 17th, 20th, 24th,26th. If you are interested in other dates Steve Bowman may be available. Please let us know what you are interested in and we will do what we can to get you on the water. July and August are starting to fill fast so let us know if you are interested in summer datesThanks for reading and be sure to check out our facebook page for daily pics and videos.
Tight lines,
Nate