Fishing Traveler

This fishing trip information post is on Frying Pan River in Colorado.  This post is meant to assist you in searching for fishing trip information on Frying Pan River.  Please visit the links on this page to get complete information for your trip.

The Frying Pan River is  located near Aspen, Colorado.  The 14 miles between Ruedi and the confluence with the Roaring Fork in Basalt is marked as a Colorado Gold Medal water.  To be designated a Gold Medal River the river must contain 60 pounds of trout per acre foot and 12 trout per acre foot that measure 14 inches or longer.  The Frying Pan River is a cold and clear river with abundant hatches, known for trophy fishing as well as good numbers.  The river is 14 miles long below Ruedi Dam.  Roadside access is available for much of the river.  The river eventually joins another popular trout fishing destination, the Roaring Fork River.  Read more »

By Steven Vonbrandt

Lums Pond, located just off Rt. # 71, in Kirkwood Delaware, is a 190 acre state park, with a very shallow launching ramp, and has room for about 25-30 vehicles with trailers in the main lot by the launching ramp. There is a daily fee at sate parks, or a yearly pass can be purchased at any of the park offices.

This is a prime location for bass anglers in the spring and summer, and receives fairly heavy fishing pressure, from weekend anglers and tournament fisherman. Although it has a lot of pressure, there are still quite a few big bass in Lums, along with a decent population of Hybrid Striped Bass. If you follow these steps, you can still connect with a real trophy in Lums Pond this spring. Read more »

If you are looking for the Lost Lake Wilderness Lodge fishing trip report, it is now found here.

The Spring River is located in North Central Arkansas.  The river is 57 miles long and starts at Mammoth Spring, one of the world’s 10 largest springs and a National Natural Landmark.  Actually the river starts up in Missouri but really only becomes a serious fishery after Mammoth Springs. 

The Spring River has two main branches, proper and south fork.  Spring River Proper is spring fed making its northern section cold and very clear.  It also remains canoe floatable in the summer when many other Arkansas creeks and rivers are quite low.  The south fork of the river is a mild and warm water stream.

Spring River Fish Species

• Walleye
• Rainbow Trout
• Brown Trout
• Brook Trout
• Cutthroat Trout
• Largemouth Bass
• Smallmouth Bass
• Rock Bass
• Flathead Catfish
• Channel Catfish
• Redear Sunfish
• Tiger Muskie

According to Arkansas.com smallmouth and seasonal walleye are available. 

In addition to brown trout fishing and rainbow trout fishing, the Spring River offers high-quality smallmouth bass fishing and seasonal walleye fishing. These two species are scattered in the river from Myatt Creek to well below Hardy.

Walleye in Spring River Lake average in the 3 to 5 pound range but can get as big as 12 pounds.

Mammoth Springs to Many Islands Camp is regarded as the best trout fishing as it is stocked.  I understand that this is not Arkansas’ best lunker stream but it is a good numbers fishery.  The AG&FC’s Spring River State Fish Hatchery is situated on an island directly below Dam 3. Annually it produces 500,000 trout  that weigh around 385,000 pounds.

In 1989, tiger muskies (a hybrid of muskellunge and northern pike) were stocked into Spring River Lake.  Flooding allowed some muskies to get further downstream in the river. An Arkansas state record tiger muskie weighing 23 lb 12 oz was caught in 1995.  

Spring River Fishing Areas and Patterns

According to OMW…

The 2.5 mile stretch from Mammoth Spring to Dam 3 (an old hydropower structure) contains ideal fly fishing water in a large riffle area that can be reached from AG&FC’s Lasseter Access Area. In that section of the river you may catch rainbows, browns, cutthroats, or brooks. Spring River Lake extends about a mile above Dam 3. This 55-acre lake has a maximum depth of about 25 feet. The river channel averages about 12 feet deep. The shoreline is characterized by beds of emergent vegetation, dense stands of Brazilian elodea (a rooted aquatic macrophyte), steep dirt banks, riprap banks, backwater sloughs, silty flats, and lawns. All the species mentioned above are presently caught in the lake.

Ozark Connections adds…

The stretch of river from Mammoth Spring to Dam No. 3 is best waded and fished afoot except for the deep portion of the river near the dam. The first mile or two is an ideal flyfishing stretch. The heart of the Spring’s trout waters lies in the three-mile stretch below the dam. This portion of the river, which is difficult to fish from the bank, holds some of the larger trout. One to three-pounders are fairly common in the shoals and pools down to Many Islands, but the flow of water from Myatt Creek a few miles further on increases the water temperature to such a degree that very few trout are found in the river below.

The best fishing spots for trout are immediately below the falls where the falling water hits, creating a frothing white mass. Back under the ledges is where the rainbows lie, waiting to nip out and grab food coming over the falls. The most deadly method is to stand on the lip of the falls and let lure or bait drift over the lip with the current. Strikes are lightning fast and hard to feel in the churning water.

Riverside Resorts recommends…

Fly Fishing is one way of taking trout. A 4 wt. Or 6 wt. 8′ - 9′ Rod, Sink Tip Line and Short Leaders are the order of the day here. Nymphs, Wooly Buggers, and Clouser Minnows fished cross current or down stream produce large numbers of quality fish.

Spring River Float Conditions

This is a popular river to canoe.  Southwest Paddler describes the conditions…

The Spring River is more than enough whitewater fun for most paddlers. It offers rapids and falls that challenge your skills without being “skullcrushers”. The river is very scenic and offers a ride that is both quasi-wild and mild, wet and dry, fast and faster and which leaves time for photographs, so stop occasionally and take some. Just make sure your camera is stored in a safe, padded, dry container to protect it from the bumps and possibly submersion in case you take an unscheduled swim at one of the falls. If you are a fisherman who enjoys running whitewater, then the Spring River is right up your alley, with 2-3 pound rainbow and brown trout abundant. After mastering the Spring River you are ready to try the Saline or the Cossatot for an even greater thrill ride.

Arkansas.com adds more detail…

The first half of this section begins at the base of Dam #3, a former hydropower structure located south of Mammoth Spring. To get to the launching area, take Arkansas 342 (west off U.S. 63) for slightly less than a mile. Floaters of this nine-mile portion can look forward to numerous rapids, and even a couple of small waterfalls (both of which should be portaged in high water). The take-out point is Many Islands Camp, a private development located between Hardy and Mammoth Spring, and about two-and-one-half miles west of U.S. 63 (directional signs are present).

The second half of the Spring River’s upper portion begins at Many Islands and concludes about eight miles downstream at Hardy Beach, a public park below the U.S. 62-167 bridge on the stream’s southwest (right) bank. Like the previous section, this one also features rapids and waterfalls although they’re not as frequent. One especially noteworthy spot is High Falls, a six-foot waterfall which looks considerably taller than that from a canoe going over its brink.

The Spring River remains “floatable” for another thirty or so miles below Williford. While this section is seldom visited by canoeists because of the long, slow pools, folks strictly interested in a quiet fishing trip might find it ideal.

Spring River Access Points

Arkansas.com provides the following access points…

The Spring River is one of Arkansas’s more accessible streams, with U.S. Highway 63 paralleling much of its length. Major public access points include: Cold Springs and Dam #3 (both reached off U.S. 63 between Hardy and Mammoth Spring), Bayou Access (off Arkansas 289 on the river’s west side), Hardy Beach, the Williford Launch Area (off Arkansas 58), two entry/take-out points at Ravenden (one south of town on a county road; the other to the east at U.S. 63), and a final launch site at Imboden (at U.S. 62 crossing). In addition, access can also be obtained at several private developments along the river.

Spring River Guide Service

Berry Brothers Guide Service - White, Norfork, and Little Red River fly fishing guides, Berry Brothers Guide Service, specializes in fly fishing for trophy Brown, Rainbow, Cuttthroat, and Brook Trout on our crystal clear mountain streams in the heart of the Arkansas Ozarks. Our guides John Berry and Lori Sloas provide a high level of service to a discriminating clientele.

Canoe Outfitters

3 Rivers Outfitters - Take a trip by canoe, kayak or raft and experience the scenic Spring River while floating through the lazy pools or challenging your skills on the rapids. Come explore the beautiful Ozark streams and fish for Trout, Walleye and Bass

Mammoth Spring Canoe Rental  - Offering canoe and kayak rentals

Many Islands Camp & Canoe Rental - The place for your outdoor adventures on Spring River

Riverside Resort - Our facilities are located on the banks of the Spring River and offer recreational activities for the whole family. The perfect place for Outdoor Fun! Riverside Resort is where the last four State Record Tiger Muskie were caught, and a number of large Walleyes have been landed just below the mouth of Big Creek. This Creek is home to “Spotted Bass” Small Mouth and lots of Bream.

Southfork Resort - Southfork Resort is known as “The Family Place”. We strive to provide a family friendly atmosphere for  you to enjoy.  We are located on the Southfork of the Spring river. We offer the best of all worlds to our customers. We have the class 1 and 2 rapids of the Southfork for our families and fishermen, we also provide the exhilarating class 2 and 3 rapids of the Spring River. All of this while providing some of the best best Smallmouth fishing in all of Arkansas.

Spring River Valley Camp & Canoe - Come visit Spring River Valley on the Beautiful Spring River!

Spring River Lodging

Bed & Breakfast

Biggers Bed & Breakfast - Biggers Bed and Breakfast in Hardy Arkansas is beautiful B&B overlooking the Spring River. Our luxury Ozark bed and breakfast is just above Historic Old Hardy Town with all of its shops, antique stores and more. Our guest rooms are perfect for couples seeking a quiet, romantic getaway. We offer luxury accommodations, magnificent views plus a pool and outdoor spa overlooking the Spring River.

Olde Stone House Bed & Breakfast Inn - Offering luxury lodging in the heart of Old Hardy Town, Hardy, Arkansas. On the National Historic Register, serving the public as a Bed and Breakfast Inn since 1992.

Cabins & Campgrounds

3 Rivers Outfitters - Our campground is located on the banks of the beautiful Spring River in Old Hardy Town. All sites have water and electricity and access to the bathhouse. A sanitary station is also available. The store carries basic camping and floating supplies, and the campground is open March through October.  Cabins are also available.

Mammoth Spring Canoe Rental - Offering camping and cabins

Many Islands Camp & Canoe Rental - The place for your outdoor adventures on Spring River

Riverside Resort - Our facilities are located on the banks of the Spring River and offer recreational activities for the whole family. The perfect place for Outdoor Fun! Riverside Resort is where the last four State Record Tiger Muskie were caught, and a number of large Walleyes have been landed just below the mouth of Big Creek. This Creek is home to “Spotted Bass” Small Mouth and lots of Bream.

Southfork Resort - Southfork Resort is known as “The Family Place”. We strive to provide a family friendly atmosphere for  you to enjoy.  We are located on the Southfork of the Spring river. We offer the best of all worlds to our customers. We have the class 1 and 2 rapids of the Southfork for our families and fishermen, we also provide the exhilarating class 2 and 3 rapids of the Spring River. All of this while providing some of the best best Smallmouth fishing in all of Arkansas.

Spring River Valley Camp & Canoe - Come visit Spring River Valley on the Beautiful Spring River

Motel

Hardy Springs River Lodge - Hardys Spring River Lodge is a  locally owned and managed motel. Offering the perfect spot to get away from it all, for a day, a weekend or longer! For antique & craft shopping, rainbow trout fishing, canoe, kayak, raft floating or picnicking, Hardy, Arkansas offers all of this and so much more.  It has an indoor heated pool.

Vacation Home Rental

Cherokee Village House Rental - This home is nestled high on a bluff above the South Fork of the Spring River. This home provides spectacular year round views. It is considered one of the most desirable areas in the Village. This home offers almost a 180 degree view of the mountains and the valley below. This home is also considered river front as the lot descends all the way from top of the bluff down to the rivers edge below.

Ozark Mountain Vacation Paradise - This lovely, fully-appointed townhouse lies in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, in the resort community of Cherokee Village, Arkansas.

Spring River Climate

Wildernet provides information on the climate on their Spring River information page.

Arkansas has a temperate climate with the coldest temperatures near freezing during December, January and February. Daytime highs for these months usually reach 55 degrees F. Spring and fall temperatures are very mild with lows dipping to 44 degrees F and highs reaching 70 degrees F. July and August are the hottest months of the year with average temperatures reaching 90 degrees F. June and September average temperatures usually reach into the mid-eighties. Spring and winter months are the wettest of the year.

Spring River NonFishing Attractions

From what I’ve found so far, you would have a hard time pulling me off the water but there are some other things to do in the area.  Ozark Connections suggests…

One attraction that should not be missed is Mammoth Spring State Park. In addition to viewing one of the largest springs in the county , visitors can hike, picnic, or even examine an exhibit of train memorabilia.

Next door to the park is the Mammoth Spring National Fish Hatchery, the nation’s leading producer of smallmouth bass (and also a source for largemouth and striped bass, walleye, channel catfish, and redband trout). Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the hatchery, and also view one of the nicest public aquariums in the region.

Another place worth a closer inspection is Hardy, one of those towns which has managed to retain a good deal of its original character. Attractive old buildings are still in place, with many of them housing shops featuring antiques or local arts and crafts.

Mammoth Spring National Fish Hatchery offers a lot to see.  They have a huge 3,600-gallon, 10-tank public aquarium highlighting both native fish and reptiles, as well as species raised on the hatchery.  The hatchery has several exhibits explaining the Service mission and hatchery activities.  You can also observe  the day-to-day operations of the hatchery.

That’s what I found for Spring River, Arkansas. This information has been provided to help you plan a Spring River fishing trip.  I have made my best effort to be as accurate as possible about the information provided but cannot guarantee its accuracy.  If you have anything to add for a fishing trip to Spring River, please feel free to comment.  Also if you have taken a fishing trip to Spring River and would like to write a report, let me know.

 This post is now available at Penn’s Outdoors.

Fool Hollow Lake is near the town of Show Low, Arizona and is fed by Show Low Creek.  It is a relatively small at 149 acres and has an averge depth of 23 feet.   Not a big lake but the lake holds some nice fish.  Because of the size of the lake, Fishing Traveler encourages all anglers to practice selective harvest when visiting the lake.

This lake has an 10 horsepower motor limit.

Fool Hollow Lake Fish Species

• Walleye
• Rainbow Trout
• Brown Trout
• Black Crappie
• Largemouth Bass
• Smallmout Bass
• Channel Catfish
• Bluegill
• Sunfish

Fool Hollow Lake Fishing Patterns

I didn’t find many articles on this lake but found one on fishing patterns for the lake by Gregg Munck at Probass Networks.  He really likes the lake for big largemouth and smallmouth bass.  He also wrote a similar article for Bass on Hook, which inlcudes walleye fishing information. 

Fool Hollow Lake Lodging

Fool Hollow Lake Bed & Breakfast - Enjoy a well-deserved retreat in this refreshing naturalistic setting in Show Low, Arizona overlooking Fool Hollow Lake and Recreation Area.  It is near the Show Low Country Club and Golf Course.  Close to central Show Low with restaurants, shops, rodeo grounds and a two-screen cinema showing first run films.  Thunder Raceway is home to thrilling auto races and concerts under the stars.

Inside Outside Southwest talks about the greeting athat you will get at Fool Hollow Lake Bed & Breakfast as well as how your stay will go.

The approach to the Fool Hollow Lake Bed & Breakfast will make you wonder if you’ve been duped, like someone on a snipe hunt. Is there really a B&B out here? But soon enough your headlights will shine upon a simple wooden sign in the tall grass that says plainly “Bed & Breakfast.” Turn right at the sign and left up the drive, then just follow your nose. Doris Tyler will have made some brownies or chocolate chip cookies for your arrival, and her husband Ross will be right there to shake your hand on your way in. There are three rooms available: the Patriotic Room (they’re red-blooded Americans), the Lakeview Suite and the Courtyard Suite. The Courtyard Suite is the most secluded and has its own deck, kitchen and private entrance. The Tylers cook up a breakfast so good it’ll put your own mother to shame — a perfect way to kick off your day’s adventure.

I found these cool looking cabins all within about 10 minutes from Fool Hollow Lake, Cabin #1, Cabin #2, and Cabin #3.

Camping is available through the Fool Hollow Lake Recreational Area.  This is a popular camping site.  Facilities include RV hookup sites, campsites, playground, electricity, water, showers, restrooms, and 2 boat launches.  You can reach the park office at 928-537-3680.  The park gets very good reviews at RV Park Reviews.  Here is one of the reviews but there are several more at the site to give you a good idea of what to expect.

Many shady sites with lots of room, some sites accomodate two rigs. Concrete pads, mostly level with plenty of space between sites. Exceptional for a state park. Lakeside walking paths. Area abounds with waterfowl. Fishing appears to good though we don’t fish. Maximum 10hp motors allowed on boats. Each loop has friendly hosts and Rangers are on site. We were told that the park is very crowded during summer months. Elevation of 6500′ makes this ideal for the Phoenix/Tucson folks. Perfect place for laid back shoulder season travel. We travel with 3 dogs and they loved the place.

Fool Hollow Lake Climate

Wildernet describes the climate…

The climate of Arizona varies greatly with elevation. Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area has an elevation of approximately 6,300 ft. and therefore experiences much more mild summer temperatures than the lower elevations. Expect afternoon thunderstorms, especially in July and August. Daytime high temperatures can exceed 90 degrees. Be prepared for snow and cold winter temperatures at higher elevations and dress in layers for your travels in this state of varying climates.

That’s what I found for Fool Hollow Lake, Arizona. This information has been provided to help you plan a Fool Hollow Lake fishing trip.  I have made my best effort to be as accurate as possible about the information provided but cannot guarantee its accuracy.  If you have anything to add for a fishing trip to Fool Hollow Lake, please feel free to comment.  Also if you have taken a fishing trip to Fool Hollow Lake and would like to write a report, let me know.

Winefred Lake is a large lake in north-eastern Alberta, Canada. It is located in a remote area between Cold Lake and Fort McMurray.  The lake has approximately 31,000 surface acres.  The Winefred Lake Indian Reserve is located on the most northerly shoreline. The lake’s main inflows are the Grist and Sand rivers and the main outflow is the Winefred River, which flows into the Christina River and then to the Athabasca River.  The closest town Conklin is almost 45 miles away.  So if you want to get away, this is the place.  Read more »

The world famous Naknek River is located in the Bristol Bay Region of southwest Alaska. Naknek River is a 35 mile long (56-km) river. It flows westward from Naknek Lake, draining it into the Kvichak Bay arm of Bristol Bay. The Naknek River is a big river with big fish.  As a testament to the fishing that is available, the nearby town of King Salmon almost triples in size during the salmon runs.  Over 30,000 visitors year come through the towns of Naknek and King Salmon on the way to the Naknek River as well as other area hot spots. Read more »

I am fortunate as my fishing trips have never included a bear encounter.  I realize that some would say I am unfortunate as these magnificient creatures can certainly add a memorable experience to a fishing trip.  This is ok as long as that excitement never puts you in danger.  Those who travel to Alaska perhaps know the most about fishing with bears.

Bill Hodges in his fishing trip report in Alaska at the Naknek River discusses the dangerous moments that can come along with fishing in bear country.

After the mile walk back to the Brooks Lodge and lunch from the cache, we went lake fishing. Mike explored the banks of the river and Jim and I waded to a sandy island about 100 yards from the pontoon bridge and the first viewing stand. After awhile, we heard quite a commotion. A large mama bear and her cub were perched in the middle of the bridge, looking for a salmon to leap on. The crowd of tourists was therefore cut off from the lodge, and the dozen or so floatplanes waiting to take them back.

Two things happened in rapid order. First, the mama bear stood up and stared right at Jim and me…a long stare, like “why fret the salmon when there’s food on that thar’ island over there”. She then jumped in the water and started our way! We didn’t exactly start to panic, but we were planning our options pretty quickly, and decided there really weren’t any. She’d cut us off before wading back to the lodge, or drive us across a rapid into the bush…a nice little killing ground. Believe me, the cameras and VCR’s in that crowd in the stands were trained on our expressions.

Just as we thought it was time to make a move, we heard the crowd yell to the other end of the bridge. “Go back! Go back! Don’t get on the bridge.” They were yelling at young Master Mike Spurlock emerging from the already bear-infested bush at the river’s edge, about to get on the bridge. Just as he realized what was going on, the baby bear wandered into the bush, and mama took off after him, removing the threat. Whew!

That said, bear attacks are exremely rare and should not stop you from taking fishing trips to places like Alaska.  You should use basic ommon sense and do some reading on how to prevent bear encounters before going.  Here is some excellent information put out by Alaska Department of Fish and Game that applies to any fishing trip where there are bears.

Wherever there are good fishing spots, there are likely to be bears. The same characteristics that make a place attractive to anglers make it attractive to bears. That can lead to conflict if anglers are unwilling to exercise some common sense and make an effort to avoid unnecessary problems. 

You can reduce the risk of running into bears by not fishing in salmon spawning areas or in areas where bear tracks are abundant.  Avoid camping along salmon streams and bear trails. Instead, fish in the main channel and, if possible, fish from a boat or island. Camp well away from bear trails or places where bears have been  congregating.

Fish during the heat of the day when bears are least active. If a bear approaches, stop fishing. If you have a fish on your line, either give it slack or cut the line. Do not let the fish splash on the end of your line. A bear will quickly make the connection and you’ll lose the fish anyway. Not to mention the dangerous behavior the bear will learn.

Once you catch a fish, keep it in the water, preferably away from the bank, until you are ready to leave. If time and conditions allow, keep the fish intact and clean it when you get home. If you do clean fish on the scene, clean them in moving water away from your campsite.  Toss heads and viscera into the fastest current. Where cleaning tables and/or dumpsters are available, use them. Keep cleaned fish in a bear-proof container. Ice chests and coolers are not bear-proof. Nor are aircraft. Bears have been known to tear into aircraft to get food.

Likewise, store food, bait, garbage or pet food in bear-proof containers, a locked vehicle, an elevated cache or a dwelling—not in tents, on stream banks or in coolers.
Change out of clothes that have fish and/or bait smells on them before sleeping in your tent. Those smelly clothes belong in a bear-proof container, not being used as a pillow.

Never provide any bear with any food.  Never try to reclaim a fish from a bear.  Never approach a bear. Never throw rocks at a bear. Never run from a bear.

For more information on how to travel and live in bear country (most of Alaska), pick up a copy of the brochure “Bear Facts” at most ADF&G, State Parks and National Park Service offices.

Alaska law allows a person to kill a bear in defense of life or property, provided the person did not create an attractive nuisance that tempted the bear. In other words, if a bear is attracted to your camp or fishing spot by improperly stored fish, food bait or garbage, you are the one at fault. And even though the bear may very well be a threat, you may be prosecuted for shooting it—because you were the one who attracted it there. The salmon you just caught is not considered your property for purposes of this law, so you may not shoot a bear simply because it is stealing your fish.

The bottom line is this: fisherman are present at their own risk. With a little effort and common sense, they can share Alaska’s abundant salmon resources with
the bears, who depend on the same resources.

Lake Guntersville is a popular fishing trip destination located in north Alabama. Lake Guntersville is located in north Alabama, starting up near Chattanooga, Tennessee, passing through Scottsboro, and ending at the dam, just a few miles from Guntersville, Alabama. The lake was created in 1938 when the Tennessee Valley Authority dammed the Tennessee River. The lake contains 69,100 acres of water, 75 miles long and more than 900 miles of shoreline.  Lake Guntersville is Alabama’s largest lake. Trails.com describes the history of this fishing trip destination…