Finally adrift again...

With a half-ass drought starting to take hold of the Ozarks over the past month or so, float trips have been non-existent. All of our smallie creeks are so low that even floating with a canoe or kayak is questionable. Our tailwaters have reduced generation to a minimum, releasing just enough to keep water temps somewhat in check. With no rain in the extended forecast, getting the skiff out on the water and getting some time on the sticks was looking pretty bleak...

After a couple of weeks of doing the M-F daily grind of being a responsible adult, I'd had enough and needed to go put some hooks in a few fishy faces. On friday afternoon, I pulled up the website of those who I'd like to kick in the face to check the weekend generation schedule for our local tailwater, the Lower Illinois River. The schedule wasnt exactly ideal (typical) but on sunday afternoon we had a window of water that would allow us to float.

On sunday morning, I made the normal round of phone calls to the crew to get a day trip set up. Luckily, DonnyB was on-board for an afternoon float to chase some trout and stripers. With the thermo reading a nice 102, I hooked up the Clacka and pointed the truck for Gore, Oklahoma where I would meet DonnyB. We made the necessary shuttle drop off at the take out and then headed for Tenkiller Dam to launch the boat. As expected, the looks we got in the parking lot at the dam was pure comedy as you dont see too many drift boats around Oklahoma. I got on the sticks first and pointed the boat downstream for our 6-mile float.

This was the 1st time we had floated the LIR and I must say, it was pretty sweet. At 1800-2000 cfs, it really transforms into an awesome tailwater as far as how the river is laid out. Reminded me of the Norfork tailwater in Arkanasas as far as its size and character. Lots of good water to fish from the boat as well as a few islands and nice shoals to get out and wade fish if you like. It was sweet to see such a cool river to float that is so close to home. Sadly, as far as the fishing goes, it was very.....so so? We didnt expect the fishing to be lights out by any means so we were happy with what we got. We put a handful of rainbows in the boat in the upper section while sticking a baby striper and a small largemouth on the streamer stick in the lower section. Nothing to exciting but enough to make the float worthwhile...

Until next time, keep chasing the dream...