Lower Mtn Fork, Other than Trout

[fishhead990]

I am somewhat unfamiliar with the Lower Mtn Fork but hoping to become more acquainted in the very near future. I am wondering if there is the opportunity to catch other species than trout, maybe lower down from the state park. Can anyone shed some light on that?
I am also interested to know if there are kayak fishing opportunities in the Mountain Fork Park area around the dam, Presbyterian Falls or any other locations.

[dainw]

Hi fishhead,

There are certainly other species of fish that live in the river, from dam all the way down to Presbyterian falls. Walleye, sand bass, largemouth, smallmouth, stripers, sunfish, goggleeye, crappie, drum, catfish, and even the occasional pickeral. There are certainly times of the year where you can target these species and if you really know the river well and the behavior of the fish your targeting you can probably have some pretty good luck pretty close to the dam even. Keep in mind though that most of these species are warm water species that are in the river because they came in from the lake above. Being a tailwater, the water is going to be colder than most of these fish like it or more scientifically, too cold for their metabolism to function at an optimum level that would promote feeding. Depending on what you’re targeting, you’re more than likely going to do better either fishing the river above the lake, or the lake itself. Upper river has a nice run of sandies and walleye in the spring and holds spots and smallies year round (warmer months are better for bass). If you are intent on fishing below the dam, the further you get down from the dam itself the better opportunity you have to catch something besides trout. The area you mentioned, Presbyterian falls is pretty well known as a good bass spot. Several outfitters run trips starting in zone III or will shuttle you with your own boat.

Hope this helps.

[golferjeff]

Zone III from the re-reg dam all the way to the highway is summer smallmouth territory. Great kayaking or tubing water too. Above the lake is a chance to catch any number of species and some great PFD water.

[fishhead990]

dainw, golferjeff,
Thanks for the replies. Sounds like below the lake is trout water for the most part until below the re-regulation dam. I'll keep that in mind and also take a look at the river above.
Much appreciated!

[breeden3]

Dain is correct except for the stripers. There aren't any striped bass in the LMF!

[troutbum54]

You’ll have to head to the other “year round” cold water trout fishery for that! Nothing the stripes love more then a delectable rainbow trout with a side a freshly stocked fingerling browns.

[jonbo]

Huh? A man I know here in Nashville, AR, was originally from Eagletown, OK, just down the road from Broken Bow. I was admiring the big striper he has wall-mounted. He told me he caught it on the LMF. He said he and his friends used to fish high water from boats for stripers. This was downstream some, I think.

[FlyAndStream]

I saw quite a few folks catching decent sized Hybrids (striped bass / white bass) this summer, mostly around the Fly Shop bridge, but also in places like 40' hole. I had one smack my streamer like it owed him money before finally LDR – they're pretty distinguishable.

Anyways, here were a couple pics I saw floating around at the time of said catches (early August).

[Fenwick]

And now we know why Ty Farling's report mentions that many of our stream born trout don't seem to survive past the first year. They are gobbled up.