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Post by Texastroutfisher on Aug 1, 2020 9:03:01 GMT -6
With the new regs and parking fees being implemented, has anyone noticed them being followed, enforced etc? I have seen a few posts on other social media sites showing areas of the river with trash all over the banks, fisherman having to find other areas to fish because the amount of swimmers and floaters in the river. I get its a public park but why wouldn't the state regulate where these type of activities can occur in the park? Maybe make the spill way down to 40ft hole fishing only? That still provides plenty of river for swimming and floating that isn't as fish-able.
Also, does anyone know if the stocking levels will be maintained at past levels given that the limits have been cut in half? Anyway, I hope everyone is staying well, and managing through this time good. Looking forward to October so we can get back on the river. Tightlines Everyone!
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Post by Texastroutfisher on Aug 2, 2020 10:13:28 GMT -6
Wow, just saw some more. People tubing down the rock pile run and bouncing off fisherman already in the stream. I knew it was bad in the summer but this is unbelievable! I suppose it’s like anything else right now. More people going to open spaces because of the pandemic. Can’t wait for the fall and winter for this stuff to cease.
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Post by huntnfish2much on Aug 2, 2020 11:39:18 GMT -6
Wow, just saw some more. People tubing down the rock pile run and bouncing off fisherman already in the stream. I knew it was bad in the summer but this is unbelievable! I suppose it’s like anything else right now. More people going to open spaces because of the pandemic. Can’t wait for the fall and winter for this stuff to cease. Oh, for the ‘Good old Days’ at Beavers Bend!! I just need to stay away from there until the cold winter months. Enforcement hasn’t been exactly what I would call great or even good.... from what I’m hearing... My focus has been more on working around the house nowadays, but I’ll always have a special place in my heart for what Beavers Bend used to be. JR
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Post by FlyAndStream on Aug 2, 2020 20:43:28 GMT -6
My past few visits have included people regularly floating through my drift and yes bouncing off or flat out running into you as you wade fish in the rock pile, EH, and the bluffs.
Though I don’t like it, I’m not sure there is anything for the park rangers to enforce, other than unpaid parking or littering. I mean, they’re not doing anything against the law or current park rules even.
Better off to find a secluded spot on the river and just enjoy what you can while waiting for the summer crowds to die down.
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Post by turfdawg on Aug 2, 2020 20:56:32 GMT -6
My past few visits have included people regularly floating through my drift and yes bouncing off or flat out running into you as you wade fish in the rock pile, EH, and the bluffs. Though I don’t like it, I’m not sure there is anything for the park rangers to enforce, other than unpaid parking or littering. I mean, they’re not doing anything against the law or current park rules even. Better off to find a secluded spot on the river and just enjoy what you can while waiting for the summer crowds to die down. Hey Aaron are you paying online or how is this working right now? $75 per year?
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Post by FlyAndStream on Aug 2, 2020 21:26:08 GMT -6
Through the premium parking phone app. $75 annually for up to three vehicles, I think it may be a few dollars cheaper if you're a resident of Oklahoma.
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Post by Fenwick on Aug 3, 2020 20:22:10 GMT -6
As FlyAndStream surmised there are no McCurtain county laws, rules, policies or procedures on the books regarding the observed conduct one would think are actual infractions. The assorted LEO's there can direct people to the swim beach area, warn of the dangers of swimming anywhere else, mention the trash can locations, enforce the fish and game laws by checking for licenses and a count of fish in possession, barbs on hooks, engage folks about open containers where it is obvious that it is alcohol or those funny cigarettes since there ARE laws about that, etc. but without the desired rules or regulations one would otherwise think actually exist there isn't anything that can be done. Where's the signage the LMFR Foundation placed? Then there's the McCurtain County Chamber of Commerce and the promotion of tourism in the area. Won't it be bad press if folks leave the Park after receiving a fine or summons or being told by a uniform that they and their family members or children can't swim here, can't do that there, can't do this that or the other either while up there? Cabin rental owners, the business operators out on 259 and others will be in a rage at the next community meeting and the LEO's will be asked to find things to do elsewhere outside of the park and to leave alone all those nice people who spend money for a good time at Beavers Bend. Those folks just want to have a little fun is all and McCurtain County is darn pleased to have them come visit. Don't need a uniform to dampen the festivities now do we? No harm, no foul, just look the other way. And so it goes.
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Post by FlyAndStream on Aug 4, 2020 7:34:59 GMT -6
With the change in park leadership came all kinds of changes within the park. Signs were taken down, new parking areas were made, picnic tables set up at waters edge, and the creating of a large beach area in the most scenic area of the park, the bluffs. They have added no kayaking signs to spillway creek, though. Also, the fishing regulation zones have all been slated for change, no more red zone, and everyone knows it. The state park rangers enforce state laws on state property, without an emphasis on county ordinances, and I’ve asked multiple times and the answers I’ve received are that the state park rangers don’t enforce fish and game regs. I’ve fished the park once a week for the past 3 years and have never seen a game warden present, other than at the restaurant.
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Post by jonbo on Aug 5, 2020 11:51:29 GMT -6
Hey Aaron, how's the river been fishing for you. I've gone a couple of times, mainly to mid-Spillway. I've caught just a few out of the deepest eddies and plunge-pockets, all on little wooly buggers (Near Deere) or Pat's Rubberlegs. No caddis or mayfly nymphs have done me any good.
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Post by jonbo on Aug 5, 2020 11:57:09 GMT -6
Oh, yeah, I wanted just the Evening Hole and Upper Spillway made "Red", or even just Upper Spillway. That didn't go anywhere. But no, I've never seen any kind of enforcement in the Park, unless you want to include the time Jeff got yelled at for Magick. I don't mind the new Bluffs area being made a play area. It's suited for that, IMO. I'd even make it no fishing to create a sanctuary area for the fish.
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Post by FlyAndStream on Aug 5, 2020 17:17:41 GMT -6
It’s been ok, I think. Navigating the swimmer and floaters is another thing though. I have noticed the fish in the high pressured spots being more fickle in what they’re willing to eat, but once you crack the code it’s steady.
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Post by glitchmo on Aug 6, 2020 11:02:12 GMT -6
What are the temps at say, evening hole, these days?
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Post by FlyAndStream on Aug 6, 2020 11:55:32 GMT -6
Last week the rock pile and evening hole were 67-68° when I checked mid afternoon. I just took a measurement today down at the islands in Z2 and it was 73° at noon 😣
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Post by glitchmo on Aug 6, 2020 12:05:14 GMT -6
Oof.
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Post by schrederman on Aug 21, 2020 12:25:34 GMT -6
I swore off going in the warm months after screwing up and getting there on Friday that began Spring Break... what a zoo... But I have been back a coupe of times in warm months. Each time I say never again... Sadly sometimes in winter there are those that know no etiquette and will wade right into your drift zone. But there's usually just one or two per trip. I don't believe it will ever change back but at least we can be thankful that we had it good for a while. I just wish I had known about it from the first. My first knowledge of the LMF was about 10 years ago. But as long as I'm able to go in the winter... I will... 8^)
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