February 17, 2014
Flow: 102
Water Temp: 38-42
Never give up, never surrender!
Today I was able to get out on a trip I’ve been looking forward to since the Fly Fishing Show. While we were there helping our chapter of Trout Unlimited sell raffle tickets (Great Package; go to http://www.chapter509tu.org/raffle.html for details) a handsome young man unsolicited asked me “Are you Ben?” We had a nice chat ending in a deposit for a trip.
When I ask folks what their fly angling proficiency is I usually hear one of two answers, zero or great. It was surprising to hear a humble response and an eagerness to learn.
I got to the Nature Center 30 minutes early and was able to enjoy the quiet flow of the water off the deck and savor a few cups of coffee. Then Mike and Mark pull up and it’s go time.
I thought the water was a little off color as I lamented off the deck but the reality didn’t sink in until we had worked up to Albert’s Hole. River Improvements being done reached the stretch below the Valco parking lot and they hit something big sending chocolate water downstream.
We worked back down and had lunch on the deck. With conditions as they were we caravanned up to the dam and found gin clear water and anglers everywhere. But karma stepped in and as we came up to survey a weir anglers were packing up leaving us open water. If karma is consistently a negative connatation you must not be living right.
It’s a tough road when you have a pair this eager, taking instruction, picking up techniques and the trout don’t cooperate. We changed strategy and tried again.
Never give up, never surrender! We may have run a little long but the picture and friends I made today make it worth it.
Thanks for a great day.
Tight lines,
Ben

February 7, 2014

Flow: 70

Water Temp: 37-35

We got a lot of last minute preparations done for the Frostbite Fish-Off. Thank you letters are done and we have a lot of great gear for Saturday’s raffle and awards celebration. For the first time since we put on this soiree it looks like we’re apt to earn our name frostbite. With that I would like to ask all of our volunteers and teams to dress warm and above all please be safe.

We received an update on prizes for the top anglers Saturday.

Top team wins two Scott 9’ 5wt Radians and Costa Copper 580G Glass eyewear.

Silver and bronze also receive Costa Copper 580G Glasses.

Big Fish:  An Echo 10.5 foot 4wt switch rod and a Brodin net.

For TU raffle/auction:  MFC Fly Boxes and tools, Loon accessories, Brodin net, 3 Buffs

Thanks to Comb Enterprises for the great donations.

I’m excited to see the results and showcase the Arkansas tailwater and have a great time with some of the country’s best anglers.

New improvements in the upper section are already holding trout.

Saturday 36 anglers are vying for big trout against bitter cold in clear water with unpredictable wind.

In the end I hope all have a great time, score big and take home the goods.

Tight lines,

Ben