The Buffalo River Wilderness. With Dally s Ozark Fly Fisher

Transcription

1 The Buffalo River Wilderness With Dally s Ozark Fly Fisher 1

2 Dally s Ozark Fly Fisher for three days of pure fun; floating and fishing 25 miles of the most pristine smallmouth water in the Ozarks: the lower Buffalo River. Established as a National Park and our first National River in 1972, the Buffalo is undeniably one of the Ozarks and the US most treasured natural resources. We are excited to offer a 3 day professionally guided fishing tour of the Buffalo River s lower 25 miles, winding through the isolated and roadless Lower Buffalo Wilderness. This is a rare opportunity for the fly fisher to experience the Ozark wilderness: tall limestone bluffs, green valleys, birdsong, and the unhurried pace of the river. Our guides will float you safely down the river and show you the best water and techniques all from the stable and spacious platform of a drift boat, while our commissary service will ensure you enjoy fine THE BUFFALO FOUR NIGHTS, THREE DAYS meals and a comfortable camping experience. A campfire under the stars, a misty river with your morning coffee set to the soundtrack of the River through a riffle This is not your average fishing trip, this is a chance to enjoy Arkansas most beloved river the way it s meant to be enjoyed in comfort and in no hurry. THERE IS NO RUSHING A RIVER. When you go there, you go at the pace of the water and that pace ties you into a flow that is older than life on this planet. Acceptance of that pace, even for a day, changes us, reminds us of other rhythms beyond the sound of our own heartbeats. -- Jeff Rennicke, River Days: 2

3 THE BUFFALO A FLY FISHER S DREAM Buffalo river corridor is a visual experience in itself - thickly forested hills, towering limestone bluffs, and an abundance of wildlife will surround you all day. Deer, turkey, bald eagles, great blue herons, kingfishers, river otters, mink, and giant softshell turtles are all commonly sighted, just to name a few. You will retire every night in a well appointed camp on river-made gravel bars, to the sounds of the natural Ozarks. If you can peel your eyes away from the paradise above the river s surface, and look down into the deep, clear, boulder-strewn pools beneath you, the diversity of fish life in the Buffalo River will astound you. The river supports over 66 species of fish, from tiny, colorful darters to giant spotted gar 3 to 4 feet in length. Of special interest to the fly fisherman of course is the smallmouth bass, a beautiful, acrobatic, hard-fighter that can be both challenging and rewarding. The Buffalo River is considered by many to be the best smallmouth stream in the state, but other species that should not be ignored. Largemouth bass, carp, many kinds of colorful and aggressive panfish, and our very own Ozark bass, which lives only in the Buffalo and other tributaries of the White River drainage. 3

4 THE BUFFALO THE FISH 4

5 Enjoy an early breakfast courtesy of Rim Shoals Resort. The Commissar will carry your bedding and extra clothing to the camp from Rim Shoals. Meet up with your guides at Dally s Ozark Fly Fisher at 8.30am, with your fishing gear. You can pick up extra leaders, flies and other gear you may need here. DAY ONE Monday Evening ARRIVE at Rim Shoals Resort to meet your guides for a 5.30 pm briefing. You will also get to meet your fishing companions for the next few days. Here is your opportunity for a last minute run through of your gear, and get a heads up on what your guides expect from weather and river conditions over the trip. Choose a restaurant in Mountain Home, or cook your dinner in the riverside cabin. DAY TWO Tuesday THE BUFFALO THE ITINERARY We then take the picturesque 45 minute drive to the Buffalo River in convoy. Under the terms of our license we cannot carry passengers to the river, so we suggest you travel together in convoy. A vehicle shuttle is included in your fee. By late morning you will be fishing your way down stream to our first riverside campsite. The carefully selected campsites will be a revelation. A cold beverage and hors oeuvres will be waiting, with a glowing fire and the smell of dinner in the air. The dual occupancy tents, with comfortable cots, will be awaiting. Now you can truly shed the cares of civilization. WAKE with the birds, and enjoy the cool mountain air and the absence of a morning rush. You can fish if you like while the camp gets moving, the waft of bacon and coffee in the air. It is going to be a special day, wild, unhurried, remote. Your camp awaits, with another spectacular meal, but until then we fish and float. We arise relaxed, breaking camp at our normal pace. Your camp gear will be taken by the Commissar back to your cabin at Rim Shoals. We get to float down to the confluence of the Buffalo and the White River. You might catch a trout today as well. By late afternoon we will be running back to Rim Shoals, where there are showers awaiting at your cabin. DAY THREE Wednesday DAY FOUR Thursday 5

6 Buffalo River is a very special place by virtue of its remoteness and absence of facilities. But this in itself brings its own challenges. We strongly recommend that this trip be undertaken by those in good health and with a reasonable level of fitness. Since air evacuation is the most likely form of assistance in a medical emergency we suggest an appropriate form of travel medical insurance. The Buffalo River is a wild free-running river and we float at the blessing of weather and water flows. We have alternative sections to run but major rain events can blow out the rivers. We have picked the best time for these floats but anything is possible We suggest you take travel insurance to ensure you are not out of pocket for flights, THE BUFFALO THE FACTS deposit and other expenses, in case of flood or drought. 6 Your essential daily medicines. If you have severe allergy issues make sure you carry your Epi-Pin or other emergency medicines in your fishing bag, not your camp bag. Sunscreen & bug repellant Polarised sunglasses $2000 per head 4 nights accommodation, 3 days guided fishing. 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners, soft drinks and water. Alcohol & gratuities not included 50% deposit to book non-refundable in the last 6 weeks. CHECKLIST Essentials PRICING

7 Minimum is a 3-day Arkansas fishing license and trout stamp. The trout stamp is essential for the last day of the trip. Buy these online or in the shop. Rods: 6wt or 7wt 9 with floating and sinking lines. 9 2x and 3x leaders. Tippet 2x & 3x Optional light rod ( 1 wt thru 3wt) with floating line for panfish. Waterproof fishing gear bag with room for equipment needed during the float. We have a one bag limit for the drift boats. Flies: Hada s CreekCrawler (Olive & Tan); Hada s Craft Fur Clouser (Tan & Brown); Boogle Bug Poppers (White, Yellow, Chartreuse; Blue; Black. Size 4 for smallmouth, size * & 10 for panfish. Hat, sungloves, sunscreen and polarized sunglasses. FISHING Essentials THE BUFFALO May is a gorgeous month with average daytime highs in the 80s and lows over night in the low 50s. Water temps should be in the low 60s. Bring clothing to layer for the conditions. Long sleeve fishing shirts and pants, quick drying. Waders and rain jacket. Wading boots, wading shoes or sturdy sandals are best to fish in. Pea gravel is common while wading. No flip flops for fishing. Guard Socks are excellent for wet wading. THE CHECKLIST CLOTHING Essentials Warm Jacket. No Down! Thermal underwear/fleece. Use the supplied sleeping bag and/ or pillow or bring your own. If you bring your own sleeping gear let us know and label these with your name. These will be carried by the Commissar and put in your tent daily. Alcohol is not included in the fees. You are welcome to bring your own preferences. But there is a strict rule against glass containers. Cell phones, and similar devices will have very limited service if any. Satellite phones can be rented. Insect repellant. Camera; spare batteries and memory cards. Headlamp or flashlight and spare batteries Book. THE EXTRAS Essentials 7

8 F. A. Q. you need to know. Will there be cell phone Coverage: Cell coverage is spotty or non-existent once we turn South on Hwy 14 at Yellville on the first day, until we climb out of the White River valley on the final day. Your guides will carry a satellite phone for emergency communications. Why do I need a Trout stamp? To ensure you are legal to fish the trout waters on the final day of the float. I have a severe allergy to food or bug bites? You will be asked for details in our client questionnaire so we can assess the risks. Most food allergies can be catered to in our menus with advance notice. However it is mandatory that those with allergies have their medication/epi-pin with them at all times. What are the toilet arrangements? The Buffalo Wilderness we are floating through has no facilities, and operates under a Leave No Trace philosophy. At camp we will have a screened camp toilet with seating. Guides will also carry a shovel and paper while floating for client use. Will there be showers? Shower facilities aren t available in the Wilderness. If you wish to bath/swim in the river bring swimming attire and biodegradable soap. What if I break a rod or run out of flies/tippet? Our guides will be carrying appropriate fly outfits you may use at no charge. They will also be carrying loaded fly boxes with appropriate patterns, and tippet and leaders for your use. What are the sleeping arrangements? Awaiting you at camp on the end of each day will be a modern tent, dual occupancy, with a comfortable cot, sleeping bag & pillow and your personal gear bag. Bring your own sleeping bag and pillow or use ours (see the questionnaire). Can I bring beer, wine or liquor for the evenings? Yes. We can supply a dedicated cooler to chill beer or wine, and carry your liquor in the commissary boat. Be aware we cannot carry any glass containers, only cans or plastic. How many bags can I bring? Due to limited space in the drift boats and with our commissary service we have a limit of 1 fishing gear bag, and one camping duffel for the commissary boat. We strongly suggest both bags are waterproof and have nametags 8

9 Tuesday Breakfast Assorted Danishes Egg Quiche Coffee Juice Box lunch Artisan cold cut Sandwiches Kettle Chips Seasonal Fruit Homemade Desserts Soft Drinks, Water Dinner Rib Eye Steak Loaded Baked Potato Grilled Fresh Corn on the Cob Fresh Salad Garlic Rolls Homemade cobbler Tea, Lemonade, Coffee TYPICAL MENU ITEMS SUBJECT TO CHANGE Wednesday Breakfast French Toast Thick Sliced Bacon Scrambled Eggs Fruit Juice / Coffee Box Lunch Fresh Chicken Salad Sandwich Tomato, Red Onion Pasta Salad/Potato Salad Homemade Brownies Soft Drinks, Water Wednesday Dinner Pan Fried Chicken Mashed Potatoes & Gravy Fried Green Beans Rolls Homemade Dessert Tea, Lemonade, Coffee Thursday, Breakfast Breakfast Burritos Fruit Salad Home Fries Juice Coffee Box lunch Artisan Chicken Wraps Kettle Chips Seasonal Fruit Homemade Desserts 9

10 All Photos this page by Tosh Brown 10

11 All Images this page by Tosh Brown 11

12 DATES FOR 2018 A minimum of 5 booked seatrs on each trip is required. We reserve the right to change, amalgamate or cancel the floats at any time due to safety, fishing conditions or guest numbers. Ozark Fly We strongly suggest customers seek appropriate travel insurance coverage as weather conditions beyond our control can Fisher is offering four dates for 2018 for our Buffalo River Camping Floats. force last minute alterations/cancellations. MAY MAY Travel insurance will ensure you are not out of pocket for your deposit, flights and other expenses, in case of flood or drought. JUNE JUNE (FULLY BOOKED) The first date on each trip is when guests need to check in to Rim Shoals Resort; the last date is checkout. The middle 3 days are the fishing days when you will be on the river and out of contact. 50% deposit required to book your trip. Deposit is nonrefundable inside the last 6 weeks. 12