Outdoor writer and photographer Corbet Deary is featured regularly in The Sentinel-Record. Today, Deary writes about Dry Run Creek.
The options to fish for trout in the Ouachitas are limited. In fact, the tailwaters of our local dams are just about the only locations within a couple of hours where these cold-water loving species can thrive.
Rainbows are stocked at these locations by the thousands throughout the winter months, providing angling opportunities for those with a passion for coaxing rainbows into biting.
Although a few trout remain throughout the seasons, the truly action-packed outings soon dwindle after stocking practices cease near the winter season's end. Of course, their numbers decrease as a result of fishing pressure. But striped bass are opportunistic and also play a role in the decrease of numbers. They seem to have a sweet tooth for trout, and in turn, capitalize on waters that are bountiful with this food source. And I would suspect other large game fish are also likely to feed on rainbows, as well.
The environment changes as one moves north, into the Ozarks. The rivers and streams produce a habitat that is more suitable for trout to thrive and actually reproduce in many of these waters. In turn, a few of the rivers throughout the northern section of the state are world renowned for producing trophy-class trout and are capable of supporting various subspecies.
That in mind, those with a passion for trout fishing often gravitate toward the Ozarks with high hopes of experiencing success. And rest assured that those who are adept at trout fishing often come home with impressive, yet true, tales to share with their fellow anglers.
But trout are no different from any other species in the sense that they are not always easy to catch, especially those that have been around the block a few times and have grown wise to anglers.
It sometimes takes the most skilled and persistent of anglers to coax these guys into biting. In turn, those with my trout fishing skills are pretty much going through the motions in vain. And most youngsters pretty much stand just about as good of a chance as do I when it comes to enticing a trophy-class trout, that has grown wise in its years, into biting.
Folks like me, who have reached adulthood and still have not mastered trout fishing, have only ourselves to blame. But youngsters, on the other hand, simply have not participated in the sport long enough to acquire the needed experience. And they also differ in the sense that many of them have not yet become avid anglers. The amount of passion they will have for the sport is still to be determined. In turn, it is important that they get a taste of success early on, that will hopefully kindle a fire that will last a lifetime.
That in mind, I grew excited when I happened upon Dry Run Creek a few years back. Located adjacent to the Northfork Fish Hatchery, this short section of water is equally as much of a natural treasure as any of the streams and rivers cutting their way through the jagged substrate of the Ozarks, if not more so.
This small and natural waterway is fed by the nutrient-rich outflow of the fish hatchery. In turn, the habitat proves optimal for the trophy class rainbows, brown and cutthroat trout lurking in its waters.
Something else makes this what I would consider to be a premier destination in the nation. This three-quarter mile stretch of nutrient-rich water is designated with very specific groups of people in mind. These waters are only open to anglers younger than 16 years old or anyone who is mobility impaired.
I have visited this particular location a couple of times throughout the years and left the facility excited on both occasions. But I'll give a brief history of the facility prior to sharing a more in-depth description.
The idea of providing these waters to youngsters and the mobility impaired began in August 1989. With the assistance and generosity of many, the plan eventually grew into a project. And as a result of the persistence of all involved, construction was wrapped up and the section of creek and park was dedicated on Oct. 28, 1990.
I immediately noticed manpower that had been dedicated to this project upon our initial visit to the park, as impressive piers had been erected along a stretch of the creek's edge. These structures were easily accessible and proved a perfect location where those who were not physically capable of kicking up and down a creek-bank could wet a hook with little to no obstructions between them and the water's edge.
However, these piers are some distance from the nearby tailwaters of Northfork Dam, which causes the water levels to fluctuate. But those who bring a friend along who is willing to tread the water's edge and adept with a landing net can up their odds of landing a trophy a great deal more feasible.
There were several folks fishing from the piers during both visits, and it didn't take long to figure out why anticipation filled the air. One could actually see huge trout soaking in the cold, clear waters from the structures. And although many appeared less than cooperative, there were those that would suddenly bolt and attack an angler's presentation.
There were also sections of shoreline that remained natural and structure free. These waters were a great location where youngsters could get a good taste of the art of fly fishing. The canopy above the creek was thick, however, which also lent to a perfect opportunity for them to grow more adept at casting with greater precision.
These sections of water were equally as bountiful with trout, as they could be seen lurking in the pools and at the base of rapids. While watching the youngsters fish, I also realized how these waters are the perfect place for watching and learning the habits of various trout species. Even if they experienced no success during the visit to Dry Run Creek, they would certainly be more educated in other waters, which would likely prove advantageous during future outings.
Although fly fishing and trout go together like peanut butter and jelly, folks are also welcomed to use casting rods, as well. In fact, I watched several youngsters coax fish into biting with spin-cast and spinning rigs.
Although Dry Run Creek is designed to up the odds of success, specifically for those younger than 16 and the mobility impaired, these anglers, too, must follow special regulations to remain within the limits of the law.
Dry Run Creek has been specified as a catch and release area, and only artificial lures with a single hook are allowed. Special regulations also demand that all hooks must be barbless.
But to follow these special regulations is a small price to pay for an opportunity to wet one's hook in such bountiful waters. And with a little luck, the angler can bring home photos and memories that will kindle a passion for the sport of fishing that will remain throughout a lifetime.
Dry Run Creek is located about 18 miles south of Mountain Home at 1414 Highway 177.
Local on 09/18/2018