When do you go? When they are generating power or when they are not? I’ll be fishing with a spinning reel. Best bait and still of fishing? Really any info will help,

Not..You cant fish if too much water is moving. They have a minimum flow

check the app to get generation schedule before you go. It's harder during the week, but they don't generate much on the weekends. I't all but pointless to try when the generators are running. They stock on the third Thursday of the month, so it's generally good to go shortly after that, but there are always fish there. The last few years they've been stocking dinks in the winter and slightly larger in the spring/ summer months. years back you could count on catching 17"+ fish in the summer, but now you're lucky to get a 13-14" (I think they switched the hatchery that they were using) It's still a lot of fun and they're always good eating!

What’s the best bait? Worms with a spilt shot, corn or small spinners?

Corn whole kernel

This is the answer you seek. Red or white is best. Slipshot weight. 2-4lb flourocarbon leader. String 2 on a hook and let the point stick out just a little bit. It needs to be floating, up off the bottom, dont let it sink.

Take a small dip net. Those are some of the slickiest things I ever tried to pick up?

Coldest water I've ever felt even in august

Really good advice

I learned the hard way.

I don't have any idea if you've ever fished for trout before but a few pieces of basic knowledge before you go;

Use as light and as clear a line as you can. I use nothing bigger than 4lb.

Ultralight spinning reel if not fly fishing.

A 1/16 inline spinner is a good choice on a spinning reel.

Whole kernal corn from a can, salmon eggs and trout/crappie bites are effective on a tiny egg hook. I use a #10 or smaller hook and prefer whole kernel corn or real salmon eggs.

A simple and easy rig is a single small splitshot about a foot above the hook. That's all that's needed. A tiny float is optional but I don't think it really helps and may actually hurt your chances. Toss it out there in a hole and let it soak for a few minutes. If you can see your line, watch it closely. No bite in 5 or 10 minutes? It's either a slow day or you missed a fish.

I inserted my opinions and preferences in this post, so take them with a grain of salt. Good luck to you.

I fish the little red in Ar. Corn and marshmallows. 2lb leader.

We didn’t catch a single fish. 🤷🏻‍♂️

Went Saturday morning and had a blast. Took a bit to find them, and then key in on what exactly they wanted to bite best. But once we did, had a 2-man limit in less than an hour. There was a handful of folks around us that were not so successful…but they didn’t have any good intel from JW77 The man knows the trick to Sipsey trout!



And it was some mighty fine lunch fare!

Is there places to camp overnight close by? My kids want to camp and this looks like a cool idea.

Stoney lonesome is a few miles from there. I know people camp there but its really a offroad utv rock crawler park. There or somewhere on smith lake. You might also call riverside fly shop. They would know of a close place to camp if anyone would

Ok thanks. I went to call today but they are closed, so I will call tomorrow.

Called the fly shop today and talked to Randy. Super helpful and had answers to all my questions. Really a jam-up guy and I bet we talked for 20mins and he acted like I was a close friend he hasn't talked to in a while. A pleasant experience non the less. A little "pushy" on the guided trips they offer at the fly shop but we will see, either they are hard to catch or he is promoting their service I don't know.


Camping is available behind their shop for both campers and tent people like me. Overall sounds like a good experience, but I'll give an honest review on a separate post on this forum.

jwalker77 it appears that you are a local or have good experience fishing this area, if you want to reach out and pm me about techniques or tips feel free. Not looking for any secrets, just looking to learn the art and passing it on too my boys. Thanks in advance. I've sent you my phone number so check your pms.

Whitebone, the guy at the fly shop absolutely was trying to promote his business. But dont think too bad of him. I really doubt hes making a fortune. Probably just making a living. Ive never seen their place be very busy.

Jolly green giant corn is the best.