Summer Wet Wade for Ozark Smallies on Shoal Creek | Southwest Missouri

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My son and I took a 60-mile journey north from our home in northwest Arkansas to Tipton Ford Public Access, located just 12 miles south of Joplin, Missouri. We avoided the interstate as much as possible, opting for back roads to fully enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way.

Tipton Ford Access, which was purchased by the Missouri Department of Conservation in 1978, offers over 90 acres of Ozark forest and grasslands to explore, along with access to Shoal Creek. The creek is home to smallmouth bass and other fish, with its rocky areas, vegetation beds, and root wads providing ideal habitats.

This was my second adventure on Shoal Creek, and our plan was to explore downstream from the access point. However, upon arrival, we noticed several kayaks launching, so we decided to head upstream to avoid the crowd. We covered almost a mile before turning back, thoroughly enjoying our time together on this beautiful creek.

The pristine streams of the Ozarks are home to the native Ozark Smallmouth bass, a species with a slow growth rate that requires clean, clear waters to thrive. These remarkable fish can take up to 15 years to reach 20 inches in length, which is why we strongly advocate for catch-and-release practices to help preserve their population.

I encourage you to take the time to get out and explore and make some memories, no matter where you are. Please reach out with any questions you might have I'm always happy to help.

Tipton Ford Public Access Point
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZPPAUTkkqdrju...

Flies, Streamers, Bugs
-Roo's Deceiver (Chartreuse) Sz 1/0 by Hoot’s Custom Flies

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Attention: When visiting, please remember your responsibilities as an ethical angler. We work hard to provide details on public access points and share with our subscribers. Please obey and respect all posted signs. In addition, please help us keep these areas open to the public by picking up trash to help keep our water clean and safe for you and others.

#flyfishing #smallmouth #ozarks #catchreleaserepeat