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The Buffalo River
Wilderness
With Dally’s Ozark Fly Fisher
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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 pro-fessionally guided fishing tour of the Buffalo River’s lower 25 miles, wind-ing through the isolated and road-less 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 commis-sary service will ensure you enjoy fine
meals and a comfortable camping experi-ence. 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.
THE BUFFALO FOUR NIGHTS, THREE DAYS
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:
THERE IS NO RUSHING A RIVER.
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Buffalo river cor-
ridor is a visual experience in itself - thickly forested hills, tower-ing 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 dart-ers 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 reward-ing.
The Buffalo River is considered by many to be the best small-mouth 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.
THE BUFFALO A FLY FISHER’S DREAM
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THE BUFFALO THE FISH
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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 Fish-
er at 8.30am, with your fishing gear. You can pick
up extra leaders, flies and other gear you may
need here.
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 riv-
er, 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 revela-
tion. 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, re-
mote. 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 Com-
missar 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.
THE BUFFALO THE ITINERARY
Wednesday
DAY THREE
Monday Evening
DAY ONE
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.
Tuesday
DAY TWO
Thursday
DAY FOUR
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Buffalo River is
a very special place by virtue
of its remoteness and ab-
sence 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 med-
ical insurance.
The Buffalo River is a wild free-running riv-
er and we float at the blessing of weather
and water flows. We have alternative sec-
tions to run but major rain events can blow
out the rivers. We have picked the best
time for these floats but anything is possi-
ble
We suggest you take travel insurance to en-
sure you are not out of pocket for flights,
deposit and other expenses, in case of
flood or drought.
• 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.
THE BUFFALO THE FACTS Essentials
CHECKLIST
PRICING
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• Minimum is a 3-day Arkansas fish-
ing 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, Char-
treuse; Blue; Black. Size 4 for smallmouth, size
* & 10 for panfish.
• Hat, sungloves, sunscreen and polarized sun-
glasses.
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 dry-
ing.
• 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.
• 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.
Essentials
FISHING THE BUFFALO
THE CHECKLIST
Essentials
CLOTHING
Essentials
THE EXTRAS
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you need to
know.
Will there be cell phone Cov-
erage: 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 satel-
lite 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 biode-
gradable 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 liq-
uor 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 fish-
ing gear bag, and one camping duffel for the commissary boat.
We strongly suggest both bags are waterproof and have name-
tags
F. A. Q.
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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
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
TYPICAL MENU ITEMS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
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All Photos this page by Tosh Brown
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All Images this page by Tosh Brown
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Ozark Fly
Fisher is offering four dates for 2018 for our Buffalo River Camp-
ing Floats.
• MAY 14-15-16-17-18
• MAY 21-22-23-24
• JUNE 18-19-20-21-22
• JUNE 25-26-27-28-29 (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 non-
refundable inside the last 6 weeks.
A minimum of 5 booked
seatrs on each trip is re-
quired. We reserve the
right to change, amal-
gamate or cancel the
floats at any time due to
safety, fishing conditions or guest numbers.
We strongly suggest customers seek appropriate travel insur-
ance coverage as weather conditions beyond our control can
force last minute alterations/cancellations.
Travel insurance will ensure you are not out of pocket for your
deposit, flights and other expenses, in case of flood or drought.
DATES FOR 2018