Going next month. What do I need to know? Taking the yaks. Bout 5 of us going. What is a must to bring and what can I leave at home? What should I use to catch me one of them big smallies? Any and all help is appreciated.

Take lots of crawfish imitation baits, baby bass or white colored super flukes, white or chartruse spinerbaits, and topwater plugs.

Being stealthy and throwing to any cover you can find is the key. Get the lure in front of the fish before they see you and it doesn't matter what you throw. The water is crystal clear and there is not alot of cover on the river. Cast to submerged timber, rocks, shade or overhanging trees, undercut banks, floating moss or lilly pads, and even rapids. When you catch a smallie others will chase it around trying to steal the bait, so if you are fishing with someone else have them cast toward the fighting fish and he will more than likly get one also.

What dates are you going? I'm planning on doing a trip in May as well.

Jake gave you some good info for fishing.

As far as the river is concerned:

-stay on the river
-wear sunblock. When I was down there last year I came across 5 terribly sunburned kayakers who were exhausted and begging for someone to take them off the river. They had planned to do the entire river but were lucky enough to find someone to get them and shuttle them out.
-bring a good camera. Water proof would be preferred.
-know where Dolan Falls is located
-bring snorkeling gear if you can


Right now that's all I can think of

RJ,

We are planning on going Memorial Day wknd. 2 of the guys that are going have made the trip before but they didnt do any fishing.

I would love to kayak that river. Kind of a long drive from DFW though

This is one trip I have been looking forward to, Ryan.

IMO,the Devils is your best shot in the State for a chance to CPR a trophy river smallie over 7 pounds.

Thats what I'm lookin' for on this trip.

Seen pics posted by other TFFrs of the the Devils River. Looks like a very nice place. What roads do you guys take to get there?

not to say there aren't big smallmouth's in the devils b/c there are and i've caught them. but after fishing that river last month i can say there are far more largemouth in there than smallmouth. probably caught 8 largemouth to 1 smallmouth.

If that is the case, than I would definately say the odds are better for big smallies being available.

so who is all going?

AHHHHHHHHHHHH! I love the Devils. I have been fortunate enough to make the trip 3 times. It will be the best river trip you will ever make and the fishing trip is pretty good too! Know your take outs, the river is all private property except for the portion of the State Park and Nature Conservacy. The days are long and tiring to make camp on time.There are no islands or sand bars to camp on. You will be fishing in an aquarium. Like someone, said have a rod ready when you catch one, they have hungry friends along side. It is not uncommon to catch two at once on topwaters. Make sure you don't trespass! I know someone who said they had permission to camp out on the bank and was harrassed by the Game Warden the next day. You think you are in the middle of nowhere, but people are watching! You will have a chance at a trophy smallmouth and some very nice largemouth too! E-mail me and I can show you some pics.

post pics here.

Dave, my visits back to TX are numbered and running out but this is one trip that I would love to somehow do. If you every dig up the plans to get people going and need another, let me know.

yeah I would love to make this trip. The only bad thing is that it's 7hours away! Have you ever been to the lower mountain fork in Oklahoma? I know I'll be going there within the next month or two.

I've fished Broken Bow from the banks for trout (downstream from the lake) but haven't thought of fishing from the kayak. I know Tarponfly guides on Broken Bow. If that is the most realistic river alternative, I'd be interested.