Info on Fisher's Ford

[PatrickE]

I was wondering if the current level is a level that might be good for play. I believe the level is 4.09. I will be traveling about 200 miles one way to make this trip, so any input on how this wave is at this level would be very appreciated. Thanks, Patrick

[paddledog]

Yes, it is a playable level.
Don't expect much but it is the best we have in NWA.
There is basically one surfable wave with a strong current to do ends in.
Smaller waves to the right and left.
You can make a run out of it by going down to Hwy. 59.
There is an outfitter there that will run shuttle and you can camp there.
But be sure to wear yourself out on the play wave as there is nothing
down stream except pools with current.
We are getting a small contribution this morning,
however it won't show up there for 18 - 24 hrs.

[Ryan Viser]

I was in Fayetteville and went out there w. some friends today. First time I've been there this year, where did all that gravel come from? A large part of where I remember their being a pool has been filled in by gravel.

[paddledog]

It comes and goes with each flood.
Right now it is kinda nice because it pushes the wave river left.

[Ryan Viser]

So, is that gravel bar considered an extension of the landowners property? When we were leaving, a man by the name of Steve showed up and was less than friendly saying we had no right to have our boats up on the shore. We were only up there a few times to dump boats, rest, or get some footage. Never heard of anyone being given a hard time there. Anyone else experience this?

[paddledog]

Some one else asked me about this, all I can say is the story is long.
Of course every story has two sides, but here is my side. It starts about 15 years ago.

Steve owns the left side of the river, the bridge was functional and there was a willow tree that hung out over the play wave.
Although no one I know saw it happen, it was said some paddlers from Tulsa were paddling one day and decided the play would be improved if the tree was removed. So they cut down the willow. There is still a stump under the gravel bar that shows if the gravel recedes far enough. Up until this time, paddling was minimal and tolerated. As you can understand the attitude soured.

When Steve leased the land on the river right side of the river, he incorrectly assumed he had the right to all of the land and the river itself. Steve carries a copy of an old 1920's state statue that gives the owner of land the right to regulate conditions on an UN-NAVIGABLE river way. However, in the late 50's the definition of navigable was changed from commercially usable to usable by any craft. This opened a lot of rivers and creeks to new regulations.

I believe the current regulations give him the right to regulate everything from the high water mark up. However, be advised Steve is usually carrying a fire arm (within his rights). And my grandfather taught me the the man with the gun is always right. In the late 90's we tried to make a deal with him that we could use the gravel bar until he or any of his family came down, then we would vacate and give them room. He doesn't seem to remember this.

In Steve's defense he has always stated that he would be open to letting anyone use the spot if they would just call him or come by his house and let him know. I have known several people that taken advantage of this and it seems to be correct. He will even let you drive right down to the wave. Of course this has become a bit more difficult now that the bridge has been condemned and blocked from vehicle traffic.

As a Fisher's Ford veteran these are the basics I adhere to:

The bridge gives us legal access to the river.
Park in an organized, considerate method. Four wheelers still use the bridge, and an outfitter from down river launches canoes on the east side of the bridge. Keep both open.
Use the gravel bar when you need it. Drain your boat, take a break or shoot some video from there.
Don't make the gravel bar look like a yardsale and take up all the space. If someone comes down from the pasture, make space. Use the downstream end of the gravel bar when you can.
Respect the locals and try to keep on good relations, we don't need to confront this issue.
You do not have the right to walk back up river in the pasture.
Walk back up on the river left side, in the water. It is shallow and a relatively flat bottom all the way back to the bridge.
Be courteous. How would you feel if the roles were reversed?

I am not a lawyer, and I don't play one on TV.
Take all this as advice not the law.

[PatrickE]

Thanks for the info, it was a long drive, but a good time was had. Thanks, Patrick