Buffalo River State Park

[bassman34]

Hey guys, I'm not sure if I should post this in here or in the Red River forum but here goes. Has anybody camped out in the Buffalo River State Park? I was thinking of taking my 5 year old boy out there to maybe fish a little bit and throw the tent up for a night. Is the fishing any good in there? What can you catch and how can you catch them? I'm a catch and release guy for the most part. Are there nice spots to put up a tent? Any info. and/or suggestions are very appreciated.

[Cicada]

I've camped there twice. We didn't fish, though. In fact, I didn't see anyoe fishing either time. Nice little park. Lots of trails to walk around and explore. Cool looking swimming area. Good spots for tents; they leave enough room so you don't feel crowded.

[bassman34]

Thanks Cicada!! You said you didn't fish, but did you notice if there were any spots along the shore of the river where a guy could throw out a line? It sounds like the park is pretty nice. I know my stepson would have a blast walking on the trails and exploring. He's a very curious little man and I'm looking forward to introducing him to the outdoors. Thanks again for the info!!

[DEADhead]

you can fish the buffalo river, though there is probably better fishing during the spring when the water is cooler and the fish more active around the spawn. Definitely some nice spots to fish along the bank, be careful though, some of the banks are undercut and/or have deep cuts (over 6 ft deep). Also beware of the poison ivy. It is everywhere.

[bassman34]

Thanks Deadhead. Are there spots inside the Park where a guy can fish the river? Or where are there spots where a guy could fish that trespassing wouldn't be involved? I'm new to the river fishing and I guess just don't know where to start. I'm not all that familiar with the area either. Just moved to the area a few years ago from a little south of Fergus. I don't want to be asking for anybody's secret spots or anything, just a little advice and/or something to point me in the right direction.

[eyehunter]

I think you can fish just about anywhere you want inside the park. The only time you would have tresspassing issues is if you were to leave the park and enter some private land or something. I have fished the river right behind the swimming area before. Walleys in there. I only live about 5 miles from the park. It's a nice little park and nice and close too if you are just thinking about a 1 night stay or something.

[bassman34]

Thank you eyehunter!! I'm looking forward to checking it out. And you're right, it isn't too far away as I live in South Moorhead. I work in DL so I drive by it every day also. Does anyone know how the fishing might be this spring as far as how much impact the flooding had?

[Skitterpop]

I was just there on Saturday and the river is back in its banks but some of the shoreline areas were pretty mucky. Quite a bit of sand was deposited out of the channel and up onto the floodplain. The water was movin pretty fast too. I suggest finding any spot where the water pools and swirls back up stream. Eddy environment. I can't imagine the fish are wanting to fight that current! Obviously the outside curve on the meanders will have a deeper hole. When I was a kid i would catch a lot of rock bass just below the dam (when the dam was still there).

[Paul]

I always see people fishing the buffaloe river and know personally it holds some decent walleyes and pike. Have several 6+ pounders out of there over the years and one over 9lbs. IF you do go camping I strongly recomend you take a hike towards the nature center also. THere is a ton of wildlife there and a cool bird feeding station is also very active there.