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November 12, 2009 - White River - Submitted by Berry
Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 11/12/2009
During the past week, we have had no rain events and unseasonably mild conditions. The lake levels on the White River system continue their rise although at a much slower rate. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam rose one and five tenths feet to rest at twenty four and six tenths of a foot above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is sixteen and four tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake fell one and one tenth of a foot to rest at one and eight tenths feet above power pool or fourteen and two tenths feet below the top of flood pool. The Corps of Engineers are aggressively drawing down Table Rock and dumping the water into Bull Shoals, which is rising steadily. Beaver Lake held steady at eight and five tenths feet above power pool or one and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had light but steady generation around the clock with slightly higher flows in the afternoon. There has been precious little wadable water. We did have a brief (two hour) window of no generation one afternoon. Norfork Lake rose six tenths of a foot to rest at eighteen and six tenths feet above power pool of 552.00 feet or nine and four tenths feet below the top of flood pool. There have been significant periods of no generation every day with moderate generation the rest of the day. This has created some great wading conditions. This is the lull before the storm. The lakes have accumulated a significant amount of water. The only thing preventing high levels of generation around the clock is flooding down stream. As soon as it clears, we will see a lot of high water.
Remember that there is a new size limit on Brown trout. All browns less than twenty four inches must be released immediately no matter where they are caught on the White and Norfork Rivers . Only one brown trout may be kept in the daily limit of five trout.
The fishing in the Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam closed on November 1, 2009 for the brown trout spawn. It will remain closed until January 31, 2010. The section from the bottom of this Catch and Release section downstream to the wing wall at the State Park is seasonal Catch and Release for the same time period.
The stretch from Cotter to Rim Shoals has fished well. The moderate flows we have received this past week have been perfect for drift fishing. The hot flies have been San Juan worms and Y2Ks. Two fly rigs ( San Juan worm and egg) have done particularly well in this area. Small mayfly nymphs like pheasant tails and copper johns and midge patterns (black zebra midges with silver wire and silver bead) have also been effective.
Rim Shoals has cooled down some but is still fishing well. The go to flies have been Y2Ks and cerise San Juan worms. If you encounter high water, Rim Shoals Trout Dock maintains a water taxi and will ferry you to wadable water for a nominal fee. Some of the more productive water that can be accessed includes the water around Jenkin’s Creek or along the island near the walk-in access.
Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River have cleared a bit. The water below Crooked Creek has cleared up but is still not fishing too well.
The Norfork River has continued to receive quite a bit of pressure due to round the clock generation on the White but has still fished well. Midge patterns have been the go to flies on the lower flows. The most productive patterns were black zebra midges with silver wire and silver beads, black Norfork midges and Dan’s turkey tail emergers. Other effective flies have been olive woolly buggers and soft hackles (partridge and orange soft hackles and green butts). On the higher flows hot fluorescent pink San Juan worms and orange egg patterns have been the most effective way to fish. There are some spawning rainbows in the Catch and Release section. You should avoid fishing for them to allow them to reproduce naturally. We could use some more wild rainbows. Also avoid walking through the redds (spawning beds). They will appear as light colored depressions in the gravel.
There has been some major work done at Quarry Park . The parking lot at the ramp has been resurfaced. This is a busy ramp and it is great to have it back in service.
Dry Run Creek has fished well this past week. There are some big browns that have begun moving up into the creek to spawn. The hot fly, as always, has been the sowbug. San Juan worms and Y2Ks have also accounted for some large fish. While you are there, take a few minutes to tour the adjacent National Fish hatchery. It is fascinating. Please be sure to remove your waders before you enter the hatchery to prevent the spread of aquatic diseases.
Remember that the White and Norfork Rivers are infected with didymo, an invasive alga. Be sure and thoroughly clean and dry your waders (especially the felt soles on wading boots) before using them in any other water. Many manufacturers are now making rubber soled wading boots that are easier to clean and are not as likely to harbor didymo.
November 11, 2009 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood
Lake Guide ServiceThe Overall Picture:
Navigation conditions in Little River are hazardous. Heavy current in Little River, with debris, and 4 Foot Drawdown in process. Use Extreme Caution during Navigation and at boat ramps.
As of Monday 09 November, Largemouth Bass are improved, due to falling lake level to near normal conditions. The schooling fish disappeared with the muddy water and current in Little River. Surface water temps are currently in the lower to mid 60's. Repeated cold fronts have dropped the water surface temps another few degrees within the last several weeks. Schooling bass were being caught in Little River several weeks ago at random intervals and various locations throughout the daylight hours, but are very random with the influx of muddy water and rapidly changing conditions and heavy current in Little River. Largemouth Bass ranging from 3-9 pounds are in typical fall patterns. Crankbaits, Rat-L-Traps, spinnerbaits, worms, and plastic frogs are the go to baits for Bass over the past several weeks.
Exercise extreme caution during running Little River during low light conditions as there are still numerous river buoy markers pushed out of place from river centerline, or missing, due to recent current and major pool fluctuations over the past 2 weeks. USACE began the four foot drawdown 13 July, and stumps are exposed along the river, during the drawdown pool elevation. This four foot drawdown will remain in effect until February 2010. Use caution near end of boat ramps due to sediment, gravel, and shallow pool levels. However, as of Monday, 09 November, the lake level is falling, and now only 7 inches above normal lake pool with heavy current in Little River.
Boat ramps at various locations are closed due to lake level during drawdown. Yarborough and Jack's Isle are still open. Other ramps around Millwood which have been shallow, are usable this week with the increase in lake pool from recent rains. River Run East and River Run West are all CLOSED this week due to high water. Use extreme caution due to shallow ramps and siltation / sedimentation and drop offs at the end of ramps, lake wide during the drawdown! Gravel has been added by the USACE, to the end of the ramps at Wilton (Hwy 71) and White Cliffs to assist loading and unloading boats and trailers.
As of Monday, 09 November, the lake level, is only 7 inches above normal, with heavy current in Little River. USACE made gate changes at the dam, to compensate, and is now falling to near normal. The 4 foot draw down still in effect and lake rise is being compensated at the dam's discharge accordingly. Main lake and Little River's water surface temps are currently ranging from approx 60ºF early, to 67ºF late, depending of course, on location and time of day. Lake level on Millwood as of Monday, 09 November is 259.82 feet. Normal consv. pool is 259.20 feet. We expect another gate change mid-week.
The Details:
Largemouth Bass: Over the past week, fish have began returning to a more normal fall pattern. The feeding activity of Bass has picked up somewhat, now that the lake is returning to near normal level. The best bite over the past few weeks began shifting to mid-day. However, recent schooling activity of Largemouth Bass has re-appeared at random in the back of Yarborough Lake and various other locations where clearer water can be located.
The best bite over the past 2 weeks was on smoke or holographic grubs rigged on white jig heads for schooling fish, along with topwater baits like Cordell Crazy Shads, Clear Baby Torpedoes, YUM Buzz Frogs, Bass Assassin Shad jerk baits and Pop-R's or Chug Bugs. For sub-surface schools, Rat-L-Traps, Cordell Big O or XCalibur Fat Free Shad Crank baits were best bets. Now that the lake level and reduced current has began returning to normal, surface temperatures stabilize, best bite is a reaction presentation with big bulky 10" worms, jigs and slow rolling bulky spinnerbaits and crankbaits.
The best Rat-L-Trap colors over the past couple weeks are Millwood Magic, Firetiger, or Red Shad. In the better clarity areas in the oxbows, Transparent and Holographic Blue Shad patterns were the best reaction Trap colors. These will continue working for a good reaction bite in the better water clarity areas of the oxbows as well as schooling bass. The Bass Assassin Shads, Johnson spoons, Heddon baby Moss Bosses and buzz baits in white, and Yum Buzz Frogs will work inside these vegetation areas where the fish are schooling in the lily pads or vegetation where the Traps or cranks can't be utilized.
Buzz bait bite is improving again with the settling out of all the sediment and improved water clarity upriver; and slow rolling spinner baits in White/ Chartreuse, Spot Remover, firetiger, or Hot Mouse colors are the best option, near grass and vegetation in the oxbows, in the clearest water areas available, typically in the oxbows away from the increased current of Little River. Soft plastic Bass Assassin Shads and Yum Buzz Frogs continue working randomly for Bass, around hydrilla, lily pad stems, and pondweed are working especially where you find new dollar pads and lily pads growing in close proximity. Best color for Yum Buzz Frogs are Pumpkin Pearl or Black.
Shallow to medium running depth crankbaits like the Cordell Big O, or Fat Free Shads in gray mouse, white, or citrus shad colors in clearer water, and Bandit cranks in brown back/orange belly and firetiger were taking some keeper size bass heavier stained water. 10" worms in Blue Fleck, Red Shad or Black colors, are all good colors in the heavier stained and muddy areas, by pitching or flipping stumps, cypress trees, and laydown tree trunks near deep water. Crankbaits are many times finding schools of larger bass before any surface activity is being observed. Magnum Tubes like the 3-4" Southern Pro Tubes and fire tiger spinner baits remain working in remaining flooded grass and stumps over the past week now that normal pool is returning and resulting in bass moving back to previously s. Best colors we have observed working for tubes and gitzits are pumpkinseed/chartreuse tail, smoke/black & red flake w/ chartreuse tails, or solid black with red flake (black neon).
Jig bite, continues to improve on cypress trees, knees, stumps and laydowns. Texas Craw, Black/blue, or Chartreuse-Pumpkin colors will take a few keeper bass in the 3-4 lb class. Keeper size bass, in the 3-7 pound class, have been caught over the past couple weeks on Texas rigged 10" worms and 8" lizards in June Bug, Black Moccasin, Peanut Butter & Jelly colors.
White Bass: Schooling White Bass disappeared with the increase in muddy water and current. They will return and improve over the next week to ten days.
Crappie: bite almost completely shut down with all the current, muddy water, and rapid pool fluctuations along Little River, over the past couple weeks. They will improve over the next week to ten days, now that the water has begun clearing.
Channel Cats: Channel Cats are loving the increase in current along Little River and biting extremely well with the increase in current, and are best on bulky earthworms, cut shad, chicken livers, or Charlie by either tight-lining, or on yo-yo's hung from cypress trees in the oxbows over 10-15' depths, and on trotlines in Little River current.
Mike
November 8, 2009 - Norfork - Submitted by 101 Grocery and Bait - by http://www.fishingwithsteve.com/
The lake came up 1.3ft. from last week to put the lake level at 570.5. The water temperature is still in the low to mid 60's. Nothing has changed from last week from the fishing patterns. They won't change till the water temp starts dropping. Look back in the creeks for some active fish. There is a lot of baitfish in the creeks suspended from 25-60ft deep. Drop a jigging spoon and there can be stripers, whites, bass and even a few walleye. Watch for surface activity. It's been a little sporadic this week. Also look in coves. The fish are moving a lot so you have to move and find them.
November 5, 2009 - White River - Submitted by Berry
Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 11/07/2009
During the past week, we have had a major rain event and very windy conditions. The lake levels on the White River system have all risen significantly. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam rose six and four tenths feet to rest at twenty three and one tenth of a foot above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is seventeen and nine tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake rose one foot to rest at two and nine tenths feet above power pool or thirteen and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. The Corps of Engineers are aggressively drawing down Table Rock and dumping the water into Bull Shoals, which is rising quickly. Beaver Lake rose two feet to rest at eight and five tenths feet above power pool or one and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had light but steady generation around the clock with slightly higher flows in the afternoon. There has been precious little wadable water. Norfork Lake rose six and two tenths feet to rest at eighteen feet above power pool of 552.00 feet or ten feet below the top of flood pool. There have been significant periods of no generation every day with moderate generation the rest of the day. This has created some great wading conditions. This is the lull before the storm. The lakes have accumulated a significant amount of water. The only thing preventing high levels of generation around the clock is flooding down stream. As soon as it clears, we will see a lot of high water.
Remember that there is a new size limit on Brown trout. All browns less than twenty four inches must be released immediately no matter where they are caught on the White and Norfork Rivers . Only one brown trout may be kept in the daily limit of five trout.
The fishing in the Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam closed on November 1, 2009 for the brown trout spawn. It will remain closed until January 31, 2010. The section from the bottom of this Catch and Release section downstream to the wing wall at the State Park is seasonal Catch and Release for the same time period.
When we receive large rain events, like we have lately, both rivers muddy up and do not fish well. The best strategy is to head up stream until you find clear water. The State Park below Bull Shoals Dam on the White and Quarry Park above Dry Run Creek on the Norfork are often your best bets when the water is unfishable elsewhere.
The stretch from Bull Shoals State Park to the Narrows has fished well. The moderate flows we have received this past week have been perfect for drift fishing. The hot flies have been San Juan worms and Y2Ks. Two fly rigs ( San Juan worm and egg) have done particularly well in this area. Small mayfly nymphs like pheasant tails and copper johns and midge patterns have also been effective.
Rim Shoals has been red hot for another week. The go to flies have been Y2Ks and cerise San Juan worms. On windy days try fishing grasshoppers. Use 4X tippet and large flies. Let the fly land with a splash and twitch it occasionally to imitate a struggling grasshopper. The best patterns have been Dave’s hoppers and Rainey’s hoppers. If you encounter high water, Rim Shoals Trout Dock maintains a water taxi and will ferry you to wadable water for a nominal fee.
Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are high and stained. The White River below them is still a bit off color..
The Norfork River has continued to receive quite a bit of pressure due to round the clock generation on the White but has still fished well. Midge patterns have been the go to flies on the lower flows. The most productive patterns were black zebra midges with silver wire and silver beads, black Norfork midges and Dan’s turkey tail emergers. Other effective flies have been olive woolly buggers and soft hackles (partridge and orange soft hackles and green butts). On the higher flows hot fluorescent pink San Juan worms and orange egg patterns have been the most effective way to fish. There are some spawning rainbows in the Catch and Release section. You should avoid fishing for them to allow them to reproduce naturally. We could use some more wild rainbows. Also avoid walking through the redds (spawning beds). They will appear as light colored depressions in the gravel.
Dry Run Creek has fished well this past week. There are some big browns that have begun moving up into the creek to spawn. The hot fly, as always, has been the sowbug. The most effective technique to use on Dry Run creek is to high stick nymphs under an indicator. There is precious little room to cast. Have the youngster you are fishing with set the hook quickly and fight the fish on the reel. Be sure and use at least 4X tippet to have a chance at landing some of the bigger fish. Carry the biggest net you can lay your hands on as most fish are lost at the net. Be patient. It takes a pretty good while to get the bigger trout to the net. Handle the fish carefully and return them to the water as quickly as possible. Don’t forget your camera.
Remember that the White and Norfork Rivers are infected with didymo, an invasive alga. Be sure and thoroughly clean and dry your waders (especially the felt soles on wading boots) before using them in any other water. Many manufacturers are now making rubber soled wading boots that are easier to clean and are not as likely to harbor didymo.
November 4, 2009 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood
Lake Guide Service
The Overall Picture:
Navigation conditions in Little River are hazardous. Heavy current in Little River, with debris, and 4 Foot Drawdown in process. Use Extreme Caution during Navigation and at boat ramps.
As of Monday 02 November, Largemouth Bass are fair and scattered, due to incoming rising, and muddy water, river current, rapidly changing, rising and falling conditions. The schooling fish disappeared with the muddy water and current in Little River. Surface water temps are currently in the lower to mid 60's. Repeated cold fronts have dropped the water surface temps another few degrees within the last several weeks. Schooling bass were being caught in Little River over last several weeks at random intervals and various locations throughout the daylight hours, but are very random with the influx of muddy water and rapidly changing conditions and current in Little River. Largemouth Bass ranging from 3-9 pounds are in typical fall patterns. Crankbaits, Rat-L-Traps, spinnerbaits, worms, and plastic frogs are the go to baits for Bass over the past several weeks.
Exercise extreme caution during running Little River during low light conditions as there are still numerous river buoy markers pushed out of place from river centerline, or missing, due to recent current and major pool fluctuations over the past 2 weeks. USACE began the four foot drawdown 13 July, and stumps are exposed along the river, during the drawdown pool elevation. This four foot drawdown will remain in effect until February 2010. Use caution near end of boat ramps due to sediment, gravel, and shallow pool levels. However, as of Monday, 02 November, the lake level, which was previously at full 4' drawdown pool, rose over 7 feet in just 5 days, and is currently 1.7 feet above normal lake pool with heavy current in Little River.
Boat ramps at various locations are closed due to lake level during drawdown. Yarborough and Jack's Isle are still open. Other ramps around Millwood which have been shallow, are usable this week with the increase in lake pool from recent rains. Wilton Landing on Hwy 71, White Cliffs, River Run East and River Run West are all CLOSED this week due to high water. Gravel has been added by the USACE, to the end of the ramp to assist loading and unloading boats and trailers. Use extreme caution due to shallow ramps and siltation / sedimentation and drop offs at the end of ramps, lake wide during the drawdown!
As of Monday, 02 November, the lake level, which was previously at full 4' drawdown pool, rose over 7 feet in just 3 days. USACE made gate changes at the dam, to compensate, and as of today, lake level is approx 1.7 feet above normal pool, and falling. The 4 foot draw down still in effect and lake rise is being compensated at the dam's discharge accordingly. Main lake and Little River's water surface temps are currently ranging from approx 60ºF early, to 67ºF late, depending of course, on location and time of day. Lake level on Millwood as of Monday, 02 November is 260.93 feet. Normal consv. pool is 259.20 feet. We expect another gate change mid-week due to continuing thunderstorms and flash flood warnings issued again this week.
As of Monday, the 4' drawdown is in process and discharge of 25,080 CFS is with 13 gates open at 4.5 feet each and 2 sluice gates open at 6 feet each. Main lake visibility worsened with all the thunderstorms and flash flooding, repeated again this past week, and clarity is approx 2-4" in high volume current and debris in Little River. The tailwater elevation was unavailable on Monday from the USACE. The oxbows clarity also worsened due to recent thunderstorms, and is approx 5-6", at best. High winds and / or thunder storms will have a dramatic impact and effect on Millwood Lake clarity merely in a matter of hours.
Boat ramp repair and improvements at the Millwood State Park are recently completed.
A drawdown of four feet on Millwood Lake, began July 13, 2009 until Feb. 9, 2010 to control unwanted aquatic vegetation and make scheduled repairs, according to the Corps of Engineers. The lake will be allowed to refill 2 feet above normal pool elevation to 261.2 feet, in February 2010, the 2-foot rise will last one month, and then the lake will be returned to normal pool.
During the 4' drawdown, boaters should exercise extreme caution because submerged stumps and shallow areas have begun to appear. Also, boaters should be cautious when launching because of damage or sediment buildup or drop-offs that may have occurred at the ends of the ramps. Boat ramp closures may occur during the drawdown. To volunteer for one of the cleanup dates or ramp and USACE park information, contact Brooke Kervin at the Millwood Tri-Lakes Project Office.
To receive updates, call the Corps’ toll-free information line at 888-697-9830.
The Details:
Largemouth Bass: Over the past week, cold fronts, continual rain, thunderstorms, and flash flooding continue passing through southern Arkansas have decreased surface temperatures and increased turbidity dramatically, lake-wide. The feeding activity of Bass has dropped and the bass are very scattered, having adopted a lethargic mood. The best bite over the past few weeks began shifting to mid-day. However, recent schooling activity of Largemouth Bass has re-appeared at random in the back of Yarborough Lake and various other locations where clearer water can be located.
The best bite over the past 2 weeks was on smoke or holographic grubs rigged on white jig heads for schooling fish, along with topwater baits like Cordell Crazy Shads, Clear Baby Torpedoes, YUM Buzz Frogs, Bass Assassin Shad jerk baits and Pop-R's or Chug Bugs. For sub-surface schools, Rat-L-Traps, Cordell Big O or XCalibur Fat Free Shad Crank baits were best bets. Until the lake clarity and reduced current returns to normal, over the next week to 10 days, and surface temperatures stabilize, best bite is a slow and methodical presentation with big bulky 10" worms, jigs and slow rolling bulky spinnerbaits.
The best Rat-L-Trap colors over the past couple weeks are Millwood Magic, Firetiger, or Red Shad. In the better clarity areas in the oxbows, Transparent and Holographic blue shad patterns were the best reaction Trap. These will continue working for a good reaction bite in the better water clarity areas of the oxbows as well as schooling bass. The Bass Assassin Shads, Johnson spoons, Heddon baby Moss Bosses and buzz baits in white, and Yum Buzz Frogs will work inside these vegetation areas where the fish are schooling in the lily pads or vegetation where the Traps or cranks can't be utilized.
Buzz bait bite died off w/ the muddy water; and slow rolling spinner baits in White/ Chartreuse, Spot Remover, firetiger, or Hot Mouse colors are the best option, near grass and vegetation in the oxbows, in the clearest water areas available, typically in the oxbows away from the increased current of Little River. Soft plastic Bass Assassin Shads and Yum Buzz Frogs continue working randomly for Bass, around hydrilla, lily pad stems, and pondweed are working especially where you find new dollar pads and lily pads growing in close proximity. Best color for Yum Buzz Frogs are Pumpkin Pearl or Black.
Shallow to medium running depth crankbaits like the Cordell Big O, or Fat Free Shads in gray mouse, white, or citrus shad colors in clearer water, and Bandit cranks in brown back/orange belly and firetiger were taking some keeper size bass heavier stained water. 10" worms in Blue Fleck, Red Shad or Black colors, are all good colors in the heavier stained and muddy areas, by pitching or flipping stumps, cypress trees, and laydown tree trunks near deep water. Crankbaits are many times finding schools of larger bass before any surface activity is being observed. Magnum Tubes like the 3-4" Southern Pro Tubes and fire tiger spinner baits are working in flooded grass over the past week with the rise of the lake's level back to and above normal pool, resulting in bass moving into these previously dry ground and grass fields. Best colors we have observed working for tubes and gitzits are pumpkinseed/chartreuse tail, smoke/black & red flake w/ chartreuse tails, or solid black with red flake (black neon).
Jig bite, continues to improve on cypress trees, knees, stumps and laydowns. Texas Craw, Black/blue, or Green Pumpkin / Chartreuse colors will take a few keeper bass in the 3-4 lb class. Keeper size bass, in the 3-7 pound class, have been caught over the past couple weeks on Texas rigged 10" worms and 8" lizards in June Bug, Black Moccasin, Peanut Butter & Jelly colors.
White Bass: Schooling White Bass disappeared with the increase in muddy water and current.
Crappie: bite almost completely shut down with all the current, muddy water, and rapid pool fluctuations along Little River, over the past couple weeks.
Channel Cats: Channel Cats are loving the increase in current along Little River and biting extremely well with the increase in current, and are best on bulky earthworms, cut shad, chicken livers, or Charlie by either tight-lining, or on yo-yo's hung from cypress trees in the oxbows over 10-15' depths, and on trotlines in Little River current.
Mike
November 22, 2009 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders
Fish Service - The water level is high and rising it is at 476.38 feet and the temp is middle to low 60’s and warming up some, and with the sun shine the bite is getting better as we speak.
The whites and hybrids are regrouping and the bite is on , just find the bait and if the sun is shining and the wind is blowing you can catch a lot of them, on humps and points as well as flats, on spoons and in-line spinners.
The bass fishing is good in the bushes on topwater baits, spinnerbaits , jigs and creature baits , also try floating rogues and redfins.
The crappie are in the brush and if you find them can catch them good on minnows or jigs.
The bream are in the bushes as well and biting crawlers , in the open parts of the bushes.
No-report on catfish.
No report on walleye but should start seeing some show up under the whites and hybrids , and out next to them, around the bait you will be able to tell the difference between them and the other fish on the graph and catch them on a spoon pretty well
Tommy Cauley
November 2, 2009 - Norfork - Submitted by 101 Grocery and Bait - by Tim Partin 101 Grocery and Bait.
11/02/09 Fishing Norfork Lake has been good for the most part here lately. The water level is around 569’ MSL and the surface temp. is in the low 60’s. This would be a great time to fish the shore line brush and with the in flow of water, the fish will move into the flowing water and new brush. There is some muddy water and some stained water and of course a lot of clear water. This is what makes fishing Lake Norfork so good…. variety. Bass fishing has been good, with Kentucky and Smallmouth bass being the most caught. Crappie fishing has been fair using minnows and small rubber baits with a very light jig and a slow presentation. Catfish are doing good using night crawlers and live bait. Walleye fishing has been slow. Striper fishing has been slow. White bass fishing has been fair. Most folks have been doing well using top water baits and any rubber baits, rigged wacky style, or add some weights and do it Carolina or Texas style. You should try some crank baits and stick baits as well. The fish are all over the lake from the deep to shallow water some are doing good using spoons in the deep water. Have Fun Go Fishin.
November 1, 2009 - Norfork - Submitted by 101 Grocery and Bait -by Steve Olomon of Steve's Guide Service. - http://www.fishingwithsteve.com/
The lake was on the rise again this week with the lake level at 569.2 up almost 7 feet from last week. The water temp is still in the low to mid 60's. There are fish in the flooded trees and brush along the banks. Mostly bass and throw a spinner bait,shallow running crank bait,swim a jig or a grub and try a soft jerk bait. There is a lot of baitfish up in there too. Check back in the creeks for a little top water action. Look in some coves for suspended fish down (30-50 feet) and drop a jigging spoon. You can catch whites,stripers,bass and maybe you might even pick up a walleye.
October 29, 2009 - White River - Submitted by Berry
Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 10/29/2009
During the past week, we have had a seemingly never ending succession of rain events and very windy conditions. The lake levels on the White River system have risen significantly. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam rose three feet to rest at sixteen and seven tenths of a foot above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is twenty four and three tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake fell one and nine tenths of a foot to rest at one and nine tenths feet above power pool or fourteen and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. The Corps of Engineers are aggressively drawing down Table Rock and dumping the water into Bull Shoals, which is rising quickly. Beaver Lake rose five tenths of a foot to rest at six and five tenths feet above power pool or three and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had light but steady generation around the clock with slightly higher flows in the afternoon. There has been precious little wadable water. Norfork Lake rose three and five tenths of a foot to rest at eleven and eight tenths feet above power pool of 552.00 feet or sixteen and two tenths feet below the top of flood pool. There have been significant periods of no generation every day with moderate generation the rest of the day. This has created some great wading conditions.
Remember that there is a new size limit on Brown trout. All browns less than twenty four inches must be released immediately no matter where they are caught on the White and Norfork Rivers . Only one brown trout may be kept in the daily limit of five trout.
The fishing in the Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam has been excellent. With the low level flows we had this week; it was difficult to navigate around all the new habitat structures recently installed by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and the Corps of Engineers. The hot flies have been brightly colored San Juan worms (cerise, hot fluorescent pink and red) and egg patterns (orange and peach). This section is scheduled to close on November 1, 2009 for the brown trout spawn. It will remain closed until January 31, 2010. The section from the bottom of this Catch and Release section downstream to the wing wall at the State park is seasonal Catch and Release for the same time period.
When we receive large rain events, like we have lately, both rivers muddy up and do not fish well. The best strategy is to head up stream until you find clear water. The Catch and Release Section below Bull Shoals Dam on the White and Quarry Park above Dry Run Creek on the Norfork are often your best bets when the water is unfishable elsewhere.
The stretch from Wildcat Shoals to Rim Shoals has fished well. The moderate flows we have received this past week have been perfect for drift fishing. The hot flies have been San Juan worms and Y2Ks. Small mayfly nymphs like pheasant tails and copper johns have also been effective.
Rim Shoals has been red hot for another week. The go to flies have been Y2Ks and cerise San Juan worms. In the afternoon, we have been getting some good baetis (small may flies) hatches. Most of the action was with nymphs. Flashback pheasant tails and copper Johns in size 14 have been very effective. There has been limited top water action particularly against the bank. Try size 20 or 22 parachute Adams dry flies. If you encounter high water, Rim Shoals Trout Dock maintains a water taxi and will ferry you to wadable water for a nominal fee.
Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are running high and muddy. The White River below them is very off color and not fishing well.
The Norfork River has continued to receive quite a bit of pressure due to round the clock generation on the White but has still fished well. Midge patterns have been the go to flies on the lower flows. The most productive patterns were black zebra midges with silver wire and silver beads, black Norfork midges and Dan’s turkey tail emergers. Other effective flies have been olive woolly buggers and soft hackles (partridge and orange soft hackles and green butts). On the higher flows hot fluorescent pink San Juan worms and orange egg patterns have been the most effective way to fish. There are some spawning rainbows in the Catch and Release section. You should avoid fishing for them to allow them to reproduce naturally. We could use some more wild rainbows. Also avoid walking through the redds (spawning beds). They will appear as light colored depressions in the gravel.
Dry Run Creek has fished well this past week. There are some big browns that have begun moving up into the creek to spawn. The hot fly, as always, has been the sowbug. During heavy rain events, Dry Run Creek can get off color like any other stream due to siltation from run-off. The key to success in conditions like this is to use brightly colored San Juan worms (red, fluorescent pink, and cerise) and brightly colored egg patterns (yellow, orange and red).
Remember that the White and Norfork Rivers are infected with didymo, an invasive alga. Be sure and thoroughly clean and dry your waders (especially the felt soles on wading boots) before using them in any other water. Many manufacturers are now making rubber soled wading boots that are easier to clean and are not as likely to harbor didymo. I have recently purchased a pair.
October 27, 2009 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders
Fish Service - The lake level is at 469.37 and rising it is 8.34 feet above normal pool and it looks like it will get to 10 feet over pool before it is over and the temp ranges from lower 60’s to mid 60’s.
The bass a lot of them are up in the bushes and in front of the bushes and can be caught with floating worms and top water baits , spinnerbaits traps and small crankbaits, some deeper fish can be caught with football heads, flipping the bushes and throwing a frog will catch you some good fish.
Crappie are being caught in the bushes as well close to deep water on jigs and minnows , and crappie lighnts.
No-report on catfish
Walleye are in the bushes as well and can be caught with jighead worms and crawlers, when you find them some are out deeper under the whites and hybrids and some just all by their self and can be caught best with spoons.
The bream have slowed some what but will still eat crawlers but are hard to find with all the water.
The hybrids and white bass are everywhere , scattered, scattered if we can ever get any sun the bite will return red hot over night , but we need some sun to get them grouped up good, fish can still be caught on spoons, spoons will shine this time of year until spring, you can also use in-line spinners , hair jigs and swimbaits as well .
Tommy Cauley
October 26, 2009 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood
Lake Guide Service
The Overall Picture:
Navigation conditions in Little River are hazardous. Heavy current in Little River, with debris, and 4 Foot Drawdown in process. Use Extreme Caution during Navigation and at boat ramps.
As of Monday 26 October, Largemouth Bass are fair and randomly scattered, due to incoming rising muddy water, river current, rapidly changing, rising and falling conditions. The schooling fish disappeared with the muddy water and current in Little River. Surface water temps are currently in the lower to mid 60's. Repeated cold fronts have dropped the water surface temps another few degrees within the last several weeks. Schooling bass were being caught in Little River over last several weeks at random intervals and various locations throughout the daylight hours, but are very random with the influx of muddy water and rapidly changing conditions and current in Little River. Largemouth Bass ranging from 3-9 pounds are in typical fall patterns. Crankbaits, Rat-L-Traps, spinnerbaits, worms, and plastic frogs are the go to baits for Bass over the past several weeks.
Exercise extreme caution during running Little River during low light conditions as there are still numerous river buoy markers pushed out of place from river centerline, or missing, due to recent current and major pool fluctuations over the past 2 weeks. USACE began the four foot drawdown 13 July, and stumps are exposed along the river, during the drawdown pool elevation. This four foot drawdown will remain in effect until February 2010. Use caution near end of boat ramps due to sediment, gravel, and shallow pool levels. However, as of Monday, 26 October, the lake level, which was previously at full 4' drawdown pool, rose over 7 feet in just 5 days to approximately 2 feet above normal lake pool with heavy current in Little River.
Boat ramps at various locations are closed due to lake level during drawdown. Yarborough and Jack's Isle are still open. Other ramps around Millwood which have been shallow, are usable this week with the increase in lake pool from recent rains. Wilton Landing on Hwy 71, White Cliffs, River Run East and River Run West are all CLOSED this week due to high water. Gravel has been added by the USACE, to the end of the ramp to assist loading and unloading boats and trailers. Use extreme caution due to shallow ramps and siltation / sedimentation and drop offs at the end of ramps, lake wide during the drawdown!
As of Monday, 26 October, the lake level, which was previously at full 4' drawdown pool, rose over 7 feet in just 3 days. USACE made gate changes at the dam, to compensate, and as of today, lake level is approx 1.9 feet above normal pool, and rising. The 4 foot draw down still in effect and lake rise is being compensated at the dam's discharge accordingly. Main lake and Little River's water surface temps are currently ranging from approx 62ºF early, to 68ºF late, depending of course, on location and time of day. Lake level on Millwood as of Monday, 26 October is 261.08 feet. Normal consv. pool is 259.20 feet. We expect another gate change mid-week due to continuing thunderstorms and flash flood warnings issued again this week.
As of Monday, the 4' drawdown is in process and discharge of 25,080 CFS is with 13 gates open at 4.5 feet each and 2 sluice gates open at 6 feet each. Main lake visibility worsened with all thunderstorms repeated over the past week, and clarity is approx 2-4" in high volume current and debris in Little River. The tailwater elevation was unavailable on Monday from the USACE. The oxbows clarity also worsened due to recent thunderstorms, and is approx 5-6", at best. High winds and / or thunder storms will have a dramatic impact and effect on Millwood Lake clarity merely in a matter of hours.
Boat ramp repair and improvements at the Millwood State Park are recently completed.
The Details:
Largemouth Bass: Over the past week, cold fronts, continual rain and thunderstorms continue to pass through southern Arkansas have decreased surface temperatures and increased turbidity dramatically, lake-wide. The feeding activity of Bass has dropped and the bass have adopted a lethargic mood. The best bite over the past few weeks began shifting to mid-day. However, recent schooling activity of Largemouth Bass has re-appeared at random in the back of Yarborough Lake and various other locations where clearer water clarity can be located.
The best bite over the past 2 weeks was on smoke or holographic grubs rigged on white jig heads for schooling fish, along with topwater baits like Cordell Crazy Shads, Clear Baby Torpedoes, YUM Buzz Frogs, Bass Assassin Shad jerk baits and Pop-R's or Chug Bugs. For sub-surface schools, Rat-L-Traps, Cordell Big O or XCalibur Fat Free Shad Crank baits were best bets. Until the lake clarity returns to normal, over the next week, and surface temperatures stabilize, best bite is a slow and methodical presentation with big bulky 10" worms, jigs and slow rolling spinnerbaits.
The best Rat-L-Trap colors over the past couple weeks remain Transparent, Millwood Magic, or Sexy West in the better clarity areas in the oxbows. These will continue working for a good reaction bite in the better water clarity areas of the oxbows as well as schooling bass. The Bass Assassin Shads, Johnson spoons, Heddon baby Moss Bosses and buzz baits in white, and Yum Buzz Frogs will work inside these vegetation areas where the fish are schooling in the lily pads or vegetation where the Traps or cranks can't be utilized.
Shallow to medium running depth crankbaits like the Cordell Big O, or Fat Free Shads in gray mouse, white, or citrus shad colors in clearer water, and Bandit cranks in brown back/orange belly and firetiger were taking some keeper size bass heavier stained water. 10" worms in June Bug, The General, Blue Fleck, Red Shad or Black colors, are all good colors in the heavier stained and muddy areas, by pitching or flipping stumps, cypress trees, and laydown tree trunks near deep water. Crankbaits are many times finding schools of larger bass before any surface activity is being observed. Magnum Tubes and 3-4" Southern Pro Tubes and fire tiger spinner baits are working in flooded grass over the past week with the rise of the lake's level back to and above normal pool, resulting in bass moving into these previously dry ground and grass fields. Best colors we have observed working for tubes and gitzits are smoke/black/red flake w/ chartreuse tails, or black with red flake.
Buzz bait bite died off w/ the muddy water; and slow rolling spinner baits in White/ Chartreuse, Spot Remover, firetiger, or Hot Mouse colors are the best option, near grass and vegetation in the oxbows, in the clearest water areas available, typically in the oxbows away from the increased current of Little River. Soft plastic Bass Assassin Shads and Yum Buzz Frogs continue working randomly for Bass, around hydrilla, lily pad stems, and pondweed are working especially where you find new dollar pads and lily pads growing in close proximity. Best color for Yum Buzz Frogs are Pumpkin Pearl or Black.
Jig bite, continues to improve on cypress trees, knees, stumps and laydowns. Texas Craw, Black/blue, or Chartreuse Walnut colors continue catching keeper bass in the 3-5 lb class. Keeper size bass, in the 3-7 pound class, have been caught over the past couple weeks on Texas rigged 10" worms and 8" lizards in June Bug, Black Moccasin, Peanut Butter & Jelly colors.
White Bass: Schooling White Bass disappeared with the increase in muddy water and current.
Crappie: bite almost completely shut down with all the current, muddy water, and rapid pool fluctuations along Little River, over the past couple weeks.
Channel Cats: Channel Cats are loving the increase in current along Little River and biting extremely well with the increase in current, and are best on bulky earthworms, cut shad, chicken livers, or Charlie by either tight-lining, or on yo-yo's hung from cypress trees in the oxbows over 10-15' depths, and on trotlines in Little River current.
Mike
October 22, 2009 - Norfork - Submitted by 101 Grocery and Bait -by Steve Olomon of Steve's Guide Service. - With a little over 2" of rain this week the lake level is 562.5. That's up 2 1/2 ft. from last week and just 2 ft. from what the lake level was a year ago at this time. The water temperature is in the low to mid 60's. Bass are hitting spinner baits and crank baits and the deeper ones on a jig in 15-35 ft. Work a jig through brush piles too. There are some fish still coming up early. Try a soft jerk bait and a swim bait and reel the swim bait at a steady pace for best results. Keep an eye on your depth finder and when you mark fish in deeper water drop a jigging spoon.
October 22, 2009 - White River - Submitted by Berry
Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 10/24/2009
During the past week, we have had rain and cooler temperatures. The lake levels on the White River system have all risen significantly. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam rose four and three tenths of a foot to rest at thirteen and seven tenths of a foot above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is twenty seven and three tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake fell three and two tenths of a foot to rest at three and eight tenths feet above power pool or twelve and two tenths feet below the top of flood pool. The flood gates are open at Table Rock and they are aggressively drawing it down and dumping the water into Bull Shoals, which is rising quickly. Beaver Lake rose three tenths of a foot to rest at six feet above power pool or three and six tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had light but steady generation around the clock with slightly higher flows in the afternoon. There has been precious little wadable water. Norfork Lake rose eight tenths of a foot to rest at eight and three tenths of a foot above power pool of 552.00 feet or nineteen and seven tenths feet below the top of flood pool. There have been significant periods of no generation every day with moderate generation the rest of the day. This has created some great wading conditions.
Remember that there is a new size limit on Brown trout. All browns less than twenty four inches must be released immediately no matter where they are caught on the White and Norfork Rivers . Only one brown trout may be kept in the daily limit of five trout.
The fishing in the Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam has been excellent. With the low level flows we had this week; it was difficult to navigate around all the new habitat structures recently installed by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and the Corps of Engineers. The hot flies have been brightly colored San Juan worms (cerise, hot fluorescent pink and red) and egg patterns (orange and peach). White marabou jigs accounted for some good fish.
This section is scheduled to close on November 1, 2009 for the brown trout spawn. It will remain closed until January 31, 2010. The section from the bottom of this Catch and Release section downstream to the wing wall at the State park is seasonal Catch and Release for the same time period.
The stretch from Wildcat Shoals to Cotter has fished well. The moderate flows we have received this past week have been perfect for drift fishing. The hot flies have been San Juan worms and Y2Ks. There has also been a bit of grasshopper action, especially on windy days.
Rim Shoals has been red hot for another week. The go to flies have been Y2Ks and cerise San Juan worms. In the afternoon we have been getting some good baetis (small may flies) hatches. Most of the action was with nymphs. Flashback pheasant tails and copper Johns in size 14 have been very effective. There has been limited top water action particularly against the bank. Try size 20 or 22 parachute Adams dry flies. If you encounter high water, Rim Shoals Trout Dock maintains a water taxi and will ferry you to wadable water for a nominal fee.
Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are running high and muddy. The White River below them is very off color and not fishing well.
The Norfork River has received quite a bit of pressure due to round the clock generation on the White but has still fished well. Midge patterns have been the go to flies on the lower flows. The most productive patterns were black zebra midges with silver wire and silver beads, black Norfork midges and Dan’s turkey tail emergers. On the higher flows hot pink fluorescent pink San Juan worms and orange egg patterns have been the most effective way to fish. There are some spawning rainbows in the Catch and Release section. You should avoid fishing for them to allow them to reproduce naturally. We could use some more wild rainbows. Also avoid walking through the redds (spawning beds). They will appear as light colored depressions in the gravel.
Dry Run Creek has fished well this past week. There are some big browns that have begun moving up into the creek to spawn. The hot fly, as always, has been the sowbug. Other hot flies have been worm brown San Juan worms and egg patterns (orange). Be sure and bring a large net and a camera. When you land one of the big fish there be sure and handle it carefully. Keep it in the net until the camera is out and you are ready to take the photo. Carefully revive all fish caught and always wet your hands before handling trout.
Remember that the White and Norfork Rivers are infected with didymo, an invasive alga. Be sure and thoroughly clean and dry your waders (especially the felt soles on wading boots) before using them in any other water.
October 22, 2009 - Norfork - Submitted by 101 Grocery and Bait - http://www.fishingwithsteve.com
The water temperature dropped into the mid 60's and the lake came up 1.7 feet this week to put the lake at 560 which is 8 feet above normal pool of 552. Last year at this time the lake level was 564.5 and the water temp was in the low 70's. There is a top water bite just like last week early and just before dark. Bass are hitting spinner baits,crank baits and jigs. Some whites are coming up also. When you mark deeper fish drop a jigging spoon.Till next week Good Fishing!!!!!!!!
Norfork Lake Fishing Report by Tim Partin 101 Grocery and Bait.
http://www.101groceryandbait.com
Norfork Lake fishing is good, with a water level of 560’ msl and the surface water temperature in the mid to low 60 degrees. Bass fishing has been good using any top water lure and as the day progresses using a jig and going a bit deeper. 1/2oz and 1oz spoons have had some good results on all species of fish. Crappie fishing is fair with minnows still the bait of choice. The crappies are in varying depths from 12’-35’ of water. Sunfish are doing good using crickets and worms. Walleye fishing is fair. Striper fishing is fair. White bass fishing has been good. Catfish are doing good. Using live bait has had some good results. This past week there was another 45 lb blue cat and a couple stripers caught using trot lines. Just a note, this is not the first time in the past month stripers have been caught using trot lines in less than 10’ of water. Something to think about, stripers are moving into the creeks along with the walleye and most of the other fish. Now before you get all excited just a thought here. THEY DON’T ALL GO AT THE SAME TIME. There are still fish in the deep water, but the fun is top water action “oh yea” that’s what I’m talking about, now throw out a spook or suspending rogue and hang on. Have Fun Go Fishin.
October 20, 2009 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood
Lake Guide Service
The Overall Picture:
Navigation conditions in Little River are hazardous. Heavy current in Little River, with debris, and 4 Foot Drawdown in process. Use Extreme Caution during Navigation and at boat ramps.
As of Monday 19 October, Largemouth Bass are fair, due to incoming muddy water, river current, and rapidly changing, rising and falling conditions. The schooling fish disappeared with the muddy water and current in Little River. Surface water temps are currently in the mid to upper 60's. Repeated cold fronts have dropped the water surface temps another 5 degrees within the last several weeks. Schooling bass were being caught in Little River over last several weeks at random intervals throughout the daylight hours, but have disappeared with the influx of muddy water and rapidly changing conditions and current in Little River. Largemouth Bass ranging from 3-9 pounds are in typical early fall patterns. Shad Assassins, Crankbaits, Rat-L-Traps, Crazy Shads, worms and jigs, plastic frogs are the go to baits for Bass over the past several weeks.
The Details:
Largemouth Bass: Over the past week, cold fronts, continual rain and thunderstorms continue to pass through southern Arkansas have decreased surface temperatures and increased turbidity dramatically, lake-wide. The feeding activity of Bass has dropped and the bass have adopted a lethargic mood. The best bite over the past few weeks began shifting to mid-day. However, recent schooling activity of Largemouth Bass has disappeared with all the increase in muddy, heavy current, and dropped surface temperatures.
The best bite over the past 2 weeks was on smoke or holographic grubs rigged on white jig heads for schooling fish, along with topwater baits like Cordell Crazy Shads, Clear Baby Torpedoes, YUM Buzz Frogs, and Bass Assassin Shad jerk baits. For sub-surface schools, Rat-L-Traps, Cordell Big O or XCalibur Fat Free Shad Crank baits were best bets. Until the lake clarity returns to normal, over the next week, and surface temperatures stabilize, best bite is a slow and methodical presentation with big bulky 10" worms, jigs and slow rolling spinnerbaits.
Once the lake clarity returns to normal, most likely this week, we expect to see a return to schooling fish, and the best Rat-L-Trap colors over the past couple weeks remain Transparent, Millwood Magic, or Sexy West once the water clarity returns in the oxbows. These will continue working for a good reaction bite in the better water clarity areas of the oxbows as well as schooling bass. The Bass Assassin Shads, Johnson spoons, Heddon baby Moss Bosses and buzz baits in white, and Yum Buzz Frogs will again be working inside these vegetation areas where the fish are schooling in the lily pads or vegetation where the Traps or cranks can't be utilized.
Shallow to medium running depth crankbaits like the Cordell Big O, or Fat Free Shads in gray mouse, white, or citrus shad colors were taking some keeper size bass in the 3-6 pound class prior to the recent deluge in incoming fresh water and muddy current. 10" worms in Peanut Butter 'n Jelly are working in the clearest water of the oxbows one can find, up Little River. June Bug, The General, Blue Fleck, Red Shad or Black colors, are all good colors in the heavier stained and muddy areas, by pitching or flipping stumps, cypress trees, and laydown tree trunks near deep water. Crankbaits are many times finding schools of larger bass before any surface activity is being observed. Magnum Tubes and 3-4" gitzits are working in flooded grass over the past week with the rise of the lake's level back to and above normal pool, resulting in bass moving into these previously dry ground and grass fields. Best colors we have observed working for tubes and gitzits are smoke/black/red flake w/ chartreuse tails, or black with red flake.
Buzz bait bite died off w/ the muddy water; and slow rolling spinner baits in White/ Chartreuse, Spot Remover or Hot Mouse colors are the best option, near grass and vegetation in the oxbows, in the clearest water areas available, typically in the oxbows away from the increased current of Little River. Soft plastic Bass Assassin Shads and Yum Buzz Frogs continue working randomly for Bass, around hydrilla, lily pad stems, and pondweed are working especially where you find new dollar pads and lily pads growing in close proximity. Best color for Yum Buzz Frogs are Pumpkin Pearl or Black.
Jig bite, continues to improve on cypress trees, knees, stumps and laydowns. Texas Craw, Black/blue, or Chartreuse Walnut colors continue catching keeper bass in the 3-5 lb class. Keeper size bass, in the 3-7 pound class, have been caught over the past couple weeks on Texas rigged 10" worms and 8" lizards in June Bug, Black Moccasin, Peanut Butter & Jelly colors.
White Bass: Schooling White Bass disappeared with the increase in muddy water and current.
Crappie: bite almost completely shut down with all the current, muddy water, and rapid pool fluctuations along Little River, over the past couple weeks.
Channel Cats: Channel Cats are loving the increase in current along Little River and biting extremely well with the increase in current, and are best on bulky earthworms, cut shad, chicken livers, or Charlie by either tight-lining, or on yo-yo's hung from cypress trees in the oxbows over 10-15' depths, and on trotlines in Little River current.
}><(((º> Millwood Lake & Little River Conditions Report <º)))><{
Navigation conditions in Little River are hazardous. Heavy current in Little River, with debris, and 4 Foot Drawdown in process. Use Extreme Caution during Navigation and at boat ramps.
Exercise extreme caution during running Little River during low light conditions as there are still numerous river buoy markers pushed out of place from river centerline, or missing, due to recent current and major pool fluctuations over the past 2 weeks. USACE began the four foot drawdown 13 July, and stumps are exposed along the river, during the drawdown pool elevation. This four foot drawdown will remain in effect until February 2010. Use caution near end of boat ramps due to sediment, gravel, and shallow pool levels. However, as of Monday, 19 October, the lake level, which was previously at full 4' drawdown pool, rose over 7 feet in just 5 days to above normal lake pool conditions with heavy current in Little River.
Boat ramps at various locations are closed due to lake level during drawdown. Yarborough and Jack's Isle are still open. Other ramps around Millwood which have been shallow, are usable this week with the increase in lake pool from recent rains. Wilton Landing on Hwy 71 and White Cliffs are open and gravel has been added by the USACE, to the end of the ramp to assist loading and unloading boats and trailers. Use extreme caution due to shallow ramps and siltation / sedimentation and drop offs at the end of ramps, lake wide during the drawdown!
As of Monday, 19 October, the lake level, which was previously at full 4' drawdown pool, rose over 7 feet in just 3 days. USACE made gate changes at the dam, to compensate, and as of today, lake level is approx 2.62 feet above normal pool, and falling. The 4 foot draw down still in effect and lake rise is being compensated at the dam's discharge accordingly. Main lake and Little River's water surface temps are currently ranging from approx 63ºF early to 70ºF late, depending of course, on location and time of day. Lake level on Millwood as of Monday, 19 October is 261.82 feet. Normal consv. pool is 259.20 feet. We expect another gate change mid-week due to continuing thunderstorms and flash flood warnings issued again late last week.
Mike
October 15, 2009 - White River - Submitted by Berry
Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 10/17/2009
During the past week, we have had seemingly never ending rain and much cooler temperatures. The lake levels on the White River system have all risen significantly. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam rose seven and eight tenths of a foot to rest at nine and four tenths of a foot above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is thirty one and six tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake rose five and five tenths of a foot to rest at seven feet above power pool or nine feet below the top of flood pool. The flood gates are open at Table Rock and they are aggressively drawing it down and dumping the water into Bull Shoals, which is rising quickly. Beaver Lake rose five and seven tenths of a foot to rest at five and seven tenths of a foot above power pool or three and nine tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had steady generation around the clock with slightly higher flows in the afternoon. There has been precious little wadable water. Norfork Lake rose four and six tenths of a foot to rest at seven and five tenths of a foot above power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty and five tenths feet below the top of flood pool. There have been significant periods of no generation every day with moderate generation in the afternoon. This has created some great wading conditions daily.
Remember that there is a new size limit on Brown trout. All browns less than twenty four inches must be released immediately no matter where they are caught on the White and Norfork Rivers . Only one brown trout may be kept in the daily limit of five trout.
The fishing in the Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam was excellent. With the low level flows we had this week; it was difficult to navigate around all the new habitat structures recently installed by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and the Corps of Engineers. When we had muddy conditions down stream following the heavy rains, this was the only clear water around and it received some significant pressure. The hot flies have been brightly colored San Juan worms (cerise, hot fluorescent pink and red) and egg patterns (orange and peach). White marabou jigs accounted for some good fish. There was also some nice top water action with Chernobyl ants.
The stretch from Wildcat Shoals to Cotter has fished well. The moderate flows we have received this past week have been perfect for drift fishing. The hot flies have been San Juan worms and Y2Ks. There has also been a bit of grasshopper action, especially on windy days.
Rim Shoals has been red hot for another week. The go to flies have been Y2Ks and cerise Sa Juan worms. Other flies, specifically black zebra midges with silver wire and silver beads and small pheasant tails accounted for some good fish. The water has been stained and 5X tippet has been the tippet of choice. If you encounter high water, Rim Shoals Trout Dock maintains a water taxi and will ferry you to wadable water for a nominal fee.
Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are running high and muddy. The White River below them is very off color and not fishing well.
The Norfork River has received quite a bit of pressure due to round the clock generation on the White. The lower flows fished well with midge patterns. The hot flies were black zebra midges with silver wire and silver beads, black Norfork midges and Dan’s turkey tail emergers. On the higher flows hot pink fluorescent pink San Juan worms and orange egg patterns have been the most effective way to fish. There are some spawning rainbows in the Catch and Release section. You should avoid fishing for them to allow them to reproduce naturally. We could use some more wild rainbows. Also avoid walking through the redds (spawning beds). They will appear as light colored depressions in the gravel.
Dry Run Creek has fished well this past week. There are some big browns that have begun moving up into the creek to spawn. The hot fly, as always, has been the sowbug. Other hot flies have been worm brown San Juan worms and egg patterns (orange). Be sure and bring a large net and a camera. While you are there be sure take a tour of the adjacent National Fish Hatchery with your child. It is interesting and informative. Be sure and remove your waders before entering the hatchery grounds to prevent the spread of aquatic diseases from other streams.
Remember that the White and Norfork Rivers are infected with didymo, an invasive alga. Be sure and thoroughly clean and dry your waders (especially the felt soles on wading boots) before using them in any other water.
October 13, 2009 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders
Fish Service - The lake level is at 463.43 and rising and will continue to do so for at least a week the way it is looking with all the rain fall we have has as the south fork and middle fork have came up quite a bit and the temp is in the high 60’s to low 70;s all over the lake.
The hybrids and white bass are real scattered and chasing shad, with the wind not blowing much and all the rain fall and clouds you can expect slow action until the sun will shine for a few days and the lake gets stable or at any time they could come up schooling or at any place, just wait the weather out or looking for schooling fish , if you can find some bait just stay over them and the least little breeze they will fed for s short period through the day , use spoons and in-line spinners and bucktail jigs or grubs.
The bass bite is a little off as well , try spinnerbaits and crankbaits up shallow as well as traps and the deeper fish on points try football heads or c-rigged cinkos.
No-report on catfish
No report on crappie
Bream are still biting up shallow on crickets and crawlers.
Walleye are fair on spoons and in-line spinners in 35 to 45 feet of water, as the rain has driven the shad deeper.
Tommy Cauley
October 13, 2009 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood
Lake Guide Service - The Overall Picture:
Navigation conditions in Little River are cautioned. 4 Foot Drawdown in process. Use Extreme Caution during Navigation and at boat ramps.
As of Tueday 13 October, Largemouth Bass are fair to good, in spite of incoming muddy water and rapidly changing, rising and falling conditions. The schooling fish can be caught at random, throughout the day. Surface water temps are currently in the lower to mid 70's. Repeated cold fronts have dropped the water surface temps over 10 degrees within the last several weeks. Schooling bass are being caught in Little River over last several weeks at random intervals throughout the daylight hours, many schools of Black Bass are randomly chasing large pods of shad are herding them like cowboys and indians. Largemouth Bass ranging from 4-6 pounds are in typical dog-days of summer patterns. Shad Assassins, Crankbaits, Rat-L-Traps, Crazy Shads and plastic frogs are the go to baits for Bass over the past several weeks.
Exercise extreme caution during running Little River during low light conditions as there are still numerous river buoy markers pushed out of place from river centerline, or missing, due to recent current and major pool fluctuations over the past 2 weeks. USACE began the four foot drawdown 13 July, and stumps are exposed along the river, during the drawdown pool elevation. This four foot drawdown will remain in effect until February 2010. Use caution near end of boat ramps due to sediment, gravel, and shallow pool levels. However, as of Tuesday, 13 October, the lake level, which was previously at full 4' drawdown pool, rose over 4 feet in just 3 days to above normal lake pool conditions with heavy current in Little River.
Boat ramps at various locations are closed due to lake level during drawdown. Yarborough and Jack's Isle are still open. Other ramps around Millwood which have been shallow, are usable this week with the increase in lake pool from recent rains. Wilton Landing on Hwy 71 and White Cliffs are open and gravel has been added by the USACE, to the end of the ramp to assist loading and unloading boats and trailers. Use extreme caution due to shallow ramps and siltation / sedimentation and drop offs at the end of ramps, lake wide during the drawdown!
As of Tueday, 13 October, the lake level, which was previously at full 4' drawdown pool, rose over 4 feet in just 3 days. USACE made gate changes at the dam, to compensate, and as of today, lake level is approx 1.73 feet above normal pool, and rising. The 4 foot draw down still in effect and lake rise is being compensated at the dam's discharge accordingly. Main lake and Little River's water surface temps are currently ranging from approx 70ºF early to 75ºF late, depending of course, on location and time of day. Lake level on Millwood as of Tuesday, 13 October is 260.93 feet. Normal consv. pool is 259.20 feet. We expect another gate change mid-week due to continuing thunderstorms and flash flood warnings issued again this week.
As of Tuesday, the 4' drawdown is in process and discharge increased to 16,970 CFS is with 13 gates open at 3.5 feet each and 2 sluice gates open at 6 feet each. Main lake visibility worsened with all thunderstorms repeated over the past week, and clarity is approx 2-4" in high volume current in Little River. The tailwater elevation is 246.99 feet and rising. The oxbows clarity also worsened due to recent thunderstorms, and is approx 12-15", at best. High winds and / or thunder storms will have a dramatic impact and effect on Millwood Lake clarity merely in a matter of hours.
USACE campground at lower Beards Bluff remained closed for camping on Millwood being cleaned and repaired. Boat ramp repair and improvements at the Millwood State Park are recently completed.
A drawdown of four feet on Millwood Lake, began July 13, 2009 until Feb. 9, 2010 to control unwanted aquatic vegetation and make scheduled repairs, according to the Corps of Engineers. The lake will be allowed to refill 2 feet above normal pool elevation to 261.2 feet, in February 2010, the 2-foot rise will last one month, and then the lake will be returned to normal pool.
During the 4' drawdown, boaters should exercise extreme caution because submerged stumps and shallow areas have begun to appear. Also, boaters should be cautious when launching because of damage or sediment buildup or drop-offs that may have occurred at the ends of the ramps. Boat ramp closures may occur during the drawdown. To volunteer for one of the cleanup dates or ramp and USACE park information, contact Brooke Kervin at the Millwood Tri-Lakes Project Office.
To receive updates, call the Corps’ toll-free information line at 888-697-9830.
The Details:
Largemouth Bass: Over the past week, cold fronts, continual rain and thunderstorms continue to pass through southern Arkansas have decreased surface temperatures and increased turbidity dramatically, lake-wide. The feeding activity of Bass continue to chase shad schools as temps have dropped and the bass continue to be in a much more aggressive mood. The best bite over the past few weeks has begun shifting to mid-day. However, schooling Largemouth Bass are still being found all along Little River and her oxbows at random most any time of day.
The most aggressive bass bite over the past 2 weeks continues to be on smoke or holographic grubs rigged on white jig heads for schooling fish, along with topwater baits like Cordell Crazy Shads, Clear Baby Torpedoes, YUM Buzz Frogs, and Bass Assassin Shad jerk baits. For sub-surface schools, Rat-L-Traps, Cordell Big O or XCalibur Fat Free Shad Crank baits. The best Rat-L-Trap colors over the past couple weeks remain Millwood Magic, Sexy West, or Transparent in the clearer water areas of the oxbows. These continue working for a good reaction bite in the better water clarity areas of the oxbows as well as schooling bass. Many pods of these schooling fish have been found over the past several weeks, congregating bass schools near most any creek mouth junction with Little River, in the lily pads and any remaining vegetation. During the schooling action, top water bite is fantastic, and a good time to take a youngster fishing. The Bass Assassin Shads, Johnson spoons, Heddon baby Moss Bosses and buzz baits in white, and Yum Buzz Frogs are working inside these vegetation areas where the fish are schooling in the lily pads or vegetation where the Traps or cranks can't be utilized. Chrome/black Crazy Shads, smoke grubs on 1/8 oz jig heads, Spitn Images, Rat-L-Traps, and clear Baby Torpedoes continue working around the edges of lily pads and vegetation for these schooling bass. Majority of schooling bass are ranging from 1-3 pounds each, however, occasionally a school of 5-6 pound fish, in very good number can be located chasing shad in the river.
Shallow to medium running depth crankbaits like the Cordell Big O, or Fat Free Shads in gray mouse, white, or citrus shad colors are taking some keeper size bass in the 3-6 pound class. Once the sun gets up, the best bass bite option continues to be to switch to lizards in redbug or chameleon colors or 10" worms in Peanut Butter 'n Jelly are working in the clearer water of the oxbows up Little River. June Bug, The General, or Black Grape colors, are working in the heavier stained and muddy areas, by pitching or flipping stumps, cypress trees, and laydown tree trunks near deep water. Be advised, the frequent schooling activity may start or stop any time during the day along Little River, especially at creek mouth junctions. Cranks are many times finding these schools of larger bass before any surface activity is being observed. Magnum Tubes and 3-4" gitzits are working in flooded grass over the past week with the rise of the lake's level back to and above normal pool, resulting in bass moving into these previously dry ground and grass fields. Best colors we have observed working for tubes and gitzits are smoke/black/red flake w/ chartreuse tails, or black with red flake.
Siefert's buzz baits in Chartreuse Shiner, Bleeding Chartreuse Shad, or Black; and spinner baits in White/ Chartreuse, Spot Remover or Hot Mouse colors continue working in and around grass beds and vegetation in the river channel and in the oxbows, in the clearest water areas available, typically in the oxbows away from the increased current of Little River. Working a Rattling Zara Mouse over big lily pads, continue working over deep flats where 2 species of lily pads meet hydrilla or milfoil grass at creek junctions with the river. Soft plastic Bass Assassin Shads and Yum Buzz Frogs continue to take decent keeper size 16-20" Bass, around hydrilla, lily pad stems, and pondweed are working especially where you find new dollar pads and lily pads growing in close proximity. Salt 'n Pepper silver phantom or Crystal Shad and Silver Ghost colors are best colors working in the clearer water for the Shad Assassins, or Twitch Assassins wacky rigged. Best color for Yum Buzz Frogs are Pumpkin Pearl or Black.
Jig bite, continues to improve on cypress trees, knees, stumps and laydowns. Texas Craw, Black/blue, or Chartreuse Walnut colors continue catching keeper bass in the 3-5 lb class. Keeper size bass, in the 3-7 pound class, have been caught over the past couple weeks on Texas rigged 10" worms and 8" lizards in June Bug, Black Moccasin, Peanut Butter & Jelly colors. Major or secondary points in Little River are holding good numbers of bass, near deep vertical drops or creek mouths adjacent to deeper water, although the recent deluge of rainfall have muddied up these areas along Little River. Any eddy areas, with Dollar Pads and Lily Pad new growth around hydrilla, milfoil, or coontail w/ stumps and cypress trees continue to be key holding areas for the better size keeper bass. Mouths to major creeks are holding good numbers of bass intersecting Little River also.
White Bass: Schooling White Bass disappeared with the increase in muddy water and current.
Crappie: bite almost completely shut down with all the current, muddy water, and rapid pool fluctuations along Little River, over the past couple weeks.
Channel Cats: Channel Cats are loving the increase in current along Little River and biting extremely well with the increase in current, and are best on bulky earthworms, cut shad, chicken livers, or Charlie by either tight-lining, or on yo-yo's hung from cypress trees in the oxbows over 10-15' depths, and on trotlines in Little River current.
}><(((º> Millwood Lake & Little River Conditions Report <º)))><{
Navigation conditions in Little River are cautioned. 4 Foot Drawdown in process. Use Extreme Caution during Navigation and at boat ramps.
Exercise extreme caution during running Little River during low light conditions as there are still numerous river buoy markers pushed out of place from river centerline, or missing, due to recent current and major pool fluctuations over the past 2 weeks. USACE began the four foot drawdown 13 July, and stumps are exposed along the river, during the drawdown pool elevation. This four foot drawdown will remain in effect until February 2010. Use caution near end of boat ramps due to sediment, gravel, and shallow pool levels. However, as of Tuesday, 13 October, the lake level, which was previously at full 4' drawdown pool, rose over 4 feet in just 3 days to above normal lake pool conditions with heavy current in Little River.
Boat ramps at various locations are closed due to lake level during drawdown. Yarborough and Jack's Isle are still open. Other ramps around Millwood which have been shallow, are usable this week with the increase in lake pool from recent rains. Wilton Landing on Hwy 71 and White Cliffs are open and gravel has been added by the USACE, to the end of the ramp to assist loading and unloading boats and trailers. Use extreme caution due to shallow ramps and siltation / sedimentation and drop offs at the end of ramps, lake wide during the drawdown!
As of Tuesday, 13 October, the lake level, which was previously at full 4' drawdown pool, rose over 4 feet in just 3 days. USACE made gate changes at the dam, to compensate, and as of today, lake level is approx 1.73 feet above normal pool, and rising. The 4 foot draw down still in effect and lake rise is being compensated at the dam's discharge accordingly. Main lake and Little River's water surface temps are currently ranging from approx 70ºF early to 75ºF late, depending of course, on location and time of day. Lake level on Millwood as of Tuesday, 13 October is 260.93 feet. Normal consv. pool is 259.20 feet. We expect another gate change mid-week due to continuing thunderstorms and flash flood warnings issued again this week.
As of Tuesday, the 4' drawdown is in process and discharge increased to 16,970 CFS is with 13 gates open at 3.5 feet each and 2 sluice gates open at 6 feet each. Main lake visibility worsened with all thunderstorms repeated over the past week, and clarity is approx 2-4" in high volume current in Little River. The tailwater elevation is 246.99 feet and rising. The oxbows clarity also worsened due to recent thunderstorms, and is approx 12-15", at best. High winds and / or thunder storms will have a dramatic impact and effect on Millwood Lake clarity merely in a matter of hours.
USACE campground at lower Beards Bluff remained closed for camping on Millwood being cleaned and repaired. Boat ramp repair and improvements at the Millwood State Park are recently completed.
A drawdown of four feet on Millwood Lake, began July 13, 2009 until Feb. 9, 2010 to control unwanted aquatic vegetation and make scheduled repairs, according to the Corps of Engineers. The lake will be allowed to refill 2 feet above normal pool elevation to 261.2 feet, in February 2010, the 2-foot rise will last one month, and then the lake will be returned to normal pool.
During the 4' drawdown, boaters should exercise extreme caution because submerged stumps and shallow areas have begun to appear. Also, boaters should be cautious when launching because of damage or sediment buildup or drop-offs that may have occurred at the ends of the ramps. Boat ramp closures may occur during the drawdown. To volunteer for one of the cleanup dates or ramp and USACE park information, contact Brooke Kervin at the Millwood Tri-Lakes Project Office.
To receive updates, call the Corps’ toll-free information line at 888-697-9830.
Mike
October 11, 2009 - Norfork - Submitted by 101 Grocery and Bait - Norfork Lake Fishing Report by Steve Olomon of Steve's Guide Service. With the rain of the past week the lake level is 558.3 which is almost 3 feet up from last week. The water temperature dropped into the upper 60's. Fish are still coming up early and just before dark. Some of the fish are starting to move up from deeper water but there are still some fish deep. For the deeper fish drop a jigging spoon. Throw a spinner bait along and through the brush on the bank or try swimming a grub or a swim bait to the bank and swim it slow back to the boat. The night bite should start to get good real soon. Till next week Good Fishing!!!!!!!!!!!
October 7, 2009 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders
Fish Service - The water level at greers ferry is at 461.58 and was falling , but will be back on the rise with the rain we have had.
The hybrid and white bass are still eating like crazy and will continue to be good until January, a fish just about every drop if you can stay over the top of them, try in-line spinners, ahir jigs as well as jigging spoons.
Crappie are being caught over brushpiles and in the standing pole timber pretty well , and rumor has it that some are in the buckbrush eating as well try minnows and or minnows with jigs.
Bass fishing has been kinda off with the cold fronts and water moving up and down but should get better by the weekend when the the rain is gone and the water temp settles at about 70 degrees, and spinnerbaits ,traps and small crankbaits will work shallow as well as flukes, and the deeper fish c-rigged lizards and cinko’s as well as football heads.
The walleye bite has been off , but a few still coming in under the hybrids.
No report on catfish.
Bream are eating crickets and crawlers good up in the shallows
October 6, 2009 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood
Lake Guide Service -
The Overall Picture:
Navigation conditions in Little River are well below normal. 4 Foot Drawdown in process. Use Extreme Caution during Navigation and at boat ramps.
As of Monday 05 October, Largemouth Bass are fair to good, in spite of incoming muddy water and rapidly changing, rising and falling conditions. The schooling fish can be caught at random, throughout the day. Surface water temps are currently in the lower to mid 70's. Repeated cold fronts have dropped the water surface temps over 10 degrees within the 2 last weeks. Schooling bass are being caught in Little River over last several weeks at random intervals throughout the daylight hours, many schools of Black Bass are randomly chasing large pods of shad are herding them like cowboys and indians. Largemouth Bass ranging from 4-6 pounds are in typical dog-days of summer patterns. Shad Assassins, Crankbaits, Rat-L-Traps, Crazy Shads and plastic frogs are the go to baits for Bass over the past several weeks.
Exercise extreme caution during running Little River during low light conditions as there are still numerous river buoy markers pushed out of place from river centerline, or missing, due to recent current and major pool fluctuations over the past 2 weeks. USACE began the four foot drawdown 13 July, and stumps are exposed along the river, during the drawdown pool elevation. This four foot drawdown will remain in effect until February 2010. Use caution near end of boat ramps due to sediment, gravel, and shallow pool levels.
Boat ramps at various locations are closed due to lake level during drawdown. Yarborough is still open, although extremely shallow. Other ramps around Millwood are also shallow. Wilton Landing on Hwy 71 and White Cliffs are still open and gravel has been added by the USACE, to the end of the ramp to assist loading and unloading boats and trailers. Use extreme caution due to shallow ramps and siltation / sedimentation and drop offs at the end of ramps, lake wide during the drawdown!
As of Monday, 05 October, the lake level, which was previously at full 4' drawdown pool, rose over 3 feet in just 3 days. USACE made gate changes at the dam, to compensate, and as of today, lake level is approx 1.3 feet below normal pool, and falling, with 4 foot draw down still in effect. Main lake and Little River's water surface temps are currently ranging from approx 70ºF early to 75ºF late, depending of course, on location and time of day. Lake level on Millwood as of Monday, 05 October is 257.90 feet. Normal consv. pool is 259.20 feet. We expect another gate change mid-week due to continuing thunderstorms and flash flood warnings issued again this week.
As of Monday, the 4' drawdown is in process and discharge increased to 16,970 CFS is with 13 gates open at 3.5 feet each and 2 sluice gates open at 6 feet each. Main lake visibility worsened with all thunderstorms over the past week and are approx 2-4" away from any current in Little River. The tailwater elevation is 238.40 feet and steady. The river clarity also worsened due to recent thunderstorms, and is approx 3-5", at best. High winds and / or thunder storms will have a dramatic impact and effect on Millwood Lake clarity merely in a matter of hours.
Upriver oxbow's clarity also is heavier stain than last week, and clarity is ranging from 1-2 feet at best, dependent upon location.
USACE campground at lower Beards Bluff remained closed for camping on Millwood being cleaned and repaired. Boat ramp repair and improvements at the Millwood State Park continue and almost completed.
A drawdown of four feet on Millwood Lake, began July 13, 2009 until Feb. 9, 2010 to control unwanted aquatic vegetation and make scheduled repairs, according to the Corps of Engineers. The lake will be allowed to refill 2 feet above normal pool elevation to 261.2 feet, in February 2010, the 2-foot rise will last one month, and then the lake will be returned to normal pool.
During the 4' drawdown, boaters should exercise extreme caution because submerged stumps and shallow areas have begun to appear. Also, boaters should be cautious when launching because of damage or sediment buildup or drop-offs that may have occurred at the ends of the ramps. Boat ramp closures may occur during the drawdown. To volunteer for one of the cleanup dates or ramp and USACE park information, contact Brooke Kervin at the Millwood Tri-Lakes Project Office.
To receive updates, call the Corps’ toll-free information line at 888-697-9830.
The Details:
Largemouth Bass: Over the past week, cold fronts, continual rain and thunderstorms continue to pass through southern Arkansas have decreased surface temperatures and increased turbidity dramatically, lake-wide. The feeding activity of Bass continue to improve as temps have dropped and the bass continue to be in a much more aggressive mood chasing shad schools. The best bite over the past few weeks has begun shifting to mid-day. However, schooling Largemouth Bass are still being found all along Little River at random most any time of day.
The most aggressive bass bite over the past 2 weeks continues to be on smoke or holographic grubs rigged on white jig heads for schooling fish, along with topwater baits like Cordell Crazy Shads, Clear Baby Torpedoes, YUM Buzz Frogs, and Bass Assassin Shad jerk baits. For sub-surface schools, Rat-L-Traps, Cordell Big O or XCalibur Fat Free Shad Crank baits. The best Rat-L-Trap colors over the past couple weeks remain Millwood Magic, Sexy West, or Transparent in the clearer water areas of the oxbows. These continue working for a good reaction bite in the better water clarity areas of the oxbows as well as schooling bass. Many pods of these schooling fish have been found over the past several weeks, congregating bass schools near most any creek mouth junction with Little River, in the lily pads and any remaining vegetation. During the schooling action, top water bite is fantastic, and a good time to take a youngster fishing. The Bass Assassin Shads, Johnson spoons, Heddon baby Moss Bosses and buzz baits in white, and Yum Buzz Frogs are working inside these vegetation areas where the fish are schooling in the lily pads or vegetation where the Traps or cranks can't be utilized. Chrome/black Crazy Shads, smoke grubs on 1/8 oz jig heads, Spitn Images, Rat-L-Traps, and clear Baby Torpedoes continue working around the edges of lily pads and vegetation for these schooling bass. Majority of schooling bass are ranging from 1-3 pounds each, however, occasionally a school of 5-6 pound fish, in very good number can be located chasing shad in the river.
Shallow to medium running depth crankbaits like the Cordell Big O, or Fat Free Shads in gray mouse, white, or citrus shad colors are taking some keeper size bass in the 3-6 pound class. Once the sun gets up, the best bass bite option continues to be to switch to lizards in redbug or chameleon colors; 10" worms in Peanut Butter 'n Jelly are working in the clearer water of the oxbows up Little River, and June Bug, The General, or Black Grape colors, are working in the heavier stained and muddy areas, by pitching or flipping stumps, cypress trees, and laydown tree trunks near deep water. Be advised, the frequent schooling activity may start or stop any time during the day along Little River, especially at creek mouth junctions. Cranks are many times finding these schools of larger bass before any surface activity is being observed.
Siefert's buzz baits in Chartreuse Shiner, Bleeding Chartreuse Shad, or Black; and spinner baits in White/ Chartreuse, Spot Remover or Hot Mouse colors continue working in and around grass beds and vegetation in the river channel and in the oxbows, in the clearest water areas available, typically in the oxbows away from the increased current of Little River. Working a Rattling Zara Mouse over big lily pads, continue working over deep flats where 2 species of lily pads meet hydrilla or milfoil grass at creek junctions with the river. Soft plastic Bass Assassin Shads and Yum Buzz Frogs continue to take decent keeper size 16-20" Largemouths, around hydrilla, lily pad stems, and pondweed are working especially where you find new dollar pads and lily pads growing in close proximity. Salt 'n Pepper silver phantom or Crystal Shad and Silver Ghost colors are best colors working in the clearer water for the Shad Assassins, or Twitch Assassins wacky rigged. Best color for Yum Buzz Frogs are Pumpkin Pearl or Black.
Jig bite, continues to improve on cypress trees, knees, stumps and laydowns. Texas Craw, Black/blue, or Chartreuse Walnut colors continue catching keeper bass in the 3-5 lb class. Keeper size bass, in the 3-7 pound class, have been caught over the past couple weeks on Texas rigged 10" worms and 8" lizards in June Bug, Black Moccasin, Peanut Butter & Jelly colors. Major or secondary points in Little River are holding good numbers of bass, near deep vertical drops or creek mouths adjacent to deeper water, although the recent deluge of rainfall have muddied up these areas along Little River. Any eddy areas, with Dollar Pads and Lily Pad new growth around hydrilla, milfoil, or coontail w/ stumps and cypress trees continue to be key holding areas for the better size keeper bass. Mouths to major creeks are holding good numbers of bass intersecting Little River also.
White Bass: Schooling White Bass disappeared with the increase in muddy water and current.
Crappie: bite almost completely shut down with all the current, muddy water, and rapid pool fluctuations along Little River, over the past couple weeks.
Channel Cats: Channel Cats are loving the increase in current along Little River and biting extremely well with the increase in current, and are best on bulky earthworms, cut shad, chicken livers, or Charlie by either tight-lining, or on yo-yo's hung from cypress trees in the oxbows over 10-15' depths, and on trotlines in Little River current.
}><(((º> Millwood Lake & Little River Conditions Report <º)))><{
Navigation conditions in Little River are well below normal. 4 Foot Drawdown in process. Use Extreme Caution during Navigation and at boat ramps.
Exercise extreme caution during running Little River during low light conditions as there are still numerous river buoy markers pushed out of place from river centerline, or missing, due to recent current and major pool fluctuations over the past 2 weeks. USACE began the four foot drawdown 13 July, and stumps are exposed along the river, during the drawdown pool elevation. This four foot drawdown will remain in effect until February 2010. Use caution near end of boat ramps due to sediment, gravel, and shallow pool levels.
Boat ramps at various locations are closed due to lake level during drawdown. Yarborough is still open, although extremely shallow. Other ramps around Millwood are also shallow. Wilton Landing on Hwy 71 and White Cliffs are still open and gravel has been added by the USACE, to the end of the ramp to assist loading and unloading boats and trailers. Use extreme caution due to shallow ramps and siltation / sedimentation and drop offs at the end of ramps, lake wide during the drawdown!
As of Monday, 05 October, the lake level, which was previously at full 4' drawdown pool, rose over 3 feet in just 3 days. USACE made gate changes at the dam, to compensate, and as of today, lake level is approx 1.3 feet below normal pool, and falling, with 4 foot draw down still in effect. Main lake and Little River's water surface temps are currently ranging from approx 70ºF early to 75ºF late, depending of course, on location and time of day. Lake level on Millwood as of Monday, 05 October is 257.90 feet. Normal consv. pool is 259.20 feet. We expect another gate change mid-week due to continuing thunderstorms and flash flood warnings issued again this week.
As of Monday, the 4' drawdown is in process and discharge increased to 16,970 CFS is with 13 gates open at 3.5 feet each and 2 sluice gates open at 6 feet each. Main lake visibility worsened with all thunderstorms over the past week and are approx 2-4" away from any current in Little River. The tailwater elevation is 238.40 feet and steady. The river clarity also worsened due to recent thunderstorms, and is approx 3-5", at best. High winds and / or thunder storms will have a dramatic impact and effect on Millwood Lake clarity merely in a matter of hours.
Upriver oxbow's clarity also is heavier stain than last week, and clarity is ranging from 1-2 feet at best, dependent upon location.
USACE campground at lower Beards Bluff remained closed for camping on Millwood being cleaned and repaired. Boat ramp repair and improvements at the Millwood State Park continue and almost completed.
A drawdown of four feet on Millwood Lake, began July 13, 2009 until Feb. 9, 2010 to control unwanted aquatic vegetation and make scheduled repairs, according to the Corps of Engineers. The lake will be allowed to refill 2 feet above normal pool elevation to 261.2 feet, in February 2010, the 2-foot rise will last one month, and then the lake will be returned to normal pool.
During the 4' drawdown, boaters should exercise extreme caution because submerged stumps and shallow areas have begun to appear. Also, boaters should be cautious when launching because of damage or sediment buildup or drop-offs that may have occurred at the ends of the ramps. Boat ramp closures may occur during the drawdown. To volunteer for one of the cleanup dates or ramp and USACE park information, contact Brooke Kervin at the Millwood Tri-Lakes Project Office.
To receive updates, call the Corps’ toll-free information line at 888-697-9830.
Mike
October 4, 2009 - Norfork - Submitted by 101 Grocery and Bait - Norfork Lake Fishing Report by Steve Olomon of Steve's Guide Service. The lake level dropped this week to 555.7 along with the water temperature into the low 70's. The top water bite is still on and the bite is better when the wind is blowing less than 5 mph. This past week we caught bass,hybrids,whites and stripers on jigging spoons suspended down 40 feet. Bass were also hitting a lipless crank bait out off points.There are a lot of baitfish back in the creeks. Keep a rod on deck with a top water bait tied on. Till next week Good Fishing!!!!!!!!!!!
October 1, 2009 - White River - Submitted by Berry
Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 10/01/2009
During the past week, we have had cool temperatures, windy conditions and no rain. The lake levels on the White River system have risen a bit. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam rose two tenths of a foot to rest at five and four tenths of a foot above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is thirty five and six tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake held steady at two feet above power pool or fourteen feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake held steady at six tenths of a foot above power pool or nine feet below the top of flood pool. We have had steady flow of around 5,000 cubic feet per second. This level has been near perfect for floating but not so good for wading. Norfork Lake fell one tenth of a foot to rest at four and seven tenths of a foot above power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty three and three tenths feet below the top of flood pool. There has been little generation on the Norfork with plenty of wading available.
Remember that there is a new size limit on Brown trout. All browns less than twenty four inches must be released immediately no matter where they are caught on the White and Norfork Rivers . Only one brown trout may be kept in the daily limit of five trout.
The fishing in the Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam has been much better this week. With the low level flows, it was difficult to navigate around all the new habitat structures recently installed by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and the Corps of Engineers. Midge patterns have been the ticket. The hot flies have been the black zebra midge with silver wire and silver bead, the red zebra midge with silver wire and silver bead and Dan’s turkey tail emerger. Hot pink fluorescent pink San Juan worms and orange egg patterns have also accounted for some nice fish.
Wildcat Shoals has hit or miss. The black zebra midges have been the go to nymph, the hot flies have been the partridge and orange soft hackle and the green butt. Dan’s turkey tail emerger and the olive woolly bugger were also effective. This is a broad shallow shoal that can provide limited wading on low levels of generation. Be very careful, as there is a lot of bedrock in this area, which can be treacherous to wade. Studded boots are highly recommended. It did not fish well on those days when it was severely stained.
The stretch from Wildcat to Cotter has fished well. There has been some good grasshopper action on sunny windy days. Use nine foot 4X leaders and carefully work the banks. Drop the fly on the water with a plop and give the fly a twitch from time to time, to initiate a vicious strike. The best patterns have been Dave’s hoppers and Rainey’s hoppers.Olive woolly buggers and Y2Ks have also been quite effective.
Rim Shoals has been red hot. The go to flies have been Y2Ks and hot fluorescent pink Sa Juan worms. Other flies, specifically black zebra midges with silver wire and silver beads and small pheasant tails accounted for some good fish. The water has been lightly stained and 5X tippet has been the tippet of choice. If you encounter high water, Rim Shoals Trout Dock maintains a water taxi and will ferry you to wadable water for a nominal fee.
Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River have cleared a bit. The cooler temperatures have moderated the water temperature. The hot flies have been Clouser minnows and crawfish patterns.
The Norfork River has fished a bit better this past week. With no wadable water on the White it has been crowded. On low water, small midge patterns have been the ticket. Try black zebra midges, Norfork beadheads in black or olive and Dan’s turkey tail emerger. Soft hackles like the green butt and the partridge and orange have been effective. It should be noted that, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is to resurface the parking lot at the ramp at Quarry Park beginning on September 24, and ending on October 9. The ramp will be closed during this process and the area will effectively be closed to fishing. This will leave the Ackerman Access as the only access open on the Norfork River .
There are some spawning rainbows in the Catch and Release section. You should avoid fishing for them to allow them to reproduce naturally. We could use some more wild rainbows. Also avoid walking through the redds (spawning beds). They will appear as light colored depressions in the gravel.
Dry Run Creek has fished well this past week. The hot fly, as always, has been the sowbug. Other hot flies have been worm brown San Juan worms and egg patterns (orange). Be sure and bring a large net and a camera. The habitat improvement project for Dry Run Creek has begun. If you go down there, you will see trucks or cranes operating in the stream. The fish are still there but it is important to avoid the areas under construction. This project will enhance angling opportunities for the handicapped and improve the creeks fish handling capacity.
The Southern Council Conclave is to be held in Mountain Home this week and there will be a lot of out of town anglers fishing our local streams. Remember that the White and Norfork Rivers are infected with didymo, an invasive alga. Be sure and thoroughly clean and dry your waders (especially the felt soles on wading boots) before using them in any other water.
tth
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