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General Reports
Fly Fishing Reports
May 31, 2008 - White River - Submitted by Berry
Brothers Guides-JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 5/31/2008
We have had yet another rain event. The reservoir
levels on the White River have remained fairly steady. The lake
level at Bull Shoals Dam has come up one tenth of a foot to rest
at forty feet and one tenth of a foot above power pool of 654.00
feet. This is nine tenths of a foot below the top of flood pool.
Up stream, Table Rock Lake fell two tenths of a foot to rest
at fourteen and nine tenths feet above power pool or one and
one tenth of a foot below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake
fell one tenth of a foot to rest at eight and three tenths feet
above power pool or one and three tenths of a foot below the
top of flood pool. The pattern on the White has been to run around
the clock with higher flows during the day and lower flows at
night. The White was turned off for a few hours on some nights
allowing for brief periods of wading. Norfork Lake has fallen
one tenth of a foot to rest at twenty six and seven tenths feet
above power pool of 552.00 feet or one and three tenths of a
foot below the top of flood pool. The pattern has been to run
one or two generators with substantial periods of no generation
at night. There have been a few wading opportunities on the Norfork
River during the night. On the higher water, boating conditions
have been excellent.
The fishing on the White has remained consistently
good. The flows during the past week have varied from two to
four generators with brief periods of no generation late at night.
This is near perfect water for drift fishing. The secret has
been to fish the rise. The most effective way to do this has
been to study the generation charts on the internet and determine
when the low water will reach a given spot. Launch your boat
there and fish the low water until it starts rising. Try to stay
with the rise and fish it as it flows down stream.
The upper river from the Catch and Release section
at the base of Bull Shoals dam to Cane Island Shoals has been
fishing very well. The rise has been beginning there around seven
o'clock. The biggest flows have been occurring in late afternoon.
On lower flows the hot flies have been black zebra midges and
caddis pupa. On high water the hot flies here have been brightly
colored San Juan worms and egg patterns.
Rim Shoals has been a real hot spot. The rise has
been hitting here at noon or a little after. The fishing here
has been spectacular on the lower water, midge nymphs in a bit
larger size than you would use for wade fishing (size 14 and
16) have been the ticket. Caddis pupa, copper johns, olive scuds
and zebra midges have also been quite productive. On the rising
water the hot flies have been brightly colored San Juan worms.
Cerise and hot fluorescent pink have been the most productive
for me.
The float from Ranchette to White Buffalo has also
been very productive. The Buffalo Shoals section, in particular
has fished well. Here again the trick has been to key into the
rising water which is occurring at mid afternoon. The best flies
for the lower flows have been zebra midges, scuds and copper
johns. On higher flows the San Juan worms in bright colors have
been the ticket.
The Norfork has not been fishing as well lately.
There has been an inordinate amount of pressure on it. In addition,
there has been a high level of poaching occurring in the Catch
and Release section. Numerous anglers have been observed fishing
with bait and trebled hooked lures. Both are illegal in this
section. There have been a lot of trout illegally taken from
this section. Poaching is a crime. If you observe a game violation,
record the boat registration number and report the crime to the
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission at 1 (800) 482-8262.
Dry Run Creek has fished well of late. There have
been some happy children coming home with some great memories
this week. Remember to record those memories with a photograph.
Now that the trees are filling out, remember that there is not
much sun light down on the creek and the secret to a great photo
is to use your flash. The hot flies this week have been sowbugs,
worm brown San Juan worms and olive woolly buggers.
John Berry
May 30, 2008 - Norfork and White River - Submitted by
Mountain
River Fly Shop -
WHITE RIVER: Water flows are getting higher as
the summer heat arrives and we can expect more to come.
Fishing has been very good earlier in the week
on the lower flows of 4 units or less but the rapid rise to 6
or 7 units has tended to slow the bite mid to late afternoon.
The rises have been dirty and trashy which hasn't
helped.
More consistent high water should help the fish
adjust and settle into some good high water fishing again. But
who knows what the weather will bring, after the big rain we
had midweek.
Last weekend Davy Wotton and the Journal did well
at Rim Shoal on some low generation on Wotton Whitetail Midges.
The journal's two clients started the day with a bank hooking
up a double and it was consistent all morning.
Davy stayed with the low water running downstream,
but we couldn't leave hungry fish, and as the water rose bigger
fish, though none stayed buttoned all the way to the boat.
Davy on the other hand found consistent low water
action all the way to Buffalo City. Midweek Kevin Brantonies
joined the Journal with a good group of guys from Memphis. For
a while thw action was hot, one of the Jims landing three fish
on one short drift near the Dam.
But when the water came on after lunchevery guide
in the area was rolling his eyes as we would pass midstream.
But the ebb and flow of fishing is part of its mystery. You have
to be on the water to find the best bite.
As we mentioned keep some Whitetail Midges around
for any periods of low water. But on the higher flows Pink lady's
and San Juans come into their own. We are still doing well trailing
Clint's Sunday Special behind a Dynamite Worm, outside the trophy
zones on higher flows.
We have heard of some good action on streamers,
like bigger olive woollies and zonkers, but haven't struck it
ourselves. Something we need to try more often.
NORFORK: There has been a lot of moderate 1 unit
generation on the Fork of late, but little fishing pressure.
Most of the fly fishers and guides we have been speaking to have
been hitting the White. (Update) Low water on Norfork this morning
and once again the fishing was hot by all accounts. Midges, buggers
and the usual fare were belting fish. Keep you ear to the generation
number and take the opportunities when they present themselves.
Tightlines from all at the Mountain River Fly Shop
Gary, Cindy, Jim, Gene, Kevin, Marc, Faye, Mike
and Steve
May 21, 2008 - Beaver - Submitted by JT Cappie Guide Service
Beaver Lake : As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers reports
the lake's elevation at 1,128.84 feet MSL.
JT's Crappie Guide Service (479-640-3980) said
bass have been
bighting well on spinnerbaits and crankbaits fished along grassy
banks.
Crappie are still hit and miss but they also can be caught along
grassy banks
in 9 to 12 feet of water. Small black/green or red/green curly
tail
grubs have worked well. Crappie can also be found along pole
timber in
the Hickory Creek area. Minnows fished tight lined have worked
best for
these fish.
White bass have also been making a run along grassy points and
banks
early and late chasing bait. Anything that resembles a minnow
will do
fine. Striped bass continue to be scattered all over the lake.
Good places
to look have been Point 12, Indian Creek and Prairie Creek. Live
shad
have worked best. Catfish have been the most willing fish to
bite as of
late. All methods are working all over the lake. Bluegill have
made it
to the bank and can be caught on crickets or worms.
Southtown Sporting Goods (479-443-7148) said the
water is high and
murky Bream fishing is good on worms and crickets. Crappie are
scattered,
but a few have been caught on minnows. Bass are biting well on
brightly
colored spinnerbaits, jigs and brush hogs. Catfishing is good
on
goldfish, liver and nightcrawlers.
--
Jason Piper
J.T. Crappie Guide Services
479-640-3980
May 15, 2008 - White River - Submitted by Berry
Brothers Guides-
It should be noted, that some two months after
the first flood this year we are just one foot below the maximum
capacity on all of our reservoirs. A substantial rain event could
cause the flood gates to be opened again. We have had a bit of
low water during the past couple of weeks while there is still
flooding down stream from us. It will take several months of
maximum generation to get the lake levels down. I do not foresee
any reliable wading for quite a while. Now is the time to hone
your high water skills.
The fishing on the White has remained red hot during
the past week. The flows during the past week have been predictable
and the trout have been on the feed.
The upper river from the Catch and Release section
at the base of Bull Shoals dam to Cane Island Shoals has been
fishing very well. On high water the hot flies here have been
brightly colored San Juan worms and egg patterns. On lower flows
the hot flies have been black zebra midges and caddis pupa.
Rim Shoals has been another hot spot. On the lower
water, midge nymphs in a bit larger size than you would use for
wade fishing (size 14 and 16) have been the ticket. Caddis pupa,
copper johns, olive scuds and zebra midges have also been quite
productive. On the rising water the hot flies have been brightly
colored San Juan worms. Cerise and hot fluorescent pink have
been the most productive for me. Just up stream, in the Red Bud
area, anglers were doing well fishing the banks with white marabou
jigs and San Juan worms. Down stream from Rim Shoals, all the
way to Buffalo Shoals has also fished well.
On the Norfork, the big story has been the walleye.
Up at Quarry Park , Arkansas Game and Fish Commission biologists
report that several walleye have come through the flood gates
during the previous flooding and they are stacked near the confluence
of Dry Run Creek and the Norfork. They are asking that anglers
help catch and remove these tasty predators before they do too
much damage. During the past week, there has been an absolute
army of anglers trying to harvest a few of these toothy fish
both day and night. I have not heard of any significant walleye
catches on a fly rod. The fishing has been good for trout on
high water. The best techniques have been to drift brightly colored
San Juan worms (cerise and hot fluorescent pink) and egg patterns.
Dry Run Creek has been very productive during the
past week. There have been numerous reports of successful young
anglers tagging the trout of a life time. One particular hot
spot has been the waterfall which is located down the steps that
are across the road from the National Trout Hatchery in Quarry
Park . The hot flies have been sowbugs, San Juan worms, and egg
patterns.
May 22, 2008 - Norfork and White River - Submitted by
Mountain
River Fly Shop -
WHITE RIVER: MEMORIAL Day weekend is upon us, the
temperatures are in the 80s and the weekend forecast is pretty
good. Should be a great weekend out on the river. Generation
pattern speculators have been gazing into their crystal balls,
tea leaves and chicken gizzards, all hoping for a crack, a window
of low water. So we can get out, feel the water around our legs
and play on this holiday weekend.
There have been some small windows of lighter generation,
even no generation, over the last week, triggered by the need
to lower water levels at Newport and downstream.
The need to drop water levels will limit generation
over coming days, but extended periods of low water aren't expected.
But stranger things have happened and as always be prepared to
be flexible and adapt your fishing to the conditions.
The worm bite continues, Dynamite Worms, regular
San Juans and Buckskin Wigglers, seem to be doing well. Cerise
has been the hot color among some afficionados, but standard
red, worm brown and pink are the most popular.
We have heard of some very good action on sowbugs
in the Upper part of the river, try Davys Sowbugs, Clint's Sowbugs
and Woven V-Rib Sowbugs on 3 units or less.
NORFORK: Norfork as been fishing up and down, when
its good its good, but it certainly has been less consistant
than the White, particularly for the 20" plus fish. San
Juan Worms and Dynamite Worms, have been productive, sowbug and
scud patterns
As we have mentioned Hot Wire Princes in Green/Yellow
have been very good, and red and blue are worth carrying.
May 21, 2008 - Greers
Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service - The lake
level at greers ferry is at 484.51 and falling still has a long
way to go and the corp. says it will be mid October at least
before it returns to normal pool .
The bass fishing is good with flukes , whacky worms
, texas rigged worms and c-rigs, fish can also be caught on spinnerbaits
buzzbaits and topwater lures in and around the bushes
The crappie fishing has been hit or miss for some
reason, you can catch a lot in one place one day and they are
gone the next
The walleye have scattered for some reason and
the bite should pick back up soon
Catfishing is good all over the lake with jugs
, trotlines ,limblines and rod and reels
The hybrids and whites are starting to school around
the lake in place with no rhyme or reason to the places you can
check some spots you have caught them before and they should
be close , it's a job, but you just have to look for bait fish
and be patient
Tommy Cauley
May 19, 2008 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood
Lake Guide Service
Navigation conditions in Little River are near normal.
As of Monday 19 May, Largemouth Bass are fair to good, and for
the most part, post-spawn lake wide. Increased current in Little
River from last week. Millwood is on the rise again as of Monday
due to increased lake discharge from the Tri Lakes and Little
River. Very few of the bass population are still pre-spawn, most
are wrapping up their annual spawning activities. Most upriver
Largemouth Bass spawned over last 4 weeks. Water temps consistent
from last week. Jigs, 10-12" worms, bulky lizards, large
Rat-L-Traps, Bass Assassin Shads, Trick worms & Toads all
continue working for Bass.
Keepers from 3, up to 11 pounds, have been caught and released,
over the past 2- 3 weeks. The water clarity along the river took
a turn for stain this week w/ increased lake pool elevation and
fresh incoming muddy water in Little River. Main lake clarity
likewise. Some high density broken vegetation and floating mats
in remaining current of Little River, due to swollen lake pool
and increased discharge over past many weeks, is still present.
As of Monday, 19 May, the main lake and Little River's water
surface temp range approx 64º to 78º, depending of
course, on location and time of day. Lake level on Millwood as
of Monday 19 May, is approx 12.5 inches above normal, and rising,
at 260.44 feet. Normal pool is 259.2 feet. Little River's clarity
as of Monday, is approx 3-5" visibility. Main lake clarity
and visibility 6-9" away from current. Current in Little
River and discharge at the dam is 11,022 CFS as of Monday. Many
river buoys have been replaced. Some broken loose grass and vegetation
mats, are still present.
All USACE boat ramps and campgrounds are now open, as of Monday
19 May 08.
Upriver oxbow's clarity again improved and is approx 10-15".
The tailwater elevation was 239.00 on Monday, 19 April. Discharge/
Release Rate at the spillway of 11,022 CFS is with all 13 tainer
gates open at at 2 foot each. Use caution in navigation on Little
River during low light conditions due to broken vegetation still
present and floating downstream.
The Details:
Largemouth Bass: Largemouth females have been caught and released,
up to 10.5 pounds each, over the past few weeks, in 8-12 foot
depth areas close to River's channel. Chunky Bass from 4-7 pounds
are consistent over the past week and have improved again from
last week on jigs and bulky worms, tube jigs, Bass Assassin Shads,
Horney Toads, trick worms like Senkos and Buzz Baits.
The best bite over the past week remains on jigs in black/blue,
black/red, Bass Assassin Shads in salt and pepper silver phantom,
Trick Worms and Senkos in watermelon-red, Topwater Toads, and
big bulky Rat-L-Traps. 4" Southern Pro Fattbutt Tubes (with
rattles) in pumpkinseed/chart tail, are still working in off-colored
water, and purple smoke in the clearer water. 10" worms
or bulky lizards in black/blue, june bug-red, red shad or pumpkinseed/chart;
Hog Assassins in black emerald, and green pumpkin remain working
well.
Siefert's Buzz Baits, in Bleeding Lime, Hot Firecracker, or Firetiger
near newly emerging lily pads, in the clearest water you can
find, are drawing good reactions from big fish, as long as you
use a trailer hook!
Spot remover/orange & hot mouse, War Eagle spinnerbaits,
slow-rolling, are taking some decent 15" to 19" sized
Largemouths around flooded vegetation and cypress trees, away
from current of the river, close to deep water. Rat-L-Traps in
Sexy Shad West, Toledo Gold Craw or bleeding white (bleeding
Smokey Joe) colors seem to continue to be the best lipless crank
bait bites over the past week.
White Bass: White Bass disappeared with the increase in current
in Little River and fresh incoming muddy water.
Crappie: Crappie bite, tapered off some this past week with the
drastic change in water clarity and conditions along Little River,
although a few fishermen are still having random success at a
good Crappie bite on live shiners, red/white or white/chartreuse
jigs over the past week.
Channel Cats: Blues continue to hit well on trotlines, and remains
consistent and steady w/ the current in Little River over the
past several weeks. Channel Cats, from 3-8 pounds each for the
past several weeks, are good to very good, using dog food, homemade
blood bait, and cut shad or Charlie, on trot lines and yo-yo's
along the river and in oxbows hung from cypress trees in approx
12-18 feet water depth, near river current.
Bream: Continue to bite well again along the banks on crickets
and red worms around docks and cypress trees.
Longnose Gar: Still remain relatively shallow and cruising, are
actively seen in huge numbers in shallow water spawning areas
are making excellent opportunities for bow fishermen. Clusters
of 2-4 fish swimming together, and large females, in 1-3 feet
of water depth, are being seen in backwater sloughs and oxbows.
}><(((º> Millwood Lake & Little River Conditions
Report <º)))><{
Navigation conditions in Little River are near normal.
As of Monday, 19 May, the main lake and Little River's water
surface temp range approx 64º to 78º, depending of
course, on location and time of day. Lake level on Millwood as
of Monday 19 May, is approx 12.5 inches above normal, and rising,
at 260.44 feet. Normal pool is 259.2 feet. Little River's clarity
as of Monday, is approx 3-5" visibility. Main lake clarity
and visibility 6-9" away from current. Current in Little
River and discharge at the dam is 11,022 CFS as of Monday. Many
river buoys have been replaced. Some broken loose grass and vegetation
mats, are still present.
All USACE boat ramps and campgrounds are now open, as of Monday
19 May 08.
Upriver oxbow's clarity again improved and is approx 10-15".
The tailwater elevation was 239.00 on Monday, 19 April. Discharge/
Release Rate at the spillway of 11,022 CFS is with all 13 tainer
gates open at at 2 foot each. Use caution in navigation on Little
River during low light conditions due to broken vegetation still
present and floating downstream.
Mike
May 15, 2008 - Norfork and White River - Submitted by
Mountain
River Fly Shop -
NORFORK: If you want to wade fish, Norfork is you
best bet. Just get out of bed early as you can see from the Generation
Chart. You have until lunchtime and its over.
As Jim and Marlene Mengle discovered the fishing
is spectacular. Scud patterns including Clint's Sunday Special,
McClellan's Hunchback Scud and Kaufmann's Scud have been whacking
fish.
Midge fishing has also been popular. Black and
Copper Zebras, and the gamut of other midges have been doing
well.
Fishing close to the accesses has been a little
crowded but like anything the further you walk the more they
thin out. But please be careful, there are no guarantees here
how long the water will stay off.
WHITE RIVER: Water flows have been trending lower
over the past few days if you peek at the Graph, but through
the middle to late after we are still fishing in 5 to 6 units.
We have had some very good reports from the Upper
part of the river, and some decent reports from Rims Shoals.
Spawning suckers have shown up at Rim Shoals so
its worth keeping a few egg patterns handy in this area. Sucker
eggs are a great source and easy of protein for trout.
Generally the eggs are small but even size 12 eggs
are working.
Eggs patterns have been popular in other areas
of the river too, run as an attractor in front of a San Juan,
Scud or Sowbug pattern. Every guide or fisher has their own favorite
color but our straw poll through the cash register is showing
up yellows, orange and flame as the most popular. Feed them something
to get their attention and sneaking along behind a more subtle,
natural pattern.
San Juans have been flying out of the bins, in
all hues from red, brown orange and pink. Davy's Dynamite Worm
has been lethal particularly on bright days, standard San Juans
and Rainy's Tungsten Bead SJ and Bug Skin Wigglers have also
been popular
. Davy has been fishing hard his Sowbug collection
with some great results. as you can see from the reports. But
another of our guid mates has been fishing McLellan's Woven V-Rib
Sowbug.
Tightlines from all at the Mountain River Fly Shop
Gary, Cindy, Jim, Gene, Kevin, Marc, Faye, Mike
and Steve
May 15, 2008 - White River - Submitted by Berry
Brothers Guides- JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 5/15/2008
We have had two rain events and the reservoir levels
on the White River have changed very little. The lake level at
Bull Shoals Dam has remained steady at thirty nine and six tenths
feet above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is one and four tenths
of a foot below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock
Lake rose two tenths of a foot to rest at fourteen and six tenths
feet above power pool or one and four tenths of a foot below
the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell rose one tenth of a foot
to settle at eight and four tenths feet above power pool or one
and two tenths of a foot below the top of flood pool. The pattern
on the White has been to run around the clock with higher flows
during the day and lower flows at night. Norfork Lake has fallen
two tenths of a foot to rest at twenty six and one tenth feet
above power pool of 552.00 feet or one and nine tenths of a foot
below the top of flood pool. The pattern has been to run two
generators with substantial periods of no generation. There have
been a few wading opportunities on the Norfork River during the
night and morning but none on the White. On the higher water,
boating conditions have been excellent.
The fishing on the White has been red hot during
the past week. The flows during the past week have been quite
a bit lower than previous weeks and the trout have been on the
feed.
The upper river from the Catch and Release section
at the base of Bull Shoals dam to Cane Island Shoals has been
fishing very well. The hot flies here have been brightly colored
San Juan worms and egg patterns.
The big hot spot this week has been Rim Shoals.
The lower pattern has been for the rising water hit here mid
day and that has been the best time to fish here. On the lower
water, midge nymphs in a bit larger size than you would use for
wade fishing (size 14 and 16) have been the ticket. Caddis pupa,
copper johns, olive scuds and zebra midges have also been quite
productive. On the rising water the hot flies have been brightly
colored San Juan worms. Cerise and hot fluorescent pink have
been the most productive for me. Egg patterns have also been
very productive. Just up stream, in the Red Bud area, anglers
were doing well fishing the banks with white marabou jigs.
On the Norfork, there have been some nice periods
of low water during daylight hours that have allowed for some
excellent wading conditions. The fishing was excellent. There
are a lot of scuds in the water and scud patterns have been deadly.
The catch and release section has fished well. The section down
stream from the Ackerman access has also fished particularly
well. Woolly Buggers and partridge and orange soft hackles have
accounted for a lot of trout. Up at Quarry Park , Arkansas Game
and Fish Commission biologists report that several walleye have
come through the flood gates during the previous flooding and
they are stacked near the confluence of Dry run Creek and the
Norfork. They are asking that anglers help catch and remove these
tasty predators before they do too much damage. There are other
warm water predators like striped bass and needle nose gar that
need to be caught and removed from Arkansas' premier blue ribbon
trout stream.
As always, Dry Run Creek is fishing very well.
The best flies this past week have been sowbugs, olive woolly
buggers and San Juan worms. Be sure and rig your youngster with
heavy tippet (at least 4X) so that they have a better chance
at landing one of these monsters. Most fish are lost at the net.
Do yourself a favor and carry the biggest net that you can find
to aid in landing the big trout there.
While you are there, take a tour of the National
Fish hatchery. It is educational and informative. There is now
a machine that dispenses trout food so that you can feed them
your self. Be sure that you remove your waders before entering
the hatchery in order to prevent the spread of aquatic diseases
like whirling disease.
May 14, 2008 - Greers
Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service -The water
level at greers ferry is at 485.31 and has been falling but will
rise again since the rain last night and the temp ranges from
62 -70 degrees
The hybrids and white bass are on their way back
down stream and where they will stop no-body know , as this is
the highest the water has ever been and I have never had to deal
with it this high and do not know where they will wind up , the
electronics will play a key role in finding them .
The crappie are being caught on minnows in 2 12
feet of water and when you find them you should be able to catch
your limit in one small area
The catfishing is good all around the lake at all
depths using rod and reels and jugs and trotlines baited with
any of your favoriate baits.
The walleye have slowed some with the last of the
lake walleye just getting their spawn over, try dragging crawlers
and crank baits on any rocky flat you can find in 15-32 feet
of water.
Some of the bass have spawned and some have not
all are still in the bushes , try spinnerbaits,shakeyhookers,c-rigs
as well as some top water frogs and twitch baits.
Tommy Cauley
May 13, 2008 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood
Lake Guide Service T
he Overall Picture:
Navigation conditions in Little River are near normal.
As of Monday 12 May, Largemouth Bass improved again. Decreased
current in Little River from last week has Millwood falling and
closer to normal this week than it has been in quite some time.
Few of the bass population are still pre-spawn, many have completed,
or are wrapping up their annual spawning activities. Most upriver
Largemouth Bass have already spawned over last 3-4 weeks. Water
temps consistent from last week. Jigs, 10-12" worms, bulky
lizards, large Rat-L-Traps, Bass Assassin Shads, & Toads
all continue working well on Bass.
Keepers from 3, up to 11 pounds, have been caught and released,
over the past 2- 3 weeks. The water clarity along the river is
dramatically improved. Main lake clarity is improving as well
with reduction of current and discharge. Some high density broken
vegetation and floating mats in remaining current of Little River,
due to swollen lake pool and increased discharge over past many
weeks, is still present.
As of Monday, 12 May, the main lake and Little River's water
surface temp range approx 63º to 75º, depending of
course, on location and time of day. Lake level on Millwood as
of Monday 12 May, is approx 7.7 inches above normal, and falling,
at 259.84 feet. Normal pool is 259.2 feet. Little River's clarity
as of Monday, is approx 4-6" visibility. Main lake clarity
and visibility 6-9" away from current. Current in Little
River and discharge at the dam is 5,100 CFS as of Monday. Many
river buoys have been replaced. Some broken loose grass and vegetation
mats, are still present.
All USACE boat ramps and campgrounds are now open again, as of
Monday 12 May 08.
Upriver oxbow's clarity again improved and is approx 10-15".
The tailwater elevation was 234.28 on Monday, 12 April. Discharge/
Release Rate at the spillway of 5,100 CFS is with all 13 tainer
gates open at at 1 foot each. Use caution in navigation on Little
River during low light conditions due to broken vegetation still
present and floating downstream.
The Details:
Largemouth Bass: The past week, has been good, again, for Millwood
Lake. The water temps continue to rise, and the lake level is
almost returned normal. Some Largemouths we are finding have
already spawned out, as beds have been seen up river at various
locations. Numerous males and fat females have been seen &
caught up to 10.5 pounds each, in bedding area flats adjacent
to deep water drops and creek channels. Bass from 4-7 pounds
are consistent over the past week and have improved again from
last week on jigs and bulky worms, tube jigs, Bass Assassin Shads,
Horney Toads, and lizards.
Overall the bass bite continues improving. Bite is recovering
with lake level reaching closer to normal pool. The most aggressive
bite over the past week remains on jigs in black/blue, black/red,
Bass Assassin Shads in salt and pepper silver phantom, Trick
Worms and Senkos in watermelon-red, Topwater Toads, and big bulky
Rat-L-Traps. Southern Pro Fattbutt Tubes (with rattles) in black-red
flake are still working in off-colored water, and purple smoke
in the clearer water. 10" worms or bulky lizards in black/blue,
june bug-red, red shad or pumpkinseed/chart; Hog Assassins in
black emerald, and green pumpkin remain working well.
Siefert's Buzz Baits, in Hot Firecracker or bubble-gum/black,
near newly emerging lily pads, in the clearest water you can
find, are drawing good reactions from big fish, as long as you
use a trailer hook!
Spot remover-orange & hot mouse, War Eagle spinnerbaits,
slow-rolling, are taking some decent 15" to 19" sized
Largemouths around flooded vegetation and cypress trees, away
from current of the river, close to deep water. Rat-L-Traps in
red shad, Sexy Shad West, or Toledo Gold Craw colors seem to
continue to be the best lipless crank bait bites over the past
week.
White Bass: White Bass were caught adjacent to creek mouths dumping
into Little River, just inside the current breaks, between White
Cliffs and McGuire this week between 2.5 to 3.5 pounds each on
Cordell hammered spoons w/ white bucktails and Little Cleos or
Little Georges.
Crappie: Crappie bite, continue improvement this past week. Slab
Crappie have been caught under cypress trees on live shiners,
red/white or smoke Cordell Grubs on jig heads, over the past
couple weeks.
Channel Cats: Blues continue to hit well on trotlines, and remains
consistent and steady w/ the current in Little River over the
past couple weeks. Channel Cats, from 3-8 pounds each for the
past several weeks, are good, using dog food, cut shad or Charlie,
on trot lines and yo-yo's along the river and in oxbows hung
from cypress trees in approx 9-11 feet water depth, near river
current.
Bream: Continue to bite well again along the banks on crickets
and red worms around docks and cypress trees. White/chartreuse
or white/yellow popping bugs on fly rods, remain catching nice
Red Ear and Mason Bream.
Longnose Gar: Still remain relatively shallow and cruising, are
actively seen in huge numbers in shallow water spawning areas
are making excellent opportunities for bow fishermen. Clusters
of 2-4 fish swimming together, and large females, in 1-3 feet
of water depth, are being seen in backwater sloughs and oxbows.
}><(((º> Millwood Lake & Little River Conditions
Report <º)))><{
Navigation conditions in Little River are near normal.
As of Monday, 12 May, the main lake and Little River's water
surface temp range approx 63º to 75º, depending of
course, on location and time of day. Lake level on Millwood as
of Monday 12 May, is approx 7.7 inches above normal, and falling,
at 259.84 feet. Normal pool is 259.2 feet. Little River's clarity
as of Monday, is approx 4-6" visibility. Main lake clarity
and visibility 6-9" away from current. Current in Little
River and discharge at the dam is 5,100 CFS as of Monday. Many
river buoys have been replaced. Some broken loose grass and vegetation
mats, are still present.
All USACE boat ramps and campgrounds are now open again, as of
Monday 12 May 08.
Upriver oxbow's clarity again improved and is approx 10-15".
The tailwater elevation was 234.28 on Monday, 12 April. Discharge/
Release Rate at the spillway of 5,100 CFS is with all 13 tainer
gates open at at 1 foot each. Use caution in navigation on Little
River during low light conditions due to broken vegetation still
present and floating downstream.
Mike
May 9, 2008 - White River - Submitted by Berry
Brothers Guides- JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 5/08/2008
Though we have had yet another rain event, the
reservoirs on the White River continue to fall, albeit slowly.
The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell four tenths of a foot
to rest at thirty nine and six tenths feet above power pool of
654.00 feet. This is one and four tenths of a foot below the
top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake fell seven tenths
of a foot to rest at fourteen and three tenths feet above power
pool or one and seven tenths of a foot below the top of flood
pool. Beaver Lake fell two tenths of a foot to settle at eight
and three tenths feet above power pool or one and three tenths
of a foot below the top of flood pool. The pattern on the White
has been to run around the clock with higher flows during the
day and lower flows at night. All flood gates have now been shut
down. Norfork Lake has fallen seven tenths of a foot to rest
at twenty six and three tenths feet above power pool of 552.00
feet or one and seven tenths of a foot below the top of flood
pool. The pattern has been to run two generators most of the
time with brief periods of no generation at night. There have
been a few brief periods of wading opportunities on the Norfork
River at night but none on the White. On the higher water, boating
conditions have been excellent. The Buffalo River and Crooked
Creek are still a bit high and off colored.
The fishing on the White has been greatly improved
during the past week. With fluctuating levels, the key to success
has been to fish rising water. This requires that you carefully
study the variances in flow and position your self to be on the
water when the water rises on a particular stretch of water and
fish the rise.
The upper river from the Catch and Release section
at the base of Bull Shoals dam to Cane Island Shoals has been
fishing well. Since the lower flows have been at night and this
section is located just below the dam, virtually all the fishing
here is at higher flows. The hot flies here have been brightly
colored San Juan worms and egg patterns. Be sure and weight the
leader heavily and use a large indicator to float all of this.
Another section that has been very productive has
been the section from Rim Shoals to Buffalo Shoals. The lower
flows and rising water hit here during the day and that has been
the best time to fish here. On the lower water, midge nymphs
in a bit larger size than you would use for wade fishing (size
14 and 16) have been the ticket. Caddis pupa and copper johns
have also been quite productive. Be sure and fish the power lines
and the rough hole carefully because they have been producing
extremely well.
Caution should be used when using the ramp at Ranchette.
It has silted in quite a bit and it is not recommended that you
try and use it at this time unless you have four wheel drive.
With the Lower water conditions and greatly improved
fishing on the White, the crowding has eased quite a bit on the
Norfork. The heavy pressure from previous weeks has put the fish
down and anglers are not catching as many. The best time to fish
has been early morning to catch the rise. On lower water, nymphs
like olive scuds, zebra midges and copper johns have been the
hot flies. Once the rise is over, the ticket has been to fish
brightly colored San Juan worms and egg patterns.
Dry Run Creek as usual is fishing very well. This
is a great time of year to fish here, between spring break and
summer vacation, because there is not much fishing pressure and
the best spots are available. The best flies this past week have
been sowbugs, olive woolly buggers and San Juan worms. While
a lot of the creek can be fished from the bank, it is best to
have waders so that you can reach some of the seldom fished spots
that hold the larger fish.
BOATING ETIQUETTE
It would be an understatement to say, that this
is going to be a high water year. Recent rains have sent the
lake levels soaring and caused flooding through out the region.
It will take a long time for the Corps of Engineers to lower
the lake levels and it looks like we are going to be fishing
from a boat for a long time. There will be more anglers fishing
from boats in the coming months and a lot of them will be new
to boating in the river. There are a few basic rules of boating
etiquette that will make this increase in boating pressure go
much more smoothly.
Every thing begins at the ramp. The basic rule
is, do not hog the ramp. At certain times, early in the morning
and late afternoon, our ramps can get quite busy as anglers begin
and end their day. Prepare your boat for launching before you
back down the ramp. Insert in your plug, connect the gas line,
rig your rods, and load your gear in the parking lot. Only when
everything is ready, do you back down the ramp and launch your
boat. Load your passengers and clear the ramp so that others
may use it.
The same is true for loading your boat at the end
of the day. I remember waiting for another guide to clean his
client's days catch while sitting in his boat at the ramp effectively
denying its use to any one else for several minutes. If you have
to do something like this, pull off to the side of the ramp and
do it there. When you are finished back your car down the ramp,
load quickly and clear the ramp. Removing your plug, unloading
your boat, securing your motor and all of the other tasks to
prepare the boat for the drive home can be done in the parking
lot out of the way of others wanting to use the ramp.
There will be some new boaters out there that have
never backed down a ramp or loaded a boat onto a trailer before.
Be patient. Offer constructive criticism or maybe even help them.
We were all there at one time or another. They will appreciate
your assistance.
Once under way, pass other boats with care, particularly
if the occupants are fishing. If you pass another angler that
is actively fishing, slow down so that you do not cause a wake
to interfere with their fishing. Give other anglers a wide berth,
do not crowd them. Try and determine which side of the boat they
are fishing from and pass on the other side. Do not run your
boat over their lines. In addition to possibly fouling up your
motor, you probably will not make any friends.
Do not anchor in or otherwise clog the main channel.
This is of greater importance at lower water levels. There will
be choke points on the river which are the only places where
a boat can get through a certain section of river. If you anchor
your boat in these spots you will limit others ability to navigate
the river and you might get run over.
Wait your turn. There are certain times when several
anglers are working the same water. An example of this is during
the shad kill when a lot of anglers are concentrated in the Catch
and Release section just below Bull Shoals dam. They motor up
stream near the dam and drift down. The proper thing to do is
motor up and wait your turn to begin your drift down. You should
not drop in below another boat and interfere with their drift.
Keep the noise down. I have been on the river enjoying
the natural beauty of the area only to have my solitude disturbed
by another boat playing a boom box very loud. Just because you
like Toby Keith does not mean that every one else does. Enjoy
your loud music in the privacy of your own home.
Take these suggestions to heart and the river will
be a pleasant place to be.
John Berry
May 9, 2008 - Norfork and White River - Submitted by
Mountain
River Fly Shop -
WHITE RIVER: The great reports off the White continue,
with plenty of 18"-22" fish caught and landed over
the last week, even in the blustery conditions of late last week.
But we also heard from Clint Wilkinson and Marc
Poulos of their clients losing monster browns in the double figure
range (and we mean pounds) when the hook slipped out.
Both Marco's and Clint's eyes grew very big relating
these tales to us.
The water flows have fluctuated markedly over the
last week on the White from, a heavy 7 units to a low 3.
And since generally rising water is good and falling
water bad knowing where to hit the best section of river and
which way to run during the day is another part of the smarts
of White River guides.
Definately treat yourself to a trip with one of
our Guides, it's worth way more than the fish you will catch
themselves.
On the water San Juan's remain dominant. The best
color is a subject of debate, red, brown, hot pink or hot orange
are most common but cerise worms have some serious devotees.
Try Davy Wotton's Dynamite Worms as well in hot pink, hot orange,
dark and light tan and red. Davy again has been whacking trout
with this pattern on both the White and Norfork
From Cotter upstream there are a bunch of caddis
on the water, but with even moderate flows there doesn't appear
to be too many fish taking the adults.
But certainly green-hued caddis pupa patterns are
working well from Cotter to the Narrows and perhaps above. The
Journal fished Psycho Rhyco Caddis patterns ahead of a Clint's
Sunday Special for good results on Tuesday.
Tightlines from all at the Mountain River Fly Shop
Gary, Cindy, Jim, Gene, Kevin, Marc, Faye, Mike
and Steve
May 6, 2008 - Greers Ferry
Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service -
The water level at greers ferry is at 485.29 and
falling, the temp ranges from 61 -----70 degrees
White bass and hybrids are still up river biting
pretty well and are finishing up laying their eggs , and the
few stragglers can be caught with grubs roadrunners and jerkbaits.
A few bream are biting now in the main lake on
crawlers
Crappie fishing is now picking up, because the
fisherman are now out catching them on jigs in and around the
brush and will continue to get better everday, try Choctaw basin,
south fork and the middle fork and devils fork arms as well as
hill creek.
The walleye are hit and miss as the lake walleye
have not spawned yet due to the cold nights , but if ya have
a breeze on a cloudy day you can catch a few as the river walleye
have not got set up and feeding yet.
The bass fishing is continuing to get better everyday
the spawn is about 1 12 months behind on everything a few blacks
are on the bed and the smallmouth are on the move and getting
ready to make beds .
Tommy Cauley
May 5, 2008 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood
Lake Guide Service
The Overall Picture:
Navigation conditions in Little River are cautioned with broken
debris.
As of Monday 5 May, Largemouth Bass improved again. Increased
current in Little River from last week with increase of discharge
of pool from Tri Lakes (Gillam, Dierks, De Queen Lakes) has Millwood
slightly rising this week. A good population of the bass are
still pre spawn. Many upriver Largemouth Bass have already spawned
over last 3-4 weeks. Water temps consistent from last week. Jigs,
10-12" worms, magnum lizards, large Rat-L-Traps, & magnum
tubes contine working well on Bass.
Keepers from 4 pounds, up to 10 pounds have been caught and released,
over the past 2- 3 weeks. The water clarity along the river is
muddy from recent influx of discharge from Tri Lakes. Main lake
clarity is improving away from current. Be very diligent of floating
debris, still coming down Little River. Limbs, and high density
broken vegetation in heavy current of Little River, due to increased
discharge at the dam is still present.
As of Monday, 5 May, the main lake and Little River's water surface
temp ranging approx 63º to 75º, depending of course,
on location and time of day. Lake level on Millwood as of Tuesday
6 May, is still approx 1.3 feet above normal, and slowly rising,
at 260.39 feet. Normal pool is 259.2 feet. Little River's clarity
as of Monday, is approx 2-4" visibility. Main lake clarity
and visibility 5-6". Current in Little River and discharge
at the dam is 18,048 CFS as of Tuesday, to normalize lake level.
Much debris, grass mats, tree limbs, etc is coming down Little
River. Use caution during navigations on Millwood until normal
pool can be returned. Some river buoys are clogged with broken
loose grass and vegetation mats, missing, or forced out of the
channel due to heavy debris in current. USACE is working diligently
to replace river buoys that were pushed to the bank during the
6-8' rise.
All USACE boat ramps and campgrounds are now open again, as of
Monday 5 May 08.
Upriver oxbow's clarity approx 8-10". The tailwater elevation
was unavailable below the spillway on Tuesday, 06 April. Discharge/
Release Rate at the spillway of 18,048 CFS is with all 13 tainer
gates open at at 3.6 feet each. The recent high wind on the lake
has moved many of the Little River buoys out of the channel center.
Use caution in navigation with increase in debris content w/
increase of very high current in Little River.
The Details:
Largemouth Bass: The past week, has been good, again, for Millwood
Lake. The water temps continue to rise, and the lake level is
slightly rising from recent discharge from the Tri Lakes which
are ranging from 15-25 feet still above normal. Some Largemouths
we are finding have already spawned out, as beds have been seen
up river at various locations. Some remain staging and full of
roe. Numerous males and fat females have been seen & caught
up to 8 & 9 pounds each, in bedding area flats adjacent to
deep water drops and creek channels. Bass from 4-7 pounds are
consistent over the past week and have improved again from last
week on jigs and bulky worms and lizards.
Overall the bass bite continues improving. Fish are slowly recovering
with lake level reaching closer to normal pool. The most aggressive
bite remains on jigs in black/blue, black/blue/purple, Bass Assassin
Shads in baby bass or bubble gum pink, Trick Worms and Senkos
in watermelon-red, Topwater Toads, and big bulky Rat-L-Traps.
Southern Pro Fattbutt Tubes (with rattles) in black-red flake
are still working in off-colored water, and purple smoke in the
clearer water. 10" worms or lizards in black/blue, june
bug-red, red shad or pumpkinseed/chart; Hog Assassins in black
emerald, and green pumpkin are working well.
Siefert's Buzz Baits, in bubble-gum/black, or black & red
near newly emerging lily pads, in the clearest water you can
find, are drawing good reactions from big fish, as long as you
use a trailer hook!
Spot remover-orange & hot mouse, War Eagle spinnerbaits,
slow-rolling, are taking some decent 15" to 19" sized
Largemouths around flooded vegetation and cypress trees, away
from current of the river, close to deep water. Rat-L-Traps in
red shad, Sexy Shad West, or Toledo Gold Craw colors seem to
be the best lipless crank bait bites over the past week.
White Bass: Some nice White Bass were caught adjacent to creek
mouths dumping into Little River, just inside the current breaks,
above White Cliffs this week between 2.5 to 3.5 pounds each.
Crappie: Crappie bite, took another major improvement this past
week. The big Crappie have been caught under cypress trees on
live shiners, red/white or white/chartruese jigs, over the past
couple weeks.
Channel Cats: The good news continues for Blues, and remains
consistent and steady w/ the current in Little River over the
past couple weeks. Channel Cats, from 3-8 pounds each for the
past several weeks, are good, using dog food, cut shad or Charlie,
on trot lines and yo-yo's along the river and in oxbows hung
from cypress trees in approx 9-11 feet water depth, near river
current.
Bream: Beginning to bite good again along the banks on crickets
and red worms around docks and cypress trees. White/chartreuse
or white/yellow popping bugs on fly rods, remain catching nice
Red Ear and Mason Bream.
Longnose Gar: Still remain relatively shallow and cruising, are
actively seen in huge numbers in shallow water spawning areas
are making excellent opportunities for bow fishermen. Clusters
of 2-4 fish swimming together, and large females, in 1-3 feet
of water depth, are being seen in backwater sloughs and oxbows.
}><(((º> Millwood Lake & Little River Conditions
Report <º)))><{
Navigation conditions in Little River are cautioned, with increased
current & debris.
As of Monday, 5 May, the main lake and Little River's water surface
temp ranging approx 63º to 75º, depending of course,
on location and time of day. Lake level on Millwood as of Tuesday
6 May, is still approx 1.3 feet above normal, and slowly rising,
at 260.39 feet. Normal pool is 259.2 feet. Little River's clarity
as of Monday, is approx 2-4" visibility. Main lake clarity
and visibility 5-6". Current in Little River and discharge
at the dam is 18,048 CFS as of Tuesday, to normalize lake level.
Much debris, grass mats, tree limbs, etc is coming down Little
River. Use caution during navigations on Millwood until normal
pool can be returned. Some river buoys are clogged with broken
loose grass and vegetation mats, missing, or forced out of the
channel due to heavy debris in current. USACE is working diligently
to replace river buoys that were pushed to the bank during the
6-8' rise.
All USACE boat ramps and campgrounds are now open again, as of
Monday 5 May 08.
Upriver oxbow's clarity approx 8-10". The tailwater elevation
was unavailable below the spillway on Tuesday, 06 April. Discharge/
Release Rate at the spillway of 18,048 CFS is with all 13 tainer
gates open at at 3.6 feet each. The recent high wind on the lake
has moved many of the Little River buoys out of the channel center.
Use caution in navigation with increase in debris content w/
increase of very high current in Little River.
Mike
May 1, 2008 - White River - Submitted by Berry
Brothers Guides- Though the reservoirs on the White River
system have fallen a bit, they remain precariously close to the
top of flood pool. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam rose fell
two tenths of a foot to rest at forty feet above power pool of
654.00 feet. This is one foot below the top of flood pool. Up
stream, Table Rock Lake fell five tenths of a foot to rest at
fifteen feet above power pool or one foot below the top of flood
pool. Beaver Lake fell seven tenths of a foot to settle at eight
and five tenths feet above power pool or one and one tenth of
a foot below the top of flood pool. The pattern on the White
has been to run all eight generators around the clock. In addition
they opened the flood gates and ran 13, 000 additional cubic
feet per second (the equivalent of four additional generators).
The also ran the flood gates on Beaver and Table Rock. All have
now been shut down. Norfork Lake has fallen two tenths feet to
rest at twenty seven feet above power pool of 552.00 feet or
one foot below the top of flood pool. The pattern has been to
run two generators most of the time with brief periods of no
generation mostly at night. There have been a few brief periods
of wading opportunities on the Norfork River at night but none
on the White. On the higher water, boating conditions have been
excellent. The Buffalo River and Crooked Creek are high and off
colored.
Most boat ramps on the White River are now usable.
When they had the flood gates open during the past week they
were all flooded. Great care should be taken when launching or
loading your boat during heavy generation. The use of a personal
flotation device is highly recommended when boating on heavy
water.
The fishing on the White has been tough. The water
has been so high most anglers have avoided it all together. A
few brave souls have fished the upper White with some success,
particularly the Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals
dam. At least one enterprising angler was able to harvest several
stripers on the White River . They had come through the flood
gates and were stunned by their ordeal. The angler scooped them
up with his boat net for a fish fry. With the flood gates turned
off, conditions on the White should improve substantially.
With the water on the White extremely high, the
action was centered on the Norfork River . The traffic was incredibly
heavy. With the ramp at Quarry Park destroyed by recent flooding
and the ramp at the confluence flooded by the additional water
coming through the flood gates at Bull Shoals dam, the only place
to launch boats on the Norfork was off the side of the road leading
to the confluence ramp. This is a tricky place to launch and
at times the spot got quite congested. Patience prevailed and
I heard on no mishaps.
Despite the extremely crowded conditions, the fishing,
while not hot, was steady. The key to success has been to use
conventional high water tactics. Large brightly colored San Juan
worms (red, hot pink, cerise and fire orange have all been productive)
and brightly colored egg patterns. One tactic that helped produce
fish was the use of a dropper in the sections of the Norfork
that were not designated Catch and Release. A small nymph can
be attached to the bend of the hook of the San Juan worm by a
twenty four inch tippet with a couple of simple improved clinch
knots.
A good nymph to use for this technique would be
the copper john. Our most reliable mayfly hatch of the year is
the sulphur. They regularly hatch in May and June and the nymphs
should be coming more active in the coming weeks. Use the copper
wire variety in size fourteen. It is a dead on imitation of the
sulphur nymphs. Other good nymphs to try would be olive scuds
or black zebra nymphs in size fourteen.
Dry Run Creek as usual is fishing very well. The
hot fly has been the worm brown San Juan worm in smaller sizes.
Other productive patterns have been sowbugs, olive woolly buggers,
egg patterns and Y2Ks. While you are there take a tour of the
National Fish Hatchery. It is fascinating and educational. Be
sure and remove your waders before entering the hatchery to prevent
the spread of aquatic diseases.
Practice water safety and always check conditions
before you leave home.
May 1, 2008 - Norfork and White River - Submitted by
Mountain
River Fly Shop -
WHITE RIVER: WELL thank goodness the highest outflows
from the Bull Shoals Dam ever is over. 13 units of water was
pretty daunting. But its not to say there weren't some fish caught.
But all our guides were saying it was hard work.
Ten units, the flow we had earlier in the month was certainly
fishable.
But it's going to be nice to be back onto 6 to
8 units, more fishable rigs on the rods and some very good fishing
to be expected.
It is going to be some off before you will probably
hear zero units on the White but if we duck any more torrential
rain in the catchment, then hopefully we won't see any more spillway
flows.
One thing we can say though is there is going to
be some very good fishing from a boat over the next little while.
High water can produce growth rates of around an inch a month.
And with the super size buffet of drowned worms,
decaying warmwater fish and more during times the floodgates
were open these fish should be stacking on the weight. And as
we have said more than once in recent weeks
There is no better time to catch a trophy White
River fish than during high water.
As you may have read earlier in the Journal its
a good bet to start with fly patterns from Wotton or Wilkinson.
The Dynamite Worm has been one of Davy's little
secret until he let it slip last month. The Sunday Special has
been a go to fly for Clint for a goodly while, and if you had
been one of his clients there is a good chance you had it on
your rod at some stage.
And if you aren't fishing in a catch and release
zone then try a double rig with the Dynamite Worm trailing the
heavier Sunday Special.
More generally worm patterns have been a mainstay
in recent week, fished with a fair amount of lead depending on
water flows.
Scuds and sowbugs have also been very good when
the water is 8 units and below. We also heard of some very big
browns caught recently on big streamer patterns, tossed against
the banks.
On a guide poll the mornings have been quieter
than the afternoons on Norfork recently. Certainly it was this
way for us.
We fished slowly down from the Dam to McLellan's
with the odd fish to Marc and zip to the boat driver.
Apparently it was the Journal's mission to decorate
the new bottom structure with flies.
But then we moved into the catch and release section
and switched to size 14 Prince variants, the Journal a Tungsten
Prince, Marco the Hot Wire Prince in Green Yellow, and we were
on fire.
Small tan caddis were coming off pretty steadily
but didn't seem to be attracting any surface activity. We later
heard from Clint his day had been similar, though he stayed lower
on the river and caught the rise in feeding activity earlier
on worms and Sunday Specials.
Tightlines from all at the Mountain River Fly Shop
Gary, Cindy, Jim, Gene, Kevin, Marc, Faye, Mike
and Steve
April 28, 2008 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood
Lake Guide Service
The Overall Picture:
Navigation conditions in Little River are cautioned with broken
debris.
As of Monday 28 April, Largemouth Bass much improved. Decreased
current in Little River and increase in drop of pool on Red River
continues to slowly lower the elevated level. A good population
of the bass are still pre spawn. Over half have already spawned
over last 2-3 weeks. Water temp continues to climb. Large 10-12"
worms, magnum lizards, large Rat-L-Traps, & magnum tubes
are working well.
Keepers from 4 pounds, up to 10 pounds have been caught and released,
over the past 2- 3 weeks. The water clarity along the river and
main lake, is beginning to improve. Be very diligent of floating
debris, still coming down Little River. Limbs, and high density
broken vegetation in heavy current of Little River, due to increased
discharge at the dam is still present.
As of Monday, 28 April, the main lake and Little River's water
surface temp is ranging approx 64º to 77º, depending
of course, on location and time of day. Lake level on Millwood
as of Tuesday 28 April, is still approx 1.3 feet above normal,
and slowly falling, at 260.53 feet. Normal pool is 259.2 feet.
Little River's clarity as of Monday, is approx 4-5" visibility.
Main lake clarity and visibility likewise. Current in Little
River and discharge at the dam is 17,159 CFS as of Tuesday, to
normalize lake level. Much debris, grass mats, tree limbs, etc
is coming down Little River. Use caution during navigations on
Millwood until normal pool can be returned. Some river buoys
are clogged with broken loose grass and vegetation mats, missing,
or forced out of the channel due to heavy debris in current.
USACE is working diligently to replace river buoys that were
pushed to the bank during the 6-8' rise.
River Run East boat ramp and campground is closed due to remaining
high water.
Upriver oxbow's clarity approx 8-10". The tailwater elevation
that was available below the spillway on Monday, 28 April; is
248.56 feet and falling from increased discharge at the dam.
Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 17,159 CFS is with
all 13 tainer gates open at at 3.5 feet each. The recent high
wind on the lake has moved many of the Little River buoys out
of the channel center. Use caution in navigation with increase
in debris content w/ increase of very high current in Little
River.
The Details:
Largemouth Bass: The past week, has been good, again, for Millwood
Lake. The water temps continue to rise, and the lake level has
finally begun to slowly recede. Some Largemouths we are finding
have already spawned out, as beds have been seen up river at
various locations. Some remain staging and full of roe. Numerous
males and fat females have been seen & caught up to 8 &
9 pounds each, in bedding area flats adjacent to deep water drops
and creek channels.
Bite continues improving. Fish are recovering with lake level
almost reaching close to normal pool. The most aggressive bite
remains on Bass Assassin Shads, Trick Worms, Topwater Toads,
and Senkos or big bulky Rat-L-Traps. Southern Pro Fattbutt Tubes
(with rattles) in black-red flake are still working in off-colored
water, and purple smoke in the clearer water. 10" worms
and Hog Assassins in black emerald, and green pumpkin are working.
Spot remover-orange, hot mouse, War Eagle spinnerbaits are taking
some decent 15" to 19+" sized Largemouths around flooded
vegetation, away from current of the river, close to deep water,
slow-rolling.
Rat-L-Traps in red chrome, Sexy Shad West, or Toledo Gold Craw
colors, and bubble-gum/chartreuse buzz baits in the clearest
colored water you can find, are beginning to draw some decent
hook-ups from big fish.
White Bass: Some nice White Bass were caught between White Cliffs
and McGuire this week up to 3.5 pounds each.
Crappie: Crappie bite, took another major improvement this past
week. The big Crappie have been caught under cypress trees on
pink and white, or red/white or white/chartruese jigs, over the
past couple weeks.
Channel Cats: The good news continues for Blues, and remains
consistent and steady w/ the current in Little River over the
past couple weeks. Channel Cats, from 3-8 pounds each for the
past several weeks, are good, using dog food, cut shad or Charlie,
on trot lines and yo-yo's along the river and in oxbows hung
from cypress trees in approx 7-9 feet water depth, near river
current.
Bream: Beginning to bite good again along the banks on crickets
and red worms around docks and cypress trees. White or chartreuse
popping bugs on fly rods, are catching nice Red Ear and Mason
Bream.
Longnose Gar: Still remain relatively shallow and cruising, are
actively seen in huge numbers in shallow water spawning areas
are making excellent opportunities for bow fishermen. Clusters
of 2-4 fish swimming together, and large females, in 1-3 feet
of water depth, are being seen in backwater sloughs and oxbows.
}><(((º> Millwood Lake & Little River Conditions
Report <º)))><{
Navigation conditions in Little River are cautioned, with increased
current & debris.
As of Monday, 28 April, the main lake and Little River's water
surface temp is ranging approx 64º to 77º, depending
of course, on location and time of day. Lake level on Millwood
as of Tuesday 28 April, is still approx 1.3 feet above normal,
and slowly falling, at 260.53 feet. Normal pool is 259.2 feet.
Little River's clarity as of Monday, is approx 4-5" visibility.
Main lake clarity and visibility likewise. Current in Little
River and discharge at the dam is 17,159 CFS as of Tuesday, to
normalize lake level. Much debris, grass mats, tree limbs, etc
is coming down Little River. Use caution during navigations on
Millwood until normal pool can be returned. Some river buoys
are clogged with broken loose grass and vegetation mats, missing,
or forced out of the channel due to heavy debris in current.
USACE is working diligently to replace river buoys that were
pushed to the bank during the 6-8' rise.
River Run East boat ramp and campground is closed due to remaining
high water.
Upriver oxbow's clarity approx 8-10". The tailwater elevation
that was available below the spillway on Monday, 28 April; is
248.56 feet and falling from increased discharge at the dam.
Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 17,159 CFS is with
all 13 tainer gates open at at 3.5 feet each. The recent high
wind on the lake has moved many of the Little River buoys out
of the channel center. Use caution in navigation with increase
in debris content w/ increase of very high current in Little
River.
Mike
April 24, 2008 - Norfork and White River - Submitted by
Mountain
River Fly Shop - WHITE RIVER: Just as we were getting
used to fishing 10 units, with the spillways open, we came back
to a more standard 8 units last week.The fishing had been different
but very good all week. White River trout are going to be stacking
on the weight courtesy of the floodgates "supersize"
meals of worms drowned when the high water flooded ground which
hadn't seen water in decades.
As the water receded down the eight units level,
and below, the fishing was still pretty damn good up and down
the river. The Corps has been fluctuating the water significantly
if you look at the Bull Shoals Generation Graph. Virtually every
day this week flows were cut back to two units around midnight
before gradually returning to 8 unit flows by "work hours".
This had opened up some small windows of wadeable wader downstream.
But if you are going to try this please keep a close eye on the
water and have your escape route planned.
 During
the day water levels have fluctuated Our guides have been on
the water a lot over the past 10 days, it really is the best
way to get yourself into some nice fish and learn the techniques.
Marc Poulos led the way last Saturday with a 22" brown for
one of his clients, pictured left.
While Marc was on the River from Wildcat to Gaston's,
the Journal was fishing the Dam to Cane Island with a bunch of
healthy bow's, the best a 18" fish which leapt all over
the river, with our neophyte client, trying to keep up.
Best flies remain the San Juan Worm, and while
we don't have pictures yet come into the store to check out Davy
Wotton's very cool Dynamite Worm, a red version of which fooled
that 18" 'bow. The Journal and Kev Brandtonies, were fishing
the Dam area, and we picked up fish early on Shad patterns, but
went back to the reliable San Juans (red, pink, and hot orange)
and of course Kev's Pink Lady.
Downstream outside the trophy zone we set up a
Clint Wilkinson Sunday Special trailed behind the worm, a rig
which was producing a lot of takes.
Last night produced a lot of rain for the headwaters
of the White, and we are hearing reports that both the Table
Rock and Beaver spillways have opened in response. Just what
impact that will have on this section of the river remains to
be seen. But fishing up to 10 units works, that we do know.
NORFORK: We are really looking forward to getting
back on the Norfork soon to check out the changes. But last weekend's
periods of low water, enabling state and federal officials to
assess damage from the spillway opening, appear now to be a thing
of the past. If you were there I'm told the fishing was good.
The White had been the venue of choice for most
guides last week but this week with relatively stable high water
on Norfork and some good fishing is being reported. We haven't
heard of any trophies boated but some very nice fish falling
to eggs, San Juan Worms and Clint's Sunday Special.
Tightlines from all at the Mountain River Fly Shop
Gary, Cindy, Jim, Gene, Kevin, Marc, Faye, Mike
and Steve
April 24, 2008 - White River - Submitted by Berry
Brothers Guides- JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 4/24/2008
We have had two rain events. The reservoirs on
the White River system have fallen a bit. They remain precariously
close to the top of flood pool. At the time of this writing,
we are receiving yet more rain. It has been very windy and there
were lake wind advisories on several days. The lake level at
Bull Shoals Dam rose fell six tenths of a foot to rest at forty
and two tenths feet above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is
eight tenths of a foot below the top of flood pool. Up stream,
Table Rock Lake remained steady at fifteen and five tenths of
a foot above power pool or five tenths of a foot below the top
of flood pool. Beaver Lake rose six tenths of a foot to settle
at nine and two tenths feet above pool or four tenths of a foot
below the top of flood pool. The flood gates at Bull Shoals have
been closed. The pattern on the White is to run all eight generators
around the clock. Norfork Lake has risen two tenths feet to rest
at twenty seven and two tenths feet above power pool of 552.00
feet or eight tenths of a foot below the top of flood pool. The
pattern has been to run two generators most of the time with
brief periods of no generation mostly at night. There have been
a few brief periods of wading opportunities on the Norfork River
but none on the White. On the higher water, boating conditions
have been excellent. The Buffalo River and Crooked Creek are
high and off colored.
Most boat ramps on the White River are now usable.
Great care should be taken when launching or loading your boat
during heavy generation. The use of a personal flotation device
is highly recommended when boating on heavy water.
The fishing on the upper White has been excellent,
particularly the Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals
dam. The key to success has been to use conventional high water
tactics. Large brightly colored San Juan worms (red, hot pink,
cerise and fire orange have all been productive) and brightly
colored egg patterns. They must be fished with a lot of lead
and, of course, a really big strike indicator to float it all.
This is not a delicate proposition and I would recommend larger
tippet than normal, at least 4X to handle the larger flies and
additional weight. Make sure that your indicator is set on the
leader to enable the fly to tick the bottom of the water column.
Remember it is quite a bit deeper than normal. With this much
lead and with such heavy flies be very careful with your cast.
If you hit a fellow angler with this rig, they are going down.
It is imperative that you fish barbless and be sure and wear
eye protection.
Other generally hot spots on the river have not
fished as well as the upper river. Rim shoals and the Cotter
area, in particular, have not been producing well.
On the Norfork River , there were a couple of brief
periods of wadable water. The fishing during these was spectacular.
There were literally millions of scuds in the water and the nymphing
action was non stop. The ramp at Quarry Park , located at the
base of Norfork Dam was destroyed during the flooding. If you
want to boat on the Norfork, you must use the ramp at the confluence
and motor up. There has been a lot of high water on the Norfork
and the same high water tactics suggested for the White should
also work here. During a recent fishing trip on the Norfork,
I saw a three foot gar and a thirty pound striper. The tales
of fish being washed into the river when the flood gates were
open are true. It should make for some very interesting fishing
this year.
Dry Run Creek is back in business and fishing very
well. After the recent flooding, the hot fly has been the worm
brown San Juan worm in smaller sizes. Other hot flies have been
sowbugs, olive woolly buggers, egg patterns and Y2Ks. Make sure
that you mash down all barbs. It is not just a fishing regulation
for fishing there but a good idea whenever you are fishing with
kids. Carry a big net and do not forget the camera. This is the
best place on earth to introduce children to fishing.
Practice water safety and always check conditions
before you leave home.
THE NORFORK HAS CHANGED
BY JOHN BERRY
The other day I was guiding on the Norfork. It
was my first visit since the flood and I found that a lot of
things had changed. For one, I drove up to Quarry Park to launch
my boat and noted that it was closed. I drove down to the confluence
and I could not use the ramp there because the road to the ramp
was flooded. I launched off the road and headed up stream. The
strategy was to motor up all the way to the dam and fish our
way down.
When we got to the dam, we saw why Quarry Park
was closed. The Corps of Engineers had opened the flood gates
to drop the water level on Norfork Lake because it was well over
the top of flood pool (the maximum capacity of the dam). When
they opened the flood gates they had released 77,000 cubic feet
per second (cfs) which is the rough equivalent of twenty eight
generators. It should be noted that the Norfork has two generators
that were running at the time. This means that the water flow
(the equivalent of thirty generators) was fifteen times the level
we had previously considered the maximum. That is a lot of water.
The asphalt parking lot was disintegrated. The picnic table had
been up rooted and twisted into a pretzel. The bench along the
river has suffered a similar fate. Trees were knocked down and
the river had been scoured.
We motored up to the base of the dam. The flood
gates had been turned off and the river was running at the normal
high water level. We began fishing and tagged several nice trout.
They were very fat and fought well. About this time, I noticed
that the water level was dropping. I didn't want to get stuck
there so I began motoring down stream. I noticed a lot of work
going on at Gene's Trout Dock and at Rainbow Resort to repair
damage from the flood. We fished through the long hole and picked
up a few more nice fish. The water continued dropping so we headed
down to McClellan's.
We got out and fished through some good looking
water. I realized that we were probably the first anglers through
here on low water in months. I looked in the water and I saw
literally millions of scuds. We removed the heavy tackle that
we had been using on the heavy water and rigged size sixteen
olive scuds on 6X tippet with a bit of lead and a strike indicator.
We began moving down stream picking up nice fat fish along the
way.
As I looked around, I noted many changes. The main
channel around the lower island was previously on the right but
is now on the left. One of my favorite spots, the tree hole (a
third of the way down the lower island), is now filled in with
gravel. The "S" shaped run below the waterfall is now
straighter and deeper. It has been scoured out and now has a
bed rock bottom. The good news is that it still holds fish. As
I was walking through the Ace in the Hole water, I noticed a
much bigger change, a three foot gar. This fish normally found
in the lake had obviously been washed through the flood gates
when they had been open previously that week. I must say that
it was a bit unnerving to see something that looks like a barracuda
swimming around in my favorite trout stream. Later in the day,
I saw a dead thirty pound striper in a pile of brush on the bank.
We fished through all of the good looking water
and decided to float on down to try our luck in front of Charlie's.
Here again we saw some significant change. The upper portion
of the right channel that runs by the upper island has graveled
in quite a bit. The bath tub hole was completely filled in with
gravel. There is less current running through this channel now.
The left channel has been scoured and is a bit deeper now. There
is more current moving through it. This section fished well and
we caught a lot of trout here. The lower portion of Charlie's
has silted in a bit because the Norfork is backed up all the
way here because the White is running so high. As a result, a
lot of the silt carried down stream has settled from here to
the confluence.
It was finally time to head back, and as we motored
back to the confluence, my clients tallied their day and realized
they had caught over fifty trout. The biggest fish were an eighteen
inch rainbow and a wild brown the same size. The river has changed
but it is still a great place to fish.
John Berry
April 22, 2008 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood
Lake Guide Service
The Overall Picture:
Navigation conditions in Little River are hazardous, with increased
current & debris.
As of Tuesday 22 April, Largemouth Bass are fair, and continue
to improve. Red River level has begun to drop out from recent
extreme high water status. Increased current in Little River
and increase in discharge at Millwood Dam, is beginning to slowly
lower the elevated lake level. Some of the bass are still pre
spawn, others have already spawned over last week; beds are being
seen. Water temp continues to climb this week. Large 10-12"
worms, lizards, and jigs; Bass Assassin Shads and toads, large
Rat-L-Traps, & large, thumping colorado bladed spinnerbaits,
remain the one of the best ways of catching chunky bass.
Keepers from 4 pounds, up to 10 & 12 pounds full of eggs,
have been caught and released, over the past 2- 3 weeks. The
water clarity along the river and main lake, is beginning to
improve for majority of the lake. Lake pool is receding, from
recent rise of pool to approx 8 feet above normal, over the past
2-4 weeks. Be very observant of floating debris, logs, tree limbs,
and broken vegetation in heavy current of Little River, due to
increased discharge at the dam.
As of Tuesday, 22 April, the main lake and Little River's water
surface temp is ranging approx 65º to 72º, depending
of course, on location and time of day. Lake level on Millwood
as of Tuesday 22 April, is still approx 1.1 feet above normal,
and slowly falling, at 260.30 feet. Normal pool is 259.2 feet.
Little River's clarity as of Tuesday, is approx 2-5" visibility.
Main lake clarity and visibility likewise. Current in Little
River and discharge at the dam is 20,645 CFS as of Tuesday, to
normalize lake level. Much debris, grass mats, entire trees,
limbs, timber, and everything else you can think of is coming
downstream in Little River. Use extreme caution during navigations
on Millwood until normal pool can be returned. Many river buoys
are clogged with broken loose grass and vegetation mats, missing,
or forced out of the channel.
According to USACE, all USACE boat ramps are open.
Upriver oxbow's clarity approx 5-8". The tailwater elevation
that was available below the spillway on Tuesday, 22 April; is
247.83 feet and falling from increased discharge at the dam.
Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 20,645 CFS is with
all 13 tainer gates open at at 4 feet each. The recent high wind
on the lake has moved many of the Little River buoys out of the
channel center. Use extreme caution in navigation with increase
in debris content w/ increase of very high current in Little
River.
The Details:
Largemouth Bass: The past week, has been good for Millwood Lake.
The water temps continue rising, and the lake level has finally
begun to slowly recede. Some Largemouths have already spawned
out, beds have been seen up river at various locations. Others
are still staging and full of prespawn roe. Numerous males and
fat females have been seen & caught, in bedding areas.
Numerous fat male and female Bass have been caught over the past
week up to 12.8 pounds each. Bite is finally beginning to improve,
very slowly. Fish are slowly recovering with lake level almost
reaching close to normal pool. The most aggressive bite is on
Bass Assassin Shads, Trick Worms, Topwater Toads, and Senkos
or big bulky Rat-L-Traps. Southern Pro Flippin tubes, or Fattbutt
Tubes (with rattles) in black-red flake are still working in
off-colored water, and black or pumpkin-chartruese lizards; bulky
10" worms, Hog Assassins in black emerald, black ruby, or
kudzu are still working in those areas. Heavy-thumping spinnerbaits
in white/chartruese, spot remover, hot mouse, and firecracker
are taking some decent 14" to 18" sized Largemouths
around flooded vegetation, away from current of the river.
Rat-L-Traps in red chrome or red ghost, Sexy Shad West, white
shad, or Toledo Bend Gold colors, and bubble-gum buzz baits in
the clearest colored water you can find, are beginning to draw
some decent hook-ups from big fish.
White Bass: White Bass remained elusive again this week, no report.
Crappie: Crappie bite, along Little River, took a major improvement
this past week. The big Crappie have been caught under cypress
trees on pink and white, or red/white or white/chartruese jigs,
over the past couple weeks.
Channel Cats: The good news continues for Blues, and remains
consistent and steady w/ the current in Little River over the
past couple weeks. Channel Cats, from 3-8 pounds each for the
past several weeks, are good, using dog food, cut shad or Charlie,
on trot lines and yo-yo's along the river and in oxbows hung
from cypress trees in approx 7-9 feet water depth, near river
current.
Longnose Gar: Still remain relatively shallow and cruising, are
actively seen in huge numbers in shallow water spawning areas
are making excellent opportunities for bow fishermen. Clusters
of 2-4 fish swimming together, and large females, in 1-3 feet
of water depth, are being seen in backwater sloughs and oxbows.
}><(((º> Millwood Lake & Little River Conditions
Report <º)))><{
Navigation conditions in Little River are hazardous, with increased
current & debris.
As of Tuesday, 22 April, the main lake and Little River's water
surface temp is ranging approx 65º to 72º, depending
of course, on location and time of day. Lake level on Millwood
as of Tuesday 22 April, is still approx 1.1 feet above normal,
and slowly falling, at 260.30 feet. Normal pool is 259.2 feet.
Little River's clarity as of Tuesday, is approx 2-5" visibility.
Main lake clarity and visibility likewise. Current in Little
River and discharge at the dam is 20,645 CFS as of Tuesday, to
normalize lake level. Much debris, grass mats, entire trees,
limbs, timber, and everything else you can think of is coming
downstream in Little River. Use extreme caution during navigations
on Millwood until normal pool can be returned. Many river buoys
are clogged with broken loose grass and vegetation mats, missing,
or forced out of the channel.
According to USACE, all USACE boat ramps are open.
Upriver oxbow's clarity approx 5-8". The tailwater elevation
that was available below the spillway on Tuesday, 22 April; is
247.83 feet and falling from increased discharge at the dam.
Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 20,645 CFS is with
all 13 tainer gates open at at 4 feet each. The recent high wind
on the lake has moved many of the Little River buoys out of the
channel center. Use extreme caution in navigation with increase
in debris content w/ increase of very high current in Little
River.
Mike
April 17, 2008 - Norfork and White River - Submitted by
Mountain
River Fly Shop -
WHITE RIVER: Ten units of water sounds like an
impossible task to fly fish in. But as we explained above there
is still some exciting fishing to be had.
We heard reports of one 23" brown caught and
then there was Marc Poulos' monster, which shouldered the surface
before spitting the fly.
Worm patterns are in hot demand. Its not hard to
learn to tie a San Juan (Click here for a tying video) and there
is a myriad of variants.
To many the San Juan is too much akin to bait fishing,
but the simple fact is that the high flows are pushing water
across what is normal terra firma and drowned worms are coming
to the surface all over. The hot colors have been red, hot orange,
and pink. As time passes the worms will bleach out becoming paler.
Try tying these in standard and beaded versions.
Davy's Prism Jigs are also going to be increasingly
popular as the worm feast slows, and attractor patterns like
Y2Ks and the like.
Adult caddis have still been seen up and down the
river, and perhaps surprisingly the odd trout have been taking
these egg laying females.
But we haven't heard any reports of success using
caddis imitations.
NORFORK: Well the flood gates have closed on the
Norfork since we started writing this week's issue and we are
keen to get over and have a look.
By all reports the river banks look like "a
hurricane" has gone through. You really have to feel for
the dock owners on the Norfork, who bore the brunt of the flood
impacts in this area.
But in a fly fishing sense Norfork is going to
be pretty exciting to explore. The huge volume of water, 83,000
cfs from the spillgates alone has reshaped and renewed the river.
You have to remember this cycle of flood, disturbance,
and renewal is part of the natural lifecycle of Arkansas rivers.
The flood left a large amount of sandy sediment
along the banks, which might result in some dirty water, after
the next few rains, but the sediment is reported to have basically
"sandblasted" the bottom clean.
With the Norfork Dam controlling floods in the
past the bottom over the past few years had a dingy coloration.
Now we should be looking at a period of renewal and regrowth
which can often be a boom period for any ecosystem.
Our only fishing report so far came while the flood
gates were open, and shad patterns were doing well with some
nice browns caught in the upper part of the river.
Boat access does remain a problem however with
the Upper boat ramp car park reportedly heavily damaged and still
close. The boat ramp at the Confluence wasn't all that easy to
access either with flood debris necessitating the use of some
care while launching.
Tightlines from all at the Mountain River Fly Shop
Gary, Cindy, Jim, Gene, Kevin, Marc, Faye, Mike
and Steve
April 17, 2008 - White River - Submitted by Berry
Brothers Guides- JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 4/17/2008
The reservoirs on the White River system have finally
crested and are starting to fall. The lake level at Bull Shoals
Dam rose six and one tenth feet to rest at forty and nine tenths
feet above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is one tenths of a
foot below the top of flood pool and it is coming down. Up stream,
Table Rock Lake rose three and six tenths of a foot to rest at
fifteen and five tenths of a foot above power pool or five tenths
of a foot below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell seven
tenths of a foot to settle at eight and six tenths feet above
pool or one foot below the top of flood pool. During the past
week, the flood gates at Beaver, Table Rock and Bull Shoals have
been open at one time or another. The flood gates at Bull Shoals
are still open. Norfork Lake has fallen one and four tenths feet
to rest at twenty seven feet above power pool of 552.00 feet
or one foot below the top of flood pool. The Corps of Engineers
has opened all flood gates at Norfork dam and ran as much as
77,000 cubic feet per second in order to lower the dam below
flood pool. This caused flooding down stream and scoured the
river. The weather has been dry. There have been no wading opportunities
on the Norfork River or the White. Once the water cleared, boating
conditions have improved. The Buffalo River and Crooked Creek
are high and off colored. The White River below these streams
is stained and not fishing well.
When the Corps of Engineers first opened the flood
gates at Bull Shoals dam there was a lot of trash flowing down
stream that made navigation very dangerous. Now that the river
has cleared and stabilized a bit boating on the river is a bit
better. Several ramps are still flooded and great care should
be taken when launching or loading your boat during heavy generation.
The use of a personal flotation device is highly recommended
when boating on heavy water.
The fishing on the upper White has been excellent,
particularly the Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals
dam. The key to success has been to use conventional high water
tactics. Large brightly colored San Juan worms (red, hot pink,
cerise and fire orange have all been productive) fished with
a lot of lead and, of course, a really big strike indicator to
float it all. This is not a delicate proposition and I would
recommend larger tippet than normal, at least 4X to handle the
larger flies and additional weight. Make sure that your indicator
is set on the leader to enable the fly to tick the bottom of
the water column. Remember it is a bit deeper than normal. This
rig will be difficult to cast with the four weight rod than you
fish on low water. I would recommend a stiff five weight or even
better a six weight.
If you are not fishing in Catch and Release waters,
you should consider using a dropper (it is illegal to use more
than one hook on your line in Catch and Release waters). The
easiest way to do this is to tie a twenty four inch section of
tippet to the bend of the lead hook with an improved clinch knot.
Then tie on a small nymph or egg pattern to that piece of tippet.
This tactic could double your chances of a hook up.
On the Norfork River , they have been running two
full generators around the clock. The same high water tactics
suggested for the White should also work here. The extensive
flooding of the Norfork has scoured the river and it has changed.
This is the first time that this has happened since Norfork dam
was constructed over sixty years ago. There has been much discussion
that this flushing will be good for the river in the long run
and may actually revitalize it. An interesting side note is that
there have been numerous reports of Lake Species such as stripers,
walleye and gar being caught on the Norfork tail waters. They
were obviously washed through the flood gates during recent operations.
Dry Run Creek was flooded also. The water almost
got into the Hatchery. This was caused by water backing up from
the Norfork and the Creek was not scoured as it was before. Dry
Run has returned to normal and once again is fishing well. The
hot flies have been sowbugs, San Juan worms (worm brown and red
were the hot colors), olive woolly buggers, egg patterns and
Y2Ks. Be sure and bring a camera for that photo of a life time
and bring the biggest net you can lay your hands on.
April 16, 2008 - Greers
Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service -The water
level has fell off a bit and is down to 485.88 this morning and
falling slow.
The white bass and hybrid fishing is good , now
that the water has cleared some and will continue to be good
for at least 1 more week. Try grubs and in-line spinners
The bass fishing is picking back up after some
cold nights and the water has cleared some , try right bite cinkos
weight less and shakey hookers as well as spinner baits up shallow.
A few walleye are being caught in about 17 feet
of water on flats with crawlers .
Catfishing is good all over the lake
Crappie are being caught now with road runners
and minnows.
Bream are starting to move shallow as well.
Tommy Cauley
April 14, 2008 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood
Lake Guide Service
The Overall Picture:
Navigation conditions in Little River are hazardous, with increased
current & debris.
As of Monday 14 April, Largemouth Bass are fair, and continue
to improve. Red River level has begun to drop out from recent
extreme high water status. Increased current in Little River
and increase in discharge at Millwood Dam, is beginning to slowly
lower the elevated lake level. Some of the bass are still pre
spawn, others have already spawned over last week; beds are being
seen. Water temp continues to climb this week. Large 10-12"
worms, lizards, and jigs; Bass Assassin Shads and toads, large
Rat-L-Traps, & large, thumping colorado bladed spinnerbaits,
remain the one of the best ways of catching chunky bass.
Keepers from 4 pounds, up to 10 & 12 pounds full of eggs,
and a 12.8 pound Largemouth was caught and released, over the
past 2 weeks. The water clarity along the river and main lake,
was hit hard again with recent rain, lake wind advisories for
past several days, and run-off of incoming water, is still poor
for majority of the lake. Lake pool has finally beginning receding,
from recent rise of pool to approx 8 feet above normal, over
the past 2-4 weeks. Be very observant of floating debris, logs,
tree limbs, and broken vegetation in heavy current of Little
River, due to increased discharge at the dam.
As of Monday, 14 April, the main lake and Little River's water
surface temp is ranging approx 62º to 70º, depending
of course, on location and time of day. Lake level on Millwood
as of Monday 14 April, is still approx 3.1 feet above normal,
and slowly falling, at 262.29 feet. Normal pool is 259.2 feet.
Little River's clarity as of Monday, is approx 0" visibility.
Main lake clarity and visibility likewise, no depth visibility
from recent high wind, and fluctuating pool level. Current in
Little River and discharge at the dam is 37,698 CFS as of Monday,
to reduce the pool level due to rising incoming fresh water upriver
and rain and reduce the lake rise. Much debris, grass mats, entire
trees, limbs, timber, and everything else you can think of is
coming downstream in Little River. Use extreme caution during
navigations on Millwood until normal pool can be returned. Many
river buoys are clogged with broken loose grass and vegetation
mats, missing, or forced out of the channel.
Closed, or unusable USACE boat ramps on Millwood, are Wilton
Landing, Beard's Bluff, White Cliffs (past # 3), River Run East
and River Run West, and all campsites close to the water, due
to flooding or high water. Saratoga, Paralloma, Highway 71, Okay,
Yarborough and Jack's Isle boat ramps are open.
Upriver oxbow's clarity approx 0-5". The tailwater elevation
that was available below the spillway on Monday, 14 April; is
253.73 feet and rising from increased discharge at the dam. Discharge/
Release Rate at the spillway of 37,698 CFS is with all 13 tainer
gates open at at 5.5 feet each. The recent high wind on the lake
has moved many of the Little River buoys out of the channel center.
Use extreme caution in navigation with increase in debris content
w/ increase of very high current in Little River.
The Details:
Largemouth Bass: The past week, has been good for Millwood Lake.
The water temps continue rising, and the lake level has finally
begun to slowly recede. Some Largemouths have already spawned
out, beds have been seen up river at various locations. Others
are still staging and full of prespawn roe. Numerous males and
fat females have been seen & caught, in bedding areas.
Numerous fat male and female Bass have been caught over the past
week up to 12.8 pounds each. Bite is finally beginning to improve,
very slowly. Fish are still very scattered. The most aggressive
bite is on Bass Assassin Shads, Trick Worms, Topwater Toads,
and Senkos or big bulky Rat-L-Traps. Southern Pro Flippin tubes,
or Fattbutt Tubes (with rattles) in black-red flake are still
working in off-colored water, and black or pumpkin-chartruese
lizards; bulky 10" worms, Hog Assassins in black emerald,
black ruby, or kudzu are still working in those areas. Heavy-thumping
spinnerbaits in white/chartruese, spot remover, hot mouse, and
firecracker are taking some decent 14" to 18" sized
Largemouths around flooded vegetation, away from current of the
river.
Rat-L-Traps in red chrome or red ghost, Sexy Shad West, white
shad, or Toledo Bend Gold colors, and bubble-gum buzz baits in
the clearest colored water you can find, are beginning to draw
some decent hook-ups from big fish.
White Bass: White Bass remained elusive again this week, no report.
Crappie: Crappie bite, along Little River, is still slow, beginning
to improve. The muddy water and tremendous current, has shut
off the Crappie bite for the past several weeks, although a few
big Crappie have been caught under cypress trees on pink and
white, or red and white jigs, over the past couple weeks.
Channel Cats: The good news continues for Blues, and remains
consistent and steady w/ the current in Little River over the
past couple weeks. Channel Cats, from 3-8 pounds each for the
past several weeks, are good, using dog food, cut shad or Charlie,
on trot lines and yo-yo's along the river and in oxbows hung
from cypress trees in approx 7-9 feet water depth, near river
current.
Longnose Gar: Still remain relatively shallow and cruising, are
actively seen in huge numbers in shallow water spawning areas
are making excellent opportunities for bow fishermen. Clusters
of 2-4 fish swimming together, and large females, in 1-3 feet
of water depth, are being seen in backwater sloughs and oxbows.
}><(((º> Millwood Lake & Little River Conditions
Report <º)))><{
Navigation conditions in Little River are hazardous, with increased
current & debris.
As of Monday, 14 April, the main lake and Little River's water
surface temp is ranging approx 62º to 70º, depending
of course, on location and time of day. Lake level on Millwood
as of Monday 14 April, is still approx 3.1 feet above normal,
and slowly falling, at 262.29 feet. Normal pool is 259.2 feet.
Little River's clarity as of Monday, is approx 0" visibility.
Main lake clarity and visibility likewise, no depth visibility
from recent high wind, and fluctuating pool level. Current in
Little River and discharge at the dam is 37,698 CFS as of Monday,
to reduce the pool level due to rising incoming fresh water upriver
and rain and reduce the lake rise. Much debris, grass mats, entire
trees, limbs, timber, and everything else you can think of is
coming downstream in Little River. Use extreme caution during
navigations on Millwood until normal pool can be returned. Many
river buoys are clogged with broken loose grass and vegetation
mats, missing, or forced out of the channel.
Closed, or unusable USACE boat ramps on Millwood, are Wilton
Landing, Beard's Bluff, White Cliffs (past # 3), River Run East
and River Run West, and all campsites close to the water, due
to flooding or high water. Saratoga, Paralloma, Highway 71, Okay,
Yarborough and Jack's Isle boat ramps are open.
Upriver oxbow's clarity approx 0-5". The tailwater elevation
that was available below the spillway on Monday, 14 April; is
253.73 feet and rising from increased discharge at the dam. Discharge/
Release Rate at the spillway of 37,698 CFS is with all 13 tainer
gates open at at 5.5 feet each. The recent high wind on the lake
has moved many of the Little River buoys out of the channel center.
Use extreme caution in navigation with increase in debris content
w/ increase of very high current in Little River.
Mike
April 10, 2008 - Beaver - Submitted by JT Cappie Guide Service -
Beaver Lake: As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers reports
the lake⤙s elevation at 1,129.24 feet MSL.
JT⤙s Crappie Guide Service
(479-640-3980) said bass fishing has been
good all over the lake in front of the newly flooded timber.
Spinnerbaits and black/blue bass jigs with rattles have been
working well on the
bass. Crappie have been hit-and-miss. On warm days, males have
been
moving shallow and biting minnows fished 2 feet deep around flooded
timber. As soon as the water temperature hits a consistent 60
degrees, the
females and males will move up into the brush and should provide
an
excellent bite. White bass are biting well upstream from the
Highway 45
bridge all the way to the Lake Sequoya spillway. Anything resembling
a
minnow will get pummeled when the water clears after the rains.
Stripers
have been scattered. The best action has been up the White River
near the
Highway 45 bridge using live brood minnows under a float. Catfishing
has been good on cut bait and liver fished from the bank.
April 10, 2008 - White River - Submitted by Berry
Brothers Guides- JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 4/10/2008
We have had two more major rain events and the
reservoirs on the White River system continue to rise at an alarming
rate. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam rose six and six tenths
feet to rest at thirty four and eight tenths feet above power
pool of 654.00 feet. This is six and two tenths feet below the
top of flood pool and it continues to rise. Up stream, Table
Rock Lake dropped six tenths of a foot to rest at eleven and
nine tenths of a foot above power pool or four and one tenth
of a foot below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake rose one tenth
of a foot to settle at nine and three tenths feet above pool
or three tenths of a foot below the top of flood pool. At the
time of this writing we are receiving heavy rain and the flood
gates are open at Beaver. Beaver and Table Rock Lakes have been
generating heavily. The water has been collecting in Bull Shoals
Lake which is nearing capacity. Norfork Lake has risen three
and five tenths feet to rest at twenty eight and four tenths
of a foot above power pool of 552.00 feet or four tenths of a
foot above the top of flood pool. Norfork Lake is over capacity
and the Corps of Engineers have opened all flood gates at Norfork
dam and are generating heavily. As flooding clears down stream,
the Corps of Engineers will begin drawing down the Dams on the
White River . The weather has been very wet. There have been
a few days with lake wind advisories. There have been no wading
opportunities on the Norfork River and precious few on the White.
Boating conditions have been excellent. The Buffalo River and
Crooked Creek are high and off colored. The White River below
these streams is stained and not fishing well.
The Upper White River is red hot. We have had low
level generation (one to two generators). During this period,
the Bull Shoals Dam Catch and Release has fished particularly
well. The productive flies were black zebra midges, soft hackles
and San Juan worms.
The section from Wildcat Shoals to Cotter has also
been hot. There has been a predictable rhyacophilia caddis hatch
in the late afternoon. This is our premier hatch of the year.
Prior to the hatch, caddis pupae patterns like the pulsating
caddis have been effective. During the emergence, the green butt
or partridge and green soft hackle have been the go to flies.
When the trout start keying in on the adults, switch to green
elk hair caddis size fourteen. Other productive flies in this
section have been San Juan worms, sow bugs, zebra midges and
partridge and orange soft hackles.
Another hot spot is Rim Shoals, particularly the
section from just below the first island to the power lines (the
lower limit of the Catch and Release area). The water is still
lightly stained from the recent rains but it has not adversely
affected the fishing. The hot flies were San Juan worms in bright
colors (hot pink, fire orange, cerise and red) egg patterns,
midges and caddis pupa. The water along the first island and
just below it fished well with Y2Ks.
On the Norfork River , they have been running two
full generators around the clock. It has also been fishing very
well. High water tactics have been the key to success here. Be
sure and use long leaders, plenty of lead and large strike indicators.
Brightly colored San Juan worms along the weed beds or submerged
structure have produced some nice fish. The hot colors have been
red, hot pink, pale pink, and cerise. Other effective flies have
been Y2Ks, black zebra midges, and egg patterns.
Dry Run Creek, as always, has been fishing well.
There were a few kids there on the wet cold days and some fine
trophies were brought to net. The hot flies have been sowbugs,
San Juan worms (worm brown and red were the hot colors), olive
woolly buggers, egg patterns and Y2Ks. Remember that if you want
to visit the adjacent trout hatchery, you must remove your waders.
This is to prevent the transfer of aquatic diseases like whirling
disease to the hatchery. Be sure and bring a camera for that
photo of a life time.
John Berry
April 9, 2008 - Norfork and White River - Submitted by
Mountain
River Fly Shop -
WHITE RIVER: The Journal was well and truly caught
out Sunday night. No camera, the wrong fly box and no floatant
in amidst the biggest caddis blizzard your scribe has seen on
3 continents. Too many caddis that was the story, with my sole
caddis pattern too small and way the wrong color.
But the photos would have been spectacular as the
egg laying females heading upstream to perpetuate the species.
The Journal was one of two at Rim to see it, but
by midmorning Monday it seemed the word was out _ it wasn't me
honest.
The caddis were finally on with the run of modest
generation, and some warm air temperatures. Monday I was well
and truly prepared, but the wind kept the majority of caddis
in the trees. But we still did ok fishing Green Butt CDC and
Elk. Davy and Teresa and the dogs were floating nearby fishing
wets just under the surface. The Invicta did the trick but we
stuck with our dry fly obsession. Something, anything twitched
slowly under the surface would have drawn at least some takes,
which is how this Aussie managed his last couple of fish on the
"dry".
We have also had good reports higher upstream than
Rim, with caddis showing all the way to White Hole by midweek.
Up higher we had some fuzzy reports of mayflies hatching and
some big midge hatches, which even triggered some great dry fly
action.
action yesterday. Sprouts, Parachute Adams and
a Morgan's Para Midge would be worth carrying.
Davy Wotton Super Midges in red, black and pearl
have been kicking butt from the Dam to Rim. If the water is a
little cloudy lower down try running San Juan's deep.
NORFORK: The generation continues with Norfork
Lake hitting record levels. Boat fishing can be productive as
we have been saying for a couple of weeks but honestly the best
place to fish right now is on the White.
Dry Run Creek is fishing well though, of you have
some under 16 kids.
Tightlines from all at the Mountain River Fly Shop
Gary, Cindy, Jim, Gene, Kevin, Marc, Faye, Mike
and Steve
April 9, 2008 - Greers
Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service -The water
level at greers ferry is at 480.66 and rising looks like we will
break the historic record of 483.93 , whick was in 1973-the temp
ranges from 54-64 and depending if the sun is shining.
The bass are scattered from here to yonder but
when ya find some their will be several in an area so slow down
and do not let all the water fool ya, remember 90% of the fish
are in 10% of the water, try spinnerbaits , shakey hookers, up
shallow and tubes and c-rigs in the old buck brush line
No report on crappie
No re-port on catfish
Walleye are scattered and a few are being caught
coming back down the rivers .
No-report on bream
The whites and a few hybrids are back up the rivers
trying to spawn and can be caught as long as the river does not
muddy up, we caught 45 yesterday in 2 hours in 1 place , but
you have to be their at the right time
Tommy Cauley
April 7, 2008 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood
Lake Guide Service
The Overall Picture:
Navigation conditions in Little River are hazardous, with increased
current & debris.
As of Monday 7 April, Largemouth Bass are fair, random, and improving.
Red River level beginning to drop out from recent extreme high
water status. Increased current in Little River and increase
in discharge at Millwood Dam, is beginning to slowly lower the
elevated lake level. Some of the bass are still pre spawn, others
have already spawned over last week; beds are being seen. Water
temp still climbing this week. Large 10-12" worms, and jigs;
w/ a few still being caught on large Rat-L-Traps, & large,
thumping colorado bladed spinnerbaits, or lizards, remain the
one of the best ways of catching chunky bass.
Keepers up to 9-10 pounds full of eggs, and a 12.8 pound Largemouth
was caught over the past week. The water clarity along the river,
and main lake, was hit hard again with recent rain, high wind
(lake wind advisories are almost continual for past several days)
and deluge of incoming water. Lake pool has finally beginning
receding, from recent rain and incoming fresh water and rise
of lake pool to approx 8 feet above normal, 2 weeks ago. Be observant
of floating debris, logs, tree limbs, and broken vegetation in
heavy current of Little River, due to increased discharge at
the dam.
As of Monday, 7 April, the main lake and Little River's water
surface temp is ranging approx 60º to 69º, depending
of course, on location and time of day. Lake level on Millwood
as of Monday 7 April, is still approx 4.4 feet above normal,
and falling from recent rain and incoming fresh water, at 263.63
feet. Normal pool is 259.2 feet. Little River's clarity as of
Monday, is approx 0" visibility. Main lake clarity and visibility
likewise, at not any visibility from recent high wind, and rising
pool level. Current in Little River and discharge at the dam
is 30,431 CFS as of Monday, to reduce the pool level due to rising
incoming fresh water upriver and rain and reduce the lake rise.
Much debris, grass mats, entire trees, limbs, timber, and everything
else you can think of is coming downstream in Little River. Use
extreme caution during navigations on Millwood until normal pool
can be returned. Many river buoys are clogged with broken loose
grass and vegetation mats, missing, or forced out of the channel.
Closed, or unusable USACE boat ramps on Millwood, are Wilton
Landing, Cottonshed south, Beard's Bluff, White Cliffs (past
# 3), River Run East and River Run West, and all campsites close
to the water, due to flooding or high water. Yarborough and Jack's
Isle boat ramps are open.
Upriver oxbow's clarity approx 0-5". The tailwater elevation
that was available below the spillway on Monday, 7 April; is
253.47 feet and rising from increased discharge at the dam. Discharge/
Release Rate at the spillway of 30,431 CFS is with all 13 tainer
gates open at at 5 feet each. The recent high wind on the lake
has moved many of the Little River buoys out of the channel center.
Use extreme caution in navigation with increase in debris content
w/ increase of very high current in Little River.
The Details:
Largemouth Bass: Over the past week, the water temps continue
to rise, and the water finally continues to recede, slowly. Some
Largemouths have already spawned out, beds have been seen up
river at various locations. Others are still staging and full
of prespawn roe. Numerous males and fat females have been seen
& caught, in bedding areas.
Several really fat female Largemouth Bass have been caught over
the past week up to 12.8 pounds each. Bite is beginning to improve,
over the past week, very slowly. The most aggressive bite is
on Bass Assassin Shads, Trick Worms, and Senkos. Remaining bite
by pitching and flipping Texas rigged, Southern Pro Flippin or
Fattbutt Tubes (with rattles) in black-red flake are still working
in off-colored water, and black or chartruese pepper lizards,
or big bulky 12" worms, Hog Assassins & Brush Hogs in
blackberry are still working in those areas. Rat-L-Traps in red
pepper, red coach dog, Sexy Shad or Toledo Gold colors, in the
lightly less muddy/ off colored water, and Horney Toads are beginning
to turn a few heads and draw some decent blow-ups. Buzz baits
are yet to draw any decent responses from big fish.
White Bass: With all the muddy water and current, the White Bass
remained elusive again this week.
Crappie: Crappie bite, not much change with all the muddy water
and current in Little River, is still slow, at best. The influx
of fresh muddy water has tapered off their bite and prespawn
movements another week, although a few big Crappie have been
caught under cypress trees on jigs, late last week.
Channel Cats: The good news continues for Blues, and remains
consistent and steady w/ the current in Little River over the
past couple weeks. Channel Cats, from 3-8 pounds each for the
past several weeks, are good, using Hot Dogs, cut bait or chicken
livers, on trot lines and yo-yo's along the river and in oxbows
hung from cypress trees in approx 9-14 feet water depth, near
river current.
Longnose Gar: Still remain relatively shallow and cruising, also
thinking of spawning activities, are actively seen in huge numbers
in shallow water spawning areas are making excellent opportunities
for bow fishermen. Clusters of 2-4 fish swimming together in
1-3 feet of water depth are everywhere, and very large schools
of gar are readily seen in same areas.
}><(((º> Millwood Lake & Little River Conditions
Report <º)))><{
Navigation conditions in Little River are hazardous, with increased
current & debris.
As of Monday, 7 April, the main lake and Little River's water
surface temp is ranging approx 60º to 69º, depending
of course, on location and time of day. Lake level is still high,
on Millwood as of Monday 7 April, and is approx 4.4 feet above
normal, and falling from recent rain and incoming fresh water,
at 263.63 feet. Normal pool is 259.2 feet. Little River's clarity
as of Monday, is approx 0" visibility. Main lake clarity
and visibility likewise, at not any visibility from recent high
wind, and rising pool level. Current in Little River and discharge
at the dam is 30,431 CFS as of Monday, to reduce the pool level
due to rising incoming fresh water upriver and rain and reduce
the lake rise. Much debris, grass mats, entire trees, limbs,
timber, and everything else you can think of is coming downstream
in Little River. Use extreme caution during navigations on Millwood
until normal pool can be returned. Many river buoys are clogged
with broken loose grass and vegetation mats, or missing, or forced
out of the channel and up onto the river bank.
Closed, or unusable USACE boat ramps on Millwood, are Wilton
Landing, Cottonshed south, Beard's Bluff, White Cliffs (past
# 3), River Run East and River Run West, and all campsites close
to the water, due to flooding or high water. Yarborough and Jack's
Isle boat ramps are open.
Upriver oxbow's clarity approx 0-5". The tailwater elevation
that was available below the spillway on Monday, 7 April; is
253.47 feet and rising from increased discharge at the dam. Discharge/
Release Rate at the spillway of 30,431 CFS is with all 13 tainer
gates open at at 5 feet each. The recent high wind on the lake
has moved many of the Little River buoys out of the channel center.
Use extreme caution in navigation with increase in debris content
w/ increase of current in Little River.
Mike
April 4, 2008 - Norfork and White River - Submitted by
Mountain
River Fly Shop - WHITE RIVER: As the Journal sits on
the couch finishing off this issue lightning is flashing over
the hills to our south, well past the White. As we mentioned
elsewhere, just where the predicted heavy rain lands will determine
generation patterns for the weekend, and maybe well into next
week.
As we have mentioned several times recently, get
in the wade fishing while you can. tay flexible and be prepared
to grab a boat if you need it to fish 2 units and above. Even
up to 2 units there are places you can fish. Try immediately
below the Bull Shoals Dam, though it can handle only small number
can be productive. Rim Shoals offers several options even in
generation.
Duck into the Resort and utilise their water taxi
service either up to Redbud Shoal or the first Island, both can
be fished up to 2 units. Heed their local knowledge. Gary has
also been instrumental in opening up a walking trail down the
Bank, which offers opportunities to wade fish higher water levels,
well downstream from the usual haunts. Again stay flexible and
try something different.
So far this week, as the water releases climbed
above 2 units San Juan worms came into their own. We had fly
fishers and guides coming in to stock up on Hot Pink, Fire Orange,
Brown and red San Juan's. Those that tied were seeking out chenille
to whip them up. Pick up some jig heads as well, for higher flows,
to tie Kev's Pink Lady or your own color variants.
Speaking of Jigs we have our first of the Davy
Wotton Prism jigs now in stock in 1/80th oz. If you have fished
the Davy Wotton Super Midges you know how effective Davy's patterns
work. These sparsely tied jigs are different from most you will
see on the market, look more fly like if you have jig issues
and really will come into their own on the bigger water.
We have had reports of a lot of sculpins around
too which has prompted demand for bigger size 6 and 4 woolly
buggers, Tungsten Slumpbusters, Bunny Leeches and assorted sculpin
patterns. As the water flow increases switch from a floating
line to a full sink.
NORFORK: Two units on Norfork makes it wading a
little tricky. But the boat fishing has been pretty decent, though
most of the action has been on the White. Wine colored San Juans
were the ticket last week, and the Davy Jigs should perform very
well over here as well. Don't forget trying bigger streamers.
Tightlines from all at the Mountain River Fly Shop
Gary, Cindy, Jim, Gene, Kevin, Marc, Faye, Mike
and Steve
April 4, 2008 - White River - Submitted by Berry
Brothers Guides- JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 4/05/2008
We have had two major rain events and the reservoirs
on the White River system continue to rise. The lake level at
Bull Shoals Dam rose nine and eight tenths feet to rest at twenty
eight and two tenths feet above power pool of 654.00 feet and
continues to rise. This is twelve and eight tenths feet below
the top of flood pool and it continues to rise. Up stream, Table
Rock Lake remained steady at twelve and five tenths of a foot
above power pool or three and five tenths feet below the top
of flood pool. Beaver Lake rose five tenths of a foot to settle
at nine and two tenths feet above pool or four tenths of a foot
below the top of flood pool. At the time of this writing the
flood gates are open at Beaver. Beaver and Table Rock Lakes have
been generating heavily. The water has been collected in Bull
Shoals Lake which still has excess carrying capacity. Norfork
Lake has risen three and eight tenths feet to rest at twenty
five and three tenths of a foot above power pool of 552.00 feet
or two and seven tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Norfork
Lake is nearing capacity and the Corps of Engineers will begin
drawing it down first, running at max capacity of around 7,000
cubic feet per second until it is at power pool. There is a possibility
that they will open the flood gates and run even more water.
As flooding clears down stream, the Corps of Engineers will begin
drawing down the Dams on the White River . The weather has been
cool and very wet. There have been several days with lake wind
advisories. There have been no wading opportunities on the Norfork
River and precious few on the White. Boating conditions have
been excellent. The Buffalo River and Crooked Creek are still
high and off colored. The White River below these streams is
stained and not fishing well.
The Upper White River is fishing particularly well.
We have had low level generation (one to two generators). During
this period, the upper river from the Bull Shoals Dam Catch and
Release area to White Hole fished well. The productive flies
were black zebra midges, olive scuds and San Juan worms. The
Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals dam has been a real
hot spot.
Another hot spot was Rim Shoals particularly the
Jenkins creek area. The water was still lightly stained from
the recent flooding but it did not affect the fishing. The hot
flies were San Juan worms in bright colors (hot pink, fire orange,
cerise and red). The water along the island and below it fished
well with Y2Ks and olive woolly buggers.
On the Norfork River , they have been running a
couple of generators and it has been fishing well. High water
tactics have been the secret to success here. Be sure and use
long leaders, plenty of lead and large strike indicators. Brightly
colored San Juan worms along the weed beds have produced some
nice fish. The hot colors have been red, hot pink, pale pink,
and cerise. Other effective flies have been Y2Ks, black zebra
midges, and egg patterns.
Dry Run Creek is still producing trophy trout at
a prodigious rate. It must have been spring break this week because
there were a lot of kids fishing there this week particularly
on the nice warm days. There were a few kids there on the wet
cold days and they were rewarded with some true trophy trout.
The hot flies have been sowbugs, San Juan worms (worm brown and
red were the hot colors), olive woolly buggers, egg patterns
and Y2Ks. Be sure and carry a big net and do not forget the camera.
The fish in this creek are huge. The trout of a lifetime lives
here and is waiting to have his picture taken.
tth
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