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Regular Contributors - General Reports

Video and instructions to help prevent the spread of Zebra Mussels

June 23, 2009 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service -

June 29, 2009 - Norfork - Submitted by 101 Grocery and Bait - The water temperature is in the upper 80's early and in the low 90's later in the day. The lake level is 561.8 down a foot from last week. Throw a zara spook to top water fish and if they don't take it the first time keep moving the bait and don't stop it. We found some nice largemouth back in a creek coming up in the 3-4lb range over the creek channel in 40ft. of water and there were some whites breaking too. This time of the year I always have a rod laying on deck with a spook tied on. Look for breaking fish on long points too. I like to throw a clear or bone colored one. Throw a jig or a grub in 15-35ft for bass also. Look for fish in at least 35ft of water and deeper drop a spoon. Till next week Good Fishing!!!!!!!!

June 25, 2009 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 6/25/2009

We have had no rain and unseasonably hot weather (high nineties). Most of the lakes on the White river system have fallen. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell eight tenths of a foot to rest at fifteen and six tenths feet above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is twenty five and four tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake rose one tenth of a foot to rest at one and six tenths feet above power pool or fourteen and four tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell four tenths of a foot to rest at eight and one tenth feet above power pool or one and five tenths feet below the top of flood pool. The pattern on the White was for round the clock generation of varied flows (3,000 CFS to 12,000 CFS). During the night and morning we have been getting lower flows. The flows have been much heavier in the afternoon during peak power demand. This created some challenging conditions for drift fishing and some limited wade fishing.   Norfork Lake has fallen two tenths of a foot to rest at ten and five tenths feet above power pool of 552.00 feet or seventeen and five tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Generation on the Norfork has been limited, which has created some excellent wading. The flows are heavier in the afternoon during peak power demand.

Remember that there is a new size limit on Brown trout. All browns less than twenty four inches must be released immediately no matter where they are caught on the White and Norfork Rivers . Only one brown trout may be kept in the daily limit of five trout.

It has been dangerously hot this last week. If possible, fish early in the morning to avoid the heat. If you must fish during the heat of the day, wear loose fitting, light colored clothing and drink plenty of fluids (water is best). Wear a broad brimmed hat and do not forget the sun screen.

The Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam has been productive this past week.  With the moderate flows we have been getting, anglers reported success on midge larva patterns. The most effective were zebra midges in black with silver wire and silver beads and red with silver wire and silver beads. The best sizes were sixteens and fourteens. Copper Johns and pheasant tails have also been quite productive. On higher flows, the hot patterns have been hot pink San Juan worms and egg patterns.

The sulphurs are still in the upper river. They were sighted from the Dam to the Narrows in numbers but were thinning a bit in the Rim Shoals to Cotter area. This is our major mayfly hatch of the year. They are yellow/orange insects. The hatch generally begins with size fourteen and ends next month with size eighteens. The best way to fish them is with copper John or pheasant tail nymphs before the hatch begins, when the nymphs are more active. When the nymphs rise to the surface and begin to emerge, switch to partridge and orange or pheasant tail soft hackles. When the trout begin keying in on the adults, switch to sulphur parachute dry flies. With the higher flows we have been getting the best action has been on the copper John or pheasant tail nymphs.

The section from White Hole to Cotter has been very popular for float trips. The preferred technique in this section is to bang the bank with large streamers. The hot flies have been Kelly Gallop zoo cougars and other similar oversized streamers. The secret is to get the fly down. Most anglers use heavy full sinking or sink tip lines. To cast these huge flies and heavy lines most anglers are using eight weight or larger rods.

Rim Shoals has fished particularly well this past week.  The sulphur hatch is still coming off on most days, but is diminished. The trout have not keyed in on the adults but have been very active on the nymphs. The best fly for this situation has been the copper John before, during and after the hatches. With the higher flows we have been getting here in the afternoon, the hot flies have been the hot pink San Juan worm and Y2K.

June 23, 2009 - Norfork - Submitted by 101 Grocery and Bait - 06/22/09 Norfork Lake level is around 562.7 MSL and the surface water temperature is in the mid to upper 80 degrees. Bluegill fishing is good using crickets, worms and small minnows. Crappie fishing has been fair fishing deep around 20-30 feet for the good size 14-16 inch crappie. Minnows have been the bait of choice for the crappie. Catfish fishing has been fair. Walleye fishing has been fair fishing from 20-25 feet using night crawlers. Bass fishing has been fair. White bass fishing has been fair. Striper fishing has been more on the slow side. Stripers are still being caught in the upper part of the lake north of Bidwell Point. HOT is the forecast for this week again with temps in the 90’s and Sunny. Don’t forget to drink a lot of water. Be nice to your fellow boater. Have all your safety gear on the boat, PFDs.  Put the drain plug in and Have Fun, Go Fishin!

June 23, 2009 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service - The water level at greers ferry is at 466.87 and falling, they are pulling 4-6 inches down per day

The hybrids are going crazy right now even in the heat, with southwest generating so much water, we even have schooling activity going on top water baits and spoons working as well as hair jigs

No report on crappie

The bream are biting well from 6 inches to 8 ft as well as in 40 feet of water on crawlers and crickets

The catfish bite is going well with the flatheads spawning now all over the lake

Walleye have slowed some what as they are in a transition period, the bite should pick up as they get set up deeper.

The bass fishing is good with the smallmouth hanging around the thermo cline and Kentucky bass are in between shallow and deep water and the largemouth are biting well shallow on right bite frogs around shade and also on points with a football head

Tommy Cauley

June 18, 2009 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 6/20/2009

We have had several rain events (it seems never ending) and we have had a mixed bag on the White River system. Some of the lakes have risen and Bull Shoals fell. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell eight tenths of a foot to rest at sixteen and four tenths feet above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is twenty four and six tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake rose five tenths of a foot to rest at one and five tenths feet above power pool or fourteen and five tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake rose five tenths of a foot to rest at eight and five tenths feet above power pool or one and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. The pattern on the White was for round the clock generation of erratic flows (3,000 CFS to 12,000 CFS). There were a few significant periods of no generation. This created some challenging conditions for drift fishing and some limited but excellent wading.   Norfork Lake has risen four tenths of a foot to rest at ten and seven tenths feet above power pool of 552.00 feet or seventeen and three tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Generation on the Norfork has been limited, which has created some excellent wading. The Corps of Engineers has been holding back water to relieve flooding down stream. When that flooding abates, we can expect a significant period of high generation on both rivers.

Remember that there is a new size limit on Brown trout. All browns less than twenty four inches must be released immediately no matter where they are caught on the White and Norfork Rivers . Only one brown trout may be kept in the daily limit of five trout.

The Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam has been red hot this past week. There have been some spectacular sulphur hatches particularly during the periods of no generation. Anglers reported success with sulphur parachutes and comparaduns during the hatch and copper Johns and pheasant tails before and after the hatch. The sulphurs have been accompanied by some spectacular midge hatches. The best fly for emerging midges is Dan’s turkey tail emerger. With the moderate flows we have been getting, anglers reported success on midge larva patterns. The most effective were zebra midges in black with silver wire and silver beads and red with silver wire and silver beads. The best sizes were sixteens and fourteens. On higher flows, the hot patterns have been pheasant tails, hot pink San Juan worms and egg patterns.

The sulphurs are still concentrated in the upper river. They were sighted from the Dam to the Narrows in numbers but were thinning a bit in the Rim Shoals to Cotter area. This is our major mayfly hatch of the year. They are yellow/orange insects. The hatch generally begins with size fourteen and ends next month with size eighteens. The best way to fish them is with copper John or pheasant tail nymphs before the hatch begins, when the nymphs are more active. When the nymphs rise to the surface and begin to emerge, switch to partridge and orange or pheasant tail soft hackles. When the trout begin keying in on the adults, switch to sulphur parachute dry flies. There has been some spectacular top water action, particularly on the unexpected low water.

The Narrows is still fishing extremely well. There have been some prolific sulphur hatches here especially in the afternoon. Though there has been some limited dry fly fishing, the most productive technique has been to swing soft hackles when the trout are keying in on the emerging sulphurs or copper Johns before and after the hatch. The most productive flies for this situation have been partridge and orange and pheasant tail soft hackles. Other effective flies have been the olive woolly bugger.

Rim Shoals has fished particularly well this past week.  The sulphur hatch is still coming off on most days, but is diminished. The trout have not keyed in on the adults but have been very active on the emergers. The best fly for this situation has been the partridge and orange soft hackle. The most productive way to fish the hatch however has been to fish copper John nymphs before during and after the hatches. With the higher flows we have been getting here in the afternoon, the hot flies have been the hot pink San Juan worm and Y2K.

June 17, 2009 - Norfork Lake Fishing Report by Steve Olomon of Steve's Guide Service - The water temperature is starting to warm up. It's in the upper 70's and the lake is staying steady at 562.2 MSL. The striper top water bite is just about over but there are a few still coming up. The bass are hitting top water baits early in the morning and just before dark. Look for fish down around at least 30 feet. and drop a spoon or try a drop shot. Throw a small swim bait or try a lipless crank bait reeled real slow. A jig or a 3" grub on a 1/4 oz.jig head has been working for bass also. Till next week Good Fishing!!!!!!!!!!!

June 16, 2009 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service - The water level at greers ferry is at 468.26 and falling and it looks like the by the 4th of july it should be at just 4 feet above pool is what they are hoping for if we do not get anymore rain.

The black basses , a lot of them are still shallow and should continue to stay that way for a while and can be caught with topwaters and buzzbaits and the sort , spinnerbaits crankbaits and softplastics and the deeper fish on c-rigged worms and lizards and texas rigged worms and football heads dragged along , try a bream or shad pattern, the right bite gitizts are working as well

No report on crappie

Catfish are biting everything everywhere , trotlines and jugs baited with all kinds of things from soap to bream.

The wlleye fishing is kinda of a timing issue, you can get a lot of bits and no fish or a lot of bites with a few fish or catch quite a few , on crawlers dragged along or a lot of folks are catching them with bass tackle up shallow in the bushes

Bream fishing is good all over the lake.

Whites and hybrids have slowed in places and picked up in places and can be caught with spoons and in-line spinners small grubs and the such, word has gotten out about the night fishing under lights and boats are stacked on top of one another but not all are catching them , whem current is run is the best with live bait.

Tommy Cauley

June 16, 2009 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service -A drawdown of Millwood Lake near Ashdown, Ark., will start July 13 to control unwanted aquatic vegetation and make scheduled repairs, according to the Corps of Engineers.

The lake will be gradually drawn down to 255.2 feet, which is 4 feet below the normal pool elevation, said Derick Walker, a natural resource specialist with the Corps of Engineers.

“This will take about 14 days, depending on rainfall. The drawdown will last until Feb. 9, 2010. Then the lake will be allowed to refill 2 feet above normal pool elevation to 261.2 feet,” Walker said. “This 2-foot rise will last one month, and then the lake will be returned to normal pool.”

Projects will include Baker’s Bend bank stabilization, aquatic vegetation control methods and mapping, sedimentation staking and monitoring, boat ramp repair, campground shoreline improvements and shoreline cleanups. To volunteer for one of the cleanup dates, contact Brooke Kervin at the Millwood Tri-Lakes Project Office.

After the drawdown begins, boaters should exercise extreme caution because submerged stumps and shallow areas will begin to appear. Also, boaters should be cautious when launching because of damage or sediment buildup that may have occurred at the ends of the ramps. It is impossible to determine which ramps might be affected. Boat ramp closures may occur during the drawdown, Walker said.

The Overall Picture:  Navigation conditions in Little River are slightly above normal. As of Monday 15 May, Largemouth Bass continue to improve.  Surface water temps continue to rise into the upper 70's.  Largemouth Bass ranging from 2-9 pounds are in a continued, slow recovery from recent and rapid lake rise over 15 feet, due to thunderstorms and flash flooding.  Bass Assassin Shads, trick worms, wacky rigs, 4" twitch worms, swimming jigs and buzz baits are the go to baits for Bass over the past week. Several large bass between 9-12 pounds each, have been caught and released over the past 3-4 weeks. Clarity along main lake channel and Little River is much improved but with increased current.  The lake clarity had improved prior to the recent increase in current. As of Monday, 15 May, the lake level is approx 5.9 feet above normal pool, and falling.  The main lake and Little River's water surface temperatures are currently ranging from approx 73ºF early to 78ºF late, depending of course, on location and time of day.  Lake level 5.9 feet above normal, to correct value of 5.9" above normal.

As of Monday, the discharge was 8,057 CFS due to rapid rise of the lake from incoming fresh water and thunderstorms/rain.  Tuesday or Wednesday this week, (mid week) we expect another gate change.  Main lake visibility approx 3-4" away from any remaining current in Little River.  The river clarity is approx 2-5" and muddy.  High winds and / or thunder storms will have a dramatic impact and effect on main lake clarity merely in a matter of hours.

Upriver oxbow's clarity is heavy stain, but improving due to rapid release, falling conditions, and current in Little River.  The tailwater elevation is 238.62 feet and rising.  Discharge/ Release rate at the spillway of 8,057 CFS, is with 8 gates open at 2' each and 5 gates open at 1' each.  We expect another gate change by Wed/or mid week to release the excess water accumulated over past week.

USACE campgrounds Paraloma Park and Beards Lake are closed for camping on Millwood due to recent lake rise and flooding conditions are being cleaned and repaired.

The Details:  

Largemouth Bass:  Bass are recovering and making progress in seasonal normal patterns from recent 14+ feet rise on Millwood and are steadily improving their appetites.

The best bite over the past week with the lake slowly recovering from drastic rise, is ranging from daylight till about 11am, then slower until dusk.  Best bass bite has been on weightless trick worms or wacky rigs in June Bug, grasshopper, or kiwi colors, Bass Assassin Shad jerk baits and buzz baits, in any clearest water you can find, around new lily pads, hydrilla, or dollar pads and Pond Weed vegetation.  Rat-L-Traps in Millwood Magic, Firetiger, or Bleeding White Shad colors are working for a solid reaction bite in the better water clarity areas of the oxbows up Little River.  Deep Little N's and Bomber crankbaits in brown back/orange belly crawfish patterns are still taking some keeper size bass in the 4-5 pound class.

Siefert's buzz baits in Firecracker, Lime Sherbet, or Electric Chicken colors, and spinnerbaits in Aurora, Sparkling Mouse, or Spot Remover colors are working, in the cleaner water areas of the oxbows.  Soft plastic Bass Assassin Shads continue to take a few decent 14-18" Largemouths, and Senkos, trick worms, or charms, wacky rigged, around hydrilla, lily pad stems, and pondweed are working especially where you find new dollar pads and lily pads growing in close proximity.  Slowly allowing a "dead-stick" fall on light hook with no weight with these baits, is the better methods we have found to be effective recently.   Watermelon-red or salt 'n pepper silver phantom colors are also working in the clearer water, as are  5" to 7" Salty Rat Tails, wacky rigged, taking a few good keeper size 16" fish in smoke-black/red flake, in the back of the oxbows, where water clarity is markedly better than main lake or river sections of Millwood are working also.  Dead-sticking with light wire hook, slow fall, is by far, the best method we have been using lately on the trick worms or Senkos.

Jig bite, which shut down over the the past few weeks, continues to improve.  Texas craw, metallic amber w/chartruese, or Rver Craw / Orange are beginning to take a few bass in the 3-4 lb class.  We are still catching a few 13-15" fish and released due to size, on short 4-5" trick worms, v-tails, and texas rig worms and also catching some decent keeper size bass fish in the 3-7 pound bass over several days, and best colors over the past couple weeks are black w/ chart tail, plum, peanut butter & jelly, or red bug.  Edges of any lily or dollar pads on any major or secondary point, near deep vertical drops or ditches (in the clearer water areas) near stumps in vegetation or on drop offs to deeper water have been the best locations over the past several weeks for that bite.  New Dollar Pads and fresh Lily Pad bloom and new growth around hydrilla or coontail w/ stumps and cypress trees seem to be key holding areas for the better size keeper bass.

White Bass:  Are holding deep in Little River drops and wash-outs, 18-25 feet depths, and were slow to fair on jigging spoons.

Crappie:  Continue to improve over past week, with less current and muddy water in Little River, as of Monday.  Blakemore roadrunners and tube jigs in chart/white combinations, along w/ live shiners continue to be best lures and bait over past week in oxbows close to cypress trees in 6-9' depths with 13-16' depths in close proximity, or in deep creek channels with cypress knees or stumps.

Channel Cats: Channel Cats are good to excellent on cut shad, and chicken livers on yo-yo's hung from cypress trees over 8-9' depths and trotlines in Little River. 

}><(((º>   Millwood Lake & Little River Conditions Report   <º)))><{

Navigation conditions in Little River are slightly above normal.

Clarity along main lake channel and Little River is much improved but with increased current.  The lake clarity had improved prior to the recent increase in current. As of Monday, 15 May, the lake level is approx 5.9 feet above normal pool, and falling.  The main lake and Little River's water surface temperatures are currently ranging from approx 73ºF early to 78ºF late, depending of course, on location and time of day.  Lake level on Millwood as of Monday, 15 June, is 259.69 feet.  Normal consv. pool is 259.20 feet.   As of Monday, the discharge was 8,057 CFS due to rapid rise of the lake from incoming fresh water and thunderstorms/rain.  Tuesday or Wednesday this week, (mid week) we expect another gate change.  Main lake visibility approx 3-4" away from any remaining current in Little River.  The river clarity is approx 2-5" and muddy.  High winds and / or thunder storms will have a dramatic impact and effect on main lake clarity merely in a matter of hours. Upriver oxbow's clarity is heavy stain, but improving due to rapid release, falling conditions, and current in Little River.  The tailwater elevation is 238.62 feet and rising.  Discharge/ Release rate at the spillway of 8,057 CFS, is with 8 gates open at 2' each and 5 gates open at 1' each.  We expect another gate change by Wed/or mid week to release the excess water accumulated over past week. USACE campgrounds Paraloma Park and Beards Lake are closed for camping on Millwood due to recent lake rise and flooding conditions are being cleaned and repaired.

Mike

June 11, 2009 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 6/11/2009

Despite a recent rain event, the lakes in the White River system have begun to fall, though all remain above power pool. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell six tenths of a foot to rest at seventeen and two tenths feet above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is twenty three and eight tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake has fallen one tenth of a foot to rest at one foot above power pool or fifteen feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell three tenths of a foot to rest at eight feet above power pool or one and six tenths of a foot below the top of flood pool. The pattern on the White was for round the clock generation of moderate flows. There was one significant period of no generation. This created some excellent conditions for drift fishing and some limited but excellent wading.   Norfork Lake has fallen one tenth of a foot to rest at ten and three tenths feet above power pool of 552.00 feet or seventeen and seven tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Generation on the Norfork has been very limited, which has created some excellent wading. The Corps of Engineers has been holding back water to relieve flooding down stream. When that flooding abates, we can expect a significant period of high generation on both rivers.

Remember that there is a new size limit on Brown trout. All browns less than twenty four inches must be released immediately no matter where they are caught on the White and Norfork Rivers . Only one brown trout may be kept in the daily limit of five trout.

The Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam has been fishing extremely well this past week. There have been some significant sulphur hatches particularly during the period of no generation we recently had. Anglers reported success with sulphur parachutes and partridge and orange soft hackles during the hatch and copper Johns and pheasant tails before and after the hatch. With the constant flows we have been getting, anglers reported success on midge larva patterns. The most effective were zebra midges in black with silver wire and silver beads and red with silver wire and silver beads. The best sizes were sixteens and fourteens. Other hot patterns have been pheasant tails and egg patterns.

This past week the sulphur hatches moved up stream. They were sighted from the Dam to the Narrows in numbers but were thinning a bit in the Rim Shoals to Cotter area. This is our major mayfly hatch of the year. They are yellow/orange insects. The hatch generally begins with size fourteen and ends next month with size eighteens. The best way to fish them is with copper john or pheasant tail nymphs before the hatch begins, when the nymphs are more active. When the nymphs rise to the surface and begin to emerge, switch to partridge and orange or pheasant tail soft hackles. When the trout begin keying in on the adults, switch to sulphur parachute dry flies. The best fishing has been on the nymphs and emerging insects.

The Narrows has fished extremely well. There have been some prolific sulphur hatches here especially in the afternoon. Though there has been some limited dry fly fishing, the most productive technique has been to swing soft hackles when the trout are keying in on the emerging sulphurs. The most productive flies for this situation have been partridge and orange and pheasant tail soft hackles. Other effective flies have been the olive woolly bugger.

Rim Shoals has fished particularly well this past week.  The sulphur hatch is still coming off on most days, but is diminished. The trout have not keyed in on the adults but have been very active on the emergers. The best fly for this situation has been the partridge and orange soft hackle. The most productive way to fish the hatch however has been to fish copper John nymphs before during and after the hatches. With the slightly higher flows we have been getting take advantage of the Water Taxi. For a nominal fee the folks at Rim Shoals Trout Dock will ferry you to wadable water and pick you up when you are ready to go.

This past week the seemingly never ending rain returned. The lakes in the White River system have continued their rise and all remain above power pool. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam rose one and eight tenths feet to rest at seventeen and five tenths of a foot above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is twenty three and five tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake has fallen five tenths of a foot to rest at one and three tenths feet above power pool or fourteen and seven tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake rose eight tenths of a foot to rest at nine and six tenths of a foot above power pool or the top of flood pool (if it rises any more, they may be required to open the flood gates). The pattern on the White was for round the clock generation of moderate flows with a few significant periods of no generation. This created some excellent conditions for drift fishing and some limited but excellent wading. Norfork Lake has remained steady at nine feet above power pool of 552.00 feet or nineteen feet below the top of flood pool. Generation on the Norfork has been very limited, which has created some excellent wading. The Corps of Engineers has been holding back water to relieve flooding down stream. When that flooding abates, we can expect a significant period of high generation.

Remember that there is a new size limit on Brown trout. All browns less than twenty four inches must be released immediately no matter where they are caught on the White and Norfork Rivers . Only one brown trout may be kept in the daily limit of five trout.

The Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam has been fishing extremely well this past week. With the lower flows we have been getting, anglers reported success on midge patterns. The most effective were zebra midges in black with silver wire and silver beads and red with silver wire and silver beads. The best sizes were sixteens and fourteens. Other hot patterns have been pheasant tails and egg patterns. During the recent period of no generation, anglers have done very well on partridge and orange soft hackles and green butts.

This past week we had some decent sulphur hatches. There were several prolific hatches and in some instances the trout were keying in on the adults. This is our major mayfly hatch of the year. They are yellow/orange insects. The hatch generally begins with size fourteen and ends next month with size eighteens. The best way to fish them is with copper john or pheasant tail nymphs before the hatch begins, when the nymphs are more active. When the nymphs rise to the surface and begin to emerge, switch to partridge and orange or pheasant tail soft hackles. When the trout begin keying in on the adults, switch to sulphur parachute dry flies. A light Cahill would be a good substitute. Be sure and apply a fly floatant to the dry fly before you begin fishing it.

Round House Shoals has been a real hot spot. There have been some prolific sulphur hatches here especially in the late afternoon on no generation. Though there has been some quality dry fly fishing, the most productive technique has been to swing soft hackles when the trout are keying in on the emerging sulphurs.

Rim Shoals has fished particularly well this past week. The sulphur hatch has been coming off in the afternoon especially on days with periods of no generation. The trout have not keyed in on the adults but have been very active on the emergers. The best fly for this situation has been the partridge and orange soft hackle. The most productive way to fish the hatch however has been to fish copper John nymphs before during and after the hatches. The nymphs have been very active and the trout have been keying in on them.

Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are muddy, a bit high and not fishing particularly well. The White River below these streams is stained.

The overall quality of fishing on the Norfork River remains poor. There has been little generation on it recently and it has been pounded with near constant pressure. This past holiday weekend was no exception. There was even a jet ski. The Norfork is predominately a midge stream and the key to success is small flies. Midge larva patterns like zebra midges and Norfork beadheads in sizes eighteen and twenty are go to flies. If there is any top water activity, try traditional favorites like Chuck's emerger or Dan's turkey tail emergers in sizes eighteen to twenty two. The sulphurs have been spotted here but the hatches have been sporadic. On high water, try brightly colored San Juan worms and egg patterns.

Dry Run Creek got a bit crowded over the past holiday weekend but plenty of great fish were caught. The hot fly was the sowbug. The creek can occasionally get a bit stained especially as the result of heavy rain. It can still fish well, if you use brightly colored San Juan worms and Y2Ks. Always use heavy tippet (at least 4X) and carry the biggest net you can lay your hands on. Be extremely careful when handling trout. Use wet hands and return them to the water quickly. Carefully revive trout before releasing them

May 27, 2009 - Norfork - Submitted by 101 Grocery and Bait - 05/25/09 Norfork Lake level is around 561 and looking beautiful! The surface water temperature is in the mid to upper 70 degrees. Crappie fishing is fair. Striper fishing is fair. Blue gill fishing is good using crickets, worms and minnows. Catfish fishing is good using trot lines and jugs and rod and reel with anything from stink bait, chicken liver to shiners. Bass fishing has been fair. White Bass fishing has been fair. Walleye fishing has been fair using minnows and worms. We have had our share of rain these past few days and that has moved a lot of the fish into new areas so you need to do some scouting around to find the hot spots. The morning bite is still the best time to be on the fish, there has been some nice white bass caught in the morning using top water baits but you got to be out there to catch them. All the campgrounds are open. Some are on a first come basis because of clean up from the ice storm in January but the campgrounds ARE OPEN. Have Fun Go Fishin

May 25, 2009 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service -

The Overall Picture:

Navigation conditions in Little River are still hazardous or dangerous.

As of Monday 25 May, Largemouth Bass are consistently improving. Surface water temps continue to rise into the mid 70's. Largemouth Bass ranging from 2-9 pounds are in a continued, slow recovery from recent and rapid lake rise over 15 feet, due to thunderstorms and flash flooding. Bass Assassin Shads, trick worms, wacky rigs, 4" twitch worms, and buzz baits are the go to baits for Bass over the past week. Several large bass between 9-12 pounds each, have been caught and released over the past 3-4 weeks.

Navigation still hampered by the debris in Little River. Extreme caution is advised during navigation near, or in, the river due to debris coming downstream, and marker buoys pushed out of the channel. Further from the river and current, we have also noticed several lodged floaters in a few boat lanes. Be advised to slow down and watch for any lodged timber during runs of the lanes over shallow areas outside the river channels. Clarity along main lake channel and Little River is still heavy stain to muddy and poor clarity with increased current. The lake was hit again over the past week with torrential thunderstorms, lake wind advisories, and copious rainfall. Some high density broken, vegetation and floating grass mats as well as entire trees, limbs, logs and much debris are still floating in Little River, due to recent 15' rapid rise and increase in current in the river. Many river buoys are still missing, and USACE has to wait on near normal pool elevation to replace these river buoys.

As of Monday, 25 May, the lake level's update most recent information from Friday 22May (due to holiday Monday Memorial Day), is approx 8.2 feet above normal pool, and falling. The main lake and Little River's water surface temperatures are currently ranging from approx 69ºF early to 75ºF late, depending of course, on location and time of day. Lake level on Millwood as of Friday, 19 May, is 267.25 feet. Normal consv. pool is 259.20 feet. The level on Monday was not updated due to the holiday, but appeared to be still around 5 or 6' above normal.

As of Friday, the discharge was 59,655 CFS due to rapid rise of the lake from incoming fresh water and thunderstorms/rain. Tuesday or Wednesday this week, (mid week) we expect another gate change due to Red River's level receding. Main lake visibility approx 2-3" away from any remaining current in Little River. The river clarity is approx 1-2" and muddy. High winds and / or thunder storms will have a dramatic impact and effect on main lake clarity merely in a matter of hours.

Upriver oxbow's clarity is heavy stain, but improving due to rapid release, falling conditions, and current in Little River. The tailwater elevation available on Friday 22 May is 257.9 feet and rising. Discharge/ Release rate at the spillway of 59,655 CFS, is with 8 gates open at 6' each and 7 gates open at 5' each. We expect another gate change by Wed/or mid week to release the excess water accumulated over past week on Millwood, now that the Red River has begun to recede.

All USACE boat ramps and camp ground are closed on Millwood due to rapid lake rise and flooding. Millwood State Park is also still closed until lake level reaches near normal. As of Monday 25 May, Yarborough and Jack's Isle boat ramps are still open.

The Details:

Largemouth Bass: Bass are post spawn and recovering slowly from recent 14+ feet rise on Millwood and are steadily improving their appetites.

The best bite over the past week with the lake slowly recovering from drastic rise, is ranging from daylight till about 11am, then slower until dusk. Best bass bite has been on weightless trick worms or wacky rigs in June Bug, grasshopper, or kiwi colors, Bass Assassin Shad jerk baits and buzz baits, in any clearer water you can find, around new lily pads, hydrilla, or dollar pads and vegetation. Rat-L-Traps in Millwood Magic, Firetiger, or Bleeding White Shad colors are working for a solid reaction bite in the better water clarity areas of the oxbows up Little River. Bandit crankbaits in brown back/orange belly crawfish patterns are still taking some keeper size bass in the 4-5 pound class.

Siefert's buzz baits in Avocado, Blue Saturn Glimmer, or Chartreuse Crow colors, and spinnerbaits in Hot Mouse, firetiger, and white/Chartreuse colors are sporadically working, in the cleanest water, if you can find any. Soft plastic Bass Assassin Shads continue to take a few decent 14-18" Largemouths, and Senkos, trick worms, or charms, wacky rigged, around hydrilla, lily pad stems, and pondweed are working especially where you find new dollar pads and lily pads growing in close proximity, and about 1-2 feet under the surface. We are finding bass sitting suspended in the clearer water of the oxbows on top of the lily pads underneath the surface about 1-2 feet deep. Slowly allowing a "dead-stick" fall on light hook with no weight with these baits, the fish bite it and just sit there and hold it or sometimes will swim over to another pad and sit there again. Watermelon-red or salt 'n pepper silver phantom colors are also working in the clearer water, as are 5" to 7" Salty Rat Tails, wacky rigged, taking a few good keeper size 16" fish in smoke-black/red flake, in the back of the oxbows, where water clarity is markedly better than main lake or river sections of Millwood are working also. Dead-sticking with light wire hook, slow fall, is by far, the best method we have been using lately on the trick worms or Senkos.

Jig bite shut down over the the past few weeks, we are guessing because of all the high water and scattered fish back in the brush picking off recent bream fry, other shad and lizards, worms, etc. We did manage to catch a few 13-15" fish and released due to size, on short 4-5" trick worms, v-tails, and texas rig worms. We did manage to also catch 12-20 fish in the 3-7 pound bass over several days, and best colors over the past week were black w/ chart tail, plum, peanut butter & jelly, or red bug. Edges of any lily or dollar pads on any major or secondary point, near deep vertical drops or ditches (in the clearer water areas) near stumps in vegetation or on drop offs to deeper water have been the best locations over the past several weeks for that bite. New Dollar Pads and fresh Lily Pad bloom and new growth around hydrilla or coontail seem to be key holding areas for the better size keeper bass. Guess its filtering out all the sediment and clearing the water faster than other areas.

White Bass: Still not much to report on white bass. Prior to the recent drastic change in lake level, current and water clarity changes, they were congregated btween McGuire and Hwy 71 bridge. Have not found them with any consistency or pattern. One here, one there... which is strange for whites.

Crappie: Completely shut down with the increase of current and muddy water in Little River last week, as of Monday.

Channel Cats: Channel Cats are much improved on cut shad, Charlie/stink bait, and any blood bait.

}><(((º> Millwood Lake & Little River Conditions Report <º)))><{

Navigation conditions in Little River are still hazardous or dangerous.

Navigation still hampered by the debris in Little River. Extreme caution is advised during navigation near, or in, the river due to debris coming downstream, and marker buoys pushed out of the channel. Further from the river and current, we have also noticed several lodged floaters in a few boat lanes. Be advised to slow down and watch for any lodged timber during runs of the lanes over shallow areas outside the river channels. Clarity along main lake channel and Little River is still heavy stain to muddy and poor clarity with increased current. The lake was hit again over the past week with torrential thunderstorms, lake wind advisories, and copious rainfall. Some high density broken, vegetation and floating grass mats as well as entire trees, limbs, logs and much debris are still floating in Little River, due to recent 15' rapid rise and increase in current in the river. Many river buoys are still missing, and USACE has to wait on near normal pool elevation to replace these river buoys.

As of Monday, 25 May, the lake level's update most recent information from Friday 22May (due to holiday Monday Memorial Day), is approx 8.2 feet above normal pool, and falling. The main lake and Little River's water surface temperatures are currently ranging from approx 69ºF early to 75ºF late, depending of course, on location and time of day. Lake level on Millwood as of Friday, 19 May, is 267.25 feet. Normal consv pool is 259.20 feet. The level on Monday was not updated due to the holiday, but appeared to be still around 5 or 6' above normal.

As of Friday, the discharge was 59,655 CFS due to rapid rise of the lake from incoming fresh water and thunderstorms/rain. Tuesday or Wednesday this week, (mid week) we expect another gate change due to Red River's level receding. Main lake visibility approx 2-3" away from any remaining current in Little River. The river clarity is approx 1-2" and muddy. High winds and / or thunder storms will have a dramatic impact and effect on main lake clarity merely in a matter of hours.

Upriver oxbow's clarity is heavy stain, but improving due to rapid release, falling conditions, and current in Little River. The tailwater elevation available on Friday 22 May is 257.9 feet and rising. Discharge/ Release rate at the spillway of 59,655 CFS, is with 8 gates open at 6' each and 7 gates open at 5' each. We expect another gate change by Wed/or mid week to release the excess water accumulated over past week on Millwood, now that the Red River has begun to recede.

Mike

May 21, 2009 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 5/21/2009

This past week we have finally gotten a respite from the rain and we even had several beautiful sunny days with light winds. Some of the lakes in the White River system have continued their rise and all remain above power pool. We have had a couple of very windy days, complete with lake wind advisories. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam rose three and three tenths feet to rest at fifteen and seven tenths of a foot above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is twenty five and three tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake has fallen one and two tenths of a foot to rest at one and eight tenths feet above power pool or fourteen and two tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake rose four tenths of a foot to rest at eight and eight tenths of a foot above power pool or eight tenths of a foot below the top of flood pool. The pattern on the White was for round the clock generation of moderate flows. This created some excellent conditions for drift fishing and then some limited wading. Norfork Lake has risen three and seven tenths of a foot to rest at nine feet above power pool of 552.00 feet or nineteen feet below the top of flood pool. Generation on the Norfork has been very limited, which has created some excellent wading. The Corps of Engineers has been holding back water to relieve flooding down stream. When that flooding abates, we can expect some much higher levels of generation.

Remember that there is a new size limit on Brown trout. All browns less than twenty four inches must be released immediately no matter where they are caught on the White and Norfork Rivers . Only one brown trout may be kept in the daily limit of five trout.

The Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam has been fishing extremely well this past week. With the lower flows we have been getting, anglers reported success on midge patterns. The most effective were zebra midges in black with silver wire and silver beads and red with silver wire and silver beads. The best sizes were sixteens and fourteens. Other hot patterns have been pheasant tails and egg patterns.

Wildcat Shoals has been another hotspot. Anglers have reported great success on low flows. The hot flies have been soft hackles. Try green butts, partridge and orange soft hackles and partridge and green soft hackles. Anglers have also done well with black zebra midges and olive woolly buggers.

Rim Shoals has fished extremely well this past week. The hot flies were black zebra midges, prince nymphs and pheasant tail nymphs. Other successful flies have been brightly colored San Juan worms (cerise, hot fluorescent pink, and red), egg patterns, and Y2Ks. Some anglers have reported success stripping olive woolly buggers in deeper runs. The best way to do this is with a fast sinking sink tip or a full sinking line.

This past week some sulphurs were observed coming off. This is our major mayfly hatch of the year. They are yellow or orange insects. The hatch generally begins with size fourteen and ends next month with size eighteens. The best way to fish them is with copper john or pheasant tail nymphs before the hatch begins, when the nymphs are more active. When the nymphs rise to the surface and begin to emerge, switch to partridge and orange or partridge and yellow soft hackles. When the trout begin keying in on the adults, switch to sulphur parachute dry flies. Be sure and apply a fly floatant to the dry fly before you begin fishing it.

Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are starting to clear. With lower flows the bass fishing should start picking up. Try Clouser minnows and crawfish patterns and concentrate on working structure like rock shelves and fallen trees.

The overall quality of fishing on the Norfork River remains poor. There has been little generation on it recently and it has been pounded with near constant pressure. This river receives more fishing pressure per river mile than any other trout stream in Arkansas . You can escape some of the crowd by fishing during the week or by fishing very early or late. You should expect some very heavy pressure this holiday weekend. On lower flows concentrate on midge nymph patterns like the black zebra midge or Norfork bead head in size eighteen or twenty. Midge emergers like Dan's turkey tail emerger are also effective. On higher flows brightly colored San Juan worms and egg patterns are the go to flies. Be on the look out for a good sulphur hatch here also.

Dry Run Creek continues to fish well. The hot fly is the sowbug and the San Juan worm in red. I expect there to be a lot of young anglers and their parents on the creek this holiday weekend. Don't worry, if it seems crowded, there are fish everywhere. The secret to success is to work a short line and use heavy tippet (at least 4X). Bring the biggest net you can lay your hands on and carry a camera. Don't forget to take a tour of the adjacent National Fish hatchery. Be sure to remove your waders before entering to prevent the transfer of aquatic diseases.

May 19, 2009 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service - The Overall Picture:

Navigation conditions in Little River are extremely hazardous.

As of Tuesday 19 May, Largemouth Bass are fair. Surface water temps continue to rise into the mid 70's. Largemouth Bass ranging from 2-9 pounds are in a continued, slow recovery from recent and rapid lake rise over 14 feet, due to thunderstorms and flash flooding. RatLTraps, War Eagle Spinnerbaits, large bulky worms and jigs are still the go to baits for Bass over the past couple weeks. Several large bass between 9-12 pounds each, have been caught and released over the past couple weeks.

Clarity along main lake channel and Little River is poor with increased current. The lake was hit again over the past weekend with torrential thunderstorms, lake wind advisories, and copious rainfall. Some high density broken, vegetation and floating grass mats as well as entire trees, limbs, logs and much debris were floating in Little River, due to recent rapid rise and increased current in the river. Many river buoys are still missing, and USACE has to wait on near normal pool elevation to replace these river buoys.

As of Tuesday, 19 May, the lake level is approx 12.2 feet above normal pool, and falling. The main lake and Little River's water surface temperatures are currently ranging from approx 68ºF early to 74ºF late, depending of course, on location and time of day. Lake level on Millwood as of Tuesday, 19 May, is 271.42 feet. Normal conservation pool is 259.20 feet.

As of Monday, the discharge has been increased to over 60,000 CFS due to rapid rise of the lake from incoming fresh water and thunderstorms/rain. Tuesday, gate change was made to increase current discharge at the dam in Little River of 60,143 CFS due to Red River's level receding. USACE has begun releasing additional water this week and gate changes are expected again, by mid week. Main lake visibility approx 2-3" away from any remaining current in Little River. The river clarity is approx 0 and muddy. High winds and / or thunder storms will have a dramatic impact and effect on main lake clarity merely in a matter of hours.

Upriver oxbow's clarity is heavy stain, but improving due to rapid release and current in Little River. The tailwater elevation on Tuesday 19 May is 258.30 feet and rising. Discharge/ Release rate at the spillway of 60,143 CFS, is with 2 gates open at 5' each and 11 gates open at 6' each. We expect another gate change by Wed/or mid week to release the excess water accumulated over past week on Millwood, now that the Red River has begun to recede.

All USACE boat ramps and camp ground are closed on Millwood due to rapid lake rise and flooding. Millwood State Park is also still closed until lake level reaches near normal. As of Tuesday 19 May, Yarborough and Jack's Isle boat ramps are still open.

The Details:

Largemouth Bass: Bass are post spawn and recovering slowly from recent 14+ feet rise on Millwood and are fair at best.

The best bite continues to be during the warmest hours of the day from 10 am - 3 pm, on slow moving, heavy, 3/4 ounce sizes RatLTraps and slow-rolling heavy thumping spinner baits in the stained or muddy water or bulky 10" worms and jigs. The most consistent reaction bite during heat of the day over the past several weeks, is on Bass Assassin Shad jerk baits, in any clearer water you can find, around new lily pads, hydrilla, or dollar pads and vegetation. Rat-L-Traps in Millwood Magic, Fire tiger or Red Coach Dog colors or Bandit crankbaits in brown back/orange belly crawfish patterns are taking some keeper size bass in the 4-5 pound class.

Spinnerbaits in Hot Mouse, firetiger, and white/Chartreuse colors are sporadically working, in the clearer water, if you can find any. Soft plastic Bass Assassin Shads continue to take a few decent 14-18" Largemouths. Senkos, trick worms, or charms, wacky rigged, around hydrilla, lily pad stems, and pondweed are working randomly, but slow or "dead-sticking" these baits, with a light wire hook and no weight will best entice a big fish bite. Hottest colors for Charm Assassins and trick worms are the sherbet or merthiolate in the muddy or stained water and watermelon-red or salt 'n pepper silver phantom in the clearer water. 5" to 7" Salty Rat Tails, wacky rigged, are beginning to turn a few good keeper size bass in watermelon red, smoke/blue, or purple smoke on points with vegetation or dead lily pad stems remaining, in the back of the oxbows, where water clarity is markedly better than main lake or river sections of Millwood. Dead-sticking with light wire hook, slow fall, is by far, the best method and use of the trick worms or Senkos. Frog bite has not turned on for Largemouth Bass as of this week, and is still a few weeks out for a consistent reaction on a frog.

Best jig bite over the past couple weeks, remain Texas Craw, amber metallic, or chestnut/chartreuse combinations. Pitching/flipping jigs and bulky, mag-tail rib-worms to stumps and cypress trees are randomly working. 10" worms are working very good, for 4-6 pound bass, and best colors working over the past few weeks for large bulky worms are black grape, plum, blue fleck, or peanut butter & jelly. Edges of any remaining lily pads stems, near deep verticle drops in the clearer water sections, several feet away from the base of cypress trees and stumps in vegetation or on drop offs to deeper water, remain best locations over the past several weeks for best worm and/or jig bite. New Dollar Pads and fresh Lily Pad bloom and new growth around existing pond weed or hydrilla and coontail are key holding areas for solid keeper bass.

White Bass: Whites which were still congregated upriver near the Highway 71 bridge and creek mouths like the entrance to Mud Lake, Hurricane Creek, mouth into 2nd entrance to Horseshoe and other creeks dumping into Little River, over the past 2 weeks, have disappeared with all the muddy water and current. Rat-L-Traps in Millwood Magic and smokey joe were working for these whites prior to the recent change in lake level and water clarity.

Crappie: Completely shut down with the increase of current and muddy water in Little River last week, as of Monday.

Channel Cats: Channel Cats are fair on cut shad and blood bait.

}><(((º> Millwood Lake & Little River Conditions Report <º)))><{

Navigation conditions in Little River are extremely hazardous.

Clarity along main lake channel and Little River is poor with increased current. The lake was hit again over the past weekend with torrential thunderstorms, lake wind advisories, and copious rainfall. Some high density broken, vegetation and floating grass mats as well as entire trees, limbs, logs and much debris were floating in Little River, due to recent rapid rise and increased current in the river. Many river buoys are still missing, and USACE has to wait on near normal pool elevation to replace these river buoys.

As of Tuesday, 19 May, the lake level is approx 12.2 feet above normal pool, and falling. The main lake and Little River's water surface temperatures are currently ranging from approx 68ºF early to 74ºF late, depending of course, on location and time of day. Lake level on Millwood as of Tuesday, 19 May, is 271.42 feet. Normal conservation pool is 259.20 feet.

As of Monday, the discharge has been increased to over 60,000 CFS due to rapid rise of the lake from incoming fresh water and thunderstorms/rain. Tuesday, gate change was made to increase current discharge at the dam in Little River of 60,143 CFS due to Red River's level receding. USACE has begun releasing additional water this week and gate changes are expected again, by mid week. Main lake visibility approx 2-3" away from any remaining current in Little River. The river clarity is approx 0 and muddy. High winds and / or thunder storms will have a dramatic impact and effect on main lake clarity merely in a matter of hours.

Upriver oxbow's clarity is heavy stain, but improving due to rapid release and current in Little River. The tailwater elevation on Tuesday 19 May is 258.30 feet and rising. Discharge/ Release rate at the spillway of 60,143 CFS, is with 2 gates open at 5' each and 11 gates open at 6' each. We expect another gate change by Wed/or mid week to release the excess water accumulated over past week on Millwood, now that the Red River has begun to recede.

All USACE boat ramps and camp ground are closed on Millwood due to rapid lake rise and flooding. Millwood State Park is also still closed until lake level reaches near normal. As of Tuesday 19 May, Yarborough and Jack's Isle boat ramps are still open.

Mike

May 17, 2009 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service - The lake is level is at 470.65 and falling

The bass fishing is good using swimbaits,wake baits and pitching soft plastics around flooded cover and the rest are on secondary and main lake points as well as the old bush line.

The hybrids and whites are coming up in places all over the lake and some can even still be caught up river.

The crappie have slowed , they are moving a lot , you can catch them one day and gone the next, try minnows with grubs fished in the old buck brush line.

Catfish are biting all over the lake and are hard to land with so much brush in the water

Walleye are biting in front of the old brush line on hard bottoms as well as secondary and main lake points

Bream are bedding at this time and can be caught slallow.

Tommy Cauley

May 14, 2009 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 5/14/2009

This past week we have had one major rain event after another and most of the lakes in the White River system have risen significantly and all are above power pool. We have also had several very windy days complete with lake wind advisories. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam rose four and two tenths feet to rest at twelve and four tenths of a foot above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is twenty eight and six tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake has fallen five tenths of a foot to rest at three feet above power pool or thirteen feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake rose one and six tenths of a foot to rest at eight and four tenths of a foot above power pool or one and two tenths feet below the top of flood pool. The pattern on the White early in the week was for round the clock generation of moderate flows. Later in the week, we had a significant period of no generation. This created some excellent conditions for drift fishing and then some excellent conditions for wading. Norfork Lake has risen six tenths of a foot to rest at five and three tenths of a foot above power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty two and seven tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Generation on the Norfork has been very limited, which has created some excellent wading. The Corps of Engineers has been holding back water to relieve flooding down stream. When that flooding abates, we can expect some much higher levels of generation.

Remember that there is a new size limit on Brown trout. All browns less than twenty four inches must be released immediately no matter where they are caught on the White and Norfork Rivers . Only one brown trout may be kept in the daily limit of five trout.

The Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam has been fishing extremely well this past week. With the lower flows we have been getting, anglers reported success on midge patterns. The most effective were zebra midges in black with silver wire and silver beads and red with silver wire and silver beads. The best sizes were sixteens and fourteens. Other hot patterns have been pheasant tails and egg patterns. On no generation the hot flies have been emergers and soft hackles. The most productive patterns have been partridge and orange soft hackles and green butts. This is a popular fishing spot for locals and visitors alike. As a result this area gets a significant amount of fishing pressure. It is imperative that boating and wading courtesy be observed.

Wildcat Shoals has been another hotspot. Anglers have reported great success on low water. The hot flies have been soft hackles. Try green butts, partridge and orange soft hackles and partridge and green soft hackles. Anglers have also reported success with black zebra midges with silver wire and silver beads and olive woolly buggers.

Rim Shoals has fished well this past week. There are still some caddis coming off but they are significantly smaller. They are currently best imitated with a bright green elk hair caddis in size eighteen. This requires an accurate cast and a good drift. This has been tricky with some of the extremely windy days we have had lately. Another way to fish the hatch is by concentrating on the emergers. The most effective fly for this is the green butt. Other successful flies have been pheasant tail nymphs and zebra midges in black with silver wire and silver beads. Some anglers have reported success stripping olive woolly buggers in deeper runs.

The seemingly never ending rains have left Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River high and muddy. It will take a while for it to clear. The White River below these streams has been severely stained and is running a bit higher than the upper river.

The overall quality of fishing on the Norfork River remains poor. There has been little generation on it recently and it has been pounded with near constant pressure. This river receives more fishing pressure per river mile than any other stream in Arkansas . You can escape some of the crowd by fishing during the week or by fishing very early or late. My favorite time is Sunday afternoon just as the last SUV is pulling out of the parking lot. A number of anglers have been wading up to McClellan's. This is a long way and it is inherently dangerous. If they unexpectedly turn on the water, it is a long treacherous wade out. If you are fishing Quarry Park the hot fly has been the sowbug. On the lower river, zebra midges in black with silver wire and silver bead (size 18) and red micro worms (size 18) have been the go to flies. There are still a few caddis out. Here again the flies are quite a bit smaller. Go with size eighteen elk hair caddis.

Dry Run Creek continues to fish well. The hot fly is the sowbug and the San Juan worm in red. Concentrate on fishing deeper, faster water. There are big fish everywhere and it is important that you key in on fish located in feeding lies (areas where trout specifically go to feed). Always carry a camera and a big net. Please be careful when landing and releasing the fish. Wet your hands before handling fish and return them to the water as quickly as possible.

May 14, 2009 - Norfork and White River - Submitted by Mountain River Fly Shop - The White River has been low and wadeable the last 1 1/2 days and the fishing, particularly the dry fly fishing, has been phenomenal. We have been also getting strong reports off Norfork that the fishery is rebounding hard with some quality fish browns, cutthroat and rainbows being found.

WHITE RIVER: We had raised the possibility of the White being shut down due to the flooding down the length of eastern Arkansas, and the Mississippi. See the flood levels down the White here. This has stalled generation on the White _ just for how long is a good question.

But for the past 36 hours the fishing has been on fire _ and the fishing was very good on the low flows of the past tw0 weeks.

Pack plenty of midges and some 5x and 6x flourocarbpn. Black and Silver Zebra Midges and Rainbow Warriors for the sun, black and copper in the overcast, and the new Harvester Midges, and WD40s have been doing well. Davy Wotton Super Midges have also been successful.

Gonzo and the Journal fished at the Dam on Tuesday afternoon fishing a lot of dries like Morgan's Para- Midge and the Midge Cluster Double Hackle Stacker and Sprouts. We guess the usual stuff like sowbugs and scuds would have worked, soft hackles too might havebeen even more effective but we didn't really need to switch in 5 hours of fishing.

Yesterday we heard of good numbers of caddis coming off downstream, mixed in with some sulphur may flies. Our correspondants did well on emergers.

NORFORK: Clint Wilkinson floated the Norfork during the week with AGFC and TU representatives. His report was very positive saying he had seen more quality fish than since the flood. Norfork fish well yesterday with midges and Clint;s Sunday special.

May 11, 2009 - Norfork - Submitted by 101 Grocery and Bait - The Ozark's Norfork Lake is beautiful, water level is around 558.4 the water surface temperature is in the mid to upper 60 degrees and water clarity is from stained to crystal clear. We were very fortunate this past week most of the bad weather went around us here. We did get some high winds and around 1- 2 inches of rain here but nothing like the surrounding areas were hit with. Fishing is good just like is has been for the past weeks. Stripers are hitting top water baits in the morning and evenings. Crappie fishing is good, not all of them have spawned yet and they are being caught at varying depths from 3 feet to 25 feet. Bass fishing is good using an array of baits from jigs, spinner baits to your favorite rubber bait. Monster Blue Gills are hitting minnows, worms and crickets. Catfish fishing is fair. White Bass fishing is fair. Walleye fishing is good using live bait and crank baits around 18 feet deep along secondary points. Small Mouth Bass fishing is good using small rubber baits on 3/16 oz jig. Have Fun Go Fishin.

May 11, 2009 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service - The Overall Picture:

Navigation conditions in Little River are extremely hazardous.

As of Monday 11 May, Largemouth Bass are fair. Surface water temps continue to rise into the mid 70's. The best bite is still during the mid-day hours, and Largemouth Bass ranging from 2-9 pounds are in a continued, slow recovery. RatLTraps, War Eagle Spinnerbaits, large bulky worms and jigs are still the go to baits for Bass over the past couple weeks. Several large bass between 9-12 pounds each, have been caught and released over the past couple weeks.

Clarity along main lake channel and Little River is poor with increased current. The lake was hit again over the past weekend with torrential thunderstorms, lake wind advisories, and copious rainfall. Some high density broken, vegetation and floating grass mats as well as entire trees, limbs, logs and much debris were floating in Little River, due to recent rapid rise and increased current in the river. Many river buoys are still missing, and USACE has to wait on near normal pool elevation to replace these river buoys.

As of Monday, 11 May, the lake level is approx 4.4 feet (53") above normal pool, and rising. The main lake and Little River's water surface temperatures are currently ranging from approx 68ºF early to 74ºF late, depending of course, on location and time of day. Lake level on Millwood as of Monday, 11 May, is 263.63 feet. Normal conservation pool is 259.20 feet.

As of Friday, the discharge had been increased to over 30,000 CFS due to rapid rise of the lake from incoming fresh water and thunderstorms/rain. Monday, gate change was made to reduce current discharge at the dam in Little River of 24,998 CFS due to Red River's level at or near & above flood stage. USACE will have to hold the water in Millwood Lake until the Red River subsides making a rapid rise on Millwood likely even more, by mid week. Main lake visibility approx 2-3" away from any remaining current in Little River. The river clarity is approx 0 and muddy. High winds and / or thunder storms will have a dramatic impact and effect on main lake clarity merely in a matter of hours.

Upriver oxbow's clarity is heavy stain, and worsening due to rapid rise and current in Little River. The tailwater elevation on Monday 11 May is 249.87 feet and rising. Discharge/ Release rate at the spillway of 24,998 CFS, is with all gates open. We expect another gate change by Wed/or mid week to release the rapid rise occurring on Millwood, once the Red River begins to recede.

Closed boat ramps due to rapid rise and discharge of current in Little River on Millwood Lake are River Run East, River Run West, Wilton, Highway 71, and White Cliffs.

The Details:

Largemouth Bass: Good numbers of Largemouths, up to 7-12 pounds each, have been caught and released over the past 2 weeks. Most Black Bass (Largemouths) are in postspawn condition, although we have caught some females around 8 pounds that were still dropping eggs. Numerous bass are completing their bedding activities and have already abandoned the beds returning to deeper water to recover from spawning activities.

The best bite continues to be during the warmest hours of the day from 10 am - 3 pm, on slow moving, heavy, 3/4 ounce sizes RatLTraps and slow-rolling heavy thumping spinner baits in the stained or muddy water or bulky 10" worms and jigs. The most consistent reaction bite during heat of the day over the past week, is on Bass Assassin Shad jerk baits, in any clearer water you can find, around new lily pads, hydrilla, or dollar pads and vegetation. Rat-L-Traps in Millwood Magic, Fire tiger or Red Coach Dog colors or Bandit crankbaits in brown back/orange belly crawfish patterns are taking some keeper size bass in the 4-5 pound class.

Spinnerbaits in Hot Mouse, firetiger, and white/Chartreuse colors are sporadically working, in the clearer water, if you can find any. Soft plastic Bass Assassin Shads continue to take a few decent 14-18" Largemouths. Senkos, trick worms, or charms, wacky rigged, around hydrilla, lily pad stems, and pondweed are working randomly, but slow or "dead-sticking" these baits, with a light wire hook and no weight will best entice a big fish bite. Hottest colors for Charm Assassins and trick worms are the sherbet or merthiolate in the muddy or stained water and watermelon-red or salt 'n pepper silver phantom in the clearer water. 5" to 7" Salty Rat Tails, wacky rigged, are beginning to turn a few good keeper size bass in watermelon red, smoke/blue, or purple smoke on points with vegetation or dead lily pad stems remaining, in the back of the oxbows, where water clarity is markedly better than main lake or river sections of Millwood. Dead-sticking with light wire hook, slow fall, is by far, the best method and use of the trick worms or Senkos. Frog bite has not turned on for Largemouth Bass as of this week, and is still a few weeks out for a consistent reaction on a frog.

Best jig bite over the past couple weeks, remain Texas Craw, amber metallic, or chestnut/chartreuse combinations. Pitching/flipping jigs and bulky, mag-tail rib-worms to stumps and cypress trees are randomly working. 10" worms are working very good, for 4-6 pound bass, and best colors working over the past few weeks for large bulky worms are black grape, plum, blue fleck, or peanut butter & jelly. Edges of any remaining lily pads stems, near deep verticle drops in the clearer water sections, several feet away from the base of cypress trees and stumps in vegetation or on drop offs to deeper water, remain best locations over the past several weeks for best worm and/or jig bite. New Dollar Pads and fresh Lily Pad bloom and new growth around existing pond weed or hydrilla and coontail are key holding areas for solid keeper bass.

White Bass: Whites which were still congregated upriver near the Highway 71 bridge and creek mouths like the entrance to Mud Lake, Hurricane Creek, mouth into 2nd entrance to Horseshoe and other creeks dumping into Little River, over the past 2 weeks, have disappeared with all the muddy water and current. Rat-L-Traps in Millwood Magic and smokey joe were working for these whites prior to the recent change in lake level and water clarity.

Crappie: Completely shut down with the increase of current and muddy water in Little River last week, as of Monday.

Channel Cats: Channel Cats are still feeding very well in and current along Little River, on trot lines and yo-yos hung under cypress trees with Charlie, cut bait, chicken livers and blood baits.

}><(((º> Millwood Lake & Little River Conditions Report <º)))><{

Navigation conditions in Little River are extremely hazardous.

Clarity along main lake channel and Little River is poor with increased current. The lake was hit again over the past weekend with torrential thunderstorms, lake wind advisories, and copious rainfall. Some high density broken, vegetation and floating grass mats as well as entire trees, limbs, logs and much debris were floating in Little River, due to recent rapid rise and increased current in the river. Many river buoys are still missing, and USACE has to wait on near normal pool elevation to replace these river buoys.

floating in Little River, due to recent rapid rise and increased current in the river. Many river buoys are still missing, and USACE has to wait on near normal pool elevation to replace these river buoys.

As of Monday, 11 May, the lake level is approx 4.4 feet (53") above normal pool, and rising. The main lake and Little River's water surface temperatures are currently ranging from approx 68ºF early to 74ºF late, depending of course, on location and time of day. Lake level on Millwood as of Monday, 11 May, is 263.63 feet. Normal conservation pool is 259.20 feet.

As of Friday, the discharge had been increased to over 30,000 CFS due to rapid rise of the lake from incoming fresh water and thunderstorms/rain. Monday, gate change was made to reduce current discharge at the dam in Little River of 24,998 CFS due to Red River's level at or near & above flood stage. USACE will have to hold the water in Millwood Lake until the Red River subsides making a rapid rise on Millwood likely even more, by mid week. Main lake visibility approx 2-3" away from any remaining current in Little River. The river clarity is approx 0 and muddy. High winds and / or thunder storms will have a dramatic impact and effect on main lake clarity merely in a matter of hours.

Upriver oxbow's clarity is heavy stain, and worsening due to rapid rise and current in Little River. The tailwater elevation on Monday 11 May is 249.87 feet and rising. Discharge/ Release rate at the spillway of 24,998 CFS, is with all gates open. We expect another gate change by Wed/or mid week to release the rapid rise occurring on Millwood, once the Red River begins to recede.

Closed boat ramps due to rapid rise and discharge of current in Little River on Millwood Lake are River Run East, River Run West, Wilton, Highway 71, and White Cliffs.

Mike

May 5, 2009 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service - Hey yall,

Everything is still the same at greers other than its about 7 feet high , I am in hospital , will be back with ya next week.

Thanks

May 5, 2009 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service - The Overall Picture:

Navigation conditions in Little River are extremely hazardous & cautioned!

As of Monday 05 May, Largemouth Bass are trying to figure out just exactly what's going on. Surface water temps continue to rise into the upper 60's and low 70's and the best bite is still during the mid-day hours, and Largemouth Bass ranging from 2-9 pounds are in a continued, slow recovery. RatLTraps, lizards, War Eagle Spinnerbaits or big worms and jigs are still the go to baits for Bass over the past couple weeks. Several large bass between 9-12 pounds each, have been caught and released over the past couple weeks.

Clarity along main lake channel and Little River is took a dramatic turn for the worse, over the past week with the severe thunderstorms, 60-85 mph wind, 6-8" rainfall, and increased current. The lake was slammed with wind advisories and tornado warnings again over the past few days and a huge influx of rain and freshwater. Some high density broken, vegetation / floating grass mats as well as limbs, logs and much debris are floating down Little River, due to recent rapid rise and increased current in the river of almost 24,000 CFS. Many river buoys are moved by this tremendous amount of increased current. USACE has to wait on near normal pool elevation to replace these river buoys.

As of Monday, 05 May, the lake level is approx 33" above normal pool (yes, almost 3 feet), and rising rapidly due to influx of fresh incoming water down Little River. The main lake and Little River's water surface temperatures are currently ranging from approx 68ºF early to 74ºF late, depending of course, on location and time of day. Lake level on Millwood as of Monday, 05 May, is 261.94 feet and rising rapidly. Normal conservation pool is 259.20 feet.

Tremendous increase in river current this week from last, at the dam in Little River of 23,897 CFS as of Monday, 05 May. Main lake visibility approx 1-2" away from any remaining current in Little River. The river clarity is approx 2-3" and extremely muddy and hazardous. High winds and / or thunder storms will have a dramatic impact and effect on main lake clarity merely in a matter of hours.

Upriver oxbow's clarity is fair & stained, and is ranging approx 8-10" visibility away from current in Little River. The tailwater elevation on Monday 05 May is 245.05 feet and rising. Discharge/ Release rate at the spillway of 23,897 CFS is with all 13 gates open at 4 feet each.

The Details:

Largemouth Bass: Bass activity level had almost returned to near seasonal norms, with a return of near normal surface temperatures until the tornados and severe thunderstorms dumped between 6" and 9" of rain over sw Arkansas. The incoming fresh and muddy water is pushing muddy current into the back of most all upriver oxbows, although the cold, near freezing temperatures have been replaced with seasonal normals improving the Bass' attitude and aggressiveness. Most all Black Bass are post spawn, with many females already finishing the annual spawn. Numbers of large female Largemouths, up to 7-12 pounds each, have been caught and released over the past 2 weeks. Majority of Black Bass (Largemouths) are in postspawn condition, although we have caught some females around 8 pounds that were still dropping eggs last week. Numerous bass are completing their bedding activities and have already abandoned the beds returning to deeper water to recover from spawning activities.

The best, most consistent bite, continues to be during the warmest hours of the day from 10 am - 3 pm, on slow moving, bulky 10" worms and jigs. The most consistent reaction bite during heat of the day over the past few weeks, continues to be the Rat-L-Traps in Millwood Magic, or Red Shad colors (Red Chrome on sunny days) or soft plastic Bass Assassin Shads in the clearest water you can find on Millwood, deflecting off stumps, laydowns, standing timber, and cover. Fire tiger or Red Coach Dog colors in Rat-L-Traps or crankbaits are work best, where the water is muddy. Bandit crankbaits in brown back/orange belly crawfish patterns are beginning to take some keeper size bass in the 4-5 pound class.

Slow rolling, heavy thumping spinnerbaits in Hot Mouse or white/Chartreuse colors are sporadically working, the clearer water, the better, the keyword being VERY SLOW in deeper water. Soft plastic Bass Assassin Shads are beginning to take a few decent 14-18" Largemouths. Senkos, trick worms, or charms, wacky rigged, around hydrilla, lily pad stems, and pondweed are working randomly, but slow or "dead-sticking" these baits, with a light wire hook and no weight will best entice a big fish bite. Hottest colors for Charm Assassins and trick worms are the sherbet or merthiolate in the muddy or stained water and watermelon-red or salt 'n pepper silver phantom in the clearer water. 5" to 7" Salty Rat Tails, or Wacky worms, are beginning to turn a few good keeper size bass in June bug or kiwi colors around stumps and timber with vegetation or new "dollar lily pad" growth, in the some of the oxbows, where water clarity is markedly better than main lake or river sections of Millwood. Dead-sticking with light wire hook, slow fall, is by far, the best method and use of the trick worms, wacky rigs, or Senkos. Frog bite has not turned on for Largemouth Bass as of this week, and is still a few weeks out for a consistent reaction on a frog, but buzz baits are beginning to draw some reaction strikes.

Best jig bite over the past couple weeks, remain Texas Craw, black and blue, or chestnut with chartreuse combinations. Pitching/flipping jigs and bulky, mag-tail rib-worms to stumps and cypress trees are randomly working. 10" worms are working very good, for 4-6 pound bass, and best colors working over the past few weeks for large bulky worms are black grape, red shad, tequila sunrise, blue fleck, or peanut butter & jelly. Edges of any remaining lily pads stems, near deep verticle drops in the clearer water sections, several feet away from the base of cypress trees and stumps in vegetation or on drop offs to deeper water, remain best locations over the past several weeks for best worm and/or jig bite. New Dollar Pads and fresh Lily Pad bloom and new growth around existing pond weed or hydrilla and coontail are key holding areas for solid keeper bass.

White Bass: Whites, which were congregated upriver near the Highway 71 bridge and creek mouths like the entrance to Mud Lake, Hurricane Creek, mouth into 2nd entrance to Horseshoe and other creeks dumping into Little River, disappeared with the muddy rise and current this week.

Crappie: Almost were finishing up their annual spawning cycles near and around bases of cypress trees, but totally shut down with the increase of current and muddy water in Little River last week, but as of Monday with the increased muddy water, shut down. The oxbows were giving up a few random Crappie on live shiners and Blakemore roadrunners where the clarity was much better than the River, and water temps were warmer, a few stragglers can still be picked up by persistence.

Channel Cats: Channel Cats are still feeding very well in and current along Little River, on trot lines and yo-yos hung under cypress trees with cut shad, Charlie, chicken livers, and almost any blood bait used.

}><(((º> Millwood Lake & Little River Conditions Report <º)))><{

Navigation conditions in Little River are extremely hazardous & cautioned!

Clarity along main lake channel and Little River is took a dramatic turn for the worse, over the past week with the severe thunderstorms, 60-85 mph wind, 6-8" rainfall, and increased current. The lake was slammed with wind advisories and tornado warnings again over the past few days and a huge influx of rain and freshwater. Some high density broken, vegetation / floating grass mats as well as limbs, logs and much debris are floating down Little River, due to recent rapid rise and increased current in the river of almost 24,000 CFS. Many river buoys are moved by this tremendous amount of increased current. USACE has to wait on near normal pool elevation to replace these river buoys.

As of Monday, 05 May, the lake level is approx 33" above normal pool (yes, almost 3 feet), and rising rapidly due to influx of fresh incoming water down Little River. The main lake and Little River's water surface temperatures are currently ranging from approx 68ºF early to 74ºF late, depending of course, on location and time of day. Lake level on Millwood as of Monday, 05 May, is 261.94 feet and rising rapidly. Normal conservation pool is 259.20 feet.

Tremendous increase in river current this week from last, at the dam in Little River of 23,897 CFS as of Monday, 05 May. Main lake visibility approx 1-2" away from any remaining current in Little River. The river clarity is approx 2-3" and extremely muddy and hazardous. High winds and / or thunder storms will have a dramatic impact and effect on main lake clarity merely in a matter of hours.

Upriver oxbow's clarity is fair & stained, and is ranging approx 8-10" visibility away from current in Little River. The tailwater elevation on Monday 05 May is 245.05 feet and rising. Discharge/ Release rate at the spillway of 23,897 CFS is with all 13 gates open at 4 feet each.

Mike

May 4, 2009 - Norfork - Submitted by 101 Grocery and Bait - 05/04/09 Fishing Norfork Lake is good. These past couple of weeks, Bass fishing was good. There was the Cystic Fibrosis annual tournament and then the BassCat Owners Invitational tournament . Both produced some very nice limits of Bass. Over 15 lbs won the Cystic one day tournament and the BassCat was won with over 36.6 lbs. Congratulations to the winners. Thank you to all that stopped in the store. We appreciate everyone that takes the time to stop by. The lake level is around 555.6 msl and the water temp. is in the 60's. Fishing has been great for Crappie, Bass, Big Blue Gills. White bass fishing has been fair. Walleye fishing has been very good. Striper fishing has been good using live bait. The night bite has slowed down and they should begin hitting top water baits here real soon. Catfish fishing has been slow. There is only a couple weeks left till Memorial Day weekend if you are going to beat the crowd for some great fishing now is the time. Have Fun Go Fishin.

April 28, 2009 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service - The water level is at 461.45 and rising and the temp ranges from 70"s north lake to high 50's south lake

The bass are scattered all over the lake , with some post spawn , some fixing to spawn and some that are not ready yet , they will still bite a jerk bait, crank bait, spinnerbait as well as jigs , c-rigs, and jighead worms and some boyhowdies also.

The crappie are still doing their thing also in the brush and around it as well as in the standing pole timber on jigs and minnows

A lot of bream have moved up now as well and can be caught , with crickets and crawlers

The catfish bite has died some fro some odd reason

The whites and hybrids , some can be caught in the lake now and some are still up river doing their thing as well , try hair jigs, spoons , in-line spinners and jerkbaits.

The walleye have gotten going pretty good now in the lake and will continue to get better and should last until the last of june anyway, try dragging crawlers and crankbaits over rocky flats in the main lake

Tommy Cauley

April 28, 2009 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service - The Overall Picture:

Navigation conditions in Little River are near normal.

As of Monday 27 April, Largemouth Bass are improving. Surface water temps continue to rise into the mid and upper 60's. The best bite is still during the mid-day hours, and Largemouth Bass ranging from 2-9 pounds are in a continued, slow recovery. RatLTraps, lizards, War Eagle Spinnerbaits or big worms and jigs are still the go to baits for Bass over the past couple weeks. Several large bass between 9-12 pounds each, have been caught and released over the past couple weeks.

Clarity along main lake channel and Little River is slowly improving over the past week with reduced current. The lake was hit with wind advisories again over the past few days this week. Some high density broken, vegetation and floating grass mats as well as limbs, logs and much debris were floating in Little River, due to recent rapid rise and increased current in the river. Many river buoys are still missing, although it appears the USACE are working diligently to replace those missing this week. USACE has to wait on near normal pool elevation to replace these river buoys.

As of Monday, 27 April, the lake level is approx 4.8" above normal pool, and slowly rising. The main lake and Little River's water surface temperatures are currently ranging from approx 62ºF early to 68ºF late, depending of course, on location and time of day. Lake level on Millwood as of Monday, 27 April, is 259.66 feet. Normal conservation pool is 259.20 feet.

Reduced current this week from last, at the dam in Little River of 5,031 CFS as of Monday, 27 April. Main lake visibility approx 3-6" away from any remaining current in Little River. The river clarity is approx 4-5". High winds and / or thunder storms will have a dramatic impact and effect on main lake clarity merely in a matter of hours.

Upriver oxbow's clarity is fair, stained, but improving and is ranging approx 3-4 feet visibility away from current in Little River. The tailwater elevation on Monday 27 April is 232.97 feet and rising. Discharge/ Release rate at the spillway of 5,031 CFS is with 13 gates open at 1 foot each.

The Details:

Largemouth Bass: Last week began marked improvements in Millwood's Bass activity level with a return of near normal surface temperatures. Most of the incoming fresh and muddy water has been flushed through, and the cold, near freezing temperatures have been replaced with seasonal normals improving the Bass attitude and aggressive bite. Prespawn Black Bass males are definitely making beds again, many females have already spawned. Numbers of large female Largemouths, up to 7-12 pounds each, have been caught and released over the past 2 weeks. Majority of Black Bass (Largemouths) are in postspawn condition, although we have caught some females around 8 pounds that were still dropping eggs. Numerous bass are completing their bedding activities and have already abandoned the beds returning to deeper water to recover from spawning activities.

The best bite continues to be during the warmest hours of the day from 10 am - 3 pm, on slow moving, heavy, 3/4 ounce sizes RatLTraps and slow-rolling heavy thumping spinner baits in the stained or muddy water or bulky 10" worms and jigs. The most consistent reaction bite during heat of the day over the past few weeks, continues to be the 3/4 ounce size Rat-L-Traps in Toledo Gold, Millwood Magic, or Red Shad colors (Red Chrome on sunny days) in more clearer water sections of Millwood, deflecting off stumps, laydowns, standing timber, and cover. Fire tiger or Red Coach Dog colors in Rat-L-Traps or crankbaits are work best, where the water is muddy. Bandit crankbaits in brown back/orange belly crawfish patterns are beginning to take some keeper size bass in the 4-5 pound class.

Slow rolling, heavy thumping spinnerbaits in Spot Remover, Hot Mouse and white/Chartreuse colors are sporadically working, the clearer water, the better, the keyword being VERY SLOW in deeper water. Soft plastic Bass Assassin Shads are beginning to take a few decent 14-18" Largemouths. Senkos, trick worms, or charms, wacky rigged, around hydrilla, lily pad stems, and pondweed are working randomly, but slow or "dead-sticking" these baits, with a light wire hook and no weight will best entice a big fish bite. Hottest colors for Charm Assassins and trick worms are the sherbet or merthiolate in the muddy or stained water and watermelon-red or salt 'n pepper silver phantom in the clearer water. 5" to 7" Salty Rat Tails, wacky rigged, are beginning to turn a few good keeper size bass in watermelon red, smoke/blue, or purple smoke on points with vegetation or dead lily pad stems remaining, in the back of the oxbows, where water clarity is markedly better than main lake or river sections of Millwood. Dead-sticking with light wire hook, slow fall, is by far, the best method and use of the trick worms or Senkos. Frog bite has not turned on for Largemouth Bass as of this week, and is still a few weeks out for a consistent reaction on a frog.

Best jig bite over the past couple weeks, remain Texas Craw, amber metallic, or chestnut/chartreuse combinations. Pitching/flipping jigs and bulky, mag-tail rib-worms to stumps and cypress trees are randomly working. 10" worms are working very good, for 4-6 pound bass, and best colors working over the past few weeks for large bulky worms are black grape, plum, blue fleck, or peanut butter & jelly. Edges of any remaining lily pads stems, near deep verticle drops in the clearer water sections, several feet away from the base of cypress trees and stumps in vegetation or on drop offs to deeper water, remain best locations over the past several weeks for best worm and/or jig bite. New Dollar Pads and fresh Lily Pad bloom and new growth around existing pond weed or hydrilla and coontail are key holding areas for solid keeper bass.

White Bass: Whites are still congregated upriver near the Highway 71 bridge and creek mouths like the entrance to Mud Lake, Hurricane Creek, mouth into 2nd entrance to Horseshoe and other creeks dumping into Little River, over the past 2 weeks. 1/2 oz Rat-L-Traps in Diamond Dust, Millwood Magic, and chrome/chartreuse back colors, 1/2 oz Rooster Tails or little Georges and Rocket Shads, in chrome/red or white/chartreuse colors are working for these whites.

Crappie: Almost totally shut down with the increase of current and muddy water in Little River last week, but have began drastic improvements with the better water clarity this week, as of Monday. The oxbows were giving up a few random Crappie on live shiners where the clarity was much better than the River, and water temps were warmer this week. Crappie are in process of conducting spawning activities around bases of cypress trees.

Channel Cats: Channel Cats are still feeding very well in and current along Little River, on trot lines and yo-yos hung under cypress trees with cut bait, hot dogs, homemade blood bait and Charlie.

}><(((º> Millwood Lake & Little River Conditions Report <º)))><{

Navigation conditions in Little River are near normal.

Clarity along main lake channel and Little River is slowly improving over the past week with reduced current. The lake was hit with wind advisories again over the past few days this week. Some high density broken, vegetation and floating grass mats as well as limbs, logs and much debris were floating in Little River, due to recent rapid rise and increased current in the river. Many river buoys are still missing, although it appears the USACE are working diligently to replace those missing this week. USACE has to wait on near normal pool elevation to replace these river buoys.

As of Monday, 27 April, the lake level is approx 4.8" above normal pool, and slowly rising. The main lake and Little River's water surface temperatures are currently ranging from approx 62ºF early to 68ºF late, depending of course, on location and time of day. Lake level on Millwood as of Monday, 27 April, is 259.66 feet. Normal conservation pool is 259.20 feet.

Reduced current this week from last, at the dam in Little River of 5,031 CFS as of Monday, 27 April. Main lake visibility approx 3-6" away from any remaining current in Little River. The river clarity is approx 4-5". High winds and / or thunder storms will have a dramatic impact and effect on main lake clarity merely in a matter of hours.

Upriver oxbow's clarity is fair, stained, but improving and is ranging approx 3-4 feet visibility away from current in Little River. The tailwater elevation on Monday 27 April is 232.97 feet and rising. Discharge/ Release rate at the spillway of 5,031 CFS is with 13 gates open at 1 foot each.

Mike

April 22, 2009 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 4/22/2009

Last week we have had several rain events and the lakes in the White River system have risen and are above power pool. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam rose two feet to rest at two and five tenths of a foot above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is thirty eight and five tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake rose one foot to rest at two and eight tenths of a foot above power pool or thirteen and two tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell two tenths of a foot to rest at nine tenths of a foot above power pool or eight and seven tenths feet below the top of flood pool. The pattern on the White was for a significant amount of generation with a couple of brief periods of no generation and one fourteen hour period of no generation. Norfork Lake has risen one and six tenths of a foot to rest at one and eight tenths of a foot above power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty six and two tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Generation on the Norfork has been very limited which has created some excellent wading.

Remember that there is a new size limit on Brown trout. All browns less than twenty four inches must be released immediately no matter where they are caught on the White and Norfork Rivers . Only one brown trout may be kept in the daily limit of five trout.

The Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam was red hot this past week. There were numerous quality fish, both rainbows and browns, caught. The absolute best fishing was on the higher water. The most productive flies were San Juan worms in hot fluorescent pink and red and egg patterns in orange and peach. Other flies that were amazingly effective were shad patterns. Though the shad kill was over months ago, an occasional shad is drawn through the generators and the trout keyed in on them during periods of fairly heavy generation.

On moderate generation several anglers reported substantial success on midge patterns. The most effective were zebra midges in black with silver wire and silver beads and in red with silver wire and silver beads. The best sizes were sixteens and fourteens.

We got one afternoon of low water and the fishing was spectacular. There was a good caddis hatch. The trout keyed in on the emergers rather than the adults and the action was non stop. The green butt soft hackle was particularly effective before and during the hatch.

Wildcat Shoals has been another hotspot. Anglers have reported great success when fishing moderate flows. The hot fly has been an egg pattern in orange.

Rim Shoals has fished much better this past week. On higher flows, the hot flies have been San Juan worms in hot fluorescent pink and Y2Ks. During the recent period of low generation, the action was hot and heavy. During the caddis hatch, the action was non-stop on caddis emergers. There were several anglers that reported success fishing elkhair caddis. The most effective size was fourteen and the best color was green. There were also several trout taken on fluttering caddis nymphs and red San Juan worms.

Fishing on Crooked Creek has improved as water temperatures climbed to fifty eight degrees. However, our recent rain events have muddied up the creek and it will take several days to clear.

The fishing on the Norfork has been slow. It has been wadable on most days and the pressure has been extremely heavy. It has not fished well on high water recently. If you must fish higher water, the hot fly has been a hot pink or cerise San Juan worm. On lower water, the hot flies have been sowbugs, black zebra midges and olive woolly buggers. There have been some good midge hatches in the afternoons on lower water. The hot midge fly has been Dan's turkey tail emerger. Long 6X tippets are the key to success. There have also been caddis hatches in the afternoons but they have been sporadic. Here again the most effective fly for this hatch has been the caddis emerger. Some anglers have had limited success with partridge and orange soft hackles, particularly smaller ones (size eighteen).

Dry Run Creek has fished well during the past week. The hot fly has been the sowbug. San Juan worms and woolly buggers have accounted for some nice fish. There is little room to cast so be sure and work as short a line as possible. The fish are huge, so you should use stout tippets (4X) to improve your chances of landing one. Carry a big net with a long handle. Most trout are lost at the net. Please handle the fish carefully and release them as soon as possible. Remember that, if you are a disabled adult fishing here, you are limited to fishing from the wheelchair accessible ramp. It is very difficult to land fish here. I would recommend having a companion down on the creek to aid in releasing fish.

April 21, 2009 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service - The water level at greers ferry is at 461.79 and has been on the rise the last 4 hours , buy will begin to fall again in a few hours when they start generating again, the temps are still cool.

The crappie are still biting well with a lot of 2 lb. fish being caught , in front of the brush and deeper over pole timber with jigs , minnows and road runners.

The whites and hybrids are still up river eating it up , you can catch them on just about anything at present , just get out their and do it.

Catfishing is still good on points with dog food or prepared baits all over the lake

No ­report on bream

Walleye are a little off right right now , but this 80 degree week will get things back to normal.

The basses are back in full swing and this week it be some of the best wee will have , c-riggs, jigs .topwaters, just about anything you like to throw you;ll be able to catch them

Tommy Cauley

April 20, 2009 - Norfork - Submitted by 101 Grocery and Bait - Norfork Lake Fishing Report by Tim Partin 101 Grocery and Bait.

04/20/09 Norfork Lake level is around 553' msl and the water surface temp. ranges from the mid 50 degrees in the main lake to upper 50 degrees in the lake arms and creek areas. Crappie fishing is very good using minnows with small split shot or a jig with your favorite grub. The crappies have ranged in size from 12- 16 inches. 10 inches is the minimum size to keep and 15 a day. Blue gill fishing has been good using worms and crickets. Large Mouth Bass fishing has been good using an array of crank baits, jig with your choice of trailer, flukes and about anything else you can throw at them. Small Mouth Bass fishing has been fair. Kentucky Bass fishing is good. White Bass fishing has been very good. Striper fishing is fair. Night fishing along the shore line using suspending stick baits have produced the best results. Walleye fishing is fair. Catfish fishing has been fair. This week fishing should be great the air temps are suppose to be in the 70-80 degree range and sunny. The stripers will start hitting as the lake warms. For the past few weeks the weather has been so up and down that fishing was good one day and slow the next so we went to the Buffalo River for a day of small mouth bass busten and it was good, even caught 3 nice rainbows using 1/4oz jig with a pumpkin lizard, Carolina rigged. Have Fun Go Fishin.

April 17, 2009 - Norfork and White River- Submitted by Mountain River Fly Shop - A betting man might take the odds on low water on the White Saturday, but the Norfork has been offering wading daily.

WHITE RIVER: There's just about a book running on whether or not generation will shut down this weekend. A lot depends on the weather but having the Kids Fishing Derby in the White at Cotter on Saturday between 9am and 2pm, is a pretty good indicator that us big kids might get some wading water too.

It might not last all that long so get in early.

Caddis hatches have been heavy all week but with the generation the dry fly action was shortlived. the spaghetti and meatballs fishing was the best bet, though larger midges and sowbugs have been doing well

The best action seems to have been above Wildcat

NORFORK: Lots of wade fishing this week, and some good reports. The usual cluster of suspects was good. Pack some soft hackles/emergers for the midge hatches, some scuds and sowbugs for nymphing and of course a cluster of midges

April 15, 2009 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 4/18/2009

Over the past week, we have had several rain events and the lakes in the White River system have all risen and all are, once again, currently above power pool. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam rose one and three tenths of a foot to rest at five tenths of a foot above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty and five tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake rose nine tenths of a foot to rest at one and eight tenths of a foot above power pool or fourteen and two tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake rose seven tenths of a foot to rest at one and one tenth of a foot above power pool or eight and five tenths feet below the top of flood pool. The pattern on the White was for generation around the clock. Water levels were particularly high at the beginning of the week and lower towards the end of the week. Norfork Lake has risen six tenths of a foot to rest at two tenths of a foot above power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty seven and eight tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Early in the week, there was heavy generation on the Norfork and later in the week there were several periods of no generation.

Remember that there is a new size limit on Brown trout. All browns less than twenty four inches must be released immediately no matter where they are caught on the White and Norfork Rivers . Only one brown trout may be kept in the daily limit of five trout.

The big story remains the overall poor quality of fishing. The weather with its successive rain events and warm then cold temperatures may bear some of the responsibility. We are still getting some really prolific caddis hatches. The fish do not seem to be keying in on them like they were a few weeks ago.

The most effective way to fish during the past week has been to drift brightly colored San Juan worms and egg patterns. The most productive colors for the worms have been hot pink, cerise and red. The best colors for the eggs have been peach, pink and orange. The flows have been a bit lower this week and we have been able to use shorter leaders and a bit less weight making for much easier casting. The use of a small nymph as a dropper in non Catch and Release waters can substantially increase the opportunity for success.

The upper river from Bull Shoals down to the Narrows has fished a bit better. The best technique has been to bang the bank with large streamers on sink tip or full sinking lines. Several anglers have reported success with large streamers (up to seven inches long and equipped with up to three hooks). The hot fly has been a Zoo cougar. Remember that, if you are fishing in Catch and Release water, you can only use one hook point. These are big flies and you need really fast sinking sink tips or full sinking lines to get them down. This technique requires a substantial level of casting skill and is physically demanding. Big rods (eight weights) are a real plus.

Rim Shoals has been a bit slow. Some anglers have reported success fishing dry flies (caddis and grass hoppers). The best place to fish dry flies is along banks and in back eddies. Though it is not late summer and there are no hoppers present, they can still tempt good fish to strike at any time of year.

The water below Crooked Creek and The Buffalo River is a bit high and stained. You should concentrate your efforts on the upper river.

Fishing on Crooked Creek has improved as water temperatures climbed to fifty eight degrees. However, our recent rain events have muddied up the creek and it will take several days to clear.

The fishing on the Norfork has been slow. It has not fished well on high water recently. On the higher water the hot fly has been a hot pink or cerise San Juan worm. On lower water, the hot flies have been sowbugs, black zebra midges and olive woolly buggers. There have been some good midge hatches in the afternoons on lower water. The hot midge fly has been Dan's turkey tail emerger. Long 6X tippets are the key to success. The upper river at Quarry Park has fished a bit better than the lower river. It can get pretty crowded here. It is generally not as crowded during the week or later in the afternoon.

Dry Run Creek has fished well during the past week. The hot fly has been the sowbug. San Juan worms and woolly buggers have accounted for some nice fish. There is little room to cast so be sure and work as short a line as possible. The fish are huge, so you should use stout tippets (4X) to improve your chances of landing one. Carry a big net with a long handle. Please handle the fish carefully and release them as soon as possible. Do not forget to pinch down those barbs. It's the law and always a great idea when fishing with children. Finally, bring your camera and take a lot of pictures. It is an experience you and your children will never forget.

April 14, 2009 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service -The water level at greers ferry is at 462.07 and falling as long as they are generating , its jumps back up if they stop and the temp ranges in the afternoons from 55-60 degrees.

The blackbasses have pulled back from where they had been and are out deeper in the mornings and again go shallow in the afternoon as the water warms , and can be caught with crankbaits , jerkbaits, spinnerbaits and jigs as well as c-rigs.

The white and hybrid action continues to be good up the rivers

No-report on bream

Crappie are still biting well up the rivers and lake also on jigs and minnows , out away from the brush earily and late in the day up in the bushes

The catfish are biting on points all over the lake

The walleye bite is on again and off again with these cold nights try dragging crawlers in 15 feet of water

Tommy Cauley

April 14, 2009 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service - The Overall Picture:

Navigation conditions in Little River are near normal.

As of Tuesday 14 April, Largemouth Bass are improving and slowly recovering from multiple cold fronts which have repeatedly shut off the bite for the last several weeks. Surface water temps have begin to slowly recover back into the low to mid 60's. The best bite is still during the mid-day hours, and Largemouth Bass ranging from 2-9 pounds are in a continued, slow recovery. RatLTraps, lizards, War Eagle Spinnerbaits or big worms and jigs are still the go to baits for Bass over the past couple weeks. Several large prespawn bass between 9-12 pounds each, were caught and released last week prior to the cold front.

Clarity along main lake channel and Little River is slowly improving over the past week with reduced current. The lake was hit with wind advisories again over the past few days this week. Some high density broken, vegetation and floating grass mats as well as limbs, logs and much debris were floating in Little River, due to recent rapid rise and increased current in the river. Many river buoys are still missing, although it appears the USACE are working diligently to replace those missing this week. USACE has to wait on near normal pool elevation to replace these river buoys.

As of Tuesday, 14 April, the lake level is approx 12" above normal pool, and slowly rising. The main lake and Little River's water surface temperatures are currently ranging from approx 58ºF early to 67ºF later, depending of course, on location and time of day. Lake level on Millwood as of Tuesday, 14 April, is 260.24 feet. Normal conservation pool is 259.20 feet. Gate change is expected mid-morning Tuesday to 8,258 CFS.

Increased current this week from last, at the dam in Little River of 8,258 CFS as of Tuesday, 14 April. Main lake visibility approx 3-6" away from any remaining current in Little River. The river clarity is approx 4-5". High winds and / or thunder storms will have a dramatic impact and effect on main lake clarity merely in a matter of hours.

Upriver oxbow's clarity is fair, stained, but improving and is ranging approx 3-4 feet visibility away from current in Little River. The tailwater elevation on Tuesday 14 April is 227.90 feet and rising. Discharge/ Release rate at the spillway of 8,258 CFS is with 6 gates open at 1 foot each, and 7 gates open at 2' each.

The Details:

Largemouth Bass: Last week began marked improvements in Millwood's Bass activity level with a return of near normal surface temperatures. Most of the incoming fresh and muddy water has been flushed through, and the cold, near freezing temperatures have been replaced with seasonal normals improving the prespawn Bass bite. Prespawn Black Bass males are definitely making beds again, many females have already spawned. Female Largemouths, up to 5-7 pounds each, have began to slowly recover, and the bite has been slow this week. Majority of Black Bass (Largemouths) are still in prespawn condition, although we have caught some females around 5-8 pounds that were dropping eggs and are semi-post spawn, upriver. Numerous Largemouths are conducting bedding activities and numerous beds are being seen upriver; some of which are already abandoned as some spawning females are finished.

The best bite continues to be during the warmest hours of the day from 11 am - 3 pm, on slow moving, heavy, 3/4 ounce sizes RatLTraps and slow-rolling heavy thumping spinner baits in the stained or muddy water or bulky 10" worms and jigs. The most consistent reaction bite during heat of the day over the past few weeks, continues to be the 3/4 ounce size Rat-L-Traps in Toledo Gold, Millwood Magic, or Red Shad colors (Red Chrome on sunny days) in more clearer water sections of Millwood, deflecting off stumps, laydowns, standing timber, and cover. Fire tiger or Red Coach Dog colors in Rat-L-Traps or crankbaits are work best, where the water is muddy. Numbers of beds are being observed and some of the females have fully spawned out already. The spawn is continually being broken up and some females were seen on beds late last week until the last cold front hit last week. Some of the larger females are bedding deeper making site fishing more difficult. Bed making activities will continue, and additional females should begin to wrap up the spawn on the beds this week if the current warming trend continues through this week.

Slow rolling, heavy thumping spinnerbaits in Spot Remover, Hot Mouse and white/Chartreuse colors are sporadically working, the clearer water, the better, with keyword being VERY SLOW. Soft plastic Bass Assassin Shads are beginning to take a few decent 14-18" Largemouths. Senkos, trick worms, or charms, wacky rigged, around hydrilla, lily pad stems, and pondweed are working randomly, but slow or "dead-sticking" these baits, with a light wire hook and no weight will best entice a big fish bite. Hottest colors for Charm Assassins and trick worms are the sherbet or merthiolate in the muddy or stained water and watermelon-red or salt 'n pepper silver phantom in the clearer water. 5" to 7" Salty Rat Tails, wacky rigged, are beginning to turn a few good keeper size bass in watermelon red, smoke/blue, or purple smoke on points with vegetation or dead lily pad stems remaining, in the back of the oxbows, where water clarity is markedly better than main lake or river sections of Millwood. Dead-sticking with light wire hook, slow fall, is by far, the best method and use of the trick worms or Senkos.

Best jig bite over the past couple weeks, remain Texas Craw, amber metallic, or chestnut/chartreuse combinations. Pitching/flipping jigs and bulky, mag-tail rib-worms to stumps and cypress trees are randomly working. 10" worms are working very good, for 4-6 pound bass, and best colors working over the past few weeks for large bulky worms are black grape, plum, blue fleck, or peanut butter & jelly. Edges of any remaining lily pads stems, near deep verticle drops in the clearer water sections, several feet away from the base of cypress trees and stumps in vegetation or on drop offs to deeper water, remain best locations over the past 2 weeks for best worm and/or jig bite. New Dollar Pads and fresh Lily Pad bloom and new growth around existing pond weed or hydrilla and coontail are key holding areas for solid keeper bass.

White Bass: Whites are still congregated upriver near the Highway 71 bridge and creek mouths, over the past 2 weeks, up Little River. With recent cold fronts hammering Millwood week before last, the Whites disappeared but are back on schedule over the past week. 1/2 oz Rat-L-Traps in Diamond Dust, Millwood Magic, and chrome/chartreuse back colors, 1/2 oz Rooster Tails or little Georges and Rocket Shads, in chrome/red or white/chartreuse colors are working.

Crappie: Almost totally shut down with the increase of current and muddy water in Little River. The oxbows were giving up a few random Crappie on live shiners where the clarity was much better than the River, and water temps were warmer, but the cold fronts shut down the bite even there, early this week. The bite should improve in consistency on Blakemore Roadrunners in McGuire and Horseshoe oxbows if the surface temps climb late this week. Crappie are also for the most part, still prespawn condition.

Channel Cats: Channel Cats are still feeding very well in and current along Little River, on trot lines and yo-yos hung under cypress trees with cut bait, Charlie and chicken livers.

}><(((º> Millwood Lake & Little River Conditions Report <º)))><{

Navigation conditions in Little River are near normal.

Clarity along main lake channel and Little River is slowly improving over the past week with the reduced current however, this will change mid morning to increased current release. The lake was hit with wind advisories again over the past few days this week. Some high density broken, vegetation and floating grass mats as well as limbs, logs and much debris were floating in Little River, due to recent rapid rise and increased current in the river. Many river buoys are still missing, although it appears the USACE are working diligently to replace those missing this week. USACE has to wait on near normal pool elevation to replace these river buoys.

As of Tuesday, 14 April, the lake level is approx 12" above normal pool, and slowly rising. The main lake and Little River's water surface temperatures are currently ranging from approx 58ºF early to 67ºF later, depending of course, on location and time of day. Lake level on Millwood as of Tuesday, 14 April, is 260.24 feet. Normal conservation pool is 259.20 feet. Gate change is expected mid-morning Tuesday to 8,258 CFS.

Increased current this week from last, at the dam in Little River of CFS as of Tuesday, 14 April. Main lake visibility approx 3-6" away from any remaining current in Little River. The river clarity is approx 4-5". High winds and / or thunder storms will have a dramatic impact and effect on main lake clarity merely in a matter of hours.

Upriver oxbow's clarity is fair, stained, but improving and is ranging approx 3-4 feet visibility away from current in Little River. The tailwater elevation on Tuesday 14 April is 227.90 feet and rising. Discharge/ Release rate at the spillway of 8,258 CFS is with 6 gates open at 1 foot each, and 7 gates open at 2' each.

Mike

April 9, 2009 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - Over the past week, we have had colder and then warmer weather conditions and some particularly heavy winds (complete with lake wind advisories). The lakes in the White River system have all fallen and all are near or below power pool. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell one and two tenths of a foot to rest at eight tenths of a foot below power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty one and eight tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake fell four tenths of a foot to rest at nine tenths of a foot above power pool or fifteen and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell seven tenths of a foot to rest at four tenths of a foot above power pool or nine and two tenths feet below the top of flood pool. The pattern on the White was for heavy generation around the clock. Water levels were particularly high at the beginning of the week and lower towards the end of the week. Norfork Lake has fallen seven tenths of a foot to rest at four tenths of a foot below power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty eight and four tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Early in the week, there was heavy generation on the Norfork and later in the week there were several periods of no generation. With current conditions and mild weather we could encounter some wadable water.

Remember that there is a new size limit on Brown trout. All browns less than twenty four inches must be released immediately no matter where they are caught on the White and Norfork Rivers . Only one brown trout may be kept in the daily limit of five trout.

The big story this past week has been the overall poor quality of fishing. There has been some discussion that was brought about by no generation for a long period and then heavy generation for a long period. Large amounts of trash (aquatic weed, etc.) were washed down stream and the prevailing opinion was that this severely impacted the fishing.

The most effective way to fish during the past week has been to drift brightly colored San Juan worms and egg patterns. The most productive colors for the worms have been hot pink, cerise and red. The best colors for the eggs have been peach, pink and orange. The trick is to fish them deep. Make sure that you are banging the bottom. To accomplish this you will have to use very long leaders and a lot of lead. If you are not fishing in a Catch and Release section consider using a dropper. Tie an eighteen inch section of tippet to the bend of the hook on your main fly with an improved clinch knot. Then tie on a small nymph such as a zebra midge. You will be surprised at how many strikes you get on the bottom fly.

The other killer technique is to bang the bank with large streamers on sink tip or full sinking lines. Several anglers have reported success with large streamers (up to seven inches long and equipped with up to three hooks). The hot fly has been a Zoo cougar. Remember that, if you are fishing in Catch and Release water, you can only use one hook point. The secret here is to use the heaviest and fastest sinking fly line that you can. Heavy flies and fly lines like this require big rods, eight weights or better.

The upper river at the Bull Shoals Dam Catch and Release area has been the bright spot. The best fishing reports that I heard all week were about fishing here with egg patterns on high water. This area can get congested particularly on the weekend. Remember to practice fishing etiquette. Don't crowd others. There is plenty of water here for every one.

Rim Shoals has also been productive. Remember that this is the one place that has wadable water as long as the flows are below 17,000 cubic feet per second. The only way to access them is by boat. Arrange for a shuttle by water taxi at Rim Shoals Trout Dock. There is a nominal charge.

Fishing on Crooked Creek has improved as water temperatures climbed to fifty eight degrees. However, our recent rain events have muddied up the creek and it will take several days to clear.

The fishing on the Norfork has been slow. It has not fished well on high or low water recently. On the higher water the hot fly has been a hot pink or cerise San Juan worm. On lower water, the hot flies have been sowbugs and black zebra midges. The upper river at Quarry Park has fished a bit better than the lower river.

Dry Run Creek, as always, has fished particularly well during the past week. The key to success is to concentrate on deeper faster water. The best way to fish on the creek is to high stick nymphs with a strike indicator. The hot fly has been the sowbug. San Juan worms and woolly buggers have accounted for some nice fish. While you are there take a tour of the adjacent National Fish Hatchery. It is fascinating. Remember to remove your waders before entering the Hatchery to prevent the spread of aquatic diseases.

April 7, 2009 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service -The water level at greers ferry is at 462.00 and falling and the temp in the afternoons ranges from 57-65 degrees

The bass have got in that funk mode wanting to try and spawn and the weather k and water level is joking them around, try spinnerbaits and jighead worms as well as whacky rigged worms and c-rigs out in front of the bushes and some are still coming in on jerk baits and warts

Another wave of whites and hybrids are making their way up river and can be caught on grubs etc.

Catfish can still be caught on line on points on ole roy dog food

Crappie are still biting well in the main lake

No report on bream

The walleye bite is fair in the main lake

Tommy Cauley

April 6, 2009 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service - The Overall Picture:

Navigation conditions in Little River are cautioned, with increased current.

As of Monday 06 April, Largemouth Bass are improving and slowly recovering from multiple cold fronts which shut down the bite last week and hit again this past Monday. Surface water temps which had began rising again, last week, got hammered again this week, with another cold front dropping temps back into the mid and upper 50's. The best bite is still during the mid-day hours, and Largemouth Bass ranging from 2-9 pounds are in a very slow recovery. RatLTraps, lizards, War Eagle Spinnerbaits or big worms and jigs are still the go to baits for Bass over the past 2 weeks. Several large prespawn bass between 9-12 pounds each, were caught and released last week prior to the cold front.

Clarity along main lake channel and Little River worsened over the past week due to incoming fresh water, lake wind advisories, and increased current. The lake was hammered with wind advisories and the deluge of incoming water again this week. Some high density broken, vegetation and floating grass mats as well as limbs, logs and much debris were floating in Little River, due to recent rapid rise and increased current in the river. Many river buoys are still missing, although it appears the USACE are working diligently to replace those missing this week. Millwood rose over 6" in just a couple days from all the recent rain, last week, and entire main lake was muddy from Yarborough to Cottonshed. USACE has to wait on near normal pool elevation to replace these river buoys.

As of Monday, 06 April, the lake level is approx 6.25" above normal pool, and slowly falling. The main lake and Little River's water surface temperatures are currently ranging from approx 55ºF early to 65ºF later, depending of course, on location and time of day. Lake level on Millwood as of Monday, 06 April, is at 259.72 feet. Normal conservation pool is 259.20 feet.

Increased current this week from last, at the dam in Little River of 6,299 CFS as of Monday, 06 April. Gate change to 3,158 CFS is expected by mid-week according to the USACE. The recent rain in western Arkansas and se Oklahoma last week has jumped the lake level on Millwood's watershed approx 6" in just a few days, which had been falling, jumped up again, now is beginning to recede as of Monday. Main lake visibility approx 3-6" away from any remaining current in Little River. The river clarity is approx 4-5". High winds and / or thunder storms will have a dramatic impact and effect on main lake clarity merely in a matter of hours. Use caution in Little River until the USACE can replace many missing river buoys noted in both directions; upriver and downriver between Yarborough point and White Cliffs, Yarborough point to Outlaw Trail to mile marker 2; due to high wind over the past week, as well as further down river along the main lake.

Upriver oxbow's clarity is fair, stained, but improving and is ranging approx 2-3 feet visibility away from current in Little River. The tailwater elevation on Monday 06 April was 237.01 feet and rising. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 6,299 CFS is with 10 tainer gates open at 1 foot each, and 3 gates open at 2 feet each.

The Details:

Largemouth Bass: Last week had began marked improvements in Millwood's Bass activity level with a return of near normal surface temperatures. Most of the incoming fresh and muddy water had been flushed through, and the cold, near freezing temperatures have been replaced with seasonal normals improving the prespawn Bass bite. This held for about 4 days, then Millwood was slammed again Sunday and Monday with cold fronts that dropped the temperatures again back to the mid 50º range. Lake level jumped approx 6" or so, and now has began receding to normal pool with the gate changes at the dam. Prespawn Black Bass males are looking at making beds again, and 2 pounds and up to fat females around 5-7 pounds each, have began to slowly recover, but the bite has been slow this week. Majority of Black Bass are still in prespawn condition, although we have caught some females around 5-8 pounds that were dropping eggs and are semi-post spawn, upriver. Numerous Largemouths are conducting bedding activities and numerous beds are being seen upriver.

The best bite continues to be during the warmest hours of the day from 11 am - 3 pm, on slow moving, heavy, 3/4 ounce sizes RatLTraps and slow-rolling heavy thumping spinner baits in the stained or muddy water or bulky 10" worms and jigs. The most consistent reaction bite during heat of the day over the past few weeks have been the 3/4 ounce size Rat-L-Traps in Toledo Gold, Millwood Magic, or Red Shad colors (Red Chrome on sunny days) in more clearer water sections of Millwood, deflecting off stumps, laydowns, standing timber, and cover. Fire tiger or Red Coach Dog colors in Rat-L-Traps or crankbaits are work best, where the water is muddy. Numbers of beds are being observed and some of the females have fully spawned already, as of Monday. The spawn is continually being broken up and some females were seen on beds late last week until the last cold front hit last Friday. Some of the larger females are bedding deeper making site fishing more difficult. Bed making activities will continue to improve, and additional females should be on the beds late this week, or next week if the current warming trend continues.

Slow rolling, heavy thumping spinnerbaits in Spot Remover, Hot Mouse and white/Chartreuse colors are sporadically working, the clearer water, the better, with keyword being VERY SLOW. Soft plastic Bass Assassin Shads are beginning to take a few decent 14-18" Largemouths, and trick worms, charms, or Senkos wacky rigged, around hydrilla, lily pad stems, and pondweed are working randomly, but slow or "dead-sticking" these baits, with a light wire hook and no weight will best entice a big fish bite. Hottest colors for Charm Assassins and trick worms are the sherbet or merthiolate in the muddy or stained water and watermelon-red or salt 'n pepper silver phantom in the clearer water. 5" to 7" Salty Rat Tails, wacky rigged, are beginning to turn a few good keeper size bass in watermelon red, smoke/blue, or purple smoke on points with vegetation or dead lily pad stems remaining, in the back of the oxbows, where water clarity is markedly better than main lake or river sections of Millwood. Dead-sticking is the best method and use of the trick worms or Senkos.

Best jig bite over the past couple weeks, remain Texas Craw, black/blue or green pumpkin with chartreuse combinations. Pitching/flipping jigs and bulky, mag-tail rib-worms to stumps and cypress trees are randomly working. 10" worms are working very good, for 2-6 pound bass, and best colors working over the past few weeks for large bulky worms are black grape, plum, blue fleck, or peanut butter & jelly. Edges of any remaining lily pads stems, near deep verticle drops in the clearer water sections, several feet away from the base of cypress trees and stumps in vegetation or on drop offs to deeper water, remain best locations over the past 2 weeks for best worm and/or jig bite. New Dollar Pads and fresh Lily Pad bloom and new growth around existing pond weed or hydrilla and coontail are key holding areas for solid keeper bass.

White Bass: Whites are still congregated upriver near the Highway 71 bridge and creek mouths, over the past 2 weeks, up Little River. With recent cold fronts hammering Millwood week before last, the Whites disappeared but are back on schedule over the past few days. 1/2 oz Rat-L-Traps in Diamond Dust, Millwood Magic, and chrome/chartreuse back colors, 1/2 oz Rooster Tails or little Georges and Rocket Shads, in chrome/red or white/chartreuse colors are beginning to work again.

Crappie: Almost totally shut down with the increase of current and muddy water in Little River. The oxbows were giving up a few random Crappie on live shiners where the clarity was much better than the River, and water temps were warmer, but the cold fronts shut down the bite even there, early this week. The bite should improve in consistency on Blakemore Roadrunners in McGuire and Horseshoe oxbows if the surface temps climb late this week. Crappie are also for the most part, still prespawn condition.

Channel Cats: Channel Cats are still feeding very well in and current along Little River, on trot lines and yo-yos hung under cypress trees with cut bait, Charlie and chicken livers.

}><(((º> Millwood Lake & Little River Conditions Report <º)))><{

Navigation conditions in Little River are cautioned, with increased current.

Clarity along main lake channel and Little River worsened over the past week due to incoming fresh water, lake wind advisories, and increased current. The lake was hammered with wind advisories and the deluge of incoming water again this week. Some high density broken, vegetation and floating grass mats as well as limbs, logs and much debris were floating in Little River, due to recent rapid rise and increased current in the river. Many river buoys are still missing, although it appears the USACE are working diligently to replace those missing this week. Millwood rose over 6" in just a couple days from all the recent rain, last week, and entire main lake was muddy from Yarborough to Cottonshed. USACE has to wait on near normal pool elevation to replace these river buoys.

As of Monday, 06 April, the lake level is approx 6.25" above normal pool, and slowly falling. The main lake and Little River's water surface temperatures are currently ranging from approx 55ºF early to 65ºF later, depending of course, on location and time of day. Lake level on Millwood as of Monday, 06 April, is at 259.72 feet. Normal conservation pool is 259.20 feet.

Increased current this week from last, at the dam in Little River of 6,299 CFS as of Monday, 06 April. Gate change to 3,158 CFS is expected by mid-week according to the USACE. The recent rain in western Arkansas and se Oklahoma last week has jumped the lake level on Millwood's watershed approx 6" in just a few days, which had been falling, jumped up again, now is beginning to recede as of Monday. Main lake visibility approx 3-6" away from any remaining current in Little River. The river clarity is approx 4-5". High winds and / or thunder storms will have a dramatic impact and effect on main lake clarity merely in a matter of hours. Use caution in Little River until the USACE can replace many missing river buoys noted in both directions; upriver and downriver between Yarborough point and White Cliffs, Yarborough point to Outlaw Trail to mile marker 2; due to high wind over the past week, as well as further down river along the main lake.

Upriver oxbow's clarity is fair, stained, but improving and is ranging approx 2-3 feet visibility away from current in Little River. The tailwater elevation on Monday 06 April was 237.01 feet and rising. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 6,299 CFS is with 10 tainer gates open at 1 foot each, and 3 gates open at 2 feet each.

Mike

April 2, 2009 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides -

Over the past week, we have had a mixed bag of weather conditions. There were some warmer spring like temperatures and a few cold days. We had a few rain events and some particularly heavy winds (complete with lake wind advisories). The lakes in the White River system have all risen and all are currently above power pool. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam rose three tenths of a foot to rest at four tenths of a foot above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty and six tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake rose one and one tenth of a foot to rest at one and three tenths of a foot above power pool or fourteen and seven tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake rose five tenths of a foot to rest at one and one tenth of a foot above power pool or eight and five tenths feet below the top of flood pool. The pattern on the White was for heavy generation around the clock. Water levels for boating have been excellent. Norfork Lake has risen one tenth of a foot to rest at three tenths of a foot above power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty seven and seven tenths feet below the top of flood pool. There has been heavy generation on the Norfork with some brief periods of no generation. There was no generation on Sunday.

Remember that there is a new size limit on Brown trout. All browns less than twenty four inches must be released immediately no matter where they are caught on the White and Norfork Rivers . Only one brown trout may be kept in the daily limit of five trout.

The big story this past week has been the return of high water. The caddis are still coming off but with six or seven generators going on the White and two running on the Norfork, there is little if any top water action. Local anglers reluctantly put away their four weight rods and dry flies and pulled their heavier rods and high water flies out once again. It is imperative that you not fish with a chain on water this high. It could grab the bottom and swamp your boat.

The most effective way to fish during the past week has been to drift brightly colored San Juan worms and egg patterns. The trick is to fish them deep. Make sure that you are banging the bottom. To accomplish this you will have to use very long leaders and a lot of lead. Forget the small split shot. Use AAAs and heavily weighted flies. If you are not occasionally hanging up on the bottom, you are not doing it right. Of course, if you are using a lot of additional weight, you will need to use a very large strike indicator.

The other killer technique is to bang the bank with large streamers on sink tip or full sinking lines. Several anglers have reported success with large streamers (up to seven inches long and equipped with up to three hooks). Remember that, if you are fishing in Catch and Release water, you can only use one hook point. The secret here is to use the heaviest and fastest sinking fly line that you can. Heavy flies and fly lines like this require big rods, eight weights or better. This is not delicate work and a day casting these rigs will wear you out.

The upper river at the Bull Shoals Dam Catch and Release area has been productive. There has been a lot of traffic here especially on the days after significant rainfall. When the water down stream is muddy or stained, you can always find clear water at the base of the dam.

Rim Shoals has also been productive. Remember that this is the one place that has wadable water as long as the flows are below 17,000 cubic feet per second. The only way to access them is by boat. Arrange for a shuttle by water taxi at Rim Shoals Trout Dock. There is a nominal charge.

The water below Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River has been muddy and has not fished well.

Fishing on Crooked Creek has improved as water temperatures climbed to fifty eight degrees. However, our recent rain events have muddied up the creek and it will take several days to clear.

The fishing on the Norfork has been slow. When the water was down last Sunday, the White was high and the Norfork was backed up far up stream from the Ackerman Access. Quarry Park fared a bit better and was fishing well. On the higher water, use the same high water tactics as we have on the White River .

Dry Run Creek, as always, has fished particularly well during the past week, even when it was high and muddy. The key to success under those conditions was hot pink San Juan worms and Y2Ks. When the water was low and clear, the most productive fly was a sowbug. The best way to fish on the creek is to high stick nymphs with a strike indicator. There is just not enough room to cast with all of the trees along the stream. It is imperative that it the kids fishing here and not their parents. Adults can help land fish by netting them and of course take pictures.

April 1, 2009 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service -The lake level is at 463.48 and falling with generation, but looks like it will come up some more with the rain forecast , the temp is 60 up rivers tp 55-58 lower lake

The walleye are biting pretty well on points and flats in the lower lake area, with crank baits and minnows dragged around and showul get better as temps rise in lower lake to about 60 degrees. And then you will need to drag crawlers.

The white bass can still caught up the rivers and creeks off of the main lake on roadrunners and in-line spinners and grubs.

The hybrids are scattered out and some can be caught with the whites and the rest are scattered out all over the lake, use grubs and in-line spinners or any bait that you usually use yourself.

Crappie are still biting and a lot of then have moved to the bushes and are trying to spawn their and some are spawning in the tops of pole timber, try and use your best crappie bait and get out their.

No-report on bream

The catfish are biting and the reason I know is that I have seen them where they have been cleaned at various ramps and also have seen people baiting trotlines all over the lake, I would assume they are catching river blues

The bass are scattered all over , from in the bushes on out using spinnerbaits , swimbaits, floating worms,etc, and c-riggs,football heads and crankbaits out side of the bushes on out deeper.

Tommy Cauley

April 1, 2009 - Norfork - Submitted by 101 Grocery and Bait - 03/30/09 Norfork Lake level is around normal at 552+ feet above MSL and the water temp. is in the upper 50 degrees. The water color is clear to stained in the upper parts of the lake from the rains we have received. Striper fishing has been fair at night using stick baits. Walleye fishing has been fair at night using stick baits fished along the waters edge. Crappie fishing has been fair this past week using minnows and tube baits. Blue gills are starting to hit crickets and worms. Bass fishing has been good. White bass fishing has been fair. As the air temperature warms back up fishing will get better so get your gear ready now. You don't want to miss the bite. Have Fun Go Fishin.

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