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Arkansas Fishing Report

Submitted by Anglers Like You

Oct. - Dec. 2009

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Regular Contributors - General Reports

Video and instructions to help prevent the spread of Zebra Mussels

December 13, 2009 - Norfork - Submitted by 101 Grocery and Bait - by Steve Olomon of Steve's Guide Service. http://www.fishingwithsteve.com/

The lake level is down to 562.7 and the water temperature is in the low 50's. The lake is falling 6 inches a day due to the Corp opening a couple flood gates a few inches and running two generators. We should be close to normal pool in a couple weeks. Still catching fish down 35-40 ft. on a jigging spoon and on a 1/4 oz. jig head with a grub on 6 lb test fluorocarbon line. Work brush piles in 30-40 ft. and look along bluff banks. I

December 10, 2009 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 12/10/2009

During the past week, we have a rain event, much colder conditions and some pretty heavy winds, including lake wind advisories. The lake levels on the White River system are falling like a rock. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell four feet to rest at twenty one and four tenths feet above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is nineteen and six tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake dropped one and two tenths feet to rest at one and at three tenths of a foot below power pool or seventeen and three tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell three tenths of a foot to rest at seven and five tenths feet above power pool or two and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had heavy generation around the clock with additional water coming from several flood gates. There has been no wadable water. Norfork Lake fell four and nine tenths feet to rest at thirteen feet above power pool of 552.00 feet or fifteen feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had heavy generation around the clock. In addition, the Corps of Engineers opened the flood gates in order to draw down Norfork Lake more quickly. The flows through the flood gates are approximately 3,500 cubic feet per second or the rough equivalent of one additional generator. There is no wading on the Norfork at this level and it is also considered too treacherous for boating. The extra water flows through the flood gates on both rivers are be meant to enhance the dissolved oxygen content of the White and Norfork Rivers in addition to drawing down the Lakes as quickly as possible. With this aggressive draw down, the lakes on the White River system should be a power pool by mid January, if there are no major rain events between now and then.

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

The fishing in the Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam closed on November 1, 2009 for the brown trout spawn. It will remain closed until January 31, 2010. The section from the bottom of this Catch and Release section downstream to the wing wall at the State Park is seasonal Catch and Release for the same time period.

With the heavy generation and open flood gates on the White River , they are running the rough equivalent of nine generators. This is a huge amount of water and I do not recommend fishing it unless you are in a boat with an experienced river guide. If you must go out there, make sure that one person in the boat is committed to controlling the boat and it not fishing. Do not anchor in the current or use a drag chain under any circumstance.

When we have water levels this high, you should concentrate on fishing the banks and weed beds. Use brightly colored San Juan worms (red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise) and egg patterns (red, pink and orange). Use a fourteen foot leader/tippet combination with a minimum of 4X tippet. There should be plenty of weight to get the fly down to the bottom. I use AAA splitshot eighteen inches above the fly. A large strike indicator will be required to keep this afloat. This rig will be difficult to cast. Open up your loop and give your back cast plenty of time to straighten out behind you.

Another effective strategy is to fish streamers. Concentrate on banging the bank or any heavy structure where fish might escape the current. Your best bet would be to use large articulated streamers like the zoo cougar on heavy (300 grain or heavier) sink tips. You will need at least an eight weight rod to cast this rig. Use a short piece of heavy mono (three feet of 2X fluorocarbon tippet) in lieu of a conventional leader to help get the fly down. This strategy targets big fish, but is a lot of work. I like to carry two rods, one that is rigged for streamers and one that is rigged for nymphs. That way you can quickly vary your strategy.

Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River have cleared a bit. The water below Crooked Creek has also cleared. The water temperatures are a bit low for the smallmouth.

Monitor the water levels on the Norfork and do not attempt boating on it until the Corps of Engineers closes the flood gates and limits flows to generation from the dam. The boat ramp at Quarry Park is flooded and closed to all traffic. The high water levels washed away all of the recently installed landscaping. Hopefully there will be no further damage to the recently resurfaced ramp parking lot.

Dry Run Creek has been virtually abandoned with the cold temperatures. The few souls that have braved the elements have been rewarded with some nice fish. The hot fly is the sowbug as always. Other productive flies have been the San Juan worm in red or worm brown and the Y2K. Make sure that the kids stay warm and dry. Take frequent breaks to warm up. Don’t forget the thermos of hot cocoa.

While conditions in the local area are tough, there are some great places to wade and fish nearby. Consider a day trip to the Spring River . It is an hour and a half from my home in Cotter and it is fishing well.

December 9, 2009 - Norfork - The lake level is 555.4 and dropping rapidly.  The mud from the shore is washing into the lake and creating a brown colored water.  This is not where you want to fish.  Go to the rocky banks with no dirt and at the mouths of creeks where the water is a greenish color or what we call stained.  I am catching big fish everyday in 48-60 ft. of water over brush and in open water with the shad.  I am using a Bink's Spoon only.  I tried a Heddon Sonar. It caught fish but the two trebble hooks snagged bad in the brush.  It worked in open water but I lost both of them.  The water temperature is about 55 degrees and is dropping slowly.  I caught two giant crappie but am not fishing specifically for them yet because the striper and bass are biting so well.  The water needs to cool to below 50. I restrung two poles last night after catching several large stripers with 10-lb. vanish.  I do not like it very well because it has bad memory and is brittle.  I prefer segar but it is very expensive.  You need to fill your spool to level full because these stripers run hard and fast and you do not want to run out of line.  You cannot get by with splicing just half of the spool like for bass fishing.  Yesterday the striper I caught headed for open water and I could barely keep up with the trolling motor. He tired just before I ran out of line. Set your drag tight until you set the hook then let the drag off fast and let them go.  Do not try to stop them.  You will just straighten out the hooks or break your line. I catch fish until someone comes blasting into the creek and troll with their big motor looking at their fishfinder for fish and then leaving.  About an hour later the fish calm down and I start catching them.  They start biting good at about 10:30 AM and take a break at about 12:30.  This is a really fun time of year.  The big fish are from Diamond Bay north.  You can go by the dam if you want to.  You will be saving the big fish for me.

The lake is dropping too fast for limb-lines or trot-lines.  I was catching nice catfish everyday before they started partially opening the flood gates as well as the generators. It is dropping about 6-inches a day and is making for much work for dock owners.

 

Some people are tight-lining shiners or drifting balloons and there are reports of some success. I have not seen the fish.

 

Scuba Steve

December 9, 2009 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service -  The water level is falling fast they have 2 flood gates particularly open and will continue to keep them open until we get to normal pool right now it is dropping quite rapidly , the temp is the middle to high 50’s pretty much all over the lake.

The hybrid and white bass fishing continues to be good with them draining the lake as they are and will continue to bite , the water moving moves the shad and as long as that is happening they will eat , and even better when the sun is shining will have them grouped tighter, with the cloud cover they will be more scattered , try spoons ,inline spinners and swim baits , as well hair jigs .

Bass continues to be on the slow side and the water falling has really got them messed up, try spinnerbaits are the ends of bushes and pitching jigs to the same places.

No report on the walleye

No report on catfish or bream.

Tommy Cauley

December 3, 2009 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 12/03/2009

During the past week, we have a minor rain event and seasonably colder conditions. The lake levels on the White River system have finally begun to fall. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell one and four tenths of a foot to rest at twenty five and four tenths of a foot above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is fifteen and six tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake remained steady at one tenth of a foot below power pool or sixteen and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell three tenths of a foot to rest at seven and eight tenths feet above power pool or one and eight tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had light but steady generation around the clock until Tuesday when the generation was ramped up significantly. Since then there has been no wadable water. Norfork Lake fell two and one tenth of a foot to rest at sixteen and eight tenths feet above power pool of 552.00 feet or ten and two tenths feet below the top of flood pool. There have been significant periods of no generation every day with moderate generation the rest of the day until Tuesday. Generation was ramped up to maximum generation. In addition, the Corps of Engineers opened the flood gates in order to draw down Norfork Lake more quickly. The flows through the flood gates are approximately 3,500 cubic feet per second or the rough equivalent of one additional generator. There is no wading on the Norfork at this level and it is also considered too treacherous for boating. With this aggressive draw down, the lakes on the White River system should be a power pool by mid January if there are no major rain events between now and then.

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

The fishing in the Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam closed on November 1, 2009 for the brown trout spawn. It will remain closed until January 31, 2010. The section from the bottom of this Catch and Release section downstream to the wing wall at the State Park is seasonal Catch and Release for the same time period.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission recently stocked about one thousand “golden trout” from Bull Shoals Dam down to Buffalo City . These are not a separate species but a color variation in rainbow trout. They were purchased from a commercial hatchery in Missouri to make up for a short fall in stocking this year. These fish are edible and the regulations for harvesting rainbow trout apply to them. They are bright yellow with a faint pink stripe and a snow white belly. They are very easy to see in the river.

If you are fishing on the White River , carefully monitor the water level and avoid boating on it if the Corps of Engineers opens the flood gates at Bull Shoals Dam.

When we have water levels this high, you should concentrate on fishing the banks and weed beds. Use brightly colored San Juan worms (red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise) and egg patterns (red, pink and orange). Use a fourteen foot leader/tippet combination with a minimum of 4X tippet. There should be plenty of weight to get the fly down to the bottom. I use AAA splitshot. A large strike indicator will be required to keep this afloat. This rig will be difficult to cast. Open up your loop and give your back cast plenty of time to straighten out behind you.

Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River have cleared a bit. The water below Crooked Creek has also cleared.

Monitor the water levels on the Norfork and do not attempt boating on it until the Corps of Engineers closes the flood gates and limits flows to generation from the dam. The boat ramp at Quarry Park is flooded and closed to all traffic. The high water levels washed away all of the recently installed landscaping. Hopefully there will be no further damage to the recently resurfaced ramp parking lot.

With all of the high water everywhere, the only place that is wadable (assuming you are handicapped or under sixteen years of age) is Dry Run Creek. Handicapped adults are limited to fishing the handicapped ramp. The hot fly, as always, has been the sowbug. San Juan worms and Y2Ks have also been productive.

Now is a great time to visit the adjacent National Fish Hatchery and take a tour. It is fascinating. Be sure and remove your waders before entering to prevent the spread of aquatic diseases.

Remember that the White and Norfork Rivers are infected with didymo, an invasive alga. Be sure and thoroughly clean and dry your waders (especially the felt soles on wading boots) before using them in any other water. Many manufacturers are now making rubber soled wading boots that are easier to clean and are not as likely to harbor didymo.

December 1, 2009 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service -  The lake level at greers ferry is at 474.14 and falling and probably gonna drop 6 inches a day if we do not get any more rain and they are saying they will continue to generate and let out of the flood gates and the temp is in the high 50’s to low 60’s.

The whites and hybrids continue to be good, by fishing vertical with spoons and in-line spinners , as well as hair jigs, find the bait and the fish will be near , if the wind is blowing and the sun is shinning and the generation is going on it will be as fast as you can get your bait down to them , if its cloudy they will be more scattered and if the wind is not blowing it will be in sprits as well , but just hang around over them and you can still catch some.

No report on crappie

No report on catfish

No report on bream

Walleye are still feeding pretty well on gravel flats and can be caught on drop shot worms , c-rigged small worms and small lizards and spoons 27-35 feet deep.

The bass fishing continues to be somewhat slow , on most of the fish on the small side a lot out deep following shad around and can not be depended on, a lot of fish in the bushes and up the rivers can be caught flipping jigs in the bushes and throwing a spinnerbait and small crank bait, a few on biting jerk baits and wiggle warts .

Tommy Cauley

November 30, 2009 - Norfork - Submitted by 101 Grocery and Bait - by Tim Partin 101 Grocery and Bait.

Fishing live bait is the key to hooking into a striped bass this time of year. Shiner’s are the hot bait fished from 2-40’ deep that is there range all over the lake. The water temp. is in the upper 50 degree range and it is getting cooler every day. If striper fishing is your thing its time to get on the water. Just a thought here, don’t forget it is winter and the weather will change every day put that PDF ON and of course dress warm, its easer to shed clothes if you have on to much and the weather gets warm while you are out, but it is really hard to put on what you don’t have when it turns cold. Crappie fishing has been fair and of course live bait is the bait of choice. White bass fishing is good. Walleye fishing is fair. Large mouth, Small mouth and Kentucky bass fishing is fair. Sun fish and Catfish fishing is fair. There is still some top water action in the mornings with a variety of fish being caught. The night bite for stripers and walleye should begin any time now using rogues. Have Fun Go Fishin.

November 30, 2009 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service

The Overall Picture: 

 

Navigation conditions in Little River are near normal, and 4 Foot Drawdown in process.  Use Extreme Caution during Navigation and at boat ramps.

 

As of Monday 30 November, Largemouth Bass are good, and much improved, due to falling lake level to near normal level and improved water clarity conditions. The schooling fish are just about finished for the fall schooling and surface activity.  Surface water temps are currently in the mid 50's.  Repeated cold fronts have dropped the water surface temps another few degrees within the last several weeks.  Largemouth Bass ranging from 3-9 pounds are in typical fall patterns. Crankbaits, Rat-L-Traps, spinnerbaits, worms, and jigs are the go to baits for Bass over the past several weeks.  During mid day heating, a random school of surface feeding juvenile bass can be located in random lily pad fields remaining near the river.

 

Exercise extreme caution during running Little River during low light conditions as there are still numerous river buoy markers pushed out of place from river centerline, or missing, due to recent current and major pool fluctuations over the past 2 weeks.  USACE began the four foot drawdown 13 July, and stumps are exposed along the river, during the drawdown pool elevation.  This four foot drawdown will remain in effect until February 2010.  Use caution near end of boat ramps due to sediment, gravel, and shallow pool levels.  As of Monday, 30 November, the lake level is falling, back to drawdown level, and currently is 3.1 feet below normal lake pool with reduced current in Little River.

 

Boat ramps at various locations are closed due to lake level during drawdown.  Yarborough and Jack's Isle  are still open.  Use extreme caution due to shallow ramps and siltation / sedimentation and drop offs at the end of ramps, lake wide during the drawdown!  Gravel has been added by the USACE, to the end of the ramps at Wilton (Hwy 71) and White Cliffs to assist loading and unloading boats and trailers.  

 

As of Monday, 30 November, the lake level, which is 3.1 feet below normal, has reduced current in Little River.  USACE made gate changes at the dam, to compensate, and is now falling, and below normal conservation pool.  The 4 foot draw down still in effect and is being compensated at the dam's discharge accordingly.  Main lake and Little River's water surface temps are currently ranging from approx 52ºF early, to 56ºF late, depending of course, on location and time of day.  Lake level on Millwood as of Monday, 30 November is 256.12 feet.  Normal consv. pool is 259.20 feet.

 

As of Monday, the 4' drawdown is in process and discharge of 4,029 CFS is with 13 gates open and 2 sluice gates open at 6 feet each. Main lake visibility and clarity slightly improved and is approx 9-12" and current reduced in Little River. The tailwater elevation on Monday was unavailable.  The oxbow's clarity recently improved, and is approx 25-35".  High winds and / or thunder storms will have a dramatic impact and effect on Millwood Lake clarity merely in a matter of hours.

 

Boat ramp repair and improvements at the Millwood State Park are recently completed. 

 

A drawdown of four feet on Millwood Lake, began July 13, 2009 until Feb. 9, 2010 to control unwanted aquatic vegetation and make scheduled repairs, according to the Corps of Engineers.  The lake will be allowed to refill 2 feet above normal pool elevation to 261.2 feet, in February 2010, the 2-foot rise will last one month, and then the lake will be returned to normal pool. 

During the 4' drawdown, boaters should exercise extreme caution because submerged stumps and shallow areas have begun to appear. Also, boaters should be cautious when launching because of damage or sediment buildup or drop-offs that may have occurred at the ends of the ramps.  Boat ramp closures may occur during the drawdown. To volunteer for one of the cleanup dates or ramp and USACE park information, contact Brooke Kervin at the Millwood Tri-Lakes Project Office. 

To receive updates, call the Corps’ toll-free information line at 888-697-9830.

 

 The Details:  

 

Largemouth Bass:  Over the past week, fish have continued the trend to a more normal fall pattern.  The feeding activity of Bass has picked up somewhat, now that the lake is slightly below normal level.  The best bite over the past few weeks began shifting to mid-day.  However, recent schooling activity of Largemouth Bass appears to be wrapping up for this fall's surface activity, although some random schooling can be located in remaining pad fields in close proximity to Little River, and in the oxbows, where clearer water can be located.  These schooling fish are juvenile size between 2-3 pounds each, and are randomly schooling during mid day hours in Horseshoe, Mud and McGuire oxbows up Little River.

 

The best reaction bite over the past 2 weeks was on smoke or holographic grubs rigged on white jig heads for schooling fish.  Dead-sticking a Bass Assassin Shad jerk bait and Senkos and trick worms on a light wire hook allowing to fall for suspended bass, are randomly taking a few keeper size fish.  Rat-L-Traps, Cordell Big O or XCalibur Fat Free Shad Crank baits are still working to locate 14-18" class bass.  Since the lake level and reduced current has began returning to normal, surface temperatures stabilize, best bite is a reaction presentation with slow rolling bulky spinnerbaits, large Rat-L-Traps and crankbaits.

 

The best Rat-L-Trap colors over the past couple weeks are Yearling Bass w/orange belly, Red Shad, Transparent/Clear Holographic Shad.  In the better clarity areas in the oxbows, Transparent and Holographic Shad patterns were the best reaction Trap colors. These will continue working for a good reaction bite in the better water clarity areas of the oxbows as well as any remaining schooling bass.  The Bass Assassin Shads, are still working inside these vegetation areas where the fish are schooling in the lily pads or vegetation where the Traps or cranks can't be utilized. 

 

Slow rolling spinner baits in Spot Remover, Aurora, or Hot Mouse colors are the best option inside grass and vegetation in the oxbows, in the clearest water areas available, typically in the oxbows away from the current of Little River.  Soft plastic Bass Assassin Shads, and trick worms continue working randomly for Bass, around hydrilla, lily pad stems, and pondweed are working especially where you find new dollar pads and lily pads growing in close proximity. 

 

Shallow to medium running depth crankbaits like the Cordell Big O, or Fat Free Shads in gray mouse, white, or citrus shad colors in clearer water, and Bandit cranks in brown back/orange belly craw were taking some keeper size bass heavier stained water.  Flipping stumps, cypress trees, and laydown tree trunks near deep water are the best bets with jigs.  Crankbaits are many times finding schools of larger bass before any surface activity is being observed. 

 

Magnum Tubes like the 3-4" Southern Pro Tubes are working in remaining flooded grass and stumps over the past week now that normal pool is returning.  Best colors we have observed working for tubes and gitzits are pumpkinseed/chartreuse tail, purple smoke, or smoke/black/red flake w/ chartreuse tail.

 

Jig bite, continues to improve on cypress trees, knees, stumps and laydowns.  Texas Craw, Black/blue, or  Chartreuse-Pumpkin colors will take a few keeper bass in the 3-4 lb class.  Keeper size bass, in the 3-5 pound class, have been caught over the past couple weeks on 8" lizards in June Bug, Black Moccasin, or Peanut Butter & Jelly colors.  

 

White Bass:  Schooling White Bass disappeared with the cooler temperatures and have not been aggressively found schooling over the past week or so. 

 

Crappie:  began improvement over the last week or so, now that the water has begun clearing.  Best locations were 12-13 feet depths on live shiners, hair jigs, and tubes in white or white/chartreuse.

 

Channel Cats:  Channel Cats are loving the current along Little River and biting extremely well. Cats are best on bulky earthworms, cut shad, chicken livers, or Charlie by either tight-lining, or on yo-yo's hung from cypress trees in the oxbows over 10-15' depths, and on trotlines in Little River current. 

November 26, 2009 - Norfork - Submitted by 101 Grocery and Bait - by http://www.fishingwithsteve.com/ - The lake level is 570.3 ft which is down .6 ft from last week and the water temperature is in the upper 50's. The fishing isn't going to change till the weather gets colder. There are still a few fish coming up. Most of them are whites. Watch for them near the points. The fish are still in the flooded brush down to 40 ft.  Look back in the creeks in 40 ft. and when you mark them drop a jigging spoon. We caught some nice whites and a couple nice 3 lb. largemouth. Find the baitfish and the fish are in with them or just beneath them. try bouncing a spoon or a grub off the bottom in 30-40 ft.

November 26, 2009 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 11/19/2009 JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 11/25/2009

During the past week, we have a minor rain event and continued cooler conditions. The lake levels on the White River system continue their rise, at a much slower rate. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam rose four tenths of a foot to rest at twenty six and eight tenths of a foot above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is fourteen and two tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake fell two tenths of a foot to rest at one tenth of a foot below power pool or sixteen and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell one tenth 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. On the White, we have had light but steady generation around the clock with slightly higher flows in the afternoon. There has been precious little wadable water. Norfork Lake rose one tenth of a foot to rest at eighteen and nine tenths feet above power pool of 552.00 feet or nine and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. There have been significant periods of no generation every day with moderate generation the rest of the day. This has created some great wading conditions. This is the lull before the storm. The lakes have accumulated a significant amount of water. The only thing preventing high levels of generation around the clock is flooding down stream. As soon as it clears, we will see a lot of high water. We expect to start seeing higher flows beginning December 1, 2009.

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

The fishing in the Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam closed on November 1, 2009 for the brown trout spawn. It will remain closed until January 31, 2010. The section from the bottom of this Catch and Release section downstream to the wing wall at the State Park is seasonal Catch and Release for the same time period.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission recently stocked about one thousand “golden trout” from Bull Shoals Dam down to Buffalo City . These are not a separate species but a color variation in rainbow trout. They were purchased from a commercial hatchery in Missouri to make up for a short fall in stocking this year. These fish are edible and the regulations for harvesting rainbow trout apply to them. They are bright yellow with a faint pink stripe and a snow white belly. They are very easy to see in the river.

The stretch from Bull Shoals State Park down to Wildcat Shoals has fished very well. The moderate flows we have received this past week have been perfect for drift fishing. The hot flies have been San Juan worms and Y2Ks. Two fly rigs ( San Juan worm and egg) have done particularly well in this area. Small midge patterns (black zebra midges with silver wire and silver bead) and soft hackles have also been effective.

 Rim Shoals is still fishing well. The go to flies have been Y2Ks and cerise San Juan worms. It has fished much better in the morning than the afternoon. If you want to access some wadable water, Rim Shoals Trout Dock maintains a water taxi and will ferry you to wadable water for a nominal fee.

Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River have cleared a bit. The water below Crooked Creek has cleared up but is still not fishing too well.

With the upcoming holiday, fishing pressure has abated some what. Midge patterns have been the go to flies on the lower flows. The most productive patterns were black zebra midges with silver wire and silver beads, olive Norfork midges and Dan’s turkey tail emergers. Other effective flies have been olive woolly buggers and soft hackles (partridge and orange soft hackles and green butts). On the higher flows, hot fluorescent pink San Juan worms and orange egg patterns have been the most effective way to fish. There are some spawning rainbows in the Catch and Release section. You should avoid fishing for them to allow them to reproduce naturally. We could use some more wild rainbows. Also avoid walking through the redds (spawning beds). They will appear as light colored depressions in the gravel.

Now is the perfect time to fish Dry Run Creek. There are few people in the area over the holiday weekend and there are some big browns that have begun moving up into the creek to spawn. The hot fly, as always, has been the sowbug. San Juan worms and Y2Ks have also been productive. There is precious little room to cast with the tree cover in this tight creek valley. High sticking nymphs is the most effective technique. Carry your camera and the biggest net you can lay your hands on. Most big fish are lost at the net.

Remember that the White and Norfork Rivers are infected with didymo, an invasive alga. Be sure and thoroughly clean and dry your waders (especially the felt soles on wading boots) before using them in any other water. Many manufacturers are now making rubber soled wading boots that are easier to clean and are not as likely to harbor didymo.

November 24, 2009 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service -  The water level at greers ferry lake is at 475.11 and falling they hope to have it down maybe some this winter but it is not looking real good, the temp is around 60 degrees.

The hybrids and whites continue to be on a tear feeding well all day long , fishing vertical will catch them and some spotty schooling is going on as well, the best bet is to stay over them with a spoon or in-line spinner , until you get tired of catching them or get your limit, which should not take to long

The bass bite is most consistent shallow , the deeper fish just do not want to eat very well right now, a jig or a right bite cinko pitched around steeper banks will work and a spinner bait and small crank bait up the rivers shallow as well, on the deeper fish try a jighead worm and a football head

No report on crappie

No report on bream

No report on catfish

The walleye are biting out next to the hybrids and whites and out by their self on pea gravel flats on ajigging spoon is the best bait right now

Tommy Cauley

November 18, 2009 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service

The Overall Picture: 

Navigation conditions in Little River are near normal, and 4 Foot Drawdown in process.  Use Extreme Caution during Navigation and at boat ramps.

As of Monday 23 November, Largemouth Bass are good, and much improved, due to falling lake level to near normal conditions. The schooling fish have reappeared with the better water clarity and reduced current in Little River.  Surface water temps are currently in the mid 50's to lower 60's.  Repeated cold fronts have dropped the water surface temps another few degrees within the last several weeks.  Largemouth Bass ranging from 3-9 pounds are in typical fall patterns. Crankbaits, Rat-L-Traps, spinnerbaits, worms, and jigs are the go to baits for Bass over the past several weeks.  Ken-Pops, Cordell Crazy Shads, and Spitn Images are taking some juvenile largemouth schooling fish along Little River at random intervals during mid day.

 

Exercise extreme caution during running Little River during low light conditions as there are still numerous river buoy markers pushed out of place from river centerline, or missing, due to recent current and major pool fluctuations over the past 2 weeks.  USACE began the four foot drawdown 13 July, and stumps are exposed along the river, during the drawdown pool elevation.  This four foot drawdown will remain in effect until February 2010.  Use caution near end of boat ramps due to sediment, gravel, and shallow pool levels.  As of Monday, 23 November, the lake level is falling, back to drawdown level, and currently is 1.75 feet below normal lake pool with reduced current in Little River.

 

Boat ramps at various locations are closed due to lake level during drawdown.  Yarborough and Jack's Isle  are still open.  Use extreme caution due to shallow ramps and siltation / sedimentation and drop offs at the end of ramps, lake wide during the drawdown!  Gravel has been added by the USACE, to the end of the ramps at Wilton (Hwy 71) and White Cliffs to assist loading and unloading boats and trailers.  

 

As of Monday, 23 November, the lake level, which is 1.75 feet below normal, has reduced current in Little River in attempt to reach drawdown pool from recent heavy rains.  USACE made gate changes at the dam, to compensate, and is now falling, and below normal conservation pool.  The 4 foot draw down still in effect and is being compensated at the dam's discharge accordingly.  Main lake and Little River's water surface temps are currently ranging from approx 56ºF early, to 61ºF late, depending of course, on location and time of day.  Lake level on Millwood as of Monday, 23 November is 257.46 feet.  Normal consv. pool is 259.20 feet.

 

As of Monday, the 4' drawdown is in process and discharge of 10,013 CFS is with 13 gates open at 2.5 feet each and 2 sluice gates open at 6 feet each. Main lake visibility and clarity slightly improved and is approx 5-9" and current reduced in Little River. The tailwater elevation on Monday is 236.83 feet and falling.  The oxbow's clarity recently improved, and is approx 15-25".  High winds and / or thunder storms will have a dramatic impact and effect on Millwood Lake clarity merely in a matter of hours.

 

Boat ramp repair and improvements at the Millwood State Park are recently completed. 

 

A drawdown of four feet on Millwood Lake, began July 13, 2009 until Feb. 9, 2010 to control unwanted aquatic vegetation and make scheduled repairs, according to the Corps of Engineers.  The lake will be allowed to refill 2 feet above normal pool elevation to 261.2 feet, in February 2010, the 2-foot rise will last one month, and then the lake will be returned to normal pool. 

During the 4' drawdown, boaters should exercise extreme caution because submerged stumps and shallow areas have begun to appear. Also, boaters should be cautious when launching because of damage or sediment buildup or drop-offs that may have occurred at the ends of the ramps.  Boat ramp closures may occur during the drawdown. To volunteer for one of the cleanup dates or ramp and USACE park information, contact Brooke Kervin at the Millwood Tri-Lakes Project Office. 

To receive updates, call the Corps’ toll-free information line at 888-697-9830.

 

 The Details:  

 

Largemouth Bass:  Over the past week, fish have continued the trend to a more normal fall pattern.  The feeding activity of Bass has picked up somewhat, now that the lake is slightly below normal level.  The best bite over the past few weeks began shifting to mid-day.  However, recent schooling activity of Largemouth Bass has re-appeared at random in the back of Yarborough Lake and various other locations upriver, in the oxbows, where clearer water can be located.  These schooling fish are juvenile size between 2-3 pounds each, and are randomly schooling during mid day hours in Horseshoe, Mud and McGuire oxbows up Little River.

 

The best reaction bite over the past 2 weeks was on smoke or holographic grubs rigged on white jig heads for schooling fish, along with topwater baits like Cordell Crazy Shads, Clear Baby Torpedoes, Bass Assassin Shad jerk baits and Ken-Pops, Chug Bugs and Spitn Images.  For sub-surface schools, Rat-L-Traps, Cordell Big O or XCalibur Fat Free Shad Crank baits were best bets.  Since the lake level and reduced current has began returning to normal, surface temperatures stabilize, best bite is a reaction presentation with big bulky 10" worms, jigs and slow rolling bulky spinnerbaits and crankbaits.

 

The best Rat-L-Trap colors over the past couple weeks are Millwood Magic,  Tennessee Shad, and Yearling Bass w/orange belly.  In the better clarity areas in the oxbows, Transparent and Holographic Blue Shad patterns were the best reaction Trap colors. These will continue working for a good reaction bite in the better water clarity areas of the oxbows as well as schooling bass.  The Bass Assassin Shads, Johnson spoons, and Yum Buzz Frogs are still working inside these vegetation areas where the fish are schooling in the lily pads or vegetation where the Traps or cranks can't be utilized. 

 

Slow rolling spinner baits in Spot Remover, Aurora, or Hot Mouse colors are the best option inside grass and vegetation in the oxbows, in the clearest water areas available, typically in the oxbows away from the current of Little River.  Soft plastic Bass Assassin Shads continue working randomly for Bass, around hydrilla, lily pad stems, and pondweed are working especially where you find new dollar pads and lily pads growing in close proximity. 

 

Shallow to medium running depth crankbaits like the Cordell Big O, or Fat Free Shads in gray mouse, white, or citrus shad colors in clearer water, and Bandit cranks in brown back/orange belly and firetiger were taking some keeper size bass heavier stained water.  10" worms in Blue Fleck, Red Shad or Black colors, are all good colors in the heavier stained and muddy areas, by pitching or flipping stumps, cypress trees, and laydown tree trunks near deep water.  Crankbaits are many times finding schools of larger bass before any surface activity is being observed. 

 

Magnum Tubes like the 3-4" Southern Pro Tubes are working in remaining flooded grass and stumps over the past week now that normal pool is returning.  Best colors we have observed working for tubes and gitzits are pumpkinseed/chartreuse tail, smoke/black & red flake w/ chartreuse tails, or solid black with red flake (black neon).

 

Jig bite, continues to improve on cypress trees, knees, stumps and laydowns.  Texas Craw, Black/blue, or  Chartreuse-Pumpkin colors will take a few keeper bass in the 3-4 lb class.  Keeper size bass, in the 3-5 pound class, have been caught over the past couple weeks on Texas rigged 10" worms and 8" lizards in June Bug, Black Moccasin, Peanut Butter & Jelly colors.  

 

White Bass:  Schooling White Bass disappeared with the increase in muddy water and current, and have not been aggressively found schooling over the past week or so. 

 

Crappie:  began improvement over the last week or so, now that the water has begun clearing.  Best locations were 12-13 feet depths on live shiners, hair jigs, and tubes in white or white/chartreuse.

 

Channel Cats:  Channel Cats are loving the current along Little River and biting extremely well with the increase in current, and are best on bulky earthworms, cut shad, chicken livers, or Charlie by either tight-lining, or on yo-yo's hung from cypress trees in the oxbows over 10-15' depths, and on trotlines in Little River current. 

November 19, 2009 - Norfork - Submitted by 101 Grocery and Bait - by http://www.fishingwithsteve.com/ - The water temperature is in the low 60's and the lake level dropped .3 to put the lake at 570.2. There are a few whites and small bass hitting top water. The fish are anywhere from the flooded banks to 60 feet.deep. For the shallow fish throw a spinner bait,crank bait,jerk bait or try swimming a grub or a jig. For the deeper fish drop a jigging spoon. We caught a few nice largemouth 40 feet. deep on a spoon.

November 19, 2009 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 11/19/2009

During the past week, we have several rain events and much cooler conditions. The lake levels on the White River system continue their rise, although at a much slower rate. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam rose one and eight tenths feet to rest at twenty six and four tenths of a foot above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is fourteen and six tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake fell one and seven tenths of a foot to rest at one tenth of a foot above power pool or fifteen and nine tenths feet below the top of flood pool. The Corps of Engineers have aggressively drawn down Table Rock and dumped the water into Bull Shoals, which is rising steadily. Beaver Lake fell three tenths of a foot to rest at eight and two tenths feet above power pool or one and four tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had light but steady generation around the clock with slightly higher flows in the afternoon. There has been precious little wadable water. Norfork Lake rose two tenths of a foot to rest at eighteen and eight tenths feet above power pool of 552.00 feet or nine and two tenths feet below the top of flood pool. There have been significant periods of no generation every day with moderate generation the rest of the day. This has created some great wading conditions. This is the lull before the storm. The lakes have accumulated a significant amount of water. The only thing preventing high levels of generation around the clock is flooding down stream. As soon as it clears, we will see a lot of high water. We expect to start seeing higher flows beginning December 1, 2009.

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

The fishing in the Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam closed on November 1, 2009 for the brown trout spawn. It will remain closed until January 31, 2010. The section from the bottom of this Catch and Release section downstream to the wing wall at the State Park is seasonal Catch and Release for the same time period.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission recently stocked about one thousand “golden trout” from Bull Shoals Dam down to Buffalo City . These are not a separate species but a color variation in rainbow trout. They were purchased from a commercial hatchery in Missouri to make up for a short fall in stocking this year. These fish are edible and the regulations for harvesting rainbow trout apply to them. They are bright yellow with a faint pink stripe and a snow white belly. They are very easy to see in the river.

The stretch from Bull Shoals State Park down to White Hole has fished very well. The moderate flows we have received this past week have been perfect for drift fishing. The hot flies have been San Juan worms and Y2Ks. Two fly rigs ( San Juan worm and egg) have done particularly well in this area. Small midge patterns (black zebra midges with silver wire and silver bead) and soft hackles have also been effective.

 Rim Shoals is still fishing well. The go to flies have been Y2Ks and cerise San Juan worms. If you encounter high water, Rim Shoals Trout Dock maintains a water taxi and will ferry you to wadable water for a nominal fee.

Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River have cleared a bit. The water below Crooked Creek has cleared up but is still not fishing too well.

The Norfork River has continued to receive quite a bit of pressure due to round the clock generation on the White but has still fished well. Midge patterns have been the go to flies on the lower flows. The most productive patterns were black zebra midges with silver wire and silver beads, black Norfork midges and Dan’s turkey tail emergers. Other effective flies have been olive woolly buggers and soft hackles (partridge and orange soft hackles and green butts). On the higher flows, hot fluorescent pink San Juan worms and orange egg patterns have been the most effective way to fish. There are some spawning rainbows in the Catch and Release section. You should avoid fishing for them to allow them to reproduce naturally. We could use some more wild rainbows. Also avoid walking through the redds (spawning beds). They will appear as light colored depressions in the gravel.

There has been some major work done at Quarry Park . The parking lot at the ramp has been resurfaced. This is a busy ramp and it is great to have it back in service.

Dry Run Creek has fished well this past week. There are some big browns that have begun moving up into the creek to spawn. The hot fly, as always, has been the sowbug. San Juan worms and Y2Ks have also accounted for some large fish. It is important that you allow the children to fish. You cannot cast or fish for them. You are allowed to net the fish and help release them,

Remember that the White and Norfork Rivers are infected with didymo, an invasive alga. Be sure and thoroughly clean and dry your waders (especially the felt soles on wading boots) before using them in any other water. Many manufacturers are now making rubber soled wading boots that are easier to clean and are not as likely to harbor didymo.

November 18, 2009 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service -

The Overall Picture: 

 

Navigation conditions in Little River are near normal, and 4 Foot Drawdown in process.  Use Extreme Caution during Navigation and at boat ramps.

 

As of Tuesday 17 November, Largemouth Bass are improved, due to falling lake level to near normal conditions. The schooling fish disappeared with the muddy water and current in Little River.  Surface water temps are currently in the lower to mid 60's.  Repeated cold fronts have dropped the water surface temps another few degrees within the last several weeks.  Schooling bass were being caught in Little River several weeks ago at random intervals and various locations throughout the daylight hours, but are very random with the influx of muddy water and rapidly changing conditions and heavy current in Little River.  Largemouth Bass ranging from 3-9 pounds are in typical fall patterns. Crankbaits, Rat-L-Traps, spinnerbaits, worms, and jigs are the go to baits for Bass over the past several weeks.

 

Exercise extreme caution during running Little River during low light conditions as there are still numerous river buoy markers pushed out of place from river centerline, or missing, due to recent current and major pool fluctuations over the past 2 weeks.  USACE began the four foot drawdown 13 July, and stumps are exposed along the river, during the drawdown pool elevation.  This four foot drawdown will remain in effect until February 2010.  Use caution near end of boat ramps due to sediment, gravel, and shallow pool levels.  As of Tuesday, 17 November, the lake level is still falling back to drawdown level, and currently is 9.7 inches below normal lake pool with heavy current in Little River.

 

Boat ramps at various locations are closed due to lake level during drawdown.  Yarborough and Jack's Isle  are still open.  Use extreme caution due to shallow ramps and siltation / sedimentation and drop offs at the end of ramps, lake wide during the drawdown!  Gravel has been added by the USACE, to the end of the ramps at Wilton (Hwy 71) and White Cliffs to assist loading and unloading boats and trailers.  

 

As of Tuesday, 17 November, the lake level, which is 9.7 inches below normal, has heavy current in Little River in attempt to reach drawdown pool from recent heavy rains.  USACE made gate changes at the dam, to compensate, and is now falling, and below normal conservation pool.  The 4 foot draw down still in effect and is being compensated at the dam's discharge accordingly.  Main lake and Little River's water surface temps are currently ranging from approx 60ºF early, to 64ºF late, depending of course, on location and time of day.  Lake level on Millwood as of Tuesday, 17 November is 258.39 feet.  Normal consv. pool is 259.20 feet.

 

As of Tuesday, the 4' drawdown is in process and discharge of 12,765 CFS is with 13 gates open at 3 feet each and 2 sluice gates open at 6 feet each. Main lake visibility and clarity slightly improved and is approx 3-5" and current reduced in Little River. The tailwater elevation on Tuesday is 239.94 feet and falling.  The oxbow's clarity recently improved, and is approx 10-12".  High winds and / or thunder storms will have a dramatic impact and effect on Millwood Lake clarity merely in a matter of hours.

 

Boat ramp repair and improvements at the Millwood State Park are recently completed. 

 

A drawdown of four feet on Millwood Lake, began July 13, 2009 until Feb. 9, 2010 to control unwanted aquatic vegetation and make scheduled repairs, according to the Corps of Engineers.  The lake will be allowed to refill 2 feet above normal pool elevation to 261.2 feet, in February 2010, the 2-foot rise will last one month, and then the lake will be returned to normal pool. 

During the 4' drawdown, boaters should exercise extreme caution because submerged stumps and shallow areas have begun to appear. Also, boaters should be cautious when launching because of damage or sediment buildup or drop-offs that may have occurred at the ends of the ramps.  Boat ramp closures may occur during the drawdown. To volunteer for one of the cleanup dates or ramp and USACE park information, contact Brooke Kervin at the Millwood Tri-Lakes Project Office. 

To receive updates, call the Corps’ toll-free information line at 888-697-9830.

 

 The Details:  

 

Largemouth Bass:  Over the past week, fish have continued the trend to a more normal fall pattern.  The feeding activity of Bass has picked up somewhat, now that the lake is slightly below normal level.  The best bite over the past few weeks began shifting to mid-day.  However, recent schooling activity of Largemouth Bass has re-appeared at random in the back of Yarborough Lake and various other locations upriver, in the oxbows, where clearer water can be located.

 

The best reaction bite over the past 2 weeks was on smoke or holographic grubs rigged on white jig heads for schooling fish, along with topwater baits like Cordell Crazy Shads, Clear Baby Torpedoes, Bass Assassin Shad jerk baits and Pop-R's or Chug Bugs.  For sub-surface schools, Rat-L-Traps, Cordell Big O or XCalibur Fat Free Shad Crank baits were best bets.  Since the lake level and reduced current has began returning to normal, surface temperatures stabilize, best bite is a reaction presentation with big bulky 10" worms, jigs and slow rolling bulky spinnerbaits and crankbaits.

 

The best Rat-L-Trap colors over the past couple weeks are Millwood Magic,  Tennessee Shad, and Yearling Bass w/orange belly.  In the better clarity areas in the oxbows, Transparent and Holographic Blue Shad patterns were the best reaction Trap colors. These will continue working for a good reaction bite in the better water clarity areas of the oxbows as well as schooling bass.  The Bass Assassin Shads, Johnson spoons, and Yum Buzz Frogs are still working inside these vegetation areas where the fish are schooling in the lily pads or vegetation where the Traps or cranks can't be utilized. 

 

Slow rolling spinner baits in White/ Chartreuse, Spot Remover, or Hot Mouse colors are the best option inside grass and vegetation in the oxbows, in the clearest water areas available, typically in the oxbows away from the current of Little River.  Soft plastic Bass Assassin Shads and Yum Buzz Frogs continue working randomly for Bass, around hydrilla, lily pad stems, and pondweed are working especially where you find new dollar pads and lily pads growing in close proximity.  Best color for Yum Buzz Frogs are Pumpkin Pearl or Black.

 

Shallow to medium running depth crankbaits like the Cordell Big O, or Fat Free Shads in gray mouse, white, or citrus shad colors in clearer water, and Bandit cranks in brown back/orange belly and firetiger were taking some keeper size bass heavier stained water.  10" worms in Blue Fleck, Red Shad or Black colors, are all good colors in the heavier stained and muddy areas, by pitching or flipping stumps, cypress trees, and laydown tree trunks near deep water.  Crankbaits are many times finding schools of larger bass before any surface activity is being observed. 

 

Magnum Tubes like the 3-4" Southern Pro Tubes are working in remaining flooded grass and stumps over the past week now that normal pool is returning.  Best colors we have observed working for tubes and gitzits are pumpkinseed/chartreuse tail, smoke/black & red flake w/ chartreuse tails, or solid black with red flake (black neon).

 

Jig bite, continues to improve on cypress trees, knees, stumps and laydowns.  Texas Craw, Black/blue, or  Chartreuse-Pumpkin colors will take a few keeper bass in the 3-4 lb class.  Keeper size bass, in the 3-5 pound class, have been caught over the past couple weeks on Texas rigged 10" worms and 8" lizards in June Bug, Black Moccasin, Peanut Butter & Jelly colors.  

 

White Bass:  Schooling White Bass disappeared with the increase in muddy water and current.  They will return and improve over the next week to ten days now that water clarity is improving.

 

Crappie:  bite almost completely shut down with all the current, muddy water, and rapid pool fluctuations along Little River, over the past couple weeks.  They will improve over the next week to ten days, now that the water has begun clearing.

 

Channel Cats:  Channel Cats are loving the current along Little River and biting extremely well with the increase in current, and are best on bulky earthworms, cut shad, chicken livers, or Charlie by either tight-lining, or on yo-yo's hung from cypress trees in the oxbows over 10-15' depths, and on trotlines in Little River current. 

 

           
Mike

November 16, 2009 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service - The water level at greers ferry is at 475.73 and rising it is 14.70 feet above normal pool , they ahd broken over the top of getting it back down some until the rains came again.

The hybrids and white bass continue to eat it up vertically , sun and wind and generation make it really happen, and they will feed pretty much all day, spoons in-line spinners as well as hair jigs are working well.

The black basses , a lot of them are in the bushes and will eat small traps , spinner baits , as well as small crank baits , a few will still eat that frog shallow also, the deeper fish out side the bushes can be caught on cranks and football heads as well as a c-rig.

Some crappie are in the bushes and some are out a little deeper over brush piles and suspended in the pole timber and ever just open water try jigs and minnow combos.

Bream are eating crickets and crawlers up shallow around the bushes.

No-report on catfish

Some walleye are being caught out away from the whites and hybrids with spoons you will be able to tell the difference in them on your graph, and when you run on to them and catch 1 hold your position  and get your spoon right back down and maybe even catch a limit on 1 spot.

Good luck

 Tommy Cauley

November 12, 2009 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 11/12/2009

During the past week, we have had no rain events and unseasonably mild conditions. The lake levels on the White River system continue their rise although at a much slower rate. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam rose one and five tenths feet to rest at twenty four and six tenths of a foot above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is sixteen and four tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake fell one and one tenth of a foot to rest at one and eight tenths feet above power pool or fourteen and two tenths feet below the top of flood pool. The Corps of Engineers are aggressively drawing down Table Rock and dumping the water into Bull Shoals, which is rising steadily. Beaver Lake held steady at eight and five tenths feet above power pool or one and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had light but steady generation around the clock with slightly higher flows in the afternoon. There has been precious little wadable water. We did have a brief (two hour) window of no generation one afternoon. Norfork Lake rose six tenths of a foot to rest at eighteen and six tenths feet above power pool of 552.00 feet or nine and four tenths feet below the top of flood pool. There have been significant periods of no generation every day with moderate generation the rest of the day. This has created some great wading conditions. This is the lull before the storm. The lakes have accumulated a significant amount of water. The only thing preventing high levels of generation around the clock is flooding down stream. As soon as it clears, we will see a lot of high water.

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

The fishing in the Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam closed on November 1, 2009 for the brown trout spawn. It will remain closed until January 31, 2010. The section from the bottom of this Catch and Release section downstream to the wing wall at the State Park is seasonal Catch and Release for the same time period.

The stretch from Cotter to Rim Shoals has fished well. The moderate flows we have received this past week have been perfect for drift fishing. The hot flies have been San Juan worms and Y2Ks. Two fly rigs ( San Juan worm and egg) have done particularly well in this area. Small mayfly nymphs like pheasant tails and copper johns and midge patterns (black zebra midges with silver wire and silver bead) have also been effective.

 Rim Shoals has cooled down some but is still fishing well. The go to flies have been Y2Ks and cerise San Juan worms. If you encounter high water, Rim Shoals Trout Dock maintains a water taxi and will ferry you to wadable water for a nominal fee. Some of the more productive water that can be accessed includes the water around Jenkin’s Creek or along the island near the walk-in access.

Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River have cleared a bit. The water below Crooked Creek has cleared up but is still not fishing too well.

The Norfork River has continued to receive quite a bit of pressure due to round the clock generation on the White but has still fished well. Midge patterns have been the go to flies on the lower flows. The most productive patterns were black zebra midges with silver wire and silver beads, black Norfork midges and Dan’s turkey tail emergers. Other effective flies have been olive woolly buggers and soft hackles (partridge and orange soft hackles and green butts). On the higher flows hot fluorescent pink San Juan worms and orange egg patterns have been the most effective way to fish. There are some spawning rainbows in the Catch and Release section. You should avoid fishing for them to allow them to reproduce naturally. We could use some more wild rainbows. Also avoid walking through the redds (spawning beds). They will appear as light colored depressions in the gravel.

There has been some major work done at Quarry Park . The parking lot at the ramp has been resurfaced. This is a busy ramp and it is great to have it back in service.

Dry Run Creek has fished well this past week. There are some big browns that have begun moving up into the creek to spawn. The hot fly, as always, has been the sowbug. San Juan worms and Y2Ks have also accounted for some large fish. While you are there, take a few minutes to tour the adjacent National Fish hatchery. It is fascinating. Please be sure to remove your waders before you enter the hatchery to prevent the spread of aquatic diseases.

Remember that the White and Norfork Rivers are infected with didymo, an invasive alga. Be sure and thoroughly clean and dry your waders (especially the felt soles on wading boots) before using them in any other water. Many manufacturers are now making rubber soled wading boots that are easier to clean and are not as likely to harbor didymo.

November 11, 2009 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service - The water level at greers ferry is at 476.34 and falling they have finally got over the hump and are generating just about around the clock and have just now got it going down some instead of it rising it is still 15.31 feet high and the temp ranges from 61-65 degrees.

The whites and hybrids are eating well when you sit over the top of them it is just about impossible to get a bait down through them with out catching one, they are mixed together on one drop you might catch a white and the next drop catch a hybrid it is hard just to target one species the best baits are small in-line spinners and spoons and hair jigs , they will stay bunched up better and not move much if the sun is shinning and you are on a spot with the wind blowing onto a ridge .

The bass are still not really regrouped from the sudden surge of new water , but will be set up along the brush line targeting shad as they generate and a spinner bait will work the best and for the deeper fish try a football head and a c-rig .

The crappie are biting well in 15 to 20 feet of water and some are even up in the buck brush biting pretty well on jigs and minnows

No report on bream

Walleye are biting spoons pretty good off to the sides of the hybrids pretty well , you can distinguish them pretty well with your electronics and when you get over them catch several, finding them is more of the key

No-report on catfish

Tommy Cauley

November 11, 2009 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide ServiceThe Overall Picture: 

Navigation conditions in Little River are hazardous.  Heavy current in Little River, with debris, and 4 Foot Drawdown in process.  Use Extreme Caution during Navigation and at boat ramps.

 

As of Monday 09 November, Largemouth Bass are improved, due to falling lake level to near normal conditions. The schooling fish disappeared with the muddy water and current in Little River.  Surface water temps are currently in the lower to mid 60's.  Repeated cold fronts have dropped the water surface temps another few degrees within the last several weeks.  Schooling bass were being caught in Little River several weeks ago at random intervals and various locations throughout the daylight hours, but are very random with the influx of muddy water and rapidly changing conditions and heavy current in Little River.  Largemouth Bass ranging from 3-9 pounds are in typical fall patterns. Crankbaits, Rat-L-Traps, spinnerbaits, worms, and plastic frogs are the go to baits for Bass over the past several weeks.

 

Exercise extreme caution during running Little River during low light conditions as there are still numerous river buoy markers pushed out of place from river centerline, or missing, due to recent current and major pool fluctuations over the past 2 weeks.  USACE began the four foot drawdown 13 July, and stumps are exposed along the river, during the drawdown pool elevation.  This four foot drawdown will remain in effect until February 2010.  Use caution near end of boat ramps due to sediment, gravel, and shallow pool levels.  However, as of Monday, 09 November, the lake level is falling, and now only 7 inches above normal lake pool with heavy current in Little River.

 

Boat ramps at various locations are closed due to lake level during drawdown.  Yarborough and Jack's Isle  are still open.  Other ramps around Millwood which have been shallow, are usable this week with the increase in lake pool from recent rains.  River Run East and River Run West are all CLOSED this week due to high water.  Use extreme caution due to shallow ramps and siltation / sedimentation and drop offs at the end of ramps, lake wide during the drawdown!  Gravel has been added by the USACE, to the end of the ramps at Wilton (Hwy 71) and White Cliffs to assist loading and unloading boats and trailers.  

 

As of Monday, 09 November, the lake level, is only 7 inches above normal, with heavy current in Little River.  USACE made gate changes at the dam, to compensate, and is now falling to near normal.  The 4 foot draw down still in effect and lake rise is being compensated at the dam's discharge accordingly.  Main lake and Little River's water surface temps are currently ranging from approx 60ºF early, to 67ºF late, depending of course, on location and time of day.  Lake level on Millwood as of Monday, 09 November is 259.82 feet.  Normal consv. pool is 259.20 feet.  We expect another gate change mid-week.

 

 The Details:  

 

Largemouth Bass:  Over the past week, fish have began returning to a more normal fall pattern.  The feeding activity of Bass has picked up somewhat, now that the lake is returning to near normal level.  The best bite over the past few weeks began shifting to mid-day.  However, recent schooling activity of Largemouth Bass has re-appeared at random in the back of Yarborough Lake and various other locations where clearer water can be located.

 

The best bite over the past 2 weeks was on smoke or holographic grubs rigged on white jig heads for schooling fish, along with topwater baits like Cordell Crazy Shads, Clear Baby Torpedoes, YUM Buzz Frogs, Bass Assassin Shad jerk baits and Pop-R's or Chug Bugs.  For sub-surface schools, Rat-L-Traps, Cordell Big O or XCalibur Fat Free Shad Crank baits were best bets.  Now that the lake level and reduced current has began returning to normal, surface temperatures stabilize, best bite is a reaction presentation with big bulky 10" worms, jigs and slow rolling bulky spinnerbaits and crankbaits.

 

The best Rat-L-Trap colors over the past couple weeks are Millwood Magic, Firetiger, or Red Shad.  In the better clarity areas in the oxbows, Transparent and Holographic Blue Shad patterns were the best reaction Trap colors. These will continue working for a good reaction bite in the better water clarity areas of the oxbows as well as schooling bass.  The Bass Assassin Shads, Johnson spoons, Heddon baby Moss Bosses and buzz baits in white, and Yum Buzz Frogs will work inside these vegetation areas where the fish are schooling in the lily pads or vegetation where the Traps or cranks can't be utilized. 

 

Buzz bait bite is improving again with the settling out of all the sediment and improved water clarity upriver; and slow rolling spinner baits in White/ Chartreuse, Spot Remover, firetiger, or Hot Mouse colors are the best option, near grass and vegetation in the oxbows, in the clearest water areas available, typically in the oxbows away from the increased current of Little River.  Soft plastic Bass Assassin Shads and Yum Buzz Frogs continue working randomly for Bass, around hydrilla, lily pad stems, and pondweed are working especially where you find new dollar pads and lily pads growing in close proximity.  Best color for Yum Buzz Frogs are Pumpkin Pearl or Black.

 

Shallow to medium running depth crankbaits like the Cordell Big O, or Fat Free Shads in gray mouse, white, or citrus shad colors in clearer water, and Bandit cranks in brown back/orange belly and firetiger were taking some keeper size bass heavier stained water.  10" worms in Blue Fleck, Red Shad or Black colors, are all good colors in the heavier stained and muddy areas, by pitching or flipping stumps, cypress trees, and laydown tree trunks near deep water.  Crankbaits are many times finding schools of larger bass before any surface activity is being observed.  Magnum Tubes like the 3-4" Southern Pro Tubes and fire tiger spinner baits remain working in remaining flooded grass and stumps over the past week now that normal pool is returning and resulting in bass moving back to previously s.  Best colors we have observed working for tubes and gitzits are pumpkinseed/chartreuse tail, smoke/black & red flake w/ chartreuse tails, or solid black with red flake (black neon).

 

Jig bite, continues to improve on cypress trees, knees, stumps and laydowns.  Texas Craw, Black/blue, or  Chartreuse-Pumpkin colors will take a few keeper bass in the 3-4 lb class.  Keeper size bass, in the 3-7 pound class, have been caught over the past couple weeks on Texas rigged 10" worms and 8" lizards in June Bug, Black Moccasin, Peanut Butter & Jelly colors.  

 

White Bass:  Schooling White Bass disappeared with the increase in muddy water and current.  They will return and improve over the next week to ten days.

 

Crappie:  bite almost completely shut down with all the current, muddy water, and rapid pool fluctuations along Little River, over the past couple weeks.  They will improve over the next week to ten days, now that the water has begun clearing.

 

Channel Cats:  Channel Cats are loving the increase in current along Little River and biting extremely well with the increase in current, and are best on bulky earthworms, cut shad, chicken livers, or Charlie by either tight-lining, or on yo-yo's hung from cypress trees in the oxbows over 10-15' depths, and on trotlines in Little River current. 

Mike

November 8, 2009 - Norfork - Submitted by 101 Grocery and Bait - by http://www.fishingwithsteve.com/

The lake came up 1.3ft. from last week to put the lake level at 570.5. The water temperature is still in the low to mid 60's. Nothing has changed from last week from the fishing patterns. They won't change till the water temp starts dropping. Look back in the creeks for some active fish. There is a lot of baitfish in the creeks suspended from 25-60ft deep. Drop a jigging spoon and there can be stripers, whites, bass and even a few walleye. Watch for surface activity. It's been a little sporadic this week. Also look in coves. The fish are moving a lot so you have to move and find them.

November 5, 2009 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 11/07/2009

During the past week, we have had a major rain event and very windy conditions. The lake levels on the White River system have all risen significantly. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam rose six and four tenths feet to rest at twenty three and one tenth of a foot above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is seventeen and nine tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake rose one foot to rest at two and nine tenths feet above power pool or thirteen and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. The Corps of Engineers are aggressively drawing down Table Rock and dumping the water into Bull Shoals, which is rising quickly. Beaver Lake rose two feet to rest at eight and five tenths feet above power pool or one and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had light but steady generation around the clock with slightly higher flows in the afternoon. There has been precious little wadable water. Norfork Lake rose six and two tenths feet to rest at eighteen feet above power pool of 552.00 feet or ten feet below the top of flood pool. There have been significant periods of no generation every day with moderate generation the rest of the day. This has created some great wading conditions. This is the lull before the storm. The lakes have accumulated a significant amount of water. The only thing preventing high levels of generation around the clock is flooding down stream. As soon as it clears, we will see a lot of high water.

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

The fishing in the Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam closed on November 1, 2009 for the brown trout spawn. It will remain closed until January 31, 2010. The section from the bottom of this Catch and Release section downstream to the wing wall at the State Park is seasonal Catch and Release for the same time period.

When we receive large rain events, like we have lately, both rivers muddy up and do not fish well. The best strategy is to head up stream until you find clear water. The State Park below Bull Shoals Dam on the White and Quarry Park above Dry Run Creek on the Norfork are often your best bets when the water is unfishable elsewhere.

The stretch from Bull Shoals State Park to the Narrows has fished well. The moderate flows we have received this past week have been perfect for drift fishing. The hot flies have been San Juan worms and Y2Ks. Two fly rigs ( San Juan worm and egg) have done particularly well in this area. Small mayfly nymphs like pheasant tails and copper johns and midge patterns have also been effective.

 Rim Shoals has been red hot for another week. The go to flies have been Y2Ks and cerise San Juan worms. On windy days try fishing grasshoppers. Use 4X tippet and large flies. Let the fly land with a splash and twitch it occasionally to imitate a struggling grasshopper. The best patterns have been Dave’s hoppers and Rainey’s hoppers. If you encounter high water, Rim Shoals Trout Dock maintains a water taxi and will ferry you to wadable water for a nominal fee.

Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are high and stained. The White River below them is still a bit off color..

The Norfork River has continued to receive quite a bit of pressure due to round the clock generation on the White but has still fished well. Midge patterns have been the go to flies on the lower flows. The most productive patterns were black zebra midges with silver wire and silver beads, black Norfork midges and Dan’s turkey tail emergers. Other effective flies have been olive woolly buggers and soft hackles (partridge and orange soft hackles and green butts). On the higher flows hot fluorescent pink San Juan worms and orange egg patterns have been the most effective way to fish. There are some spawning rainbows in the Catch and Release section. You should avoid fishing for them to allow them to reproduce naturally. We could use some more wild rainbows. Also avoid walking through the redds (spawning beds). They will appear as light colored depressions in the gravel.

Dry Run Creek has fished well this past week. There are some big browns that have begun moving up into the creek to spawn. The hot fly, as always, has been the sowbug. The most effective technique to use on Dry Run creek is to high stick nymphs under an indicator. There is precious little room to cast. Have the youngster you are fishing with set the hook quickly and fight the fish on the reel. Be sure and use at least 4X tippet to have a chance at landing some of the bigger fish. Carry the biggest net you can lay your hands on as most fish are lost at the net. Be patient. It takes a pretty good while to get the bigger trout to the net. Handle the fish carefully and return them to the water as quickly as possible. Don’t forget your camera.

November 4, 2009 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service

November 2, 2009 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service - The water level is high and rising it is at 476.38 feet and the temp is middle to low 60’s and warming up some, and with the sun shine the bite is getting better as we speak.

The whites and hybrids are regrouping and the bite is on , just find the bait and if the sun is shining and the wind is blowing you can catch a lot of them, on humps and points as well as flats, on spoons and in-line spinners.

The bass fishing is good in the bushes on topwater baits, spinnerbaits , jigs and creature baits , also try floating rogues and redfins.

The crappie are in the brush and if you find them can catch them good on minnows or jigs.

The bream are in the bushes as well and biting crawlers , in the open parts of the bushes.

No-report on catfish.

No report on walleye but should start seeing some show up under the whites and hybrids , and out next to them, around the bait you will be able to tell the difference between them and the other fish on the graph and catch them on a spoon pretty well

Tommy Cauley

November 2, 2009 - Norfork - Submitted by 101 Grocery and Bait - by Tim Partin 101 Grocery and Bait.

11/02/09  Fishing Norfork Lake has been good for the most part here lately. The water level is around 569’ MSL and the surface temp. is in the low 60’s. This would be a great time to fish the shore line brush and with the in flow of water, the fish will move into the flowing water and new brush. There is some muddy water and some stained water and of course a lot of clear water. This is what makes fishing Lake Norfork so good…. variety.  Bass fishing has been good, with Kentucky and Smallmouth bass being the most caught. Crappie fishing has been fair using minnows and small rubber baits with a very light jig and a slow presentation.  Catfish are doing good using night crawlers and live bait. Walleye fishing has been slow. Striper fishing has been slow. White bass fishing has been fair. Most folks have been doing well using top water baits and any rubber baits, rigged wacky style, or add some weights and do it Carolina or Texas style. You should try some crank baits and stick baits as well. The fish are all over the lake from the deep to shallow water some are doing good using spoons in the deep water. Have Fun Go Fishin.

November 1, 2009 - Norfork - Submitted by 101 Grocery and Bait -by Steve Olomon of Steve's Guide Service. - http://www.fishingwithsteve.com/

The lake was on the rise again this week with the lake level at 569.2 up almost 7 feet from last week. The water temp is still in the low to mid 60's. There are fish in the flooded trees and brush along the banks. Mostly bass and throw a spinner bait,shallow running crank bait,swim a jig or a grub and try a soft jerk bait. There is a lot of baitfish up in there too. Check back in the creeks for a little top water action. Look in some coves for suspended fish down (30-50 feet) and drop a jigging spoon. You can catch whites,stripers,bass and maybe you might even pick up a walleye.

October 29, 2009 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 10/29/2009

During the past week, we have had a seemingly never ending succession of rain events and very windy conditions. The lake levels on the White River system have risen significantly. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam rose three feet to rest at sixteen and seven tenths of a foot above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is twenty four and three tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake fell one and nine tenths of a foot to rest at one and nine tenths feet above power pool or fourteen and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. The Corps of Engineers are aggressively drawing down Table Rock and dumping the water into Bull Shoals, which is rising quickly. Beaver Lake rose five tenths of a foot to rest at six and five tenths feet above power pool or three and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had light but steady generation around the clock with slightly higher flows in the afternoon. There has been precious little wadable water. Norfork Lake rose three and five tenths of a foot to rest at eleven and eight tenths feet above power pool of 552.00 feet or sixteen and two tenths feet below the top of flood pool. There have been significant periods of no generation every day with moderate generation the rest of the day. This has created some great wading conditions.

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

The fishing in the Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam has been excellent. With the low level flows we had this week; it was difficult to navigate around all the new habitat structures recently installed by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and the Corps of Engineers. The hot flies have been brightly colored San Juan worms (cerise, hot fluorescent pink and red) and egg patterns (orange and peach). This section is scheduled to close on November 1, 2009 for the brown trout spawn. It will remain closed until January 31, 2010. The section from the bottom of this Catch and Release section downstream to the wing wall at the State park is seasonal Catch and Release for the same time period.

When we receive large rain events, like we have lately, both rivers muddy up and do not fish well. The best strategy is to head up stream until you find clear water. The Catch and Release Section below Bull Shoals Dam on the White and Quarry Park above Dry Run Creek on the Norfork are often your best bets when the water is unfishable elsewhere.

The stretch from Wildcat Shoals to Rim Shoals has fished well. The moderate flows we have received this past week have been perfect for drift fishing. The hot flies have been San Juan worms and Y2Ks. Small mayfly nymphs like pheasant tails and copper johns have also been effective.

 Rim Shoals has been red hot for another week. The go to flies have been Y2Ks and cerise San Juan worms. In the afternoon, we have been getting some good baetis (small may flies) hatches. Most of the action was with nymphs. Flashback pheasant tails and copper Johns in size 14 have been very effective. There has been limited top water action particularly against the bank. Try size 20 or 22 parachute Adams dry flies. If you encounter high water, Rim Shoals Trout Dock maintains a water taxi and will ferry you to wadable water for a nominal fee.

Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are running high and muddy. The White River below them is very off color and not fishing well.

The Norfork River has continued to receive quite a bit of pressure due to round the clock generation on the White but has still fished well. Midge patterns have been the go to flies on the lower flows. The most productive patterns were black zebra midges with silver wire and silver beads, black Norfork midges and Dan’s turkey tail emergers. Other effective flies have been olive woolly buggers and soft hackles (partridge and orange soft hackles and green butts). On the higher flows hot fluorescent pink San Juan worms and orange egg patterns have been the most effective way to fish. There are some spawning rainbows in the Catch and Release section. You should avoid fishing for them to allow them to reproduce naturally. We could use some more wild rainbows. Also avoid walking through the redds (spawning beds). They will appear as light colored depressions in the gravel.

Dry Run Creek has fished well this past week. There are some big browns that have begun moving up into the creek to spawn. The hot fly, as always, has been the sowbug. During heavy rain events, Dry Run Creek can get off color like any other stream due to siltation from run-off. The key to success in conditions like this is to use brightly colored San Juan worms (red, fluorescent pink, and cerise) and brightly colored egg patterns (yellow, orange and red).

October 27, 2009 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service - The lake level is at 469.37 and rising it is 8.34 feet above normal pool and it looks like it will get to 10 feet over pool before it is over and the temp ranges from lower 60’s to mid 60’s.

The bass a lot of them are up in the bushes and in front of the bushes and can be caught with floating worms and top water baits , spinnerbaits traps and small crankbaits, some deeper fish can be caught with football heads, flipping the bushes and throwing a frog will catch you some good fish.

Crappie are being caught in the bushes as well close to deep water on jigs and minnows , and crappie lighnts.

No-report on catfish

Walleye are in the bushes as well and can be caught with jighead worms and crawlers, when you find them some are out deeper under the whites and hybrids and some just all by their self and can be caught best with spoons.

The bream have slowed some what but will still eat crawlers but are hard to find with all the water.

The hybrids and white bass are everywhere , scattered, scattered if we can ever get any sun the bite will return red hot over night , but we need some sun to get them grouped up good, fish can still be caught on spoons, spoons will shine this time of year until spring, you can also use in-line spinners , hair jigs and swimbaits as well .

Tommy Cauley

October 26, 2009 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service

October 22, 2009 - Norfork - Submitted by 101 Grocery and Bait -by Steve Olomon of Steve's Guide Service. - With a little over 2" of rain this week the lake level is 562.5. That's up 2 1/2 ft. from last week and just 2 ft. from what the lake level was a year ago at this time. The water temperature is in the low to mid 60's. Bass are hitting spinner baits and crank baits and the deeper ones on a jig in 15-35 ft. Work a jig through brush piles too. There are some fish still coming up early. Try a soft jerk bait and a swim bait and reel the swim bait at a steady pace for best results. Keep an eye on your depth finder and when you mark fish in deeper water drop a jigging spoon.

October 22, 2009 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 10/24/2009

During the past week, we have had rain and cooler temperatures. The lake levels on the White River system have all risen significantly. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam rose four and three tenths of a foot to rest at thirteen and seven tenths of a foot above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is twenty seven and three tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake fell three and two tenths of a foot to rest at three and eight tenths feet above power pool or twelve and two tenths feet below the top of flood pool. The flood gates are open at Table Rock and they are aggressively drawing it down and dumping the water into Bull Shoals, which is rising quickly. Beaver Lake rose three tenths of a foot to rest at six feet above power pool or three and six tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had light but steady generation around the clock with slightly higher flows in the afternoon. There has been precious little wadable water. Norfork Lake rose eight tenths of a foot to rest at eight and three tenths of a foot above power pool of 552.00 feet or nineteen and seven tenths feet below the top of flood pool. There have been significant periods of no generation every day with moderate generation the rest of the day. This has created some great wading conditions.

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

The fishing in the Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam has been excellent. With the low level flows we had this week; it was difficult to navigate around all the new habitat structures recently installed by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and the Corps of Engineers. The hot flies have been brightly colored San Juan worms (cerise, hot fluorescent pink and red) and egg patterns (orange and peach). White marabou jigs accounted for some good fish.

This section is scheduled to close on November 1, 2009 for the brown trout spawn. It will remain closed until January 31, 2010. The section from the bottom of this Catch and Release section downstream to the wing wall at the State park is seasonal Catch and Release for the same time period.

The stretch from Wildcat Shoals to Cotter has fished well. The moderate flows we have received this past week have been perfect for drift fishing. The hot flies have been San Juan worms and Y2Ks. There has also been a bit of grasshopper action, especially on windy days.

 Rim Shoals has been red hot for another week. The go to flies have been Y2Ks and cerise San Juan worms. In the afternoon we have been getting some good baetis (small may flies) hatches. Most of the action was with nymphs. Flashback pheasant tails and copper Johns in size 14 have been very effective. There has been limited top water action particularly against the bank. Try size 20 or 22 parachute Adams dry flies. If you encounter high water, Rim Shoals Trout Dock maintains a water taxi and will ferry you to wadable water for a nominal fee.

Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are running high and muddy. The White River below them is very off color and not fishing well.

The Norfork River has received quite a bit of pressure due to round the clock generation on the White but has still fished well. Midge patterns have been the go to flies on the lower flows. The most productive patterns were black zebra midges with silver wire and silver beads, black Norfork midges and Dan’s turkey tail emergers. On the higher flows hot pink fluorescent pink San Juan worms and orange egg patterns have been the most effective way to fish. There are some spawning rainbows in the Catch and Release section. You should avoid fishing for them to allow them to reproduce naturally. We could use some more wild rainbows. Also avoid walking through the redds (spawning beds). They will appear as light colored depressions in the gravel.

Dry Run Creek has fished well this past week. There are some big browns that have begun moving up into the creek to spawn. The hot fly, as always, has been the sowbug. Other hot flies have been worm brown San Juan worms and egg patterns (orange). Be sure and bring a large net and a camera. When you land one of the big fish there be sure and handle it carefully. Keep it in the net until the camera is out and you are ready to take the photo. Carefully revive all fish caught and always wet your hands before handling trout.

October 22, 2009 - Norfork - Submitted by 101 Grocery and Bait - http://www.fishingwithsteve.com

October 20, 2009 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service

The Overall Picture: 

During the past week, we have had seemingly never ending rain and much cooler temperatures. The lake levels on the White River system have all risen significantly. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam rose seven and eight tenths of a foot to rest at nine and four tenths of a foot above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is thirty one and six tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake rose five and five tenths of a foot to rest at seven feet above power pool or nine feet below the top of flood pool. The flood gates are open at Table Rock and they are aggressively drawing it down and dumping the water into Bull Shoals, which is rising quickly. Beaver Lake rose five and seven tenths of a foot to rest at five and seven tenths of a foot above power pool or three and nine tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had steady generation around the clock with slightly higher flows in the afternoon. There has been precious little wadable water. Norfork Lake rose four and six tenths of a foot to rest at seven and five tenths of a foot above power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty and five tenths feet below the top of flood pool. There have been significant periods of no generation every day with moderate generation in the afternoon. This has created some great wading conditions daily.

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

The fishing in the Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam was excellent. With the low level flows we had this week; it was difficult to navigate around all the new habitat structures recently installed by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and the Corps of Engineers. When we had muddy conditions down stream following the heavy rains, this was the only clear water around and it received some significant pressure. The hot flies have been brightly colored San Juan worms (cerise, hot fluorescent pink and red) and egg patterns (orange and peach). White marabou jigs accounted for some good fish. There was also some nice top water action with Chernobyl ants.

The stretch from Wildcat Shoals to Cotter has fished well. The moderate flows we have received this past week have been perfect for drift fishing. The hot flies have been San Juan worms and Y2Ks. There has also been a bit of grasshopper action, especially on windy days.

 Rim Shoals has been red hot for another week. The go to flies have been Y2Ks and cerise Sa Juan worms. Other flies, specifically black zebra midges with silver wire and silver beads and small pheasant tails accounted for some good fish. The water has been stained and 5X tippet has been the tippet of choice. If you encounter high water, Rim Shoals Trout Dock maintains a water taxi and will ferry you to wadable water for a nominal fee.

Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are running high and muddy. The White River below them is very off color and not fishing well.

The Norfork River has received quite a bit of pressure due to round the clock generation on the White. The lower flows fished well with midge patterns. The hot flies were black zebra midges with silver wire and silver beads, black Norfork midges and Dan’s turkey tail emergers. On the higher flows hot pink fluorescent pink San Juan worms and orange egg patterns have been the most effective way to fish. There are some spawning rainbows in the Catch and Release section. You should avoid fishing for them to allow them to reproduce naturally. We could use some more wild rainbows. Also avoid walking through the redds (spawning beds). They will appear as light colored depressions in the gravel.

Dry Run Creek has fished well this past week. There are some big browns that have begun moving up into the creek to spawn. The hot fly, as always, has been the sowbug. Other hot flies have been worm brown San Juan worms and egg patterns (orange). Be sure and bring a large net and a camera. While you are there be sure take a tour of the adjacent National Fish Hatchery with your child. It is interesting and informative. Be sure and remove your waders before entering the hatchery grounds to prevent the spread of aquatic diseases from other streams.

October 13, 2009 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service - The lake level is at 463.43 and rising and will continue to do so for at least a week the way it is looking with all the rain fall we have has as the south fork and middle fork have came up quite a bit and the temp is in the high 60’s to low 70;s all over the lake.

The hybrids and white bass are real scattered and chasing shad, with the wind not blowing much and all the rain fall and clouds you can expect slow action until the sun will shine for a few days and the lake gets stable or at any time they could come up schooling or at any place, just wait the weather out or looking for schooling fish , if you can find some bait just stay over them and the least little breeze they will fed for s short period through the day , use spoons and in-line spinners and bucktail jigs or grubs.

The bass bite is a little off as well , try spinnerbaits and crankbaits up shallow as well as traps and the deeper fish on points try football heads or c-rigged cinkos.

No-report on catfish

No report on crappie

Bream are still biting up shallow on crickets and crawlers.

Walleye are fair on spoons and in-line spinners in 35 to 45 feet of water, as the rain has driven the shad deeper.

Tommy Cauley

October 13, 2009 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service - The Overall Picture: 

October 7, 2009 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service - The water level at greers ferry is at 461.58 and was falling , but will be back on the rise with the rain we have had.

The hybrid and white bass are still eating like crazy and will continue to be good until January, a fish just about every drop if you can stay over the top of them, try in-line spinners, ahir jigs as well as jigging spoons.

Crappie are being caught over brushpiles and in the standing pole timber pretty well , and rumor has it that some are in the buckbrush eating as well try minnows and or minnows with jigs.

Bass fishing has been kinda off with the cold fronts and water moving up and down but should get better by the weekend when the the rain is gone and the water temp settles at about 70 degrees, and spinnerbaits ,traps and small crankbaits will work shallow as well as flukes, and the deeper fish c-rigged lizards and cinko’s as well as football heads.

The walleye bite has been off , but a few still coming in under the hybrids.

No report on catfish.

Bream are eating crickets and crawlers good up in the shallows

October 6, 2009 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service -

The Overall Picture: 

October 4, 2009 - Norfork - Submitted by 101 Grocery and Bait - Norfork Lake Fishing Report by Steve Olomon of Steve's Guide Service. The lake level dropped this week to 555.7 along with the water temperature into the low 70's. The top water bite is still on and the bite is better when the wind is blowing less than 5 mph. This past week we caught bass,hybrids,whites and stripers on jigging spoons suspended down 40 feet. Bass were also hitting a lipless crank bait out off points.There are a lot of baitfish back in the creeks. Keep a rod on deck with a top water bait tied on. Till next week Good Fishing!!!!!!!!!!!

October 1, 2009 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 10/01/2009

During the past week, we have had cool temperatures, windy conditions and no rain. The lake levels on the White River system have risen a bit. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam rose two tenths of a foot to rest at five and four tenths of a foot above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is thirty five and six tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake held steady at two feet above power pool or fourteen feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake held steady at six tenths of a foot above power pool or nine feet below the top of flood pool. We have had steady flow of around 5,000 cubic feet per second. This level has been near perfect for floating but not so good for wading. Norfork Lake fell one tenth of a foot to rest at four and seven tenths of a foot above power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty three and three tenths feet below the top of flood pool. There has been little generation on the Norfork with plenty of wading available.

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

The fishing in the Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam has been much better this week. With the low level flows, it was difficult to navigate around all the new habitat structures recently installed by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and the Corps of Engineers. Midge patterns have been the ticket. The hot flies have been the black zebra midge with silver wire and silver bead, the red zebra midge with silver wire and silver bead and Dan’s turkey tail emerger. Hot pink fluorescent pink San Juan worms and orange egg patterns have also accounted for some nice fish.

Wildcat Shoals has hit or miss. The black zebra midges have been the go to nymph, the hot flies have been the partridge and orange soft hackle and the green butt. Dan’s turkey tail emerger and the olive woolly bugger were also effective. This is a broad shallow shoal that can provide limited wading on low levels of generation. Be very careful, as there is a lot of bedrock in this area, which can be treacherous to wade. Studded boots are highly recommended. It did not fish well on those days when it was severely stained.

The stretch from Wildcat to Cotter has fished well. There has been some good grasshopper action on sunny windy days. Use nine foot 4X leaders and carefully work the banks. Drop the fly on the water with a plop and give the fly a twitch from time to time, to initiate a vicious strike. The best patterns have been Dave’s hoppers and Rainey’s hoppers.Olive woolly buggers and Y2Ks have also been quite effective.

Rim Shoals has been red hot. The go to flies have been Y2Ks and hot fluorescent pink Sa Juan worms. Other flies, specifically black zebra midges with silver wire and silver beads and small pheasant tails accounted for some good fish. The water has been lightly stained and 5X tippet has been the tippet of choice. If you encounter high water, Rim Shoals Trout Dock maintains a water taxi and will ferry you to wadable water for a nominal fee.

Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River have cleared a bit. The cooler temperatures have moderated the water temperature. The hot flies have been Clouser minnows and crawfish patterns.

The Norfork River has fished a bit better this past week.  With no wadable water on the White it has been crowded. On low water, small midge patterns have been the ticket. Try black zebra midges, Norfork beadheads in black or olive and Dan’s turkey tail emerger. Soft hackles like the green butt and the partridge and orange have been effective. It should be noted that, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is to resurface the parking lot at the ramp at Quarry Park beginning on September 24, and ending on October 9. The ramp will be closed during this process and the area will effectively be closed to fishing. This will leave the Ackerman Access as the only access open on the Norfork River .

 There are some spawning rainbows in the Catch and Release section. You should avoid fishing for them to allow them to reproduce naturally. We could use some more wild rainbows. Also avoid walking through the redds (spawning beds). They will appear as light colored depressions in the gravel.

Dry Run Creek has fished well this past week. The hot fly, as always, has been the sowbug. Other hot flies have been worm brown San Juan worms and egg patterns (orange). Be sure and bring a large net and a camera. The habitat improvement project for Dry Run Creek has begun. If you go down there, you will see trucks or cranes operating in the stream. The fish are still there but it is important to avoid the areas under construction. This project will enhance angling opportunities for the handicapped and improve the creeks fish handling capacity.

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