Arkansas Fishing Report from Anglers - Jan.

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As of Monday 29 March, Largemouth Bass are preparing to, and building beds due to increased day time highs and reduced over night lows over the past week. The surface temperatures continue to climb into the low to mid 60's. Largemouth Bass are beginning to get more aggressive with the improved day time highs, and the bite is dramatically better this week. The aggressive activity will continue to improve over the next week to ten days, with the spawn in full gear this week and next, based on water temps we are seeing all over the lake. Females remain definitely in a prespawn condition, and 2-3 pound males are being observed building beds in flats adjacent to deeper water sanctuaries and creek channels. Crankbaits, Rat-L-Traps, jigs, and lizards have been the go to baits for Bass over the past several weeks. Best bite is occurring during mid to late day heating. Several more Bass fishermen have been out late last week, and early this week with improved weather temperatures. A few bass have been caught and released over the past two weeks between 10 and 12 pounds each!

The Details:

Largemouth Bass: Over the past week we are seeing a slow, continual recovery in bass feeding activities, with the warmer daytime highs, increased nighttime lows and a continuing warming trend of lake temperature. The best bite over the past week continues mid-day to afternoon. The past week, with warmer days have brought the delayed spawn back into full action mode. The lake level is approx 2 feet above normal pool elevation, and increased current in Little River is hazardous at times and various places. We are seeing male bass returning to roam shallow flats adjacent to primary and secondary creek channels building beds, where stumps and any remaining vegetation are located. The females continue to be in a prespawn condition and have been staging in nearby creek channels or any nearby depressions or relative depth changes, although a few females have been observed on beds at random times and places up river. A very slow moving, 3/4 size, red Rat-L-Trap, jig, or threadfin shad or crawfish patterned crankbait will randomly pull some keeper bass out of these deeper spots in the creek channels by deflecting off stumps or standing timber, but extremely slow is the most effective method. Tubes, lizards and jigs on the beds will occasionally stick one of these, but mostly not worth the efforts to spend 2 hours on a single fish.

Slow rolling heavy, 5/8 to 3/4 oz spinnerbaits (chartreuse / white or spot remover colors) or the larger size 3/4 oz Toledo Gold, Red Chrome, or Millwood Magic colored Rat-L-Traps are the best options for the stained water clarity in/around grass, along flooded creek channel swings, large cypress trees, stumps, and grass. These are taking a few males and prespawn females wanting to pull out of the creeks into the flats. The Cordell Big O or XCalibur Fat Free Shad Crank baits are still working to locate 16-20" male and prespawn females, but the key word remains VERY SLOW for a solid keeper bass bite. Jigs in black/blue/purple or Texas craw colors, and crankbaits colors remain brown craw/orange belly, Foxy Shad or Root beer Float are still a good choice for finding a few keeper size bass on cypress trees in deeper sections of the creek channels. Add rattles to your jigs for sound attraction in the off-colored or stained water clarity.

The clearest water areas available, typically up river oxbows, have warmer temperatures than main lake or down river locations. We were seeing temps as much as 67º at the surface. As far away from the current of Little River during warmer, sunny days that you can find, are when bass maybe roaming shallow, during the mid day, in warming shallow flats adjacent to deep creek channels is the best areas to search for active fish. Slow moving suspending Cordell Red Fins, and Salty Rat Tails, PMT Stix on wacky-rigs and Dead Sticking Bass Assassins Shads and trick worms, continue to work randomly for Bass, near remaining dead lily pad stems, hydrilla, and pondweed, where the vegetation is growing in close proximity to stumps. Texas rigged 6" lizards in blackberry, blue fleck, and black/blue tail are taking some bass in creek channels and cypress stumps.

The jig bite, continues to improve over the past week, around cypress trees, knees, stumps and laydowns and best reaction colors over the past several weeks continue to be Texas Craw, black/blue/purple, or pumpkinseed/ chartreuse colors. These are taking keeper size bass in the 4 to 8 lb class.

White Bass: White bass continue to congregate near points and creek mouths where intersecting w/ Little River above Highway 71 bridge, concentrating up River from the bridge. Rocket Shads, Rat-L-Traps, and crankbaits are working, but the bite was random in the oxbows of McGuire and Horseshoe. The annual migration spawn is continuing to heat up and should continue to be better throughout the week, if the warming water/weather continues throughout this week.

Crappie: are continuing to improve in the oxbows around cypress trees, with continued clearing. Nice, 2-3 pound slabs continue to congregate in the oxbows around cypress trees and being caught on black & chartreuse jigs, shiners, and Blakemore roadrunners over the past week with the warming water temps. The upriver, oxbow bite away from current, is the best location over planted brush, for the past several weeks. A few more Crappie fishermen were out over the past week, due much improved weather conditions.

Channel Cats: Channel Cats continue to bite well in the increased current of Little River. Blues and Channel cats are biting good, best on cut shad, Charlie and chicken livers, by either anchoring and tight-lining, or trot-lines, along Little River between Jack's Isle and Mud Lake or on yo-yo's hung from cypress trees in the oxbows over 6-7 feet depths.

The lake level is 554.5 and the water temperature is still in the upper 40's to low 50's. We are expecting some warmer weather this week which will bring the water temp up and the fishing will be getting better. Bass are hitting jerk baits and swim baits. The night bite is picking up throwing stick baits. Till next week Good Fishing!!!!!!!!!

March 25, 2010 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 3/25/2010

During the past week, we have had two significant rain events and very heavy winds (to include lake wind advisories) which have caused all of the lakes in the White river system to rise. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam rose two and four tenths of a foot to rest at two feet above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is thirty nine feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake rose one and six tenths of a foot to rest at two feet above power pool or fourteen feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake rose one and six tenths of a foot to rest at one and three tenths of a foot above power pool or eight and three tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had a long period of no generation followed by a period of heavy generation. Norfork Lake rose one and five tenths of a foot to rest at one and four tenths of a foot below power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty six and six tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had a long period of no generation followed by a period of moderate generation. All of the lakes on the White River system are now above power pool. The Corps of Engineers is aggressively drawing down the lakes and we should return to wadable conditions in a week or two providing we receive no further rain.

There were significant changes to trout fishing regulations effective January 1, 2010. The Catch and Release section on the Norfork River will be increased from it current size of 1.1 miles to a new total of approximately two miles. The new upper boundary will be the bottom of long hole and the new lower limit will be the Ackerman access. The new regulations will also allow for multiple hook points in Catch and Release sections on the White and Norfork Rivers . Up to three treble hooks will be allowed. All hook points must be barbless. Of interest to fly fishers, is that the new regulations will allow the use of droppers, multiple fly rigs and articulated multiple hook streamers.

The Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam, which was closed from November 1, 2009 through January 31, 2010 for the brown trout spawn, has now reopened. Remember that there are numerous spawning beds (redds) containing freshly laid and fertilized eggs. Please avoid dragging chains through these areas. Now that we have some wadable water, avoid walking through them. The redds will appear as clean depressions in the gravel.

On the higher flows we received later in the week, the key to success was to fish brightly colored San Juan worms (cerise, hot fluorescent pink and red) and egg patterns (peach and orange). On water this high, you must use long leader/tippet combinations (fourteen feet) and a lot of lead. You must tick the bottom. Use a large strike indicator and 4X tippet. The most productive area for this technique has been the Catch and Release Section below Bull Shoals Dam.

The hot spot has been Roundhouse Shoals in Cotter. There was some great top water action on prolific caddis hatches, on the lower flows. The rhyacophylia caddis is our best hatch of the year. They are plentiful and begin as a righteous size fourteen. Later in the hatch they will decrease to sixteen and then eighteen. The most effective flies are a green elk hair caddis to imitate the adult, a fluttering caddis for the pupa and a green butt for the emerging insect. Fish the fluttering caddis before the hatch and the green butt when you see fish keying in on the top but you see no insects. When you observe fish keying in on hatching insects, switch to the elk hair caddis.

Another hot spot has been Rim Shoals. On the low water, it was very productive to fish caddis pupa and green butt soft hackles. There were some pretty nice caddis hatches in the afternoon. On the high flows you can obtain the services of the water taxi at Rim Shoals Trout Dock. For a nominal fee they will ferry you to wadable water and pick you up when you are finished.

The Norfork received low water last week. On the low flows, the hot flies were olive scuds, sowbugs and black zebra midges with silver wire and silver beads. We have been getting some nice midge hatches every afternoon and anglers have reported success with small hare’s ear soft hackles (size sixteen) and Dan’s turkey tail emerger. Be on the lookout for caddis. On the high flows, brightly colored San Juan worms (red, cerise and hot fluorescent pink) and egg patterns (peach and orange) have been the go to flies.

Dry Run Creek has fished well. There was a lot of pressure last week from anglers visiting last weeks Sowbug Roundup. The hot fly has been sow bugs in size fourteen. Worm brown San Juan worms and egg patterns have also done well. There is precious little casting room down on the creek. The most effective technique is to high stick nymphs in deep fast water. Use at least 4X tippet, so that your youngster has a good chance of landing the bigger fish. Take a large net.

The water level on the Spring River is high and the water is stained from the recent rains. Be sure and wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot flies have been olive woolly buggers, cerise San Juan worms and pheasant tail nymphs.

March 24, 2010- Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service - The water level at greers ferry is at 461.90 and falling after coming up about 1 ½ feet, the temp ranges from 52 degrees to a high of 58 in places.

The walleye are not being caught very good at all, that will change soon , as the river fish get back into the lake and put on a feed and the lake fish start to spawn. Try dragging crawlers on the bottom in 10-28 feet of water on flats and humps.

The bass fishing has picked up some but the majority of the fish are still being caught cranking and jerking hard baits a few are being caught on a jig and spinnerbait, the soft plastic bite should really pick up soon, we really need a few more warmer days .

The hybrid and white bass are doing a lot better now with some bigger females showing up in the upper river, as well as some hybrids and some hybrids are being caught again off the main lake in various place try chartreuse grubs , and small in-line spinners , the white bass spawn should be in full bloom after this next rain gets settled

The Details:

Largemouth Bass: Last week was seeing a slow, continual recovery in bass feeding activities, with the warmer daytime highs, increased nighttime lows and a continuing warming trend of lake temperature until the cold fronts slammed over this past weekend. The best bite over the past week continues mid-day to afternoon. The past weekend, with the cold fronts dropping lake temperatures, estimated spawn will be pushed back another week due to water temperature over night dropping back down into the mid 50's The lake level is slightly above normal pool elevation, we were seening male bass returning to roam shallow flats adjacent to primary and secondary creek channels, where stumps and any remaining vegetation are located in a search for bedding areas prior to the cold fronts. The females continue to be in a prespawn condition and have been staging in nearby creek channels or any nearby depressions or relative depth changes. A very slow moving, 3/4 size, red Rat-L-Trap, jig, or threadfin shad or crawfish patterned crankbait will randomly pull some keeper bass out of these deeper spots in the creek channels by deflecting off stumps or standing timber, but extremely slow is the most effective method.

Slow rolling heavy, 5/8 to 3/4 oz spinnerbaits (chartreuse / white or spot remover colors) or the larger size 3/4 oz Toledo Gold or Millwood Magic colored Rat-L-Traps are the best options for the stained water clarity in/around grass, along flooded creek channel swings, large cypress trees, stumps, and grass. These are taking a few males and prespawn females wanting to pull out of the creeks into the flats. The Cordell Big O or XCalibur Fat Free Shad Crank baits are still working to locate 16-20" male and prespawn females, but the key word remains VERY SLOW for a solid keeper bass bite. Jigs in black/blue/purple or Texas craw colors, and crankbaits colors remain brown craw/orange belly, Foxy Shad or Root beer Float are still a good choice for finding a few keeper size bass on cypress trees in deeper sections of the creek channels. Add rattles to your jigs for sound attraction in the off-colored or stained water clarity.

The clearest water areas available, typically up river oxbows, have warmer temperatures than main lake or down river locations. We were seeing temps as much as 66º prior to this past weekend cold fronts that have dropped 5-8º surface temps. As far away from the current of Little River during warmer, sunny days that you can find, are when bass maybe roaming shallow, during the mid day, in warming shallow flats adjacent to deep creek channels is the best areas to search for active fish. Slow moving suspending Cordell Red Fins, and Salty Rat Tails, PMT Stix on wacky-rigs and Dead Sticking Bass Assassins Shads continue to work randomly for Bass, near remaining dead lily pad stems, hydrilla, and pondweed, where the vegetation is growing in close proximity to stumps. Texas rigged 6" lizards in blackberry, black neon, and black/blue tail are taking some bass in creek channels and cypress stumps.

White Bass: White bass are beginning to congregate near points and creek channel dumps into Little River above Highway 71 bridge, concentrating up Little River. Rocket Shads, Rat-L-Traps, and crankbaits are working, but the bite was random in the oxbows of McGuire and Horseshoe. The annual migration spawn is about to heat up and should continue to heat up quickly, if the warming water/weather continues throughout this week.

Crappie: are continuing to improve in the oxbows around cypress trees, due to reduced lake and river flow with continued clearing. We noted nice 3 pound slabs beginning to congregate in the oxbows around cypress trees and being caught on black/chartreuse jigs and Blakemore roadrunners over the past week with the warming water temperatures. The upriver, oxbow bite away from current, is the best location over planted brush, for the past several weeks. A few more Crappie fishermen were out over the past week, due much improved weather conditions.

Channel Cats: Channel Cats continue to bite well in the remaining current of Little River. Blues and Channel cats are biting good, best on cut shad, Charlie and chicken livers, by either anchoring and tight-lining, or trot-lines, along Little River between Jack's Isle and Mud Lake or on yo-yo's hung from cypress trees in the oxbows over 10-15 feet depths.

The lake is on the rise. As of 5 p.m. Sunday the level is 552.6 and it's still raining. The water temp is in the upper 40's to the low 50's. Bass are hitting suspended jerk baits and crank baits in the creeks. Throw stick baits for the stripers and walleye. We caught a few nice largemouth and Kentucky's this week. Good Fishing!!!!!!!

March 17, 2010 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 3/17/2010

During the past week, we have had two minor rain events and very heavy winds (to include lake wind advisories). The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam dropped three tenths of a foot to rest at four tenths of a foot below power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty one and four tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake remained steady at four tenths of a foot below power pool or sixteen and four tenths of a foot below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell two tenths of a foot to rest at three tenths of a foot below power pool or nine and nine tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had fairly steady levels of low to moderate generation and a several periods of no generation. Norfork Lake fell one tenth of a foot to rest at one tenth of a foot below power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty eight and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had several windows of no generation. All of the lakes on the White River system are now below power pool. We are receiving lower levels of generation and wadable water.

The hot spot has been Wildcat Shoals. Several anglers have reported success fishing the caddis hatch. The rhyacophylia caddis is our best hatch of the year. They are plentiful and begin as a righteous size fourteen. Later in the hatch they will decrease to sixteen and then eighteen. The most effective flies are a green elk hair caddis to imitate the adult, a fluttering caddis for the pupa and a green butt for the emerging insect. Fish the fluttering caddis before the hatch and the green butt when you see fish keying in on the top but you see no insects. When you observe fish keying in on hatching insects, switch to the elk hair caddis.

Another hot spot has been Rim Shoals. We have had precious little wadable water but it fished well and produced some really fine trout. On the rare lower flows, the hot flies were black zebra midges with silver wire and silver bead and olive scuds. Red San Juan worms also accounted for some good fish. On the higher flows, the hot flies were cerise San Juan worms and Y2Ks.

Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are lower and clearer. The water temperatures (48 degrees) are too cold for the smallmouth to be active. Smallmouth are generally not active when the water temperatures fall below 55 degrees.

The Norfork has received low wadable water every day. Now that we are getting some wadable water on the White, we should see reduced pressure here. On the low flows, the hot flies were olive scuds, sowbugs and black zebra midges with silver wire and silver beads. We have been getting some nice midge hatches every afternoon and anglers have reported success with small hare’s ear soft hackles (size sixteen) and Dan’s turkey tail emerger. Be on the lookout for caddis. On the high flows, brightly colored San Juan worms (red, cerise and hot fluorescent pink) and egg patterns (peach and orange) have been the go to flies.

Dry Run Creek has fished well. The hot fly has been sow bugs in size fourteen. Worm brown San Juan worms and egg patterns have also done well. There is precious little casting room down on the creek. The most effective technique is to high stick nymphs in deep fast water. Use at least 4X tippet, so that your youngster has a good chance of landing the bigger fish. Take a large net. A small net is not up to the job on the bigger fish.

The Spring River has been fishing well. The water level is a bit lower and the water is clearer. Be sure and wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot flies have been Y2Ks, olive woolly buggers, cerise San Juan worms and cotton candy.

March 16, 2010 -Norfork - Norfork Lake Fishing Report by Steve Olomon of Steve's Guide Service.

The lake level is staying within a few tenths of normal pool at 551.85 and the water temperature is still in the mid to upper 40's. We are still behind on the water temp because of the cool weather. Nothing has changed from last week except the night bite started to pick up this week. For the fish that are hitting and you are not hooking up, try throwing a grub back in. Chances are that they are walleye that are hitting short. Good Fishing!!!!!!!!!

The Details:

Largemouth Bass: The past week has seen a slow, continual recovery in bass feeding activities, with the warmer daytime highs, increased nighttime lows and a continuing warming trend of lake temperature. The best bite over the past week is occuring mid-day to afternoon. Over the past week, with the lake level just slightly above normal pool elevation, we are seening male bass returning to roam shallow flats adjacent to primary and secondary creek channels, where stumps and any remaining vegetation are located in a search for bedding areas. The females continue to be in a prespawn condition and have been staging in nearby creek channels or any nearby depressions or relative depth changes. A very slow moving, 3/4 size, red Rat-L-Trap, jig, or threadfin shad or crawfish patterned crankbait will randomly pull some keeper bass out of these deeper spots in the creek channels by deflecting off stumps or standing timber, but extremely slow is the most effective method.

Slow rolling heavy, 5/8 to 3/4 oz spinnerbaits (chartreuse / white or spot remover colors) or the larger size 3/4 oz Toledo Gold or Millwood Magic colored Rat-L-Traps are the best options for the stained water clarity in/around grass, along flooded creek channel swings, large cypress trees, stumps, and grass. These are taking a few males and prespawn females wanting to pull out of the creeks into the flats. The Cordell Big O or XCalibur Fat Free Shad Crank baits are still working to locate 16-20" male and prespawn females, but the key word remains VERY SLOW for a solid keeper bass bite. Jigs in black/blue/purple or Texas craw colors, and crankbaits are still a good choice for finding a few keeper size bass on cypress trees in deeper sections of the creek channels. Add rattles to your jigs for sound attraction in the off-colored or stained water clarity.

The best Rat-L-Trap colors over the past week are Red Shad, Millwood Magic, or Toledo Gold. The best crankbait colors remain brown craw/orange belly, Foxy Shad or Root beer Float.

The clearest water areas available, typically up river oxbows, have warmer temperatures than main lake or down river locations. As away from the current of Little River during warmer, sunny days are when bass maybe roaming shallow, during the mid day, in warming shallow flats adjacent to deep creek channels is the best areas to search for active fish. Slow moving suspending Cordell Red Fins, and Salty Rat Tails, PMT Stix and Twitch Assassins on wacky-rigs continue to work randomly for Bass, near remaining dead lily pad stems, hydrilla, and pondweed, where the vegetation is growing in close proximity to stumps. Texas rigged 6" lizards in blackberry, black neon, and black/blue tail are taking some bass in creek channels and cypress stumps.

White Bass: White bass are beginning to congregate near points and creek channel dumps into Little River above Highway 71 bridge, concentrating up Little River. Rocket Shads, Rat-L-Traps, and crankbaits are working, but the bite was random in the oxbows of McGuire and Horseshoe. The annual migration spawn should continue to heat up quickly, if the warming water/weather continues throughout this week.

March 11, 2010 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - During the past week, we have had warmer temperatures, two rain events and heavy winds (to include lake wind advisories. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam remained steady at one tenth of a foot below power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty one and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake fell three tenths of a foot to rest at four tenths of a foot below power pool or sixteen and four tenths of a foot below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake rose one tenth of a foot to rest at one tenth of a foot below power pool or nine and seven tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had fairly steady levels of moderate generation and a few periods of no generation. Norfork Lake rose one tenth of a foot to rest at power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty eight feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had several windows of no generation. All of the lakes on the White River system are now at or below power pool. We are receiving lower levels of generation and wadable water.

The hot spot has been the section from White Hole to the Narrows . The lower flows have been perfect for drift fishing this area. The hot flies have been cerise and hot fluorescent San Juan worms. Y2Ks have also accounted for good fish.

The dry fishing season has begun. Several anglers have reported seeing caddis hatch on the White River . The rhyacophylia caddis is our best hatch of the year. They are plentiful and begin as a righteous size fourteen. Later in the hatch they will decrease to sixteen and then eighteen. The most effective flies are a green elk hair caddis to imitate the adult, a fluttering caddis for the pupa and a green butt for the emerging insect. Fish the fluttering caddis before the hatch and the green butt when you see fish keying in on the top but you see no insects. When you observe fish keying in on hatching insects, switch to the elk hair caddis.

Another hot spot has been Rim Shoals. We have had precious little wadable water but it fished well and produced some really fine trout. On the rare lower flows, the hot flies were black zebra midges with silver wire and silver bead. Red San Juan worms also accounted for some good fish. On the higher flows, the hot flies were cerise San Juan worms and Y2Ks.

Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are a bit high and off color. The water temperatures (48 degrees) are too cold for the smallmouth to be active. Smallmouth are generally not active when the water temperatures fall below 55 degrees. There were anglers that reported success fishing for trout in the mouth of Crooked Creek. The hot flies were olive woolly buggers.

The Norfork has received low wadable water every day. It was the only wadable water around and got a bit crowded at times, particularly on the weekends. Now that we are getting some wadable water on the White, we should see reduced pressure here. On the low flows, the hot flies were olive scuds, sowbugs and black zebra midges with silver wire and silver beads. We have been getting some nice midge hatches every afternoon and anglers have reported success with small hare’s ear soft hackles (size sixteen) and Dan’s turkey tail emerger. On the high flows, brightly colored San Juan worms (red, cerise and hot fluorescent pink) and egg patterns (peach and orange) have been the go to flies. Long leader tippet combinations and heavy weight have been the secret to success. Work the banks and submerged weed beds. Be on the lookout for caddis.

Dry Run Creek has fished well. The hot fly has been sow bugs in size fourteen. Worm brown San Juan worms and egg patterns have also done well. The new boardwalk is scheduled to open on Saturday, March 13. This is the major project of the Friends of the National Fish Hatchery and was done in conjunction with bank stabilization and habitat improvements. Stop by and see what the excitement is all about. I think you will be impressed.

The Spring River has been fishing well. The water level is still a bit high and off color. This makes for challenging wading. Be sure and wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot flies have been Y2Ks, olive woolly buggers, cerise San Juan worms and cotton candy.

March 9, 2010 -Norfork - Norfork Lake Fishing Report by Tim Partin 101 Grocery and Bait.

03/08/10 Norfork Lake is looking good with a water level around 552 MSL and the surface water temperature varies from 43-47 degrees. The walleye and stripers are moving into the creeks so get ready they will start hitting stick baits any time now. The bass are mostly suspended. The crappie are hitting light as are the sunfish. There has been some white bass action around the flats and in the main lake area. Catfish are being caught using live bait and jigging spoons. Fishing Norfork Lake is always good and as the water begins to warm up it will only get better. With the past years awesome spawns on Norfork Lake it IS the only place to be this spring and summer for fishing and fun. FYI if you have not already done so now it the time to get your reservations at your favorite resort and book your guide now they are filling up. Have Fun Go Fishin

March 9, 2010- Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service - The lake level is at 461.35 and has risen from 461.33 since last night. And the tem ranges from 50 degrees to a cool 44 degrees and rising.

The walleye are biting some what, but what I have seen are in poor condition for some reason, not many have been caught up river any where or entered into the tournament. We are about 3 weeks behind in our fishes getting set up right is probably the problem, but with the warm rain and all the warm weather that will change over night, for sure.

The croppy fishing is good in pole timber with fish expended and 20 feet of water over 60 feet of water using minnows and jigs and or brush piles can be productive and the same water dept with in a week they will make a run to the bank and can be caught out of bushes.

The bass fishing is good using jerk baits and crank baits try wiggle warts and flat shad’s, rogues and lucky craft and any new jerk variety will work well you just have to be patient. And only throw it out and jerk it every 20 seconds, and your catch will double. Try these fish on Main lake points, secondary points, and in the guts of creeks and pockets. For the deeper fish, try dragging a football head or Carolina rig, throw in swim bait and crank bait will work at certain times, but the top secret is to throw and drag or grub through the trees. Throw it out and let it sink 40 feet and reel it back real slow.

The white bass in hybrids are on the move no telling where they will stop other than upstream, and they will be in traditional places between the main lake and there. Use jigging spoons, headline spinners, grubs, or rooster tails real slow, hair jigs and swim baits will catch them in certain conditions.

March 8, 2010 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service -As of Monday 08 March, Largemouth Bass are continuing to slowly recover from 2 weeks ago back to back cold front passages, with increased day time highs and reduced low temperatures over the last week. The lake level has slowly fallen over the past week, and fish have pulled back into creek channels and deeper water areas. Largemouth Bass are slighly more aggressive with the improved day time highs and will continue to improve over the next week to ten days. Females remain definitely in a prespawn condition, and 2-3 pound males are being observed wanting to build beds in flats adjacent to deeper water sanctuaries and creek channels. Crankbaits, Rat-L-Traps, jigs, and lizards have been the go to baits for Bass over the past week. Best bite is still occurring during mid day heating. We are seeing a few more Crappie and Bass fishermen out this past week with improved weather and surface temperatures. A nice, healthy 12 pound Largemouth Bass was caught and released over this past weekend!

As of Monday 08 March, the lake level is falling, and is now 0.95 feet above normal pool and falling, with moderate current in Little River. Drawdown has ended and Millwood is being allowed to remain above normal pool for an another couple weeks, until approx 12 March when the lake will be returned to normal conservation pool. Main lake and Little River's water surface temps are currently ranging from approx 49ºF early, to 56ºF late, depending of course, on location and time of day. Lake level on Millwood as of Monday 08 March is 260.15 feet and falling. Normal consv. pool is 259.20 feet. USACE consistently holding gates at the dam, and as of Monday 08 March, 9 tainer gates are open at 2 feet, and 4 tainer gates are open at 1 foot for a total discharge of 10,271 CFS (cubic feet/second). Tailwater levels are currently at 236.99 feet. Clarity is heavy stain to muddy on main lake and river. The oxbows are fair to moderate stain with approx 15" visibility. Millwood's next 4' drawdown is currently scheduled to begin the week following 4th of July Holiday 2010 through February 2011.

The Details:

Largemouth Bass: The past week has seen a slow, continual recovery in bass feeding activities, with the warmer daytime highs and increased nighttime lows. The best bite over the past week is occuring mid-day. Now that the lake level is just slightly above normal pool elevation, over the past couple weeks, we have seen male bass observed returning to roam shallow flats adjacent to primary and secondary creek channels, where stumps and any remaining vegetation are located in a search for bedding areas. The females are definitely in a prespawn condition and have been staging in nearby creek channels or any nearby depressions or relative depth changes. A very slow moving, 3/4 size, red Rat-L-Trap, jig, or threadfin shad crankbait will randomly pull some keeper bass out of these deeper spots in the creek channels by deflecting off stumps or standing timber, but extremely slow is the most effective method.

Slow rolling heavy spinnerbaits (chartreuse / white or spot remover colors) or the larger size 3/4 oz red or Millwood Magic colored Rat-L-Traps are the best options for the stained water clarity in/around grass, along flooded creek channel swings, large cypress trees, stumps, and grass. These are taking a few males wanting to pull out of the creeks into the flats. The larger sized 3/4-ounce Rat-L-Traps, Cordell Big O or XCalibur Fat Free Shad Crank baits are still working to locate 16-20" male and prespawn females, but the key word remains VERY SLOW for a solid keeper bass bite. Jigs in black/blue/purple or Texas craw colors, and crankbaits are still best bet for finding a few keeper size bass. Add rattles to your jigs for sound attraction in the off-colored or stained water clarity.

The best Rat-L-Trap colors over the past week are Red Shad, Millwood Magic, or Toledo Gold. The best crankbait colors remain brown craw/orange belly, Foxy Shad or Root beer Float.

The clearest water areas available, typically up river oxbows have warmer temperatures than main lake or down river locations. As away from the current of Little River during warmer, sunny days are when bass maybe roaming shallow, during the mid day, in warming shallow flats adjacent to deep creek channels is the best areas to search for active fish. Slow moving suspending Cordell Red Fins, and Salty Rat Tails, PMT Stix and Twitch Assassins on wacky-rigs are working randomly for Bass, near remaining dead lily pad stems, hydrilla, and pondweed, where the vegetation is growing in close proximity to stumps. Texas rigged 6" lizards in blackberry, black neon, and black/blue tail are taking some bass in creek channels.

Southern Pro Flipping Tubes, Magnum gitzits & flipping tubes with rattles, will draw a slow strike when working in remaining flooded grass and stumps in the deeper sections of creek channels, over the past 2 weeks. Best colors we have observed working for tubes and gitzits were pumpkinseed/chartreuse tail, black/blue tail, or black neon, during the past several weeks. **TIP: Load your tube or gitzits with loud rattles in this off colored to muddy water!!

White Bass: White bass are beginning to congregate near points and creek channel dumps into Little River above Highway 71 bridge, concentrating up Little River. Rocket Shads, Rat-L-Traps, and crankbaits are working, but the bite was random in the oxbows of McGuire and Horseshoe. The annual migration spawn should continue to heat up quickly, if the warming water/weather continues throughout this week.

Crappie: are improved to good primarily due to reduced lake and river flow, reaching slightly above normal pool and reduced current in Little River. We noted nice 3 pound slabs beginning to congregate in the oxbows around cypress trees and being caught on black/chartreuse jigs and Blakemore roadrunners over the past week with the warming water temperatures. The upriver, oxbow bite away from current, is the best location over planted brush, for the past several weeks. A few more Crappie fishermen were out over the past week, due much improved weather conditions.

March 7, 2010 -Norfork - Norfork Lake Fishing Report by Steve Olomon of Steve's Guide Service.

The lake level has finally got back to normal. The lake is at 551.9 and the water temperature is in the mid to upper 40's. The water temp is colder than it was last year at this time. The temp was in the low to mid 50's. Bass are hitting crankbaits, jerkbaits and jigs. Try jerkbaits and swimbaits for the stripers. The night bite should start at anytime. Don't forget to have a rod with a jigging spoon ready for when you mark suspended fish. Good Fishing!!!!!!!!!!!

March 4, 2010 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 3/06/2010

During the past week, we have had warmer temperatures and no precipitation. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell two tenths of a foot to rest at one tenth of a foot below power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty one and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake fell nine 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 three tenths of a foot to rest at two tenths of a foot below power pool or nine and eight tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had fairly steady levels of moderate generation and a few periods of no generation. Norfork Lake fell one tenth of a foot to rest at one tenth of a foot below power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty eight and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had several windows of no generation. All of the lakes on the White River system are now below power pool. We have received lower levels of generation and wadable water. It is time to go fishing!

The hot spot has been the Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam. Warmer temperatures and reduced levels of generation have pretty much brought the shad kill to a close. The trout will still key on shad patterns, however. On the lower levels the hot flies have been midges (various colors of zebra midges) and Dan’s turkey tail emergers. On higher flows the best bet has been brightly colored San Juan worms (red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise) and egg patterns (peach and orange).

The flows we have received this past week on the White River have fished well. One hot spot was Wildcat Shoals. On the higher flows the most productive flies have been Y2Ks, brightly colored San Juan worms (cerise, hot fluorescent pink and red) and egg patterns (peach and orange). On the lower flows the hot flies have been olive woolly buggers, partridge and orange soft hackles and black zebra midges with silver wire and silver bead.

Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are running fairly clear. The water temperatures (48 degrees) are too cold for the smallmouth to be active. Smallmouth are generally not active when the water temperatures fall below 55 degrees. There were anglers that reported success fishing for trout in the mouth of Crooked Creek. The hot flies were olive woolly buggers.

Anglers fishing the Norfork last Tuesday reported extremely muddy conditions below Otter Creek. At this time, it appears that construction in the area caused a significant amount of soil to be dumped into Otter Creek. On Wednesday the river was clear.

Dry Run Creek has fished well. The hot fly has been sow bugs in size fourteen. Worm brown San Juan worms and egg patterns have also done well. The recent stream improvements made by the Friends of the Norfork Fish Hatchery have had a positive effect on fishing on Dry Run Creek. If you haven’t seen the creek lately, you should go by and check it out.

March 3, 2010- Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service - The lake level is at 461.84 and falling g the temp ranges from 41.3-46.2 degrees

The hybrid and white bass fishing is good around shad at different times during the day and some big ones can be caught right now with spoons right on the bottom and not more than 1 inch above that ,mark your spoons to look like thread fin shad, and in-line spinners are working as well in 38-68 feet of water ,reel them real fast back up .

Walleye , a few males are biting up river right now , and bigger females have backed down some -------------------the bite llloks better for later in the week , try jighead minnows and crankbaits for the best bite on line weights.

The crappie have gotten fired up with the sun over their heads-in 15-20 feet of water on jigs and minnows, in trees or over brush piles.

Bream that are floating will eat crickets and crawlers , out of the cricket rockets, give them a try

Catfish are biting well but they are only in certain places in the water column.

Bass fishing is good with warts and flat sided cranks as well as jerkbaits, try them on points and in guts.

March 1, 2010 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service -As of Monday 01 March, Largemouth Bass are slowly recovering from last week's back to back cold front passages, with increased day time highs and reduced low temperatures over the last week. Combined with the lake level rise over the past 2 weeks, fish continue pushing into creek channels and oxbows clearer water areas. Largemouth Bass are slighly more aggressive with the improved day time highs and will continue to improve over the next week to ten days. Females are definitely in a prespawn condition, and 2-3 pound males are being observed wanting to build beds in flats adjacent to deeper water sanctuaries and creek channels. Crankbaits, Rat-L-Traps, tubes and jigs have been the go to baits for Bass over the past week. Best bite is still occurring during mid day heating. We are seeing a few more Crappie and Bass fishermen out this past week with improved weather and surface temperatures.

As of Monday 01 March, the lake level is rising, and is now 2.92 feet above normal pool and rising, with moderate current in Little River. Drawdown has ended and Millwood is being allowed to remain 2+ feet above normal pool for an another couple weeks, until approx 12 March when the lake will be returned to normal conservation pool. The next 4' drawdown is scheduled for mid-July according to USACE. Main lake and Little River's water surface temps are currently ranging from approx 46ºF early, to 50ºF late, depending of course, on location and time of day. Lake level on Millwood as of Monday 01 March is 262.12 feet and rising. Normal consv. pool is 259.20 feet. USACE consistently holding gates at the dam, and as of Monday 01 March, 9 tainer gates are open at 2 feet, and 4 tainer gates are open at 1 foot for a total discharge of 10,271 CFS (cubic feet/second). Clarity is moderate stain main lake and oxbows to muddy in the current of Little River. Millwood's next 4' drawdown is currently scheduled to begin the week following 4th of July Holiday 2010 through February 2011.

The Details:

Largemouth Bass: The past week has seen a slow recovery in bass feeding activities, with warmer daytime highs. The best bite over the past week is occuring mid-day. Now that the lake level is above normal pool elevation, early this week male bass were observed returning to roam shallow flats adjacent to primary and secondary creek channels, where stumps and any remaining vegetation are located in a search for bedding areas. The females are definitely in a prespawn condition and have been staging in nearby creek channels or any nearby depressions or relative depth changes. A very slow moving, 3/4 size, red Rat-L-Trap, jig, or threadfin shad crankbait will randomly pull some keeper bass out of these deeper spots in the creek channels by deflecting off stumps, but extremely slow is the most effective method.

Slow rolling heavy spinnerbaits (chartreuse / white or spot remover colors) are the best options for spinnerbaits in the stained water clarity, with heavy thumping and slow rolling #7 Colorado blades, along flooded creek channel swings and stumps and grass. These are taking a few males wating to pull out of the creeks into the flats. Large 3/4-ounce Rat-L-Traps, Cordell Big O or XCalibur Fat Free Shad Crank baits are still working to locate 15-17" male bass and a few prespawn females, but the key word remains VERY SLOW for a solid keeper bass bite. Jigs in black/blue/purple or Texas craw colors, and crankbaits are still best bet for finding a few keeper size bass. Add rattles to your jigs for sound attraction in the off-colored or stained water clarity.

The best Rat-L-Trap colors over the past week are Red Shad, Electric Red, Toledo Gold, Sexy West. The best crankbait colors remain brown craw/orange belly, Foxy Shad or Root beer Float.

The clearest water areas available, typically up river oxbows have warmer temperatures than main lake or down river locations. As away from the current of Little River during warmer, sunny days are when bass maybe roaming shallow, during the mid day, in warming shallow flats adjacent to deep creek channels is the best areas to search for active bass with a War Eagle Spot Remover spinnerbait or Rat-L-Trap. Slow moving suspending Cordell Red Fins, and Trick Worms on wacky-rigs are working randomly for Bass, near remaining dead lily pad stems, hydrilla, and pondweed, where the vegetation is growing in close proximity to stumps. Texas rigged 6" lizards in blackberry, black neon, and black/blue tail are taking some bass in creek channels.

The jig bite, is improving during the past week, around cypress trees, knees, stumps and laydowns and best reaction colors over the past several weeks continue to be Texas Craw, black/blue/purple, or pumpkinseed/ chartreuse colors. These are taking a few keeper size bass in the 3-6 and 8 lb class.

White Bass: White bass are beginning to congregate near points and creek channel dumps into Little River above Highway 71 bridge, concentrating up Little River. Several White Bass fishermen out over the past week reported they had found several large schools of Whites with Little Cleos, Little Georges, and Rocket Shads, but the bite was inconsistent and random. The annual migration spawn should begin to happen if the warming water/weather continues throughout the next week.

Crappie: remain slow due to the muddy current in Little River pushing them deeper into planted brush and scattering into the back of some of the oxbows. The upriver, oxbow bite away from current, is the best location over planted brush, for the past several weeks. A few more Crappie fishermen were out over the past week, due much improved weather conditions, and report catching some nice prespawn Black Crappie on Blakemore roadrunners near cypress trees in the 3 pound class.

Channel Cats: Channel Cats continue to bite well and are loving all this current in Little River. Blues and Channel cats are biting good, best on cut shad, Charlie and chicken livers, by either anchoring and tight-lining, or trot-lines, along the increased current in Little River between Jack's Isle and Mud Lake or on yo-yo's hung from cypress trees in the oxbows over 10-15 feet depths.

February 25, 2010 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 2/27/2010

During the past week, we have had cold temperatures and brutal winds. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell nine tenths of a foot to rest at one tenth of a foot above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty and nine tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake rose four tenths of a foot to rest at eight tenths of a foot above power pool or fifteen and two tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell one and one tenth of a foot to rest at one tenth of a foot above power pool or nine and three tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had fairly steady levels of moderate generation. Norfork Lake fell six tenths of a foot to rest at power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty eight feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had several windows of no generation. All of the lakes on the White River system are at or near power pool. We should see lower levels of generation or the possibility of wadable water in the next week. This is still contingent on no further significant precipitation.

The Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam, which was closed from November 1, 2009 through January 31, 2010 for the brown trout spawn, has now reopened. Remember that there are numerous spawning beds (redds) containing freshly laid and fertilized eggs. Please avoid dragging chains through these areas. The redds will appear as clean depressions in the gravel.

The hot spot has been the Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam. Though we have had brutally cold temperatures and high levels of generation, the perfect conditions for creating a shad kill, there have not been any shad coming through. There may be shad coming through at night. The trout in the upper river are still responding to shad patterns but there is certainly no feeding frenzy taking place. As long as the lake temperatures stay in their present range (around 41 degrees), we may see some more shad come through.

Some anglers have reported success from fishing streamers. Concentrate on banging the bank or any heavy structure where fish can escape the current. Your best bet would be to use large articulated streamers like the zoo cougar or leg spreader 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.

The moderate flows we have received this past week on the White River have fished well. One hot spot was Rim Shoals, particularly the lower section. The most productive flows have been Y2Ks, brightly colored San Juan worms (cerise, hot fluorescent pink and red) and egg patterns (peach and orange). If you want to wade in the flows we have been receiving, remember that Rim Shoals Trout Dock has a river taxi service that will ferry you to wadable water and pick you up for a nominal fee.

The Norfork has received some low water. On the low flows, the hot flies were olive scuds, sowbugs and black zebra midges with silver wire and silver beads. Other anglers reported success with partridge and orange soft hackles and olive woolly buggers. On the high flows, brightly colored San Juan worms (red, cerise and hot fluorescent pink) and egg patterns (peach and orange) have been the go to flies. Long leader tippet combinations and heavy weight have been the secret to success. Work the banks and submerged weed beds. Be on the lookout for a shad kill.

Dry Run Creek has fished well. The hot fly has been sow bugs in size fourteen. Worm brown San Juan worms and egg patterns have also done well. We have had some warm afternoons that have been perfect for fishing the creek. The newly passed fishing regulations allow the use of multiple fly rigs. Concentrate on the deeper water with a bit of current. Be sure and carry the biggest net that you can lay your hands on. The fish here are huge.

The Details:

Largemouth Bass: The past several days have seen a slow-down in bass feeding activities, with cold fronts and winter precipitation. The best bite over the past few weeks began shifting to mid-day. Now that the lake level is above normal pool elevation, last week the male bass were beginning to roam shallow flats adjacent to primary and secondary creek channels, where stumps and any remaining vegetation are located. The female prespawners were staging in nearby creek channels or any nearby depressions or relative depth changes. Then, back to back cold fronts slammed the lake this week with freezing precipitation which have resulted in the shallow roaming males and cruising females to pull back out into the deeper areas of the creek channels proper. A very slow moving Red Rat-L-Trap or threadfin shad crankbait will randomly pull some keeper bass out of these deeper spots in the creek channels by deflecting off stumps, but extremely slow is the most effective method.

Slow rolling heavy spinnerbaits (chartreuse / white or spot remover colors) are the best options for spinnerbaits in the stained water clarity, with heavy thumping and slow rolling #7 Colorado blades, along flooded creek channel swings and stumps. These are taking a few males still wanting to pull out of the creeks into the flats. Large 3/4-ounce Rat-L-Traps, Cordell Big O or XCalibur Fat Free Shad Crank baits are still working to locate 15-17" male bass and a few prespawn females, but the key word remains VERY SLOW for a solid keeper bass bite. Carolina Rig bite died over the past week. Crankbaits are still best bet for finding a few keeper size bass, but are slow over the past week with the reduction in water temps of 8 degrees or more.

The best Rat-L-Trap colors over the past week are Red Shad, Toledo Gold, Sexy West and best crankbait colors remain brown craw/orange belly, Foxy Shad or Root beer Float.

The clearest water areas available, typically up river oxbows, away from the current of Little River during warmer, sunny days when bass maybe roaming shallow, during the mid day, in warming shallow flats adjacent to deep creek channels is the best areas to search for active bass with a War Eagle Spot Remover spinnerbait. Slow moving suspending Rouges or Cordell Red Fins, are working randomly for Bass, near remaining dead lily pad stems, hydrilla, and pondweed, where the vegetation is growing in close proximity to stumps.

The jig bite, is slow to fair over the past week at best, around cypress trees, knees, stumps and laydowns and best reaction colors over the past 3 weeks continue to be Texas Craw, black/blue, or pumpkinseed/ chartreuse colors. These are taking a few keeper size bass in the 3-4 lb class.

White Bass: White bass are scattered but should begin annual, migratory spring spawning runs, and concentrating up Little River in the next few weeks.

Crappie: are slow, and the muddy current in Little River has pushed them deeper into planted brush. The upriver, oxbow bite along Little River away from current, for Crappie, is the best location over planted brush, for the past several weeks. Not many Crappie fishermen were out over the past week, due to winter weather conditions.

Channel Cats: Channel Cats continue to bite well and are loving all this recent increase of current in Little River. Blues and Channel cats are biting good, best on cut shad, Charlie and chicken livers, by either anchoring and tight-lining, or trot-lines, along the increased current in Little River between Jack's Isle and Mud Lake or on yo-yo's hung from cypress trees in the oxbows over 10-15 feet depths.
Mike

February 18, 2010 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 2/18/2010

During the past week, we have had brutally cold temperatures and a minor snow event. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell one and five tenths of a foot to rest at one foot above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake fell a foot to rest at four tenths of a foot above power pool or fifteen and six tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake remained steady at one and two tenths of a foot above power pool or eight and four tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had fairly steady levels of heavy generation. Norfork Lake fell two tenths of a foot to rest at six tenths of a foot above power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty seven and four tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had several windows of no generation at night. All of the lakes on the White River system are now near power pool. We could see lower levels of generation or the possibility of wadable water in the next week. This is still contingent on no further significant precipitation.

The Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam, which was closed from November 1, 2009 through January 31, 2010 for the brown trout spawn, has now reopened. Remember that there are numerous spawning beds (redds) containing freshly laid and fertilized eggs. Please avoid dragging chains through these areas. The redds will appear as clean depressions in the gravel.

There was an incident this week where an angler was dragging a chain in this area; at the time the Corps of Engineers were running seven generators (way too much water for an angler to use a drag chain). The chain got entangled in some of the newly installed fish habitat. The boat stopped abruptly and the angler was thrown from the boat. Luckily he was promptly rescued by a guide working nearby (Ron Yarbrough).

The hot spot has been the Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam. There have been some shad coming through. Brutally cold temperatures and high levels of generation are the perfect conditions for creating a shad kill. This generally occurs when the water temperature on the lake is forty two degrees or lower. Threadfin shad are drawn through the dam turbines and create a feeding frenzy in the river below. Be on the lookout for gulls feeding on the shad below the dam. The most effective flies will be white shad patterns. Be sure and have both floating and sinking versions. The hot fly during the past week has been a white marabou jig. The shad have been trickling through a few at a time. This is the best scenario for anglers. If a lot of shad come through at once, the trout gorge on them and quit feeding.

Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are running fairly clear. The water temperatures are too cold for the smallmouth to be active.

The Norfork has received some low water, but it occurred at night. On the high flows, brightly colored San Juan worms (red, cerise and hot fluorescent pink) and egg patterns (peach and orange) have been the go to flies. Long leader tippet combinations and heavy weight have been the secret to success. Work the banks and submerged weed beds. Be on the lookout for a shad kill.

Dry Run Creek has fished well. The hot fly has been sow bugs in size fourteen. Worm brown San Juan worms and egg patterns have also done well. We have had some warm afternoons that have been perfect for fishing the creek. The best technique is to high stick nymphs in heavy deep water. There is precious little room to cast. It is best to use heavy tippet, at least 4X. The newly passed fishing regulations allow the use of multiple fly rigs. This may not be a good idea here, as it will just be easier for young anglers to hook you or themselves.

Navigation conditions in Little River are cautioned due to above normal elevation with moderate current. 4 Foot Drawdown has ended. Exercise common sense and caution during navigation due to increased current!

The Details:

Largemouth Bass: The past week has seen a slight improvement bass feeding activities, with milder mid day highs, and a slight increase in the lake clarity. The best bite over the past few weeks began shifting to mid-day. Now that the lake level is above normal pool elevation, the bass are being pushed into creek channels, and will be concentrated at creek mouth junctions, creek channels, and with increase in day time high temperatures, begin roaming normally shallow flats adjacent to creek channel swings where stumps and any remaining vegetation, are located.

The best bass bite over the past few weeks continues to be a reaction bite on slow moving crankbaits, Rouges and suspending hard jerk baits, or slow rolling heavy spinnerbaits. Slow moving, large 3/4-ounce Rat-L-Traps, Cordell Big O or XCalibur Fat Free Shad Crank baits are still working to locate 15-17" class bass, but the key word remains VERY SLOW for a solid keeper bass bite. Carolina Rigs were improving along the washouts and creek channel mouths intersecting with Little River and taking some keeper sized bass from 16-19". Since the lake level has risen to above normal levels, bass are again relating to the creek junctions, creek mouths, creek channels, and points along the river. Crankbaits are still best bet for finding a few keeper size bass, and are improved over the past week with the lake level rise.

The best Rat-L-Trap or crankbait colors over the past week with the muddy conditions, continue to be red coach dog, red chrome, Millwood Magic, brown craw/orange belly, or white and citrus shad.

Slow rolling, 3/4 ounce heavy spinner baits (chartreuse / white or spot remover colors) are the best options for spinnerbaits in the stained water clarity, with heavy thumping and slow rolling #7 Colorado blades, along flooded creek channel swings and stumps. The clearest water areas available, typically up river oxbows, away from the current of Little River during warmer, sunny days when bass maybe roaming shallow, during the mid day, in warming shallow flats adjacent to deep creek channels is the best areas to search for active bass with a War Eagle Spot Remover spinnerbait. "Dead Sticking" soft plastic Bass Assassin Shads, or wacky-rigged Twitch Assassins and twitch worms, and slow moving suspending Rouges and hard jerk baits, continue working randomly for Bass, near remaining dead lily pad stems, hydrilla, and pondweed, continue working, where the vegetations are growing in close proximity.

Shallow to medium running depth crankbaits like the Cordell Big O, or Fat Free Shads in white shad pattern in the clearest water, and Bandit cranks in brown back/orange belly craw were taking some keeper size bass heavier stained water.

Magnum gitzits & flipping tubes like the 3-4" Southern Pro Flipping Tubes continue working in remaining flooded grass and stumps over the past week. Best colors we have observed working for tubes and gitzits were pumpkinseed/chartreuse tail, black/blue tail, or black neon, during the past week. **TIP: Load your tube or gitzits with loud rattles in this off colored to muddy water!!

Flipping stumps, cypress trees, and laydown tree trunks near deep water at creek mouths and deeper sections of creek channel swings, are the best bets with tubes or jigs. The jig bite, continues to improve on cypress trees, knees, stumps and laydowns and best reaction colors over the past 3 weeks continue to be Texas Craw, black/blue, or pumpkinseed/chartreuse colors. These are taking a few keeper size bass in the 3-4 lb class.

White Bass: White bass are scattered but should begin annual, migratory spring spawning runs, and concentrating up Little River in the next few weeks.

Crappie: are slow, and beginning a slight improvement with the increase in water clarity and reduced current in Little River. The upriver, oxbow bite along Little River away from current, for Crappie, is the best location over planted brush, for the past several weeks. A few more Crappie fishermen were out over the past week, we noticed with the improved weather conditions. Crappie were suspending in planted brush 12-16' deep and best on live shiners. A few prespawn, 3.5 pound Black Crappie were caught on Blakemore Roadrunners around base of cypress trees in 8-12 feet.

Channel Cats: Channel Cats are loving the current in Little River. Blues and Channel cats are biting good with the increased current along Little River and best on cut shad, Charlie and chicken livers, by either tight-lining, trot-lines, along the increased current in Little River between Jack's Isle and Mud Lake or on yo-yo's hung from cypress trees in the oxbows over 10-15 feet depths.

February 16, 2010- Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service - The lake level is at 463.01 and falling some what and the temp rages from 30 degrees to 42 in the main lake.

The white bass and hybrid bass are moving around some what just have to be over the right school, the ones that want to feed , it really is a timing issue , you can fish 4 hours and maybe pick up a couple out of suspended fish that are lethargetic and then get over a school that is even the least bit active and start picking some up , you need to fish slow and if you think that is slow enough slow down some more , use spoons and swim baits for the best luck.

The bass fishing is a slow grind as well, try wiggle warts, jerk baits , and slow rolling spinnerbaits as the shad die off will continue for a while and bottom baits to use are football heads , c-rigged lizards and drop shots.

The crappie are biting pretty good in 20 feet of water suspended over 60 try jigs tipped with minnows for the best results.

No report on bream but they are starting to float up are around the docks and getting active.

Walleye have been hit pretty hard with the smow and cold but with a few days of sun will begin to get active again when the temp gets back to 46 or so , try jigs tipped with minnows.

February 16 -Norfork - Norfork Lake Fishing Report by Steve Olomon of Steve's Guide Service.

The lake is about a foot above normal pool and the water temp is in the low to mid 40's. The fish are still in their winter patterns and will stay that way till the water starts to warm up. Look for fish along the bluffs and out on the ends of the bluffs and in cuts on the main lake. Bass are hitting suspended jerkbaits, crankbaits and jigs. Try swimming a grub real slow. As I have mentioned in the past keep a jigging spoon ready and when you mark fish on your depth finder drop them the spoon and start jigging it up and let it fall on a semi slack line. Good Fishing!!!!!!

February 11, 2010 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 2/11/2010

During the past week, we have had brutally cold temperatures and yet more snow. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam rose one and eight tenths of a foot to rest at two and five tenths of a foot above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is thirty eight and five tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake rose five tenths of a foot to rest at one and four tenths of a foot above power pool or fourteen and six tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake rose four tenths of a foot to arrive at one and two tenths of a foot above power pool or eight and four tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had fairly erratic levels of generation. Norfork Lake rose one foot to rest at one and six tenths of a foot above power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty six and four tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had several windows of no generation at night with one substantial window of wadable water during the day. Despite a lot of precipitation, the lake levels have only risen slightly. We have had more precipitation down stream. We could see lower levels in the next week or two, depending on further wet weather.

The Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam, which was closed from November 1, 2009 through January 31, 2010 for the brown trout spawn, has now reopened. Remember that there are numerous spawning beds (redds) containing freshly laid and fertilized eggs. Please avoid dragging chains through these areas. The redds will appear as clean depressions in the gravel.

The hot spot has been the Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam. There have been some shad coming through. Brutally cold temperatures and high levels of generation are the perfect conditions for creating a shad kill. This generally occurs when the water temperature on the lake is forty two degrees. Threadfin shad are drawn through the dam turbines and create a feeding frenzy in the river below. Be on the lookout for gulls feeding on the shad below the dam. The most effective flies will be white shad patterns. Be sure and have both floating and sinking versions. The hot fly during the past week has been a white marabou jig.

Fishing on the White in general has been excellent. Another productive section has been from White Hole to Wildcat Shoals. Use brightly colored San Juan worms (red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise) and egg patterns (red, pink and orange). Other effective patterns have been scuds, sowbugs, copper johns and various midge patterns.

Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are running fairly clear. The water temperatures are too cold for the smallmouth to be active.

The Norfork has received some low water. On the low flows the hot flies were the sowbug and the black zebra midge with silver wire and silver bead. Dan’s turkey tail emerger has also been productive on lower water. On the high flows, brightly colored San Juan worms (red, cerise and hot fluorescent pink) and egg patterns (peach and orange) have been the go to flies. Long leader tippet combinations and heavy weight have been the secret to success. Work the banks and submerged weed beds. Be on the lookout for a shad kill.

Dry Run Creek has fished well. The hot fly has been sow bugs in size fourteen. Worm brown San Juan worms and egg patterns have also done well. We have had some warm afternoons that have been perfect for fishing the creek. The recently completed bank stabilization work has made it much easier for youngsters to access. While you are there be sure and take a tour of the adjacent National Fish Hatchery. It is fascinating. Be sure and remove your waders before entering the hatchery to prevent the spread of aquatic diseases.

February 9 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service - The water level is at 463.45 and rising again , they should have it going back the other way soon, the temp is any where from 42-46 degrees.

We had 12 inches of snow and now we have had just about that much again, usually the run off from snow will kill the bass bite , but I understand over the weekend they really caught them in a bass tourney here, I am sure football heads, dropshots and c-rigs were used for some fish and maybe even spinnerbaits played a role.

The walleye are trying to eat some what and the bite will improved a bunch in the next few days , after we have just a little sun shine , try jigs tipped with minnows fished real slow or a rogue .

The whites and hybrids are still out deeper, but a couple of days of sun shine will put them on the move as well and put spawning on their mind, try swim baits and jigging spoons , in 40-60 feet of water watch for bird activity and shad on your graph.

As of Tuesday 09 February, the lake level rose again, and is now 2.05 feet above normal pool, with moderate current in Little River. Drawdown has ended and Millwood will be allowed to fill to 2 feet above normal pool for an another month, into mid-March. Main lake and Little River's water surface temps are currently ranging from approx 44ºF early, to 48ºF late, depending of course, on location and time of day. Lake level on Millwood as of Tuesday 09 February is 261.25 feet and rising. Normal consv. pool is 259.20 feet. USACE consistently holding gates at the dam, and as of Tuesday 09 February, 13 tainer gates are open at 3 feet, and 2 sluice gates are open at 6 feet for a total discharge of 8,255 CFS (cubic feet/second). Clarity is heavy stain to muddy, conditions. This week's lake level of 2.05 feet above normal lake pool has risen over the past week with the thunderstorms contributing to much inflow of additional water, and will be held at 261.2 feet, or 2 feet above normal conservation pool, for approximately 1 month.

The Details:

Largemouth Bass: The past week has seen bass sluggish in feeding activity with much colder mid day highs, and increase in the muddy clarity. The best bite over the past few weeks began shifting to mid-day. Now that the lake level is above normal pool elevation, the bass are being pushed into creek channels, and will be concentrated at creek mouth junctions, creek channels, and with increase in day time high temperatures, begin roaming normally shallow flats adjacent to creek channel swings where stumps and any remaining vegetation, are located.

The best Rat-L-Trap or crankbait colors over the past week with the muddy conditions, continue to be red coach dog, red chrome, Millwood Magic, brown craw/orange belly, or white and citrus shad.

Slow rolling, 3/4 ounce heavy spinner baits (chartreuse / white or spot remover colors) are the best options for spinnerbaits in the muddy water, with heavy thumping and slow rolling #7 Colorado blades, along flooded creek channel swings and stumps. The clearest water areas available, typically up river oxbows, away from the current of Little River during warmer, sunny days when bass maybe roaming shallow, during the mid day, in warming shallow flats adjacent to deep creek channels is the best areas to search for active bass. "Dead Sticking" soft plastic Bass Assassin Shads, or wacky-rigged Twitch Assassins and slow moving suspending Rouges and hard jerk baits, continue working randomly for Bass, near remaining dead lily pad stems, hydrilla, and pondweed, continue working, where the vegetations are growing in close proximity.

Flipping stumps, cypress trees, and laydown tree trunks near deep water at creek mouths and deeper sections of creek channel swings, are the best bets with tubes or jigs. The jig bite, continues to improve on cypress trees, knees, stumps and laydowns and best reaction colors over the past 2 weeks continue to be Texas Craw, black/blue, or pumpkinseed/chartreuse colors. These are taking a few keeper size bass in the 3-4 lb class.

White Bass: White bass are scattered and slow... Not many White Bass fishermen out.

Crappie: were beginning to improve, but the increase of muddy current in Little River has them scattered or deep suspended in brush of the main river channel. The upriver, oxbow bite along Little River away from current, for Crappie, is the best location over planted brush, for the past couple weeks. A few more Crappie fishermen were out over the past week, we noticed with the improved weather conditions. Crappie were suspending in planted brush 12-16' deep and best on live shiners. A few prespawn Crappie were caught on Blakemore Roadrunners around base of cypress trees in 8-12 feet.

February 4, 2010 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 2/06/2010

During the past week, we have had brutally cold temperatures and the remnants of a major snowfall. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell six tenths of a foot to rest at seven tenths of a foot above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty and three tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake rose three tenths of a foot to rest at nine tenths of a foot above power pool or fifteen and one tenth feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell two and three tenths of a foot to arrive at eight tenths of a foot above power pool or eight and six tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had fairly steady levels of generation around the clock. Norfork Lake fell one and four tenths feet to rest at six tenths of a foot above power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty seven and four tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had steady generation with one brief window of wadable water at night. The Corps of Engineers has maintained its aggressive drawdown of the lakes in the White River System.

All of the lakes in the White River system are currently less than a foot from power pool. We can expect some lower flows and the possibility of wadable water. As I write this, we have more precipitation coming and it is impossible to predict how this will affect lake levels.

The Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam, which was closed from November 1, 2009 through January 31, 2010 for the brown trout spawn, has now reopened. Due to bitterly cold weather conditions and high water, there were not as many anglers on hand for opening day as usual. The fishing went well. The catch was mostly rainbows. There has been some success on shad patterns but most of the trout were caught with brightly colored San Juan worms and egg patterns.

Fishing on the White in general has been excellent. The hot section has been Rim Shoals. On the steady flows, we have been receiving; use brightly colored San Juan worms (red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise) and egg patterns (red, pink and orange). Other effective patterns have been scuds, sowbugs, copper johns and various midge patterns.

When we have high flows like this, trout will seek the comfort provided by feeder creeks to escape the heavy currents. Look in the lower stretches of Jenkins Creek or Crooked Creek to locate trout.

Brutally cold temperatures and high levels of generation are the perfect conditions for creating a shad kill. This generally occurs when the water temperature on the lake is forty two degrees. Threadfin shad are drawn through the dam turbines and create a feeding frenzy in the river below. Be on the lookout for gulls feeding on the shad below the dam. The most effective flies will be white shad patterns. Be sure and have both floating and sinking versions.

Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are running clear. The water temperatures are too cold for the smallmouth to be active.

The Norfork has received steady generation. On the high flows, brightly colored San Juan worms (red, cerise and hot fluorescent pink) and egg patterns (peach and orange) have been the go to flies. Long leader tippet combinations and heavy weight have been the secret to success. Work the banks and submerged weed beds. Be on the lookout for a shad kill.

Dry Run Creek has fished well. The hot fly has been sow bugs in size fourteen. Worm brown San Juan worms and egg patterns have also done well. Work is underway on the boardwalk along the creek that is being constructed by the Friends of the National Fish Hatchery. This will enhance access, particularly for the handicapped anglers. Stop by and take a look. It is pretty terrific. My wife, Lori, and I recently visited and walked the creek. We were impressed with the bank stabilization, which was done in a way that creates a lot of new spots to fish that do not require the youngsters to wear waders.

The Details:

Largemouth Bass: The past week has seen bass slightly improved in feeding activity with unseasonably warm day time highs, in spite of the muddy water. The best bite over the past few weeks began shifting to mid-day. Now that the lake level is just slightly below pool elevation, the bass are concentrating at creek mouth junctions, creek channels, and primary points with stumps exposed, associated with sweeping bends of Little River.

The best bass bite over the past few weeks continues to be a reaction bite on crankbaits, Rouges and suspending hard jerk baits, or slow rolling heavy spinnerbaits. Slow moving, large 3/4-ounce Rat-L-Traps, Cordell Big O or XCalibur Fat Free Shad Crank baits are still working to locate 15-17" class bass, but the key word remains VERY SLOW for a solid keeper bass bite. Carolina Rigs were improving along the washouts and creek channel mouths intersecting with Little River and taking some keeper sized bass from 16-19". Since the lake level has risen slightly to just below normal level, bass are again relating to the creek junctions, creek mouths, creek channels, and points along the river. Crankbaits are still best bet for finding a few keeper size bass, and are improved over the past week with the lake level rise.

The best Rat-L-Trap or crankbait colors over the past week with the muddy conditions, are red coach dog, red chrome, Millwood Magic, brown craw/orange belly, or white and citrus shad.

Slow rolling, 3/4 ounce heavy spinner baits (chartreuse / white or spot remover colors) are the best options for spinnerbaits in the muddy water, with heavy thumping and slow rolling #7 Colorado blades, along flooded creek channel swings and stumps. The clearest water areas available, typically up river oxbows, away from the current of Little River during warmer, sunny days when bass maybe roaming shallow, during the mid day, in warming shallow flats adjacent to deep creek channels is the best areas to search for active bass. "Dead Sticking" soft plastic Bass Assassin Shads, and slow moving suspending Rouges and hard jerk baits, continue working randomly for Bass, near remaining dead lily pad stems, hydrilla, and pondweed, continue working, where the vegetations are growing in close proximity.

Flipping stumps, cypress trees, and laydown tree trunks near deep water at creek mouths and deeper sections of creek channel swings, are the best bets with tubes or jigs. The jig bite, continues to improve on cypress trees, knees, stumps and laydowns and best reaction colors over the past 2 weeks continue to be Texas Craw, black/blue, or pumpkinseed/chartreuse colors. These are taking a few keeper size bass in the 3-4 lb class.

White Bass: White bass are scattered and slow... Not many White Bass fishermen out.

Crappie: are beginning to improve, but the muddy current in Little River has them deep and out of the main river channel. The upriver, oxbow bite along Little River away from current, for Crappie, is the best location over planted brush, for the past couple weeks. A few more Crappie fishermen were out over the past week, we noticed with the improved weather conditions. Crappie were suspending in planted brush 12-16' deep and best on live shiners. A few prespawn Crappie were caught on Blakemore Roadrunners around base of cypress trees in 8-12 feet.

Channel Cats: Channel Cats are loving the current in Little River. Blues and Channel cats are biting good with the increased current along Little River and best on cut shad, Charlie and home-made dough balls, by either tight-lining, trot-lines, along the increased current in Little River between Jack's Isle and Mud Lake or on yo-yo's hung from cypress trees in the oxbows over 9-12' depths.

January 31 -Norfork - Norfork Lake Fishing Report by Steve Olomon of Steve's Guide Service.

1/31/10 The water temperature in the low to mid 40's and the lake level is 553.1. Bass are hitting suspended jerkbaits and crankbaits along the bluffs. Try throwing a grub or a jig and work it down the bluff also. Try a jigging spoon working it down the wall of the bluff or if you see fish on your depth finder drop the spoon and jig it up and down. Remember, in this cold weather if you venture out alone tell someone what part of the lake you will be fishing and what time you expect to be back.

01/25/10 Striped Bass fishing has been good these past few days using live bait with no weight. We caught some nice 15lb stripers, some largemouth bass and a nice small mouth. There was a nice 29lb striper caught on live bait using a small split shot this week also. The water level is around 554’MSL and the surface temp. ranges from 46-48 degrees. Bass fishing has been good for some. Crappie fishing has varied from day to day. Walleye fishing has been rewarding for some. There has been a little action from the white bass using jigging spoons and some catfish have been caught using live bait and jigging spoons. Fishing Norfork Lake this year is going to be outstanding. Have Fun Go Fishin.

January 28, 2010 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 1/28/2010

During the past week, we have had colder temperatures, quite a bit of precipitation and very high winds that included lake wind advisories. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam rose six tenths of a foot to rest at one and three tenths of a foot above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is thirty nine and seven tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake rose two and eight tenths feet foot to rest at six tenths feet above power pool or fifteen and four tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell two and seven tenths of a foot to arrive at three and one tenth feet above power pool or six and five tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had steady levels of generation around the clock. Norfork Lake rose one and seven tenths feet to rest at two feet above power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty six feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had steady generation and no wadable water. The Corps of Engineers has maintained its aggressive drawdown of the lakes in the White River System. As I write this, we have more precipitation coming and it is impossible to predict when the lake levels will return to power pool at this time.

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. It will open on Monday!

Fishing on the White has been excellent. The hot section has been from White Hole to Wildcat Shoals. On steady flows, we have been receiving; use brightly colored San Juan worms (red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise) and egg patterns (red, pink and orange). Other effective patterns have been scuds, sowbugs, copper johns and various midge patterns. You will need a long leader/tippet combination with a lot of lead (at least an AAA split shot placed eighteen inches from the fly). Use at least 4X tippet and a large strike indicator to float this rig. It will be difficult to cast so open up the loop to prevent tangles.

Some anglers have reported success from fishing 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 or leg spreader 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.

When we have high flows like this, trout will seek the comfort provided by feeder creeks to escape the heavy currents. Look in the lower stretches of Jenkins Creek or Crooked Creek to locate trout.

Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are running clear. The water temperatures are too cold for the smallmouth to be active.

The Norfork has received steady generation. On the high flows, brightly colored San Juan worms (red, cerise and hot fluorescent pink) and egg patterns (peach and orange) have been the go to flies. Long leader tippet combinations and heavy weight have been the secret to success. Work the banks and submerged weed beds. Be on the lookout for a shad kill.

Dry Run Creek has fished well. The hot fly has been sow bugs in size fourteen. Worm brown San Juan worms and egg patterns have also done well. Work is underway on the boardwalk along the creek that is being constructed by the Friends of the National Fish Hatchery. This will enhance access, particularly for the handicapped anglers. Stop by and take a look. It is pretty terrific. While you are there take a tour of the adjacent National Fish Hatchery. It is fascinating. Be sure and remove your waders before entering to prevent the transfer of aquatic diseases.

The Spring River has been fishing well. The water level is high and off color. This makes for challenging wading. Be sure and wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick. The hot flies have been Y2Ks, olive woolly buggers, cerise San Juan worms and cotton candy.

As of Monday 25 January, Largemouth Bass good to fair, with below normal lake level condition; and water clarity's heavy stain to muddy, conditions. Surface water temps are currently in the mid 40's to low 50's. Repeated cold fronts have scattered the Bass and Crappie and pushed into deeper water within the last several weeks. Largemouth Bass are beginning to return to more normal patterns, since that the lake has returned to normal and below, with increase in current of Little River. This week's lake level of 1.05 feet below normal lake pool has risen over the past week with the thunderstorms contributing to much inflow of additional water. This rise over the past week began pushing fish into creeks, and mouth junctions with Little River. Crankbaits, Rat-L-Traps, heavy thumping spinnerbaits, tubes and jigs have been the go to baits for Bass over the past several weeks. Best bite is occurring during mid day heating. Carolina Rigs are continuing to improve. A few more Crappie and Bass fishermen were out this past week with the unseasonably mild, day-time temperatures.

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: The past week has seen bass become more typical of winter patterns, but slightly improved with unseasonably warm day time highs, in spite of the muddy water. The best bite over the past few weeks began shifting to mid-day. Now that the lake level is returning to drawdown pool elevation, the bass are again concentrating at creek mouth junctions, primary and secondary points with stumps exposed, associated with sweeping bends of Little River.

The best bass bite over the past couple weeks continues to be a reaction bite on crankbaits, Rouges and suspending hard jerk baits, or slow rolling heavy spinnerbaits. Slow moving, large 1-ounce Rat-L-Traps, Cordell Big O or XCalibur Fat Free Shad Crank baits are still working to locate 15-17" class bass, but the trick continues to be VERY SLOW for a solid keeper bass bite. Carolina Rigs were improving along the washouts and creek channel mouths intersecting with Little River and taking some keeper sized bass from 16-19". Since the lake level has risen slightly to just below normal level, bass are again relating to the creek junctions, creek mouths, creek channels, and points along the river. The increase in current began late last week, due to recent record rainfall, and the increased current will take at least another week to 2 wks, to return to a normal routine, winter drawdown bite. Crankbaits are still best bet for finding a few keeper size bass, and are improved over the past week with the lake level rise.

The best Rat-L-Trap or crankbait colors over the past week with the muddy conditions, are red coach dog, red chrome, Millwood Magic, brown craw/orange belly, or chartreuse shad.

Slow rolling, 3/4 ounce heavy spinner baits (chartreuse and white or spot remover colors) are the best options for spinnerbaits in the muddy water, with heavy thumping and slow rolling #7 Colorado blades, along flooded creek channel swings and stumps. The clearest water areas available, typically up river oxbows, away from the current of Little River during warmer, sunny days when bass maybe roaming shallow, during the mid day, in warming shallow flats adjacent to deep creek channels is the best areas to search for active bass. "Dead Sticking" soft plastic Bass Assassin Shads, and slow moving suspending Rouges and hard jerk baits, continue working randomly for Bass, near remaining dead lily pad stems, hydrilla, and pondweed, continue working, where the vegetations are growing in close proximity.

Flipping stumps, cypress trees, and laydown tree trunks near deep water at creek mouths and deeper sections of creek channel swings, are the best bets with tubes or jigs. The jig bite, continues to improve on cypress trees, knees, stumps and laydowns and best reaction colors over the past 2 weeks continue to be Texas Craw, black/blue, or pumpkinseed/chartreuse colors. These are taking a few keeper size bass in the 3-4 lb class.

White Bass: White bass are scattered and slow... Not many White Bass fishermen out.

Channel Cats: Channel Cats are loving the increased current in Little River. Blues and Channel cats are biting good with the increased current along Little River and best on cut shad, Charlie and home-made dough balls, by either tight-lining, trot-lines, along the increased current in Little River between Jack's Isle and Mud Lake or on yo-yo's hung from cypress trees in the oxbows over 9-12' depths.

January 25 -Norfork - Blackburns resort Fishing Report has taken on a new consultant. Harvey Hall from Hard Times Crappie Guide Service joins Bink's Guide service who does not guide for crappie but catches several big ones, in an effort to give you the best Norfork Lake Fishing Report Possible. These two along with "Scuba Steve" are among the best fishermen on Norfork Lake. We all three go nearly every day and catch fish. We do not show pictures of small fish.

Norfork Lake is at 552.8 and is rising due to last night's rain and slower generation. They seem to generate less and less as we approach the 552 power pool. Water temperature was 48 degrees today and the water is not clearing as usual. Some people are reporting mainlake clear water but that is not true. My spoon disappears at about 7-ft. At my dock the depth is about 21 feet and very stained. Others are reporting live shiners are the best but I disagree. In the past three days I have caught two very large stripers and a 15-lb. one all on Bink's Spoons. Binks reports some very large bass casting the same spoon near brush. I am not doing this but am not fishing for bass. The fish are all in their winter locations but not necessarily acting like normal. Half-way back in creeks in holes, steep banks and deep channel swings are holding some very large fish. I saw some distressed shad earlier this week but do not anticipate a serious shad kill. This will make for much food available and will not make fishing easy. Anything easy is not worth doing.

January 22, 2010 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 1/22/2010

During the past week, we have had much milder temperatures and some rain. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell four and three tenths of a foot to rest at seven tenths of a foot above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is forty and three tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake rose two tenths of a foot to rest at two and eight tenths feet below power pool or eighteen and eight tenths feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell one and one tenth of a foot to arrive at five and eight tenths feet above power pool or three and eight tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had much lower levels of generation around the clock. Norfork Lake fell two feet to rest at three tenths of a foot above power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty seven and seven tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have much lower levels of generation and some wadable water. It is essentially at power pool. The Corps of Engineers has maintained its aggressive drawdown of the lakes in the White River System. With both Bull Shoals and Table Rock at or below power pool it has now begun to draw down Beaver Lake . At this time, I predict that all lakes on the White river system will be at or below power pool in one week, assuming no further rain events.

Fishing on the White has been excellent. On the lower flows (about half of last week’s flows) we have been receiving; use brightly colored San Juan worms (red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise) and egg patterns (red, pink and orange). Other effective patterns have been scuds, sowbugs, copper johns and various midge patterns. You will need a long leader/tippet combination with a lot of lead (at least an AAA split shot placed eighteen inches from the fly). Use at least 4X tippet and a large strike indicator to float this rig. It will be difficult to cast so open up the loop to prevent tangles.

When we have high flows like this, trout will seek the comfort provided by feeder creeks to escape the heavy currents. Look in the lower stretches of Jenkins Creek or Crooked Creek to locate trout.

While the temperatures we have had lately have been mild, winter is not over yet. Brutally cold temperatures and high levels of generation are the perfect conditions for creating a shad kill. This generally occurs when the water temperature on the lake is forty two degrees. Threadfin shad are drawn through the dam turbines and create a feeding frenzy in the river below. Be on the lookout for gulls feeding on the shad below the dam. The most effective flies will be white shad patterns. Be sure and have both floating and sinking versions.

Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are running clear. The water temperatures are too cold for the smallmouth to be active.

With the Norfork back at power pool, we have received much lower flows and a bit of wadable water. On low flows the hot flies were olive scuds, partridge and orange soft hackles and red San Juan worms. On the high flows, brightly colored San Juan worms (red, cerise and hot fluorescent pink) and egg patterns (peach and orange) have been the go to flies. Long leader tippet combinations and heavy weight have been the secret to success. Work the banks and submerged weed beds. Be on the lookout for a shad kill.

Dry Run Creek has fished well. The hot fly has been sow bugs in size fourteen. Worm brown San Juan worms and egg patterns have also done well. Work has begun on the boardwalk along the creek that is being constructed by the Friends of the National Fish Hatchery. This will enhance access, particularly for the handicapped anglers. Stop by and take a look. It is pretty terrific.

The Spring River has been fishing well. The water level is perfect for wading and the water has cleared substantially. The hot flies have been Y2Ks, olive woolly buggers, cerise San Juan worms and cotton candy. Be sure and wear cleated boots and carry a wading staff. There is a lot of bedrock that can get very slick.

The Details:

Largemouth Bass: The past week has seen bass become more typical of winter patterns, but slow with repeated cold fronts, increased current, and incoming muddy water. The best bite over the past few weeks began shifting to mid-day. Now that the lake level is returning to drawdown pool elevation, the bass are again concentrating at creek mouth junctions, primary and secondary points with stumps exposed, associated with sweeping bends of Little River.

The best bass bite over the past couple weeks continues to be on crankbaits, dead-sticking a Senko, and trick worms on a light wire hook for suspended bass, Rouges and suspending hard jerk baits, or slow rolling heavy spinnerbaits. Slow moving, large 1-ounce Rat-L-Traps, Cordell Big O or XCalibur Fat Free Shad Crank baits were still working to locate 15-17" class bass, but the trick is SLOW for a solid keeper bass bite. Carolina Rigs were improving along the washouts and creek channel dumps into Little River and taking some keeper sized bass from 16-19" prior to the increase of current in Little River to almost 20,000 CFS. Since the lake level has returned to slightly below normal, bass are again relating to the creek junctions, dumps, and points along the river. The increase in current began late last week, due to recent record rainfall, and the increased current will take a week to ten days to return to a normal routine, winter bite. Crankbaits are still best bet for finding a few keeper size bass, but remain fair over the past week.

The best Rat-L-Trap or crankbait colors over the past week with the muddy conditions, are red coach dog, firetiger, brown craw/orange belly, or chartreuse shad.

Slow rolling, 3/4 ounce heavy spinner baits in chartreuse and white, or spot remover are the best options for spinnerbaits in the muddy water, with heavy thumping and slow rolling #7 Colorado blades, along flooded creek channel swings and stumps. The clearest water areas available, typically up river oxbows, away from the current of Little River during warmer, sunny days when bass maybe roaming shallow, during the mid day, in warming shallow flats adjacent to deep creek channels is the best areas to search for active bass. Soft plastic Bass Assassin Shads, continue working randomly for Bass, around hydrilla, any remaining lily pad stems, and pondweed, were working, where they are growing in close proximity.

Shallow to medium running depth crankbaits like the Cordell Big O, or Fat Free Shads in the clearest water, and Bandit cranks in brown back/orange belly craw were taking some keeper size bass heavier stained water.

Magnum gitzit tubes like the 3-4" Southern Pro Fatbutt Tubes are working in remaining flooded grass and stumps over the past week now that drawdown pool is returning. Best colors we have observed working for tubes and gitzits were pumpkinseed/chartreuse tail, black/blue tail, or black neon, during the past week. **TIP: Load your tube or magnum gitzits with loud rattles in this off colored to muddy water!!

Flipping stumps, cypress trees, and laydown tree trunks near deep water at creek mouths and deeper sections of creek channel swings, are the best bets with tubes or jigs. The jig bite, continues to improve on cypress trees, knees, stumps and laydowns and best reaction colors over the past 2 weeks continue to be Texas Craw, black/blue, or pumpkinseed/chartreuse colors. These are taking a few keeper size bass in the 3-4 lb class.

White Bass: White bass are scattered and slow... Not many White Bass fishermen out.

Crappie: are all but shut down during the muddy current in Little River. Not many Crappie fishermen out over the past week.

1/17 The lake level is 552.9 and the water temperature is in the mid 40's. The lake will be at normal pool in a couple days as long as they keep running both generators. Bass are hitting suspended jerkbaits,crankbaits and jigs. Try a swim bait too. You have to work the baits slow. When you mark baitfish on your depth finder drop a jigging spoon. Try casting a jigging spoon to the bank and work it back to the boat by letting the spoon hit bottom and then jerk it up and let it fall back to the bottom. Good Fishing!!!!!!!!

1/15/10 Fishing most of the day with most of the bites were between 11:30 am & 3 pm. The stripers were holding right above the shad in 100' of water, the bait was 60' deep. We were using shad & shiners. We fished Henderson Point and the main channel in front of Henderson marina.

01/13/10 Happy New Year to everyone. Those that put old man winter in his place and go for it have been doing good catching some nice 13-15 inch crappie 3-4 pound bass 10-15 pound stripers and some nice catfish and of course walleyes in the 20-25 inch range. Live bait and jigging spoons are doing good catching fish. The water level is around 554 msl and the surface water temp is in the mid 30 degrees depending on the area of the lake you are in. Lake Norfork will once again be “The Place To Fish and have Fun in 2010” for some of the best crappie, striped bass, large and small mouth bass, spotted (Kentucky) bass, sunfish, catfish and walleye fishing around. 2010 will be another fantastic year of fishing. Lake Norfork has once again had another great spawn this past year. The water level has done wonders for the fish population in 2009. The small fish have had some great shelter for hiding in for the past 2 years in a row. With that said, I would suggest if you plan on being in on some fun Lake Norfork fishing this spring, I would begin making reservations now for my cabin and guide. March is less than 2 months away, if you would like more information just give us a call toll free at 1-866-746-5596 or click here fishnorfork.com Your going to need a bigger net. Have Fun Go Fishin.

January 14, 2010 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 1/16/2010

During the past week, we have had brutally cold conditions and high winds, which have evolved into much milder weather. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam fell four and eight tenths of a foot to rest at five feet above power pool of 654.00 feet. This is thirty six feet below the top of flood pool. Up stream, Table Rock Lake fell nine tenths of a foot to rest at three feet below power pool or nineteen feet below the top of flood pool. Beaver Lake fell three tenths of a foot to arrive at six and nine tenths feet above power pool or two and seven tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the White, we have had high levels of generation around the clock and no wadable water. Norfork Lake fell three and three tenths feet to rest at two and three tenths feet above power pool of 552.00 feet or twenty five and seven tenths feet below the top of flood pool. On the Norfork, we have had round the clock near maximum generation and no wadable water. The Corps of Engineers has maintained its aggressive drawdown of the lakes in the White River System. At this time, I predict that Norfork Lake will return to power pool in one week and Bull Shoals in two weeks.

With the brutally cold conditions we have had, boat launch ramps can ice over. Exercise extreme care when launching your boat and avoid icy ramps all together.

There will be significant changes to trout fishing regulations effective January 1, 2010. The Catch and Release section on the Norfork River will be increased from it current size of 1.1 miles to a new total of approximately two miles. The new upper boundary will be the bottom of long hole and the new lower limit will be the Ackerman access. The new regulations will also allow for multiple hook points in Catch and Release sections on the White and Norfork Rivers . Up to three treble hooks will be allowed. All hook points must be barbless. Of interest to fly fishers is that the new regulations will allow the use of droppers, multiple fly rigs and articulated multiple hook streamers.

The White has received very stead flows of approximately 22,600 cubic feet per second or the equivalent of seven full generators. The lack of fluctuation has allowed for reliable fishing.

On the higher flows we have been receiving, use brightly colored San Juan worms (red, hot fluorescent pink and cerise) and egg patterns (red, pink and orange). Other effective patterns have been scuds, sowbugs, copper johns and various midge patterns. You will need a fourteen foot leader combination with a lot of lead (at least an AAA split shot placed eighteen inches from the fly). Use at least 4X tippet and a large strike indicator to float this rig. It will be difficult to cast so open up the loop to prevent tangles.

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.

When we have high flows like this, trout will seek the comfort provided by feeder creeks to escape the heavy currents. Look in the lower stretches of Jenkins Creek or Crooked Creek to locate trout.

The brutally cold temperatures and high levels of generation we have been experiencing are the perfect conditions for creating a shad kill. This generally occurs when the water temperature on the lake is forty two degrees. Threadfin shad are drawn through the dam turbines and create a feeding frenzy in the river below. Be on the lookout for gulls feeding on the shad below the dam. The most effective flies will be white shad patterns. Be sure and have both floating and sinking versions.

Crooked Creek and the Buffalo River are running clear. The water temperatures are too cold for the smallmouth to be active.

The flows on the Norfork have held steady at approximately 6,600 cubic feet per second or the equivalent of two full generators. On the high flows we are receiving, brightly colored San Juan worms (red, cerise and hot fluorescent pink) and egg patterns (peach and orange) have been the go to flies. Long leader tippet combinations and heavy weight have been the secret to success. Work the banks and submerged weed beds. Be on the lookout for a shad kill.

Dry Run Creek has fished well. The hot fly has been sow bugs in size fourteen. Worm brown San Juan worms and egg patterns have also done well. The weather has improved a bit and now is the perfect time to take your youngster to Dry Run. Be sure and take the biggest net you can lay your hands on and don’t forget the camera. Carefully revive all trout and return them to the creek as quickly as possibly.

12/31/09 We just finished our cast & blast. We fished the Bidwell beach area & Lakehouse the first day. The stripers are holding in the shad or right above them. Set your baits at 35 to 40' and just follow the shad and channel. The fish are feeding and you may go a long ways then hit an active school. The second trip we fishing the Henderson point and Bidwell beach area doing the same thing. We hooked 12 stripers overall and landed 7. We harvested 14 pheasants and 3 quail on our hunt.

January 12 -Norfork - Bink and I just got back from Collinsville, Illinois last night . Met several old friends and made some new ones at the show. Weather was very cold. We went fishing today and had a great day. Air temperature was 48 degrees this afternoon and the surface temperature on Norfork Lake is 41. There will be some shad showing signs of stress at 40. When this happens the winter bite will be on. There are some small white bass in Blackburn's cove and some crappie on crappie rock but more under Blackburns Dock. I put my underwater camera down and fish were everywhere.

The lake level is 556 and should be about 548 this time of year. They are lowering the level about 5-in./day and the lake in general is in very good shape. It has not cleared yet due to the rapid level drop but that will not bother fishing. The water is in the buckbrush and the crappie are moving shallower already.

It is about time to get out your jig and minnow along with the Bink's Spoon. I switch back and forth. More reaction bites with the spoon. I am on the bass and crappie and will test the grub tomorrow. Get a report everyday on Scuba Steve's Blog on www.blackburnsresort.com. If you are not staying at Blackburns you are paying too much. See you in Council Bluffs, Iowa at the show at 4PM Friday the 15th of January. We will give you a first hand report.

January 12 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service - The water level at Greers Ferry lake is at 468.12 and cool water temps , it will range from low to mid 40’s, the expected 55 degree rain will help warm it back some .

The white bass and hybrids will continue to eat well if the sun is shinning and the next few days will be good after all this cold weather , the sun and wind together will make for a very good bite through out the mid-day time frame, with the clouds it will be more sporadic, and after the next real cool down it will start all over again , use spoons in 35-55 feet of water where you mark bait fish and always keep an eye out for the birds feeding as well.

The walleye are moving up lake and staging for the spawn , on bridge pilings , points and humps , creek mouths and such, kind of out of the current and will feed some rest and move on as the days get longer and the water warms and the rain run off triggers the spawn that will occur from the second week of February until mid March on the river run fish and then it will be time for the lake fish to spawn on humps points and rocky flats and rip rap banks where the river run fish are feeding from the last of March until the end of May, use big live minnows on jig heads and deep diving crank baits, walley divers , deep diving rebels and rogues , until the water reaches 60 degrees and then use crawlers on jigheads or harness rigs, on the deep diving cranks if you can not get the baits down for enough , use line weights , they work real well.

The bass are eating wiggle warts , jerk baits on points and in guts its slow, shallow fish are eating cinkos , jigs and spinner baits, for the deeper bottom fish drag football heads and c-rigged lizards.

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. Stumps will be exposed along the river, during the drawdown pool elevation. Use caution near end of boat ramps due to sediment, gravel, and shallow pool levels.

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:

The best bass bite over the past week has been on crankbaits, dead-sticking a Bass Assassin Shad jerk bait, Senkos, and trick worms on a light wire hook allowing to fall for suspended bass, or slow rolling heavy spinnerbaits. Large 1-ounce Rat-L-Traps, Cordell Big O or XCalibur Fat Free Shad Crank baits were still working to locate 15-17" class bass. Carolina Rigs were improving along the washouts and creek channel dumps into Little River and taking some keeper sized bass from 16-19" prior to the increase of current in Little River to almost 20,000 CFS. Since the lake level has returned to slightly below normal, bass are again relating to the creek junctions and dumps into the river. The increase in current began late last week, due to recent record rainfall, and the increased current will take a week to ten days to return to a normal routine, winter bite. Crankbaits are still best bet for finding a few keeper size bass, but remain fair over the past week.

The best Rat-L-Trap or crankbait colors over the past week are red coach dog, firetiger, or chartreuse shad.

Slow rolling, 3/4 ounce heavy spinner baits in chartreuse and white are the best options for spinnerbaits in the muddy water, with heavy #7 Colorado blades, along flooded creek channel swings and stumps. The clearest water areas available, typically up river oxbows, away from the current of Little River during warmer, sunny days when bass maybe roaming shallow, during the mid day, in warming shallow flats adjacent to deep creek channels is the best areas to search for active bass. Soft plastic Bass Assassin Shads, continue working randomly for Bass, around hydrilla, any remaining lily pad stems, and pondweed, were working, where they are growing in close proximity.

Flipping stumps, cypress trees, and laydown tree trunks near deep water at creek mouths and deeper sections of creek channel swings, are the best bets with tubes or jigs. The jig bite, continues to improve on cypress trees, knees, stumps and laydowns and best reaction colors over the past 2 weeks continue to be Texas Craw, black/blue, or pumpkinseed/chartreuse colors. These are taking a few keeper size bass in the 3-4 lb class.

White Bass: White bass are scattered and slow... Not many White Bass fishermen out.

Crappie: are all but shut down during the muddy current in Little River. Not many Crappie fishermen out over the past week.

January 5 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service - The water level at greers ferry is back to falling again, its 470.47 , the tem ranges from 42 up the creeks to 46 in the main lake

The hybrid and white bass can still be caught with spoons in 35-55 feet of water around shad when you find them , just work the spoon real slow they will be right on the bottom and they will just load up on it , instead of just a thump.

Walleye can still be caught with chartreuse spoons fished slow on gravel flats , close to deep water anywhere from 26 feet to 35 feet according to the day whether the sun is shinning or its cloudy.

The bass fishing has picked up with jerk baits and crank baits , use any type of jerk bait and wiggle wart crank baits are working best as well as bombers , try football heads for the bottom hugging fish or spoons as well as c-rigged lizards .

As of Monday 04 January, Largemouth Bass are random and scattered, due to excessive water pool fluctuations above and below normal level and worsened water clarity conditions. Surface water temps are currently in the upper 40's and low 50's. Repeated cold fronts have dropped the water surface temps another few degrees within the last several weeks. Largemouth Bass are scattered, beginning to return to more normal patterns now that the lake has returned to normal and below, with increase in current of Little River. Last week's level of 2.44 feet above normal conservation pool scattered fish and this week's return to normal and slightly below normal lake pool has began concentrating them again at creek mouth junctions with Little River. Crankbaits, Rat-L-Traps, spinnerbaits, and jigs have been the go to baits for Bass over the past several weeks. Best bite is occurring during mid day heating. Carolina Rigs are continuing to improve. Not many fishermen out over the past week with repeated cold fronts and freezing rain and light snow.

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

The Details:

Largemouth Bass: Over the past 2 weeks, bass have become scattered and slow with repeated cold fronts, increased current, and incoming muddy water. The best bite over the past few weeks began shifting to mid-day. Now that the lake level is returning to below normal pool, the bass are again concentrating at creek mouth junctions, with Little River.

The best bass bite over the past 2 weeks has been on crankbaits, smoke or holographic grubs rigged on white jig heads, dead-sticking a Bass Assassin Shad jerk bait, Senkos, and trick worms on a light wire hook allowing to fall for suspended bass, or slow rolling heavy spinnerbaits; but this has tapered off considerably since the cold fronts, rain and snow last week. Large 1-ounce Rat-L-Traps, Cordell Big O or XCalibur Fat Free Shad Crank baits were still working to locate 14-18" class bass. Carolina Rigs were improving along the washouts and creek channel dumps into Little River and taking some keeper sized bass from 16-19" prior to the increase of current in Little River to almost 30,000 CFS. Since the lake level has returned to slightly below normal, bass are again relating to the creek junctions and dumps into the river. The increase in current began late last week, due to recent record rainfall, and the increased current will take a week to ten days to return to a normal routine, winter bite. Crankbaits are still finding a few keeper size bass, but remain far and few between over the past week.

The best Rat-L-Trap and crankbait colors over the past week are firetiger, chartreuse shad, and chromes.

Slow rolling, 3/4 ounce heavy spinner baits in chartreuse and white are the best options for spinnerbaits in the muddy water, with heavy #7 Colorado blades, along flooded creek channel swings and stumps. The clearest water areas available, typically up river oxbows, away from the current of Little River during warmer, cloudy days when bass maybe roaming shallow, during the mid day, in warming shallow flats adjacent to deep creek channels is the best areas to search for active bass. Soft plastic Bass Assassin Shads, continue working randomly for Bass, around hydrilla, any remaining lily pad stems, and pondweed were working, where they are growing in close proximity.

Magnum gitzit tubes like the 3-4" Southern Pro Fatbutt Tubes are working in remaining flooded grass and stumps over the past week now that drawdown pool is returning. Best colors we have observed working for tubes and gitzits were black/blue tail, pumpkinseed/chartreuse tail, or black neon, during the past week.

Flipping stumps, cypress trees, and laydown tree trunks near deep water are the best bets with jigs. The jig bite, continues to improve on cypress trees, knees, stumps and laydowns and best reaction colors over the past 2 weeks continue to be Texas Craw, Black/blue, or Chestnut/Chartreuse colors. These are taking a few keeper size bass in the 3-4 lb class.

White Bass: White bass are as scattered as the Largemouths and not many White Bass fishermen out.

Crappie: which had began improving, all but shut down during the muddy current in Little River. Not many Crappie fishermen out over the past week.

Channel Cats: Channel Cats are biting very good with the increased current along Little River and best on cut shad, Charlie and home-made dough balls, by either tight-lining, trot-lines, along the increased current in Little River between Jack's Isle and Mud Lake or on yo-yo's hung from cypress trees in the oxbows over 5-9' depths.