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Arkansas Fishing Report

Submitted by Anglers Like You

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December 27, 2007 - Norfork and White River - Submitted by Mountain River Fly Shop

WHITE RIVER: Apparently the weather reports around us have been pretty ugly. In the last few weeks there have been ice storms to the east and north, snow up north the next weekend, and last night snow to the south of us. Well these are the reports we are getting, as we've stayed snow and ice free. Its been a little chilly on a couple of mornings, but if you have some decent fleece, waders, socks and a jacket the fishing has been very, very good.

Both the White and Norfork have been off for a couple of days now so there is plenty of low water available for wading.

We have been having a run on Davy Wotton's Whitetail Super Midges, particularly the red, after we kitted out a couple of fly fishers recently and they returned this week with big grins and great reports. The whitetails were greeted by some midge fishers with some raised eyebrows, given the white marabou tail is so different to what they were used to. But they flat out work!

As we mentioned the red is very good right now, try the Bloodworm Super Midge as well, but don't forget about the Black and Silver and Black and Pearl Whitetails.

Actually we like fishing red colored midges through the winter months anyway, so kit yourself out with Super Midges, re Poison Tungs, standard Red-Gold Zebras and our Red/Silver Zebra, and the red Cadion Midge.

But the regular Black and Silver Zebras have been very well received in recent weeks. Don't forget the woolly buggers and other bulky, mobile streamer patterns at this time of year. The trout are coming off the spawning beds and a big hunk of protein can be just the ticket. Black and Olive woollies, and don't just dink around with the 10s, try 4s to 8s, are always good to carry. Add in some Flash Bunny's, Tungsten Slump Busters and some Whitlock Near Nuff Sculpins to your boxes.

NORFORK: If you are a bugger fisher then you are going to be a happy chappy, or chapess, on Norfork it seems. We don't think we have seen a fly fisher who has been on Norfork without slaying them on buggers this week. Black 10s or 8s seem to be popular. But there has been a strong run on Ruby Midges and DW Super Midges as well.

Scuds and Sowbugs have also been popular and so have egg patterns. Generation has been light.

Tightlines from all at the Mountain River Fly Shop

Gary, Cindy, Jim, Kevin, Marc, Faye, Mike and Steve

December 27, 2007 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides- JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 12/27/2007

We have had several days of rain and the lake levels on the White River system have continued their rise. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam rose one tenth of a foot to rest at three and five tenths of a foot below power pool at 654.00 feet. Up stream, Table Rock Lake rose two tenths of a foot to settle at four and six tenths feet below power pool. Beaver Lake has risen one tenth of a foot to rest at seven feet below pool. There has been virtually no generation on the White for a week. This has severely hampered boat navigation but has created excellent wading conditions on the White River . We had a few windy days where there were lake wind advisories. Norfork Lake has risen five tenths of a foot to rest four and seven tenths feet below power pool of 552.00 feet. The pattern on the Norfolk has been for no discernable generation all week. This has created excellent wading conditions. The forecast is for cooler weather with the possibility of precipitation. With the existing conditions, we should have wadable water on both rivers.

With the low water, the fishing on the White River has been excellent. There have been precious few anglers and the ones that have shown up have had the river to themselves. Wildcat Shoals has been fishing very well. The deeper holes have produced some good fish with zebra midges in black with silver wire and silver bead and in brown with copper wire and copper bead. The slower water below the riffles has been a great place to fish soft hackles. The most productive soft hackles have been partridge and orange, green butts, and hares ear soft hackles.

Round house Shoals has fished very well. The water is so low that the back of the island has fished a bit slow but the front of the island has fished quite well. Beware of the bedrock bottom. It is very slick and studded boots are highly recommended. The deeper water has been a great place to nymph with Y2Ks, olive scuds and zebra midges. Soft hackles have also worked well here, particularly the partridge and orange and the green butt.

Rim Shoals has been a hot spot. There have been some really nice trout caught there recently. The deeper holes have fished well. The hot nymphs have been zebra midges, Y2Ks, olive scuds, egg patterns and pheasant tail nymphs. There has also been some nice streamer fishing. The streamers of choice have been the olive woolly bugger and the wool head sculpin in olive.

With no generation for such a long time, areas that are not normally wadable are now very accessible. One of the best is Buffalo Shoals. It is fairly remote and does not get a lot of pressure. It has incredibly good trout habitat and holds a lot of fish. Some anglers walk the railroad tracks up stream from the Buffalo City Access and scramble the bank down to the shoals. This is not for the feint of heart. I recommend taking a boat up stream from the Buffalo City Access and then wading around to find the best spots to fish. Anglers have been doing well on zebra midges, small olive scuds, Y2Ks, and red San Juan worms.

The Norfork has fished a bit better of late. With the low water on the White, wading anglers are more spread out and the crowds are gone. The dissolved oxygen levels are greatly improved. At the quarry park access, just below the Norfork Dam sowbugs and soft hackles like the partridge and orange and the green butt have been the go to flies. The Handicap Access has also fished a bit better. Here the flies of choice have been midges. Nymphs like the zebra midge and Norfork bead head have accounted for some nice fish. When the trout are hitting the top, Dan's turkey tail emerger has been the go to fly. When you get tired of fishing with small flies try San Juan worms in worm brown or red, a Y2K or a western foam hopper.

Dry Run Creek has been fishing well. There has been virtually no one there. Now is a great time to plan an outing during the school break. It is a bit cold but there are plenty of trophy trout to make for the trip of a life time. The most productive method for fishing the creek is to high stick sowbugs, the main food supply there. Other productive flies are San Juan worms in worm brown or red and olive woolly buggers. Be sure and use at least 4X tippet and pinch down the barbs on all flies used. Take a camera!

John Berry

December 20, 2007 - Norfork and White River - Submitted by Mountain River Fly Shop WHITE RIVER: Well we haven't seen low water since Monday, as the cooler temperatures drawn in, raising demand for additional power generation. The glory days of fall fishing might be at an end. But hopefully the weather won't be too cruel and we will get some decent wade fishing in. Chad Johnson, the former Mississippi mini-guide, and the Journal snuck out last Saturday. It had been a tough week, the weather was chilly and to be honest bed sounded a better prospect but a commitment is a commitment and cold weather fishing can be fun. You know you aren't going to be seeing crowds on the river.
But to be honest I fished ugly, while Chad was hooking up, your humbled scribe was dropping flies, tangling leaders and struggling to find the critical depth. It was just as much fun watching Chad whack fish after fish on egg patterns in the fast shoal. I even managed to miss the 10lb-er, which he rolled twice. Finally when I did get a fish, a really nice fish on and screaming downstream, oh boy a rookie mistake, letting a loop of line end up around the reel seat. All I could do was look at Chad and laugh, some days are just like that.
So what is working, well eggs. It doesn't seems to matter, Y2Ks, Veiled Eggs, Anvil Eggs, Glo Bugs all will work in the fast water. If you have big fish in slower water try the Unreal Egg or a Flashtail Mini Egg which will trip up the more experienced fish.
Buggers are performing well, particularly the usual olives and blacks, and we have caught some fish on a Chernobyl Ant in the past few weeks, strange but true.
Kaufmanns and McLellan's Scuds have been particularly good of late. The Camel Midge has been killer, along with blue Poison Tungs, Ruby Midges, Davy Wotton's Red Bloodworm Super Midges. Just rug up and get out there!.
NORFORK: More people have been hitting Norfork in the past week with the generation levels on Bull. Short bursts or generation either in the morning or mid afternoon seem the norm. Get in fish hard and get out when the water starts coming is the trick. We have seen reports of some serious pigs being caught on Norfork, the uglier the day the better. Fish eggs patterns below the spawning beds, and midges everywhere else. Again we have had good reports on the Camel Midge, the Ruby Midge (always worth carrying at this time of year) WD40s and regular everyday Zebras.
Don't forget to pack Davy's Sowbugs.

Tightlines from all at the Mountain River Fly Shop

Gary, Cindy, Jim, Kevin, Marc, Faye, Mike and Steve

December 20, 2007 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides- JOHN BERRY HOLIDAY FISHING REPORT

We have had several days of rain and the lake levels on the White River system have raised a bit. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam rose eight tenths of a foot to rest at three and four tenths of a foot below power pool at 654.00 feet. Up stream, Table Rock Lake has fallen two tenths of a foot to settle at four and eight tenths feet below power pool. Beaver Lake has risen four tenths of a foot to rest at seven and one tenth of a foot below pool. The generation pattern on the White River has been erratic. There has been a forty-eight hour period of no generation followed by several days of generation where the levels have yo-yoed up and down with some brief periods of very heavy water flow. This has improved boat navigation. There have been some limited wading opportunities on the White River . We had a few windy days where there were lake wind advisories. Norfork Lake has risen six tenths of a foot to rest five and two tenths feet below power pool of 552.00 feet. The pattern on the Norfolk has been for several short pulses of generation daily. The level of generation has been a bit higher than the previous week's. This has created some limited but excellent wading conditions. The forecast is for warmer weather with the possibility of rain. With the existing conditions, we should have some wadable water on both rivers.

With the colder weather during the past week, the dissolved oxygen levels on both rivers greatly improved. Both rivers, the White and the Norfork, are now in compliance with the state standard of six parts per million.

The White has fished very well on low water but has not done as well during the erratic generation. The weather and the season have kept most anglers away. As a result there is a lot of solitude out there. There have been several hot spots along the river. Wildcat Shoals has fished very well especially during low water. The most effective tactic here has been to fish soft hackles on the lower end of the shoals. The best flies are the partridge and orange, green butt and hare's ear soft hackles. Other flies for this section would be black and silver zebra midges, red San Juan worms, and olive woolly buggers.

Round House Shoals has also fished well. Here again soft hackles have been very productive in the gentle riffle water. In the heavier water, use weighted nymphs. The Y2K has been especially productive here. On some days there has been a blue wing olive hatch. The flies are very small. Use light tippets and work close so that you can see the fly. A good pattern for this is the parachute Adams in size twenty or smaller (match the hatch).

Rim Shoals has been productive. On low water the fishing has been best with nymphs. The go to fly has been the olive scud in size eighteen. The zebra midge in black with silver wire and silver bead and in brown with copper wire and copper bead has also been hot. The partridge and orange soft hackle, olive woolly bugger and Y2K have also produced fish.

The Norfork has fished very well during the last week. The crowds from last fall are gone and it is possible to pretty much fish where you want. With the dramatic improvement in the dissolved oxygen levels, the Quarry park access near the dam has been a great place to fish. After the recent rain, this area remained clear while the lower river got fairly muddy. The hot fly here is the sowbug in size sixteen. Other hot flies have been the partridge and orange and green butt soft hackles.

The handicap access has fished well when the water has been clear. There is some siltation occurring during heavy rain. The source seems to be Otter creek. Small midge nymphs have done well here. The most productive patterns have been the zebra midge and the Norfork bead head. There have been some great midge hatches in the afternoon but the flies are incredibly small. My clients were catching fish on size twenty six dry flies. Work close in order to see anything this small.

Dry Run Creek is fishing well. During the holidays would be a great time to take your youngster fishing. There are several places where they can fish from the bank. With the cold weather we have had, it is important to keep them dry. Carry a camera and a big net!

John Berry
(870) 435-2169

December 19, 2007 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service -The lake level at greers ferry is at 460.49 it has came up 4 feet in the last week and they are trying to release as much as they can to keep it down as more can be expected.

The bass fishing is good on spinnerbaits and rattle traps , and small crakbaits up shallow and on the edge of flats , they can also be caught on steeper banks with jigs , jig head worms as well as wiggle warts , the deeper fish can be caught on jigging spoons and c-rigged lizards and football jigs in 25 feet of water.

The crappie fishing is so, so right now, when the water clears back up the bite will get better in the tops of trees and over brush piles in the main lake cuts and mouths of coves in 15-20 feet of water on jigs and minnows combinations .and will work better when the sun is shinning.

The hbrid and white bass fishing has slowed down due to the influx of muddy water , but as it clears look for birds feeding on shad , as well as shad on your electronics in 45-60 feet of water , they can be caught on jigging spoons and the buckshot in-line spinner as well as swim baits and hair jigs , the white grub will also take some fish.

No report on bream

Catfishing is are still biting pretty well on live and cut bait on jugs with about 17 feet leaders around main lake points

The walleye are in their pre-pre-spawn and will get even better now with the fresh water they know it is time to feed up good for the spawn and can be caught around bridge pilings and in the mouths of the major rivers as well as in the narrows on the move up stream.

Tommy Cauley
Fishing Guide

December 18, 2007 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service

The Overall Picture:

Navigation conditions in Little River are cautioned during lake pool drawdown.

Largemouth Bass are relating to the deeper water in Little River and her creek mouths dumping into the river. Bass are good to fair, along Little River, and her oxbows, with the best bites during the heat of the day. Largemouth Bass' best bite, over the past few weeks, has been a mixed bag from fair ranging to good to occasionally very good, on Carolina and Texas rigs, crankbaits, Southern Pro Flippin Tubes and Rat-L-Traps. The water clarity along the river, is fair, to moderate stain depending on wind, and the winter drawdown pool was reached over a week ago, now slightly rising from recent rains. The reinforced cooler weather, drop in water temperatures, have the Largemouth Bass relating to deeper water.

As of Monday, 17 December, the main lake and Little River's water surface temp continues cooling; is ranging approx 49º to 55º, depending of course, on location and time of day.

The USACE, which began the winter drawdown this year on Monday 26 November, is to last approx through February 15, 2008, of three feet. This is for numerous reasons, and partially for project work to be completed and routine maintenance at the spillway, gates, boat ramps, boat lanes, and vegetation reduction. Volunteers to assist the USACE perform preventative maintenance on the lake during the drawdown, are encouraged to call the Millwood Lake USACE office @ 870-898-3343.

There are no fishing [daily creel or length] regulation changes during the drawdown period, for Millwood Lake. The lake level on Millwood as of 17 Dec, is approx 26.5 inches, or 2.2 feet below normal and rising, at 257.00 feet. Normal pool is 259.2 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday, is approx 8-9" visibility. Main lake clarity and visibility approx 3-5" from recent high wind. Current in Little River and discharge at the dam was increased to 2,803 CFS as of Monday to maintain the pool drawdown, due to rising lake level from recent rains & navigation conditions are cautioned from recent pool reduction, revealing log jams and stumps previously underneath normal pool.

Closed, or unusable boat ramps on Millwood during winter pool drawdown are both ramps at Paraloma, Cottenshed south, Saratoga closest to the dike, and both ramps are closed at Beards Bluff due to reduced winter pool. Winter drawdown has revealed many submerged objects at or just within inches of pool surface in boat lanes and Little River. Use extreme caution in navigation, many of the boat lanes during winter pool drawdown are now only 3-10 inches in overall depth in various places.

Upriver oxbow's clarity approx 12-15". The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Monday, 17 December is 232.96 feet and rising. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 2,803 CFS is with all 13 gates open at 1.8 ft each. Extreme Caution is advised during any navigation on Millwood Lake project, during the winter drawdown, when stumps, log jams and other normally submerged objects may be revealed, now that winter pool drawdown condition has been reached.

The Details:

Largemouth Bass: During the past week or so, best bite is definitely during the heat of the day, except for Crappie. Bomber model A and Rebel Deep Wee R crankbaits in Black Pearl, Bayou Bengal, or Secret Weapon colors, fished slowly from 8 to 12 feet deep, are finding some keeper bass deflecting off stumps, along Little River. The Largemouths are definitely relating to deeper drops and wash outs. A lot of the fish we have been catching lately, are suspending most of the day. Texas rigging Lil Critter Craws, 4" Southern Pro Flippin Tubes, Baby Brush Hogs and Yum Wooly Bugs in Green Pumpkin, Watermelon-Red, Camo, Ozark Smoke, and Blackberry and pitching to stumps with any close, remaining vegetation are drawing some good strikes and strong Largemouths up to 6-7 pounds each on points in Little River.

Rat-L-Traps, in size of the 3/4 oz and 1oz, fished slower and deflecting on stumps along Little River are still taking keeper size bass. The most productive colors of Rat-L-Traps in 3/4oz size over the past week, are the Gold Shad, Smokey Shad, or Yellow Perch . The best size Largemouths we are catching are suspended on stumps over at least 8-12 feet of depth of creek, at least 5-7 feet deep below the surface, on the side of the stumps.

Carolina Rig bite has jumped a notch and finding good size keeper bass responding over the past couple weeks, with the fish suspended in Little River. We are drawing some good reactions on Carolina Rigs using the 5" Zoom Fork Tail Centipede in Watermelon Red and Green Pumpkin and 6-7" Twitch (Bass) Assassins in Crystal Shad, Salt n' Pepper Silver Phantom, or Gold Pepper Shiner. The Yamamoto 5" Senkos are also working well on a Carolina Rig in Cinnamon- Purple Flake, Motor-Oil Red Flake, and Smoke-Black/Purple Flake.

Jig and pig bite over the past few weeks has been on and off, with the the Texas Craw color (chart/ pumpkin/black) or black/ blue/ purple colors working most consistently, using solid black or green pumpkin chunk trailers. Finding long tapering points with stumps in Little River, between 10-15 feet deep seem to be the most consistent location for the jig and pig bite most lately.

White Bass: No report.

Crappie: Crappie bite continues to improve. The best Crappie bite over the past couple weeks or so, was along brush piles 17-22' deep trees, mid-mornings, on live shiners. Over the past week, jigging Blakemore Crappie Thunder Road Runners were taking some really nice slabs between 12-17' deep. Best color for the Crappie Thunder Road Runners were Silver Shad or using a crappie tube in smoke/silver flake.

Channel Cats: Current in Little River during pool drawdown over the past couple weeks, have kept the Channel Cats turned on from 4-6 pounds each for the past several weeks. Good Channel Cats have been caught over the past week, using chicken livers, hot dogs, cut bait or Charlie on trot lines and yo-yo's along the river and in oxbows hung from cypress trees in approx 9-12 feet water.

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


Navigation conditions in Little River are cautioned during lake pool drawdown.

As of Monday, 17 December, the main lake and Little River's water surface temp continues cooling; is ranging approx 49º to 55º, depending of course, on location and time of day.

The USACE, which began the winter drawdown this year on Monday 26 November, is to last approx through February 15, 2008, of three feet. This is for numerous reasons, and partially for project work to be completed and routine maintenance at the spillway, gates, boat ramps, boat lanes, and vegetation reduction. Volunteers to assist the USACE perform preventative maintenance on the lake during the drawdown, are encouraged to call the Millwood Lake USACE office @ 870-898-3343.

There are no fishing [daily creel or length] regulation changes during the drawdown period, for Millwood Lake. The lake level on Millwood as of 17 Dec, is approx 26.5 inches, or 2.2 feet below normal and rising, at 257.00 feet. Normal pool is 259.2 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday, is approx 8-9" visibility. Main lake clarity and visibility approx 3-5" from recent high wind. Current in Little River and discharge at the dam was increased to 2,803 CFS as of Monday to maintain the pool drawdown, due to rising lake level from recent rains & navigation conditions are cautioned from recent pool reduction, revealing log jams and stumps previously underneath normal pool.

Closed, or unusable boat ramps on Millwood during winter pool drawdown are both ramps at Paraloma, Cottenshed south, Saratoga closest to the dike, and both ramps are closed at Beards Bluff due to reduced winter pool. Winter drawdown has revealed many submerged objects at or just within inches of pool surface in boat lanes and Little River. Use extreme caution in navigation, many of the boat lanes during winter pool drawdown are now only 3-10 inches in overall depth in various places.

Upriver oxbow's clarity approx 12-15". The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Monday, 17 December is 232.96 feet and rising. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 2,803 CFS is with all 13 gates open at 1.8 ft each. Extreme Caution is advised during any navigation on Millwood Lake project, during the winter drawdown, when stumps, log jams and other normally submerged objects may be revealed, now that winter pool drawdown condition has been reached.

Mike

December 13, 2007 - Norfork and White River - Submitted by Mountain River Fly Shop

WHITE RIVER: WELL the Journal has been off the river for the past couple of weeks sad to say and almost everyone we have been seeing regularly has been off the river as well. The fly fisher's we are missing have been on the river all the time because the fishing has been very, very good in these dark overcast conditions.

Midges, eggs and woolly buggers have been the ticket. Marc Poulos has been fishing his new All American zebra-style midges to great effect between Cotter and Cane Island. He waved one under our nose yesterday on his way to the river and it looks good _ more to come on this pattern once we nail his feet to the floor on the tie. Lots of browns have finished the spawn and are hungry, were his words, having caught browns up to 20", but he reports having spotted one 20 pound-brown in the upper river.

Copper beads on the midges seem to be particularly effective. Egg patterns like Thorne's Fire Egg, Unreal Eggs and Flashtail Eggs, now in the store, are going to be particularly effective.

NORFORK: Little news again off the Fork this week, thought there have been some dabblers. The grey skies and gloomy weagther are keeping people away, despite the fact it's a great time to nail an Arkansas trophy.

Tightlines from all at the Mountain River Fly Shop

Gary, Cindy, Jim, Kevin, Marc, Faye, Mike and Steve

December 12, 2007 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service -The water level at greers ferry is at 456.80 and on a slow rise

The warm rain should get the walleye going pretty good before the cold hits again and can be caught with minnows and night crawlers and trolling big crank baits along pre staging areas trolled about 3 mph. in about 25 feet of water.

A lot of the bass can still be caught shallow with spinner baits and crank baits as well as traps, with the deeper fish can be caught on Carolina rigs and football heads on long points.

Catfish are still biting real good on live bait on jugs fished about 17 feet deep.

The crappie are in the trees and biting if the sun shines about 15 deep on jigs and roadrunners

No report on bream

The hybrids and whites are still doing good and a lot of the shad have moved around some marinas and can be caught day or night if ya find the shad.

December 11, 2007 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service

The Overall Picture:

Navigation conditions in Little River are cautioned during lake pool drawdown.

Largemouth Bass are unchanged for the most part from last week, and are fair, occasionally very good, along Little River, and her oxbows, with the aggressive bites remain during the heat of the day. Largemouth Bass' best bite, over the past few weeks, has been a mixed bag from fair ranging to good to occasionally very good, on various shad pattern crankbaits, 10" Power worms, Jig'n Pigs, and Rat-L-Traps. The water's clarity continues to improve, in the oxbows and the river, and the winter drawdown is well underway. The reinforced cooler weather, drop in water temperatures, and cloudy days over the past week, have the Largemouth Bass relating to deeper water sanctuaries.

As of Monday, 10 December, the main lake and Little River's water surface temp continues cooling; is ranging approx 53º to 59º, depending of course, on location and time of day.

The USACE, which began the winter drawdown this year on Monday 26 November, is to last approx through February 15, 2008, of three feet. This is for numerous reasons, and partially for project work to be completed and routine maintenance at the spillway, gates, boat ramps, boat lanes, and vegetation reduction. Volunteers to assist the USACE perform preventative maintenance on the lake during the drawdown, are encouraged to call the Millwood Lake USACE office @ 870-898-3343.

There are no fishing [daily creel or length] regulation changes during the drawdown period, for Millwood Lake. The lake level on Millwood as of 10 Dec, is approx 35 inches, or 2.93 feet below normal and falling, at 256.27 feet. Normal pool is 259.2 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday, is approx 8-12" visibility. Main lake clarity and visibility approx 3-5" from recent high wind. Current in Little River and discharge at the dam was decreased to 1,124 CFS as of Monday to continue the pool drawdown, & navigation conditions are cautioned from recent pool reduction, revealing log jams and stumps previously underneath normal pool.

Closed, or unusable boat ramps on Millwood during winter pool drawdown are Paraloma, Cottenshed, Saratoga and Beards Bluff due to reduced winter pool. Winter drawdown has revealed many submerged objects at or just within inches of pool surface in boat lanes and Little River. Use extreme caution in navigation, many of the boat lanes during winter pool drawdown are now only 3-10 inches in overall depth in various places.

Upriver oxbow's clarity approx 12-15". The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Monday, 10 December is 228.28 feet and rising. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 1,124 CFS is with 8 gates open at 1 ft each. Extreme Caution is advised during any navigation on Millwood Lake project, during the winter drawdown, when stumps, log jams and other normally submerged objects may be revealed, now that winter pool drawdown condition has been reached.

The Details:

Largemouth Bass: During the past week, best bite is definitely during the heat of the day, except for Crappie. Rat-L-Traps, and crankbaits fished slowly from 8 to 12 feet deep, are catching a few decent bass, but have really tapered off from 2-3 weeks ago along Little River. The Largemouths are relating to deeper drops. Some of the fish we have been finding over the past week or so are suspended for most of the day. Majority of the bulk of the bass' diet now is shifting to schooled bait fish and shad, with an occasional crawfish or big worm. 10" worms and jigs are really beginning to take some of the better fish, albeit randomly and only for short periods of time.

Crankbaits in shad patterns, are still drawing Largemouths attention over the past few weeks The Norman Little N, and Deep Little N in chromes, shad patterns, and crawfish, the Fat Free Shad, and/or the Cordell Big-O, and Bandit craw pattern crankbaits, remain catching some decent fish along the river, deflecting off stumps in sloughs of inside river bends, and in creek channels on the deeper, outside swings. The current and drawdown of normal pool in the lake, has positioned the bass in eddies of current breaks, and behind stumps and log laydowns.

We are still throwing a lot of Rat-L-Traps, increasing sizes up to the 3/4 oz and sometimes 1oz, Rat-L-Traps to fish them slower and deeper in the creek channel swings and along Little River deflecting on stumps. Best colors of Rat-L-Traps over the past couple weeks, with the fish suspended and hugging stumps are the Bream colors, khaki shad, white shad or gold chromes. Again, the majority of the keeper size Largemouths we are catching are suspended on stumps over at least 8-12 feet of depth of creek, at least 5-7 feet deep below the surface, on the stumps.

Jig and pig bite over the past week shifted back to the peanut butter'n jelly color with the the Texas Craw color (chart/pumpkin/black) or black & blue color falling off a bit, w/ solid black or green pumpkin chunk trailers. Texas rigged 10" Power worms, in pumpkin/chart tail, blue fleck, and june bug colors are taking some nice, keeper-sized largemouths, from 3-5 pounds each, on laydowns and log jams, or stumps and standing timber in at least 6-9 feet depth areas and any creek channel's swing around 7-12 feet deep.

White Bass: No report.

Crappie: With continued clarity improvements, water clearing and cooling water temperatures, the Crappie bite continues to improve. The best Crappie bite over the past couple weeks or so, was brush piles or standing timber in 17-22' deep trees, mid-mornings, on live shiners.

Channel Cats: Increased in current in Little River during pool drawdown over the past couple weeks, have again turned on nice channel cats from 5-8 pounds each. Numbers have been caught over the past week, using cut shad, minnows, Charlie, homemade doughballs, and chicken livers, on trot lines and yo-yo's along the river and in oxbows hung from cypress trees in approx 6-8 feet water.

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


Navigation conditions in Little River are cautioned during lake pool drawdown.

As of Monday, 10 December, the main lake and Little River's water surface temp continues cooling; is ranging approx 53º to 59º, depending of course, on location and time of day.

The USACE, which began the winter drawdown this year on Monday 26 November, is to last approx through February 15, 2008, of three feet. This is for numerous reasons, and partially for project work to be completed and routine maintenance at the spillway, gates, boat ramps, boat lanes, and vegetation reduction. Volunteers to assist the USACE perform preventative maintenance on the lake during the drawdown, are encouraged to call the Millwood Lake USACE office @ 870-898-3343.

There are no fishing [daily creel or length] regulation changes during the drawdown period, for Millwood Lake. The lake level on Millwood as of 10 Dec, is approx 35 inches, or 2.93 feet below normal and falling, at 256.27 feet. Normal pool is 259.2 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday, is approx 8-12" visibility. Main lake clarity and visibility approx 3-5" from recent high wind. Current in Little River and discharge at the dam was decreased to 1,124 CFS as of Monday to continue the pool drawdown, & navigation conditions are cautioned from recent pool reduction, revealing log jams and stumps previously underneath normal pool.

Closed, or unusable boat ramps on Millwood during winter pool drawdown are Paraloma, Cottenshed, Saratoga and Beards Bluff due to reduced winter pool. Winter drawdown has revealed many submerged objects at or just within inches of pool surface in boat lanes and Little River. Use extreme caution in navigation, many of the boat lanes during winter pool drawdown are now only 3-10 inches in overall depth in various places.

Upriver oxbow's clarity approx 12-15". The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Monday, 10 December is 228.28 feet and rising. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 1,124 CFS is with 8 gates open at 1 ft each. Extreme Caution is advised during any navigation on Millwood Lake project, during the winter drawdown, when stumps, log jams and other normally submerged objects may be revealed, now that winter pool drawdown condition has been reached.

Mike

December 7, 2007 - Norfork and White River - Submitted by Mountain River Fly Shop

WHITE RIVER: THERE is nothing like the stark beauty of the White River in late fall and winter. The Journal, his wife Bec (who took the pic) and a couple of friends from Fayetteville, Chris and Elizabeth dragged out the rain jackets last Sunday morning at Wildcat. The morning was warm (t-shirt weather) except for the at times torrential rain.

Barely a soul out, the fish were hungry early for our Camel Midge and not to many other folks on the river. Of course, the Journal, after last week's Dry Fly epic, was keen to toss a few small midges, but conspicuously failed to land one. Them's the breaks!

Of course, it pays to keep your eye on the weather map; the plummeting barometer whipped up some serious winds, and falling temperatures, as the front pushed through, slowing the fishing markedly. The clouds became seriously funky, prompting half-hearted jokes about Dorothy and Toto. It was only on Monday we discovered that a tornado had touched down only 20 miles away.

So with the lasses retiring for some warmth, the boys headed to Roundhouse to join in the woolly bugger bonanza that has been going on for a couple of weeks. Chris' black FlashABugger seemed to spent more time in the mouth of trout than out of it.

We keep getting asked which is the best bugger to use? Frankly, to the Journal it seems to matter little if you choose between olive or black, given we see acolytes of both hues absolute in their commitment to a particular fly, often only minutes between their purchases.

Then we will have the more secretive loners skulking up to our Woolly Bugger Tower sneaking out the Chilli Peppers, Yellow and Blacks, or Red Heads. It's a toss-up who is more color obsessed, the Bugger faithful or the Midge followers, or the Scud sect. Suffice to say that if you are packing a White River fly box, you aren't going to be often skunked if you have a nice range of Scuds, Midges and Buggers.

There was a certain a masochistic pleasure to be fishing in the wind and rain on Sunday, while behind us, people were sitting warm and cosy around fires in their living rooms. The Journal, having left his bugger box in his boat bag (it was that kind of morning), was making do with a Chernobyl Ant.

Every time it floated over a drop-off or ledge it seemed to get hammered. Sometimes it's best not to ponder why the fish are monstering an "illogical" fly choice, rather just accept the blessing.

NORFORK: WELL it was nice to hear some reports off Norfork this week, even if some were a little down. The water is still stained, according to the Doc who fished it yesterday. An earlier customer did very well last week but found life harder this week. Norfork could still be suffering some up and down with lake turnover, some days good others not so well. Doc did very well on a Copper and Brown Midge in a 20. Maybe this weekend we'll get a chance to fish it at some length for a more detailed report next week.

Tightlines from all at the Mountain River Fly Shop
Gary, Cindy, Jim, Kevin, Marc, Faye, Mike and Steve

December 6, 2007 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides- JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 12/06/2007

Despite a major rain event, the lake levels on the White River system have continued to drop. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam, however, rose three tenths of a foot to rest at five and four tenths of a foot below power pool at 654.00 feet. Up stream, Table Rock Lake has fallen four tenths of a foot to settle at four and four tenths feet below power pool. Beaver Lake has fallen five tenths of a foot to rest at seven and four tenths of a foot below pool. The pattern on the White River has been for very little generation with long periods of no generation. This has created some difficult water to boat on. On the other hand there have been some excellent wading opportunities on the White River . We had a few windy days where there were lake wind advisories. Norfork Lake has fallen two tenths of a foot to rest five and six tenths feet below power pool of 552.00 feet. The pattern on the Norfolk has been for several short pulses of generation daily. The level of generation has been a bit higher than the previous week's. This has created some excellent wading conditions. The forecast is for cooler weather and sunny skies. With the existing conditions, we should have a lot of low water on both rivers.

On the Norfork, the dissolved oxygen levels have improved a bit. The dissolved oxygen level was around three tenths parts per million. The state standard is six parts per million. On the White River , the dissolved oxygen has declined. It has averaged five tenths part per million. The oxygen level is at the critical stage on the Norfork. Once the water has traveled a bit down stream and runs over rocks and riffles, it picks up oxygen. Great care should be taken to prevent stressing the trout particularly near the dam where the dissolved oxygen will be the lowest. Fish should be quickly landed and carefully revived before release.

The low water on the White River has made for some excellent fishing. Wildcat Shoals has been fishing very well. The deeper holes have been fishing well with zebra midges in black with silver wire and silver beads and in brown with copper wire and copper beads both in size eighteen. Other effective flies have been olive scuds, sowbugs, trout crack and Y2Ks. In the lower end of the shoals soft hackles like the partridge and orange and green butts have been the go to flies.

The section from Cotter to Rim Shoals has been very productive. Rim Shoals has been a particular hot spot. The hot fly has been the olive scud in sizes sixteen and eighteen. There has been a fairly predictable blue wing olive hatch most afternoons which can create some spectacular top water action. Other good flies for this section would be zebra midges in brown and black, red San Juan worms, Y2Ks, and sow bugs.

The real story on the White River has been the ability to fish some of the very productive shoals down stream that have not been wadable for some time. Places like Buffalo Shoals have been quite wadable and fishing quite well. To reach this shoal, you will need to boat up stream from the Buffalo City access. Hot flies have been olive scuds, zebra midges, prince nymphs and San Juan worms. Another such spot is Steamboat Shoals which is located between the confluence of the White and Norfork Rivers and Red's Landing. It is accessible only by boat and you must consider both generation from the White and Norfork River when planning a trip there.

The Norfork has been fishing a bit better. The lower water on the White River has drawn a lot of the wading traffic from the Norfork and eased the overcrowded conditions from earlier in the year. The hot flies have been zebra midges in black and brown, Norfork bead heads, olive scuds, trout crack, and San Juan worms. It should be noted that, in general, the flies should be a size or two smaller on the Norfork. I also find that smaller tippet sizes like 6X or 7X are required for success.

Dry Run Creek is fishing very well. The higher oxygen content of the water has kept the resident fish comfortable and drawn other trout seeking acceptable conditions. In addition there are still some spawning browns in the creek. The hot flies here are sow bugs in size fourteen, egg patterns, San Juan worms and olive woolly buggers. I generally fish heavier tippets here, at least 4X to ensure that the kids land the fish they hook. Always carry a big net and a camera.

John Berry

December 5, 2007 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service -The lake level at greers ferry is at 456.67 and falling.

The bass fishing is good up shallow you will need to cover a lot of water , use traps , spinnerbaits ,small crank baits and whacky worms , he deeper fish on long points can be caught with football heads, c-rigged lizards and wiggle warts

The crappie are doing better with the warmer afternoons with them suspending in the tree tops and over brush piles in 15-20 feet of water

Catfishing continues to be good on jugs and noodles with a 17 foot leader with live bait

Walleye are starting to get settled on the route to spawning grounds and will get better with the warm afternoons also.

The hybrids and whites are still going very well all over the lake with a lot of bigger fish showing their heads on top now , it could happen any where at any time , but to catch them good fish vertical with a right bite spoon , some days they are in 32 foot and some days as deep as 60.

December 4, 2007 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service

The Overall Picture:

Navigation conditions in Little River are cautioned during lake pool drawdown.

Largemouth Bass are fair and occasionally good, along Little River, and her oxbows, most aggressive bites remain during the heat of the day. Largemouth Bass' best bite, over the past few weeks, has been a mixed bag from fair ranging to good to occasionally very good, on various shad pattern crankbaits, 10" Power worms, Jig'n Pigs, and Rat-L-Traps. The water's clarity continues to improve, in the oxbows and the river, and the winter drawdown is well underway. The reinforced cooler weather, drop in water temperatures, and cloudy days over the past week, have the Largemouth Bass relating to deeper water sanctuaries.

As of Monday, 03 December, the main lake and Little River's water surface temp continues cooling; is ranging approx 53º to 59º, depending of course, on location and time of day.

The USACE, which began the winter drawdown this year on Monday 26 November, is to last approx through February 15, 2008, of three feet. This is for numerous reasons, and partially for project work to be completed and routine maintenance at the spillway, gates, boat ramps, boat lanes, and vegetation reduction. Volunteers to assist the USACE perform preventative maintenance on the lake during the drawdown, are encouraged to call the Millwood Lake USACE office @ 870-898-3343.

There are no fishing [daily creel or length] regulation changes during the drawdown period, for Millwood Lake. The lake level on Millwood as of 03 Dec, is approx 27 inches, or 2.25 feet below normal and falling, at 256.95 feet. Normal pool is 259.2 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday, is approx 8-12" visibility. Main lake clarity and visibility approx 3-5" from recent high wind. Current in Little River and discharge at the dam was decreased to 4,657 CFS as of Monday to continue the pool drawdown, & navigation conditions are cautioned from recent pool reduction, revealing log jams and stumps previously underneath normal pool.

Upriver oxbow's clarity approx 12-18". The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Monday, 03 December is 231.27 feet and rising. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 4,657 CFS is with all 13 gates open at 1.5 feet. Caution is advised during any navigation on Millwood Lake project, during the winter drawdown, when stumps, log jams and other normally submerged objects may be revealed, once winter drawdown pool level is obtained, estimated within the next few days to next week.

The Details:

Largemouth Bass: During the past week, best bite is definitely during the heat of the day, except for Crappie. Rat-L-Traps, and crankbaits fished slowly from 6 to 10 feet deep, are catching a few decent bass, but have really tapered off from 2-3 weeks ago along Little River. The Largemouths appear to be relating to deeper drops. Some of the fish we have been finding over the past week or so are suspended for most of the day. Majority of the bulk of the bass' diet now is shifting to schooled bait fish and shad, with an occasional crawfish or big worm. 10" worms and jigs are really beginning to take some of the better fish, albeit randomly and only for short periods of time.

Crankbaits in shad patterns, are still drawing Largemouths attention over the past few weeks The Norman Little N, and Deep Little N in chrome and shad patterns, the Fat Free Shad, and/or the Cordell Big-O, cranks, remain catching some decent fish along the river, deflecting off stumps in sloughs of inside river bends, and in creek channels on the deeper, outside swings. The current and drawdown of normal pool in the lake, has positioned the bass in eddies of current breaks, and behind stumps and log laydowns.

We are still throwing a lot of Rat-L-Traps, increasing sizes up to the 3/4 oz and sometimes 1oz, Rat-L-Traps to fish them slower and deeper in the creek channel swings and along Little River deflecting on stumps. Best colors of Rat-L-Traps over the past couple weeks, with the fish suspended and hugging stumps are the Bream colors, khaki shad, white shad or gold chromes. Again, the majority of the keeper size Largemouths we are catching are suspended on stumps over at least 8 feet of depth of creek, at least 5-7 feet deep from the surface, on the stumps.

Jig and pig bite over the past week shifted back to the peanut butter'n jelly color with the the Texas Craw color (chart/pumpkin/black) or black & blue color falling off a bit, w/ solid black or green pumpkin chunk trailers. Texas rigged 10" Power worms, in blue fleck, black or tequila sunrise colors are taking some nice, keeper-sized largemouths, from 3-5 pounds each, on laydowns and log jams, or stumps and standing timber in at least 6-9 feet depth areas and any creek channel's swing around 7-12 feet deep.

White Bass: Slow to non-existent and reluctant to bite over the past week.

Crappie: With continued clarity improvements, water clearing and cooling water temperatures, the Crappie bite continues to improve. The best Crappie bite over the past week or so, was brush piles or standing timber in 15-20' deep trees, for short periods, in mid-mornings, on live shiners.

Channel Cats: Increased in current in Little River during pool drawdown over the past couple weeks, have again turned on nice channel cats from 4-6 pounds each. Numbers have been caught over the past week, using cut shad, minnows, Charlie, homemade doughballs, and chicken livers, on trot lines and yo-yo's along the river and in oxbows hung from cypress trees in approx 6-8 feet water.

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

Navigation conditions in Little River are cautioned during lake pool drawdown.

Largemouth Bass are fair and occasionally good, along Little River, and her oxbows, most aggressive bites remain during the heat of the day. Largemouth Bass' best bite, over the past few weeks, has been a mixed bag from fair ranging to good to occasionally very good, on various shad pattern crankbaits, 10" Power worms, Jig'n Pigs, and Rat-L-Traps. The water's clarity continues to improve, in the oxbows and the river, and the winter drawdown is well underway. The reinforced cooler weather, drop in water temperatures, and cloudy days over the past week, have the Largemouth Bass relating to deeper water sanctuaries.

As of Monday, 03 December, the main lake and Little River's water surface temp continues cooling; is ranging approx 53º to 59º, depending of course, on location and time of day.

The USACE, which began the winter drawdown this year on Monday 26 November, is to last approx through February 15, 2008, of three feet. This is for numerous reasons, and partially for project work to be completed and routine maintenance at the spillway, gates, boat ramps, boat lanes, and vegetation reduction. Volunteers to assist the USACE perform preventative maintenance on the lake during the drawdown, are encouraged to call the Millwood Lake USACE office @ 870-898-3343.

There are no fishing [daily creel or length] regulation changes during the drawdown period, for Millwood Lake. The lake level on Millwood as of 03 Dec, is approx 27 inches, or 2.25 feet below normal and falling, at 256.95 feet. Normal pool is 259.2 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday, is approx 8-12" visibility. Main lake clarity and visibility approx 3-5" from recent high wind. Current in Little River and discharge at the dam was decreased to 4,657 CFS as of Monday to continue the pool drawdown, & navigation conditions are cautioned from recent pool reduction, revealing log jams and stumps previously underneath normal pool.

Upriver oxbow's clarity approx 12-18". The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Monday, 03 December is 231.27 feet and rising. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 4,657 CFS is with all 13 gates open at 1.5 feet. Caution is advised during any navigation on Millwood Lake project, during the winter drawdown, when stumps, log jams and other normally submerged objects may be revealed, once winter drawdown pool level is obtained, estimated within the next few days to next week.

Mike

November 29, 2007 - Norfork and White River - Submitted by Mountain River Fly Shop

WHITE RIVER: Well we opened our big trap earlier so the surprise is gone. Midges upon millions of midges, itty-bitty ones too, are wafting over the White from at least Roundhouse to Wildcat and we suspect further afield, as the high sun warms the air temperatures. The Journal wandered down around Roundhouse, in a little mental health break this week, and was blown away by the quantities of midges, smaller than a #20, flying across the river. Every step into the browning grass and leaves sent up waves more.

There were also some 18-20 Caddis, perhaps tannish colored, but that may have been a trick of the light. And this morning we heard of Blue Wing Olive Duns on the water at Rim Shoal yesterday.

We know it must have been a good hatch with trout keying in on the midges when we heard that our resident Woolly Bugger acolyte Dick yesterday considered switching tactics and tying on a dry. Of course this may have been influenced by his regular fishing partner George slamming the trout on his favorite 18 Parachute Adams.

Since the Journal hit the river Tuesday without a rod we gave up fretting over lost opportunity and instead caught midges. The predominate bug, at least among those slow and clumsy enough to be caught by hand looked cream in the air _ but under close examination have light colored wings and a pale lime colored body.

More entomologically-minded fly fishers may see this as important, George and I are more of the presentation school so grab some Parachute Adamses, some Morgan's Para-Midges, even some olive Elk Hairs, just pick something you can see on the water's surface and feed the fly down the trout's throat. Some days you get luck but generally 6" to one side is 5" too far away. Aim to be in position by 2pm if the weather conditions stay like they have been this week. By 3pm you might be needing a beard or a Buff to strain the midges out of a breath.

In more standard fare, for those who hit the river early or forgo the glee of a trout rising to your fly, fish our Camel Midge and Zebras in copper, red and black. Scuds have been very popular with customers coming back for more, usually in the tan colors either a Kaufmann's or a McLellan's Hunchback. Davy's Super Midges Sowbugs and Original SowScud have been extremely popular this week, though we guess everyone is still out fishing them, as we haven't had a single report back yet. Not that we lack confidence in the patterns, just that its nice to share the spoils. Fire Orange San Juans also excited one group out on the river earlier this week and we are having a lot of call on woollies in olive and black or a combination of the two. Ask about the Red Head Olive if you drop by.

NORFORK: Apparently it's either been devoid of fly fishers this week, a good thing, or everyone is still on the river. We sent a couple from St Louis down last weekend and they had a blast catching more fish, and their biggest fish ever, including a 7lb brown on 7x tippet. Very impressive, and it appears from the nice words written about the shop on Fly Anglers Online Bulletin Board that they will be back, and soon. They were a lot of fun. But the best fish actually cam out of the White just below the confluence. Consider its inclusion in the Norfork report a little journalistic license. The scanty third hand reports we have had seem to indicate more standard fare prevails on the Norfork, at least in the absence of more accurate fodder for this Journal. Fish Davy's Sowbugs and SowScud, and Trout Crack hard. Midges should do well in the riffles, particularly the Camel Midge and the Black and Silver Zebra.

But Norfork has been producing some solid dry fly action, at least before this cold turn. So keep handy some Parachute Adams, some BWO Comparaduns and some Sulphur Comparaduns. The Cranefly hatch in recent weeks had been drawing fish to seize, the assorted sulphur patterns with reckless abandon, while ignoring more standard midge fare.

Oh and if anyone was wondering, after last week's report Derrick and I made it to Dry Run. It was on fire and so was Derrick. I mentioned he was due for a great day and in 2 hours he caught at least 30 fish 18" and better. The monster didn't come but he had plenty like the fish on the following links. I think he's hooked!

Tightlines from all at the Mountain River Fly Shop
Gary, Cindy, Jim, Kevin, Marc, Faye, Mike and Steve

November 28, 2007 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides- JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 11/29/2007

Overall, the lake levels on the White River system have continued to drop. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam dropped one tenth of a foot to rest at five and seven tenths of a foot below power pool at 654.00 feet. Up stream, Table Rock Lake has risen two tenths of a foot to settle at four feet below power pool. Beaver Lake has fallen eight tenths of a foot to rest at six and nine tenths of a foot below pool. The pattern on the White River has been for very little generation with long periods of no generation. This has created some difficult water to boat on. On the other hand there have been some excellent wading opportunities on the White River . Norfork Lake has remained steady at five and four tenths feet below power pool of 552.00 feet. The pattern on the Norfolk has been for several short pulses of low level generation daily. This has created some excellent wading conditions. The forecast is for cooler weather and sunny skies. With the existing conditions, we should have a lot of low water on both rivers.

On the Norfork, the dissolved oxygen levels have improved a bit. The dissolved oxygen level was around three tenths parts per million. The state standard is six parts per million. On the White River , the dissolved oxygen has declined. It has averaged six tenths part per million and dropped below four tenths parts per million on occasion. The oxygen level is at the critical stage on the Norfork. Once the water has traveled a bit down stream and runs over rocks and riffles, it picks up oxygen. Great care should be taken to prevent stressing the trout particularly near the dam where the dissolved oxygen will be the lowest. Fish should be quickly landed and carefully revived before release.

The low water on the White River has made for some excellent fishing. With no generation there have been some opportunities to fish excellent water down stream that has not been available for wading for some time. Places like Buffalo Shoals are fishing very well. The best way to get there is to launch a boat at Buffalo City access and motor up to the shoals. Some anglers walk the railroad tracks from Buffalo City upstream to the shoals. This necessitates a tough scramble down a steep bank and then back up when the day is over. There are loads of fish in the shoals. I like to fish scuds, San Juan worms and prince nymphs in this section.

The popular spots have also been fishing well. There are many more places to fish now and the anglers are much more spread out. Wildcat Shoals has been fishing very well. There has been excellent wading here even during the low levels of generation we have been getting on some days. The better fishing has been on the lower section with soft hackles and woolly buggers. The best soft hackles have been partridge and orange and green butts. The woolly bugger of choice has been olive bead heads with a bit of flash. In the upper shoals, nymphs like the zebra midge and olive scud have been the ticket.

Rim Shoals has been another hot spot. The low water has made for easy wading. The crowds from earlier in the fall have certainly thinned and the trout have been cooperative. The Jenkins Creek area has fished very well as well as the White Shoals area. Hot flies have been zebra midges (particularly black with silver wire and silver bead), Y2Ks, sowbugs, scuds and San Juan worms. The Anna K soft hackle in green has also been producing.

Upstream at Round House Shoals, there have been some pretty reliable blue wing olive hatches in the afternoon. These are pretty small flies and they will be difficult to see in the waning light. The best flies for this situation are blue wing olive quick sight parachutes. The best sizes are eighteen and twenty. A reasonable substitute is a parachute Adams in the proper size. With flies this small you will need to work a fairly short line. Before the hatch try pheasant tail nymphs in size eighteen and twenty.

The lower water on the White River has greatly benefited the Norfork. With more wadable water available, there is much less crowding on the Norfork. Norfork bead heads, small scuds and large San Juan worms have been the hot flies.

Dry Run Creek has been very productive. This place is stacked with huge fish. The browns have come upstream to spawn and other fish have gone upstream to find oxygenated water. The best fly is a size fourteen gray sowbug. Other productive flies are olive bead head woolly buggers, San Juan worms and egg patterns. Carry the biggest net you can lay your hands on and a camera. There will be photo opportunities.

John Berry

November 28, 2007 - Beaver - Submitted by Jason Piper - JT Crappie Guide Service - J.T. Crappie Guide Services (479-640-3980) said said the water conditions are normal. Crappie fishing is fair in 10-12 feet of water on minnows. Bass fishing is fair in deep water on crankbaits and Carolina rigs. Stripers are biting well on live shad and large Rat-L-Traps.

November 27, 2007 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service -

The water level at greers ferry is at 456.74 and falling.

The major cold front that came through , put a damper on the whites and hybrids , they have not moved it just shut them down , we have been able to catch a few out of the big schools but not like we have been a few days of warmth and sun shine the bite will be back on, a few days of stable weather, spoons and the buckshot in-line spinner, the spinner out fished the spoon last trip.

The catfishing is still very good at present and if you can stand the cold , when the water temp gets stable should be able to catch them good until dec.

The crappie are biting decent in the pole timber and over and around brush piles in about 20 feet of water.

Walleye have slowed and my best bet is staging for the spring spawn and are on the move.

A lot of basss are still up shallow and can be caught with a whacky worm , spinner baits , traps and small crak baits. Out deep try drop shots , football heads as well as the ole faithful c-rig .

November 26, 2007 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service -

The Overall Picture:

Navigation conditions in Little River are normal as of 26 November.

Largemouth Bass are good to fair, along Little River, and her oxbows, most aggressive bites are during the heat of the day from approx 11 am to 3 pm. Largemouth Bass' best bite, over the past week has been a mixed bag from fair ranging to good to occasionally very good, on various shad pattern crankbaits, swimming jig heads w/ Bass Assassin Curly Shad trailers, Rat-L-Traps and 10" Power worms. Jig'n Pig bite continues improving. Over the past week, the best bass bite has been during the warmest time of day. The water's clarity continues to improve, in the oxbows and the river, and the winter drawdown began today, Monday 26 November. The improved water clarity continues to improve the bass behaviour over the past couple weeks. The reinforced cooler weather, drop in water temperatures, and cloudy days over the past week, have the Largemouth Bass in another period of moving, and in transition between summer and winter haunt's deeper water sanctuaries.

The White Bass we have been tracking and fishing for the past 8-10 weeks disappeared 2 weeks ago. A few Whites were caught in Horseshoe and McGuire Lake oxbows over the past week, but not in the numbers of the previous 6-8 weeks.

As of Monday, 26 November, the main lake and Little River's water surface temp continues cooling; is ranging approx 58º to 62º, depending of course, on location and time of day.

The USACE today, began the winter drawdown this year on Millwood, to take place approximately through February 15, 2008, of three feet. This is for numerous reasons, and partially for project work to be completed and routine maintenance at the spillway, gates, boat ramps, boat lanes, and vegetation reduction. Volunteers to assist the USACE perform preventative maintenance on the lake during the drawdown, are encouraged to call the Millwood Lake USACE office.

There are currently no fishing [daily creel or length] regulation changes planned during the drawdown for Millwood. The lake level on Millwood as of 26 Nov, is approx 1.8 inches above normal and falling, at 259.35 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday, is approx 6-8" visibility. Main lake clarity and visibility approx 5-8". Current in Little River and discharge at the dam was increased to 8,260 CFS as of Monday to initiate the pool drawdown, & navigation conditions are normal. Estimations are a week to 10 days to draw pool the three feet reduction for winter pool through 15 February 2008.

Upriver oxbow's clarity approx 15-18". The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Monday, 26 November is 228.20 feet and rising. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 8,260 CFS is with 9 gates open at 2 feet and 4 gates open at 1 foot; all gates at the spillway are open as of Monday. Caution is advised during any navigation on Millwood Lake project, during the winter drawdown, when stumps, log jams and other normally submerged objects may be revealed, once winter drawdown pool level is obtained, estimated within the next few days to next week.

The Details:

Largemouth Bass: The schooling activities are apparently gone for the fall, except on rare, random, occurrences over the past week. During the mornings this past week, we did not find any schooling bass at all. Fished very slowly and purposely, the Rat-L-Traps, from 5 to 8 feet deep, are still catching a few decent bass, but have really tapered off and the fish we caught over the past couple weeks are suspended in McGuire and Mud Lake Oxbows over deeper water and creek channels with stumps, and along Little River. The Largemouths appear remain in a transition period and shifting patterns to a more seasonable fall pattern when they go deep and suspend for most of the day, and only occasionally roam shallow in search of any terrestrial life and food source. Majority of the bulk of the bass' diet now is shifting to schooled bait fish and shad, with an occasional crawfish or big worm.

Crankbaits in shad patterns, are beginning to draw responses from Largemouths over the past week or two. The Norman Little N, and Deep Little N in chrome and shad patterns, the Fat Free Shad, and/or the Cordell Big-O, cranks, remain catching some decent fish along the river, deflecting off stumps in sloughs of inside river bends, and in creek channels on the deeper, outside swings.

We are still throwing a lot of Rat-L-Traps, but have increased sizes up to the 3/4 oz Rat-L-Traps to fish them slower and deeper in the creek channel swings and along Little River deflecting on stumps. Best colors of Rat-L-Traps over the past week, with the fish suspended and hugging stumps are the Bream colors, khaki shad, white shad or chromes. Again, the majority of the keeper size Largemouths we are catching are suspended on stumps over at least 8 feet of depth of creek, and 3-5 feet deep from the surface, on the stumps.

Best jig and pig bite over the past few weeks remains the Texas Craw color (chart/pumpkin/black) or black & blue color or black & red jig skirt color, and using solid black or green pumpkin chunk trailers. Texas rigged 10" Power worms, in junebug-red, black-grape and blue fleck colors are taking some nice, keeper-sized largemouths, from 3-5 pounds each, on stumps, and close to any remaining lily pads or live grass, where stumps or standing timber remain in at least 6-9 feet depth areas and any creek channel's swing around 7-12 feet deep, with stumps.

White Bass: Disappeared 2 weeks ago in deeper water and are reluctant to bite over the past week.

Crappie: With continued clearing and cooling water temperatures, the Crappie bite continues improving. We have located them again, back out in deeper water of Little River. The best Crappie bite we found over the past week or so, was planted brush piles & in 17-25' deep trees, for short periods, on hair jigs, tubes or shiners. We look for this to continue to improve and stack up the Crappie over the next several weeks of cooling weather and water temps.

Channel Cats: Increased in current in Little River, have again turned on nice sized, channel cats from 4-10 pounds each. Numbers have been caught over the past week, using cut shad, minnows and chicken hearts, on trot lines and yo-yo's along the river and in oxbows hung from cypress trees in approx 6-8 feet water.

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

Navigation conditions in Little River are normal as of 26 November.

As of Monday, 26 November, the main lake and Little River's water surface temp continues cooling; is ranging approx 58º to 62º, depending of course, on location and time of day.

The USACE today, began the winter drawdown this year on Millwood, to take place approximately through February 15, 2008, of three feet. This is for numerous reasons, and partially for project work to be completed and routine maintenance at the spillway, gates, boat ramps, boat lanes, and vegetation reduction. Volunteers to assist the USACE perform preventative maintenance on the lake during the drawdown, are encouraged to call the Millwood Lake USACE office.

There are currently no fishing [daily creel or length] regulation changes planned during the drawdown for Millwood. The lake level on Millwood as of 26 Nov, is approx 1.8 inches above normal and falling, at 259.35 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday, is approx 6-8" visibility. Main lake clarity and visibility approx 5-8". Current in Little River and discharge at the dam was increased to 8,260 CFS as of Monday to initiate the pool drawdown, & navigation conditions are normal. Estimations are a week to 10 days to draw pool the three feet reduction for winter pool through 15 February 2008.

Upriver oxbow's clarity approx 15-18". The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Monday, 26 November is 228.20 feet and rising. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 8,260 CFS is with 9 gates open at 2 feet and 4 gates open at 1 foot; all gates at the spillway are open as of Monday. Caution is advised during any navigation on Millwood Lake project, during the winter drawdown, when stumps, log jams and other normally submerged objects may be revealed, once winter drawdown pool level is obtained, estimated within the next few days to next week.

Mike

November 21, 2007 - Norfork and White River - Courtesty of Mountain River Fly Shop -

WHITE RIVER: Well we have a taste of winter in the air, a forecast of the first snow flurries in the air, and all we can think of is WooooHoooooo. Now we are really getting to serious time. The crowds leave, the bait fishing boats leave the rivers deserted and its time to go trophy hunting. Cloudy days are best, like Saturdays forecast. Tomorrow (Thanksgiving Day) might be a little windy and Sunday for the best of the fishing, but if you can sneak out before the turkey it could be worthwhile. Everyone through the store today described the fishing as spectacular.

And it didn't really seem to matter what people were fishing. Olive woolly buggers declared one early customer, another stood by Midges and a third the Trout Crack. No harm in having any of them in your boxes. Particularly if the bugger is a size 8 Olive Flashabou, the Trout Crack is our custom tie, (bead head in the faster water) and the midge is the one with the long name we told you about last week.

Actually I was going to write unfortunately we haven't come up with a better name _ but I had a minor epiphany _so henceforth we are calling this copper bead, black rib and thread midge the Camel Midge. Now if we told you what color thread it might be a giveaway as to where this very minor epiphany came from. So you'll just have to ask for the fixin's.

The Journal and fellow guide Marc Poulos are also keen to give Davy Wotton's Super Midges a serious workout. Talking to Davy this week he is very scientific about when to fish each variety, basically on the prevailing light conditions. We'll are scheduling Davy to give presentation on how he developed these flies, why he did and how he fishes these flies, once we get into the new store. Until then we are sure going to be working on our own theories. These flies look superb.

We have been exploring fast water runs around the place with egg patterns, seeking some of the big rainbows hunting out brown trout eggs swept free from the redds. The big bow has eluded the Journal so far but a nice 18" rainbow fell to our fishing companion Sunday. The fishing was still good. When you can swing a Dead Scud like a soft hackle and still bonk fish well you are on a good day.

NORFORK: Now even though the forecast is for nasty cold winds of 10-15 mph we can promise that the Journal will be on the Norfork. Yep curled up on the couch watching cable sport, eating turkey and no doubt snoozing off an over-stuff belly. If boredom sets in I might tie a few flies but purely for giggles. Instead of travelling back and forth across Northern Arkansas for a couple of days, we chose to park the family in a comfy cabin with a view of the river, and a serious kitchen.

If the wind isn't ridiculous then we may run the "ankle-biters" (though at their age it's more like wallet-biters) up to Dry Run Creek for a crack at a pig or two. Lynsey and Derrick have paid their dues and are cherry ripe for a picture with a really nice fish.

With so much low water on the White this week reports from Norfork have been spotty. We still haven't heard whether the Blue Winged Olives and Crane flies are still coming off, the cold turn won't dampen the BWO's enthusiasm but it might slow the Crane flies. Comparaduns and Sparkle Duns remain the fly of choice alongside a Parachute Adams. Davy's Sowbug and SowScud are musts for any Norfork nympher.

Tightlines from all at the Mountain River Fly Shop

Gary, Cindy, Jim, Kevin, Marc, Faye, Mike and Steve

November 21, 2007 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides -
JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT THANKSGIVING EDITION

With the exception of Beaver Lake , the lake levels on the White River system have remained constant. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam is at five and six tenths of a foot below power pool at 654.00 feet. Up stream, Table Rock Lake is at four and two tenths of a foot below power pool. Beaver Lake has fallen two tenths of a foot to rest at six and one tenths of a foot below pool. The pattern on the White River has been for very little generation with long periods of no generation. This has created some difficult water to boat on. On the other hand there have been some excellent wading opportunities on the White River . Norfork Lake has remained steady at five and four tenths feet below power pool of 552.00 feet. The pattern on the Norfolk has been for several short pulses of low level generation daily. This has created some excellent wading conditions. The forecast is for cooler weather and sunny skies. With the existing conditions, we should have a lot of low water on both rivers.

On the Norfork, the dissolved oxygen levels have remained low. The dissolved oxygen level was around two tenths parts per million. The state standard is six parts per million. On the White River , the dissolved oxygen has also declined. It has averaged one part per million and dropped below eight tenths parts per million. The oxygen level is at the critical stage on the Norfork. Once the water has traveled a bit down stream and runs over rocks and riffles, it picks up oxygen. Great care should be taken to prevent stressing the trout particularly near the dam where the dissolved oxygen will be the lowest. Fish should be quickly landed and carefully revived before release.

The low water on the White river has made for some truly excellent fly fishing. The water is the lowest it has been all year and this has allowed anglers to wade fish in spots that have not been available to them for months. As a result, everyone is spread out and individual spots are not over crowded. Great fishing has been reported up and down the river.

Wildcat Shoals has been a hot spot. In the riffles, nymphing with black zebra midges with silver wire and silver beads and brown with copper wire and copper beads has been excellent. Below the riffles the most effective flies have been soft hackles. The most productive flies have been partridge and orange, green butts and hares ear soft hackles. The best sizes have been fourteens and sixteens.

Further down stream just above Round House Shoals in Cotter there have been some spectacular blue wing olive hatches. These mayflies are very small, around size twenty. With flies this small you will have a lot of trouble seeing the fly unless you are fishing pretty close. A good match for this hatch would be a parachute Adams in the proper size, if you do not have a good blue wing olive pattern with you. You may find small soft hackles like the hares ear soft hackle in size eighteen to be effective and easier to fish than dry flies during this hatch.

Rim Shoals has been another hot spot. The Jenkin's creek area has fished particular well. The go to fly has been the black zebra midge in size eighteen. Down along the island, the fishing has been good on a variety of flies. In the riffles here, the hot flies have been zebra midges, olive scuds and sow bugs all in size eighteen. Partridge and orange soft hackles have also been effective. Below the first island, the go to fly was the tan egg with a red spot.

The Norfork River is much less crowded, with the excellent wading conditions on the White River drawing a lot of waders there. You should avoid the upper river just below Norfork Dam due to the low dissolved Oxygen there. The Handicap access has yielded some nice fish but angling has been slow overall. The most productive flies have been the olive Norfork bead head, small olive scuds, and worm brown San Juan worms.

Dry Run Creek has fished extremely well. The dissolved oxygen content on the creek is much higher than the upper Norfork River and a lot of good fish have sought sanctuary there. In addition Brown trout have gone up the creek to spawn. The best flies to fish there are sowbugs size sixteen, egg patterns, and large San Juan worms. Take your camera. This is where memories are made.

John Berry

November 20, 2007 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service -

The water level at greers ferry is at 456.64

The hybrid and white bass fishing continues to be very good all over the lake , a lot of birds have shown up now and it helps find them when times are tough , spoons buckshot in-line spinners and some top water action can still be had, some fish have moved to 60 feet while others can be caught in 38-50 feet

The bass fishing has gotten better with a lot of fish moving shallow now and can be caught with spinnerbaits, flukes rattle traps topwaters and jighead worms. The rest of the blacks can be caught on football heads around 20 feet, the smallmouth are biting pretty well on dropshots and c-rigs also.

The catfishing has been great on jugs , using about 17 foot leaders

The walleye have are being caught with the hybrids on spoons

The crappie are doing fair in the pole timber on jigs and minnows.

No report on the bream

November 19, 2007 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service -

The Overall Picture:

Largemouth Bass activities have "cooled down", somewhat along Little River, and her oxbows, over the past week. The Largemouth Bass bite, over the past 6-8 weeks, has been very good on swimming jig heads w/ Bass Assassin Curly Shad trailers & Rat-L-Traps. Over the past week, the best bass bite has tapered off somewhat and they appear to be in another transition period. The discolored water and stain shut it down for about 3 weeks in late October, but began improving; the improved water clarity turned on the schooling fish, randomly over the last 2 weeks. The cooler weather, drop in water temperatures, and cloudy days over the past week, have the Largemouths in another period of moving, and in transition between summer and winter haunt's deeper water sanctuarys.

The White Bass we have been tracking and fishing for the past 4-8 weeks dissappeared this past week. A few Whites were caught in McGuire this past week, but not in the numbers of the previous 6-8 weeks.

As of Monday, 19 November, the main lake and Little River's water surface temp continues cooling; is ranging approx 60º to 63º, depending of course, on location and time of day.

The USACE recently announced, the winter drawdown this year on Millwood, to take place approximately from November 26, 2007 through February 15, 2008, of three feet. This is for numerous reasons, and partially for project work to be completed and routine maintenance at the spillway, gates, boat ramps, boat lanes, and vegetation reduction. Volunteers to assist the USACE perform preventative maintenance on the lake during the drawdown, are encouraged to call the Millwood Lake USACE office.

There are currently no fishing [daily creel or length] regulation changes planned during the drawdown for Millwood. The lake level on Millwood as of 19 Nov, is approx 4.2 inches above normal and rising, at 259.55 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday, is approx 8-12" visibility. Main lake clarity and visibility is improved to approx 8-10" over the past few days. Current in Little River was recently increased to 215 CFS as of Monday, & navigation conditions are normal.

Upriver oxbow's clarity improved at approx 18-24". The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Monday, 19 November is 225.59 feet. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 215 CFS is with 1 gate open at 0.5 feet on the west end of the spillway.

The Details:

Largemouth Bass: The schooling activities had tapered off, the week before last, and tried to start back up again last week, but very random in nature. During the mornings this past week, we did not find any schooling bass at all. Rat-L-Traps, fished slowly, from 5 to 8 feet deep, are still catching a few decent bass, but have really tapered off and the fish we caught were suspended in McGuire and Mud Lake Oxbows over deeper water and creek channels with stumps, and along Little River. The Largemouths appear to be in another transition period and shifting patterns to a more seasonable fall pattern when they go deep and suspend for most of the day, and only occasionally roam shallow in search of any terrestrial life and food source. Majority of the bulk of the bass' diet now is shifting to schooled bait fish and shad, with an occasional crawfish or big worm.

Crankbaits in shad patterns, are beginning to draw responses from Largemouths over the past week or two. The Norman Little N, and Deep Little N in shad patterns, the Fat Free Shad, and/or the Cordell Big-O, cranks, have began catching some decent fish in the last couple days along the river, deflecting off stumps in sloughs of inside river bends, and in creek channels on the deeper, outside swings.

We are still throwing a lot of Rat-L-Traps, but have increased sizes up to the 3/4 oz Rat-L-Traps to fish them slower and deeper in the creek channel swings and along Little River deflecting on stumps. Best colors of Rat-L-Traps over the past week, with the fish suspended and hugging stumps are the Gold Tenneessee Shad, White Crawfish, or Yellow Bream colors. Again, the majority of the keeper size Largemouths we are catching are suspended on stumps over at least 8 feet of depth of creek, and 3-5 feet deep on the stump itself. We added a 1/4oz pinch on weight to our 1/2oz Rocket Shads, to fish them deeper and slower, and caught a few random Largemouths in these same areas, but not really consistent to speak of.

Best jig and pig bite over the past couple weeks is the Texas Craw color (chart/pumpkin/black) or black/ blue or black/red jig skirt color, and using solid black or green pumpkin chunk trailers. Buzz bait bite is gone again and cooler night time temperatures, have almost completely shut off the Buzz bait bite over 3 weeks ago. Texas rigged 10" Power worms, in junebug, blackberry, black-grape colors are taking some nice, keeper-sized largemouths, from 2-3.5 pounds each, on stumps, and close to any remaining lily pads or live grass, where stumps or standing timber remain in at least 6-9 feet depth areas and any creek channel's swing around 7-12 feet deep, with stumps.

White Bass: Almost completely dissappeared this week. A few nice size Whites were caught over the past few days in McGuire Lake area on 3/4 oz Rat-L-Traps in Gold Shad, White Shad, or Khaki colors. The majority of the rest of the huge schools of Whites we have been fishing for the past many weeks, have gone into deeper water or moved further down Little River toward the main lake areas.

Crappie: Now that water has continued clearing and cooling, the Crappie bite is improving. We have located them again, back out in deeper water of Little River, and found them in planted brush piles- & in 18-23' deep trees, but the bite is fair at best, for short periods, on hair jigs, tubes or shiners. We look for this to improve drastically over the next several weeks of cooling weather and water temps.

Channel Cats: With the slight increase in current in Little River, nice sized, channel cats from 2-6 pounds each were caught over the past week, using cut shad, minnows and chicken hearts, on trot lines and yo-yo's along the river and in oxbows hung from cypress trees in approx 8-10 feet water.

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

Navigation conditions in Little River are normal.

As of Monday, 19 November, the main lake and Little River's water surface temp continues cooling; is ranging approx 60º to 63º, depending of course, on location and time of day.

The USACE recently announced, the winter drawdown this year on Millwood, to take place approximately from November 26, 2007 through February 15, 2008, of three feet. This is for numerous reasons, and partially for project work to be completed and routine maintenance at the spillway, gates, boat ramps, boat lanes, and vegetation reduction. Volunteers to assist the USACE perform preventative maintenance on the lake during the drawdown, are encouraged to call the Millwood Lake USACE office.

There are currently no fishing [daily creel or length] regulation changes planned during the drawdown for Millwood. The lake level on Millwood as of 19 Nov, is approx 4.2 inches above normal and rising, at 259.55 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday, is approx 8-12" visibility. Main lake clarity and visibility is improved to approx 8-10" over the past few days. Current in Little River was recently increased to 215 CFS as of Monday, & navigation conditions are normal.

Upriver oxbow's clarity improved at approx 18-24". The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Monday, 19 November is 225.59 feet. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 215 CFS is with 1 gate open at 0.5 feet on the west end of the spillway.

Mike

November 16, 2007 - Norfork and White River - Courtesty of Mountain River Fly Shop -WHITE RIVER: WELL rug yourself up to the gills to stave off the wind chill, and go fishing. Now is the time when the fair weather fishers have fled the river and are sitting home bundled up with a soothing beverage watching college football. Not that it doesn't sound appealing, but hey you earn your stripes on those cold dank days when the mad dogs and Australians are out on the river. Big fish time is here, and the softies are home are wishing they were fishing. Its time to "Flyfisher Up" as we think they say down in Texas. Though perhaps we misheard; it was late and the bar was noisy.

The White hasn't exactly been high conditions, but low water has been a little hard to find of a weekend. The Journal guided a couple of longtime customers Bob and Tandy on the river for some exploration last weekend. The morning was spent upriver fishing scuds and midges to a variety of standard issue stockers, some a little heftier and one nice brown in the mid-teens for Bob. When the water rose, it was into the boat for an afternoon drifting midges and other fare above Rim Shoal.

Our thin-bodied, copper-bead, brown body, black rib midge, (one day we are going to get a better name for this one) was a winner most of the day. So much so, we had to prevail on Crystal to whip out a batch midway through the day. Things got tougher as the front moved in; we probed deeper holes with Kev's Pink Lady, a source of much amusement and a bunch of fish as well. Finally, the surprise of day came with Bob's own tie, a white floss bodied jig which was absolutely hammered as the day closed. One of these was donated to the "jewelry" collection of what must be one monster brown. The Journal and Bob himself, won't forget in a hurry the way his rod slammed down and how quickly 5x fluorocarbon was sundered.

By Tuesday we were back into 2-unit generation, and Gary, our sinking line and streamer devotee, took the Journal down to Roundhouse, a mile or so from the store, to fish streamers in some decent flow. Wading the shallow gravel bars along the bank was manageable and providing you grabbed the right fly line the fish were eager. The Journal packed one line a type 4 for a 6wt full sink line. Gary, with more choices, started with an intermediate sink then jumped to a type 3 to really whack some fish. Both of us selected 10' 6wt rods, Gary a Scott E2, while I swung a TFO Professional. Longer rods make managing the heavy lines a little easier when you are waist deep in flowing water. A stripping basket to control the excess line is pretty handy as well. The colors along the river were gorgeous.

The Journal then jumped in his Supreme and picked up Kevin Brandtonies, one of our guides and shop hands. You will see more and more of him this winter in Chad's absence, for some high water drifting. Kevin is a Chicago boy with a passion for trout and baseball, and good fun to fish with. Of course the water was turned off, and the fishing was somewhat slow above White Hole. We drifted down to the Narrows where we started whacking fish on BIG heavy zebras, size 14s and the like. These flies sink fast and attract attention in the high water. Then as the day slowed, we started to see fish hitting caddis emergers as the water quickened right above the Narrows Shoal. We would have liked to stay longer. It's worth checking above, below and in the fast water later in the day for any emergence. The cold turn may have killed it off, but maybe not. Egg patterns are coming on stronger as fall progresses, and eggs will be swept off the redds and generally lose their way. These are a great foods source for rainbows and those browns whose urges have not yet reached full bloom.

NORFORK: Reports we have been getting are sounding a little mixed for Norfork, then someone will wander in and tell us how well they have done, usually on dry flies. We aren't certain if the Blue Wing Olive mayfly hatches and small yellow Cranefly hatches will survive the cold turn, but if they do, it seems like having a few small sulphurs and some Bwo patterns in your box is a must. Sparkle Duns, Comparaduns and Parachute styles seem to be working best.

Don't forget, as we mentioned last week, to have a few Micro Mayfly or Real Meal nymphs in your box in brown and olive to match up to the naturals. If there are hatching bugs at any time during the day, then there are nymphs in the water column most of the day, certainly well before.

But otherwise the Norfork remains a steady nymphing water, whether you are fishing midge patterns, black and silver, black and copper or blue dun and silver, or scud and sowbug patterns. We have heard good things off the tiny Rainy Micro Scud in Olive, McLellan's Scud in Olive and Gray and of course the ubiquitous Trout Crack.

Tightlines from all at the Mountain River Fly Shop

Gary, Cindy, Jim, Kevin, Marc, Faye, Mike and Steve

November 15, 2007 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 11/15/2007

Overall the lake levels continue to fall. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam has fallen six tenths of a foot to rest at five and six tenths of a foot below power pool at 654.00 feet. Up stream, Table Rock Lake has remained steady at four and two tenths of a foot below power pool. Beaver Lake has fallen two tenths of a foot to rest at five and nine tenths of a foot below pool. The pattern on the White River has been for low levels of generation around the clock or no generation. There have been several very windy days that included lake wind advisories which resulted in some difficult drift fishing. There have been some excellent wading opportunities on the White River . Norfork Lake has remained steady at five and four tenths feet below power pool of 552.00 feet. The pattern on the Norfolk has been for several pulses of low level generation daily. This has created some excellent wading conditions. The forecast is for cooler weather and sunny skies. With the existing conditions, we should have low water on both rivers.

On the Norfork, the dissolved oxygen levels have dropped lower. The dissolved oxygen level was around two tenths parts per million and dropped below this zero on two occasions. The state standard is six parts per million. On the White River , the dissolved oxygen has also declined. It has averaged one and two tenths parts per million and dropped below eight tenths parts per million. The oxygen level is at the critical stage on the Norfork. Once the water has traveled a bit down stream and runs over rocks and riffles, it picks up oxygen. Great care should be taken to prevent stressing the trout particularly near the dam where the dissolved oxygen will be the lowest. Fish should be quickly landed and carefully revived before release.

With the Catch and Release section at Bull Shoals Dam closed for the brown trout spawn, the action has moved down stream. There are fewer campers at Bull Shoals State Park and that has reduced the crowding in that area. The section from the State Park to White Hole access has fished very well. This section has fished particularly well on no generation. The most productive flies have been black zebra midges with silver wire and silver beads and brown with copper wire and copper beads. Soft hackles like the partridge and orange and the green butt have also produced fish. Olive woolly buggers were also accounting for good fish in deeper water.

Further down stream, the Wildcat Shoals section fished well. In addition to the zebra midges, Y2Ks and egg patterns have been effective as well as size twenty olive scuds. Soft hackles and olive woolly buggers have also done well particularly well in the lower end of the shoals. At higher flows, the best flies have been zebra midges in size fourteen and San Juan worms in hot fluorescent pink.

The section from Cotter to Buffalo Shoals has been a mixed bag. Some days have been good and some slow. The fishing has been a bit better at no generation. The most productive flies have been zebra midges, Y2Ks, San Juan worms, and olive scuds. There have been fairly reliable blue wing olive hatches in the late afternoon and size eighteen pheasant tail nymphs have been productive before the hatch and size twenty parachute Adams have worked during the hatch, if you can see them. Since this hatch has occurred late during low light they have been hard to fish.

The Norfork has been fishing poorly. The crowds of early fall have thinned down a lot, particularly during the week, but the heavy pressure from earlier has put the fish down. The river is still grudgingly yielding a few fish. The best flies have been zebra midges, Norfork bead heads, pheasant tail nymphs and Y2Ks. There have been good hatches of blue wing olives and crane flies. The best fly for the crane fly hatch has been the size fourteen sulphur parachute.

Dry Run Creek has been red hot. The highly oxygenated water has provided a perfect environment for the large trout that reside there. There are a lot of big browns that have moved up there to spawn. The most productive flies have been size fourteen sow bugs, Y2Ks, olive woolly buggers, and San Juan worms. Be sure and use heavy tippets (4X) and check your knots carefully to give the kids a good chance to land a big one. Most fish are lost at the net. A big net is a definite asset. Try to land the fish quickly and lovingly release them. Be very gentle when handling the fish and always wet your hands before doing so.

John Berry

November 13, 2007 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service -

The Overall Picture:

Largemouth and White Bass, fired up their schooling activities in random, sporadic, numerous locations along Little River, and her oxbows, over the past couple weeks. The Bass bite over the past 6-8 weeks, has been consistent and very good on swimming jig heads w/ Bass Assassin Curly Shad trailers & Rat-L-Traps, all morning. The discolored water and stain shut it down for about 3 weeks in late October, but began improving and the improved water clarity turned on the schooling fish, randomly for the past 2 weeks.

As of Monday, 12 November, the main lake and Little River's water surface temp continues cooling; is ranging approx 62º to 65º, depending of course, on location and time of day.

The USACE recently announced, the winter drawdown this year on Millwood, to take place approximately from November 26, 2007 through February 15, 2008, of three feet. This is for numerous reasons, and partially for project work to be completed and routine maintenance at the spillway, gates, boat ramps, boat lanes, and vegetation reduction. Volunteers to assist the USACE perform preventative maintenance on the lake during the drawdown, are encouraged to call the Millwood Lake USACE office.

There are currently no fishing [daily creel or length] regulation changes planned during the drawdown for Millwood. The lake level on Millwood as of 12 Nov, is approx 3.2 inches above normal and steady, at 259.47 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday, is approx 3-6" visibility. Main lake clarity and visibility is reduced to approx 2-3" due to recent high winds over the past few days. Current in Little River was recently increased to 173 CFS as of Monday, & navigation conditions are normal.

Upriver oxbow's clarity improved at approx 15-17". The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Monday, 12 November is 225.86 feet. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 173 CFS is with 1 gate open at 0.4 feet on the west end of the spillway.

The Details:

Largemouth Bass: Random schooling action fired back up again this week. The schooling activities had tapered off the last couple weeks due to increased muddy water and current in the river. The Bass had been schooling, at various times throughout the day, especially in the mornings, for the past 7-8 weeks prior to all the influx of colder rain and rising muddy water. During the mornings this past week, in the clearest water you can locate, the remaining schooling action can be had, randomly, up until around noon at various locations, and in the oxbows. We are still swimming a lot of Bass Assassin Curly Shads in salt-n-pepper, bluegill or smoke colors, on a 1/8 to 3/8 oz jighead, and Rat-L-Traps, from 3" to 6 feet deep, and catching nice keeper size Largemouths with this method.

Crankbaits are beginning to draw responses from Largemouths over the past week or two. The Baby Minus-1 in shad patterns, the Fat Free Shad/Guppy and/or the Cordell Big-O, shallow diving models, and Strike King cranks, were catching some decent fish in the last couple days along the river, deflecting off stumps in sloughs of inside river bends.

1/4 oz to 1/2 oz Rat-L-Traps in diamond dust, gold, and classic crappie colors, Redfin or Smithwick Rouge jerkbaits, white Little Georges, white/chart Rocket Shads are very effective on the random schooling bass. The schooling bass range in size from 1 up to 5 or 6 pounds each, and will vary considerably depending on the individual school of bass. Moderate wind is key for Millwood most of the time, but during schooling weather, when the wind dies, the schools go deep again, under the bait school and just follow them around. If you make contact several Largemouths consecutively, and then several Whites also in the same school, throw out a buoy, check your graph, and maintain your position in the river. These schools are roaming and chasing shad, and they are typically herding them up on underwater points and humps, or over deep water in the oxbows.

The jig heads in 1/4 to 3/8 oz sizes, using a 4" Bass Assassin Curly Shad trailers are catching some decent bass whether schooling or not, both Largemouths and White Bass. The Curly Shads in salt-n-pepper silver phantom, or crystal shad or smoke pepper, seem to be the best color trailers for the past few weeks. Cordell Crazy Shads, Smithwick Rouges, and Red Fin jerk baits, are also working on these topwater schoolers. The key for the topwater baits and jerkbaits is to be within striking distance when the feeding frenzy begins. The Rat-L-Traps are still catching nice size keeper bass up to 5 or 6 pounds each. The white or chrome Traps in 1/4 to 1/2 oz sizes are the best working Traps over the past few weeks. Watch your electronics, follow the flippin school of bait on the surface, and the large blips and school on your graph. Letting a Rocket Shad or Rat-L-Trap sink up to 10 seconds before retrieving your bait, can pull up some really nice size bass from the depths of the school you are following. We are having best results when topwater action dies, by slowly swiming shallow running jerkbaits and Rat-L-Traps through random stands of green lily pads remaining. Where you see groups of 6 to 15 lily pads, isolated and standing alone, away from the huge pad groups, seem to hold a few really nice sized bass.

Best jig and pig bite over the past couple weeks is the Texas Craw color (chart/pumpkin/black) or black and blue jig skirt color using black or green pumpkin chunk trailers. Noisy buzz baits, with the muddy water and cooler night time temperatures, have shut almost completely off over 3 weeks ago. The Bass Assassin Shad jerkbait bite has taken a back seat to the rattling lipless crankbaits over the past 3-4 weeks. Seems like the bass just want to chase shad and the rattling crankbaits are immitating these schooling shad very realistically. The bass are not as aggressive up in the lily pads looking for a single bite meal. The have pulled out with the falling water and are relating to large schools of shad, where they can get several mouthfuls at once, rather than a single baitfish by itself flopping on top of a lily pad.

Texas rigged 10" worms, in junebug-red, blue fleck, and blackberry colors, remain taking some nice, keeper-sized largemouths, from 3-5 pounds each, on cypress trees, cypress tree knees, stumps, and close to grass and remaining pads where stumps or standing timber remain in the 6-9 feet depth areas and any creek channel's swing around 7-12 feet deep, with stumps.

White Bass: Schooling activity over the past 2 weeks has diminished. Try Little Georges in silver or chrome, Rooster Tails in white/red, Rocket Shads or Roadrunners in white, and any chrome or white colored Rat-L-Trap. Good areas for the whites recently, were in Horseshoe, Mud and McGuire Oxbows, along the most clear water you can find, and also in Hurricane Creek and Cemetary Slough. Try trolling to locate the school in the clearest section of water available in depths ranging from 10-15 feet deep.

Crappie: shut off w/ the muddy water two weeks ago. Now that water has begun clearing somewhat, the Crappie bite is improving. We have located them again, back out near planted brush piles in 12-18' deep trees, but bite remains slow on hair jigs, tubes or shiners.

Channel Cats: Fair to good, 2 to 5 pound sized keeper channel cats were caught over the past week, using cut shad, minnows and Charlie, on trot lines and yo-yo's along the river and in oxbows hung from cypress trees in approx 6-9 feet depths.

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

Navigation conditions in Little River are normal.

As of Monday, 12 November, the main lake and Little River's water surface temp continues cooling; is ranging approx 62º to 65º, depending of course, on location and time of day.

The USACE recently announced, the winter drawdown this year on Millwood, to take place approximately from November 26, 2007 through February 15, 2008, of three feet. This is for numerous reasons, and partially for project work to be completed and routine maintenance at the spillway, gates, boat ramps, boat lanes, and vegetation reduction. Volunteers to assist the USACE perform preventative maintenance on the lake during the drawdown, are encouraged to call the Millwood Lake USACE office.

There are currently no fishing [daily creel or length] regulation changes planned during the drawdown for Millwood. The lake level on Millwood as of 12 Nov, is approx 3.2 inches above normal and steady, at 259.47 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday, is approx 3-6" visibility. Main lake clarity and visibility is reduced to approx 2-3" due to recent high winds over the past few days. Current in Little River was recently increased to 173 CFS as of Monday, & navigation conditions are normal.

Upriver oxbow's clarity improved at approx 15-17". The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Monday, 12 November is 225.86 feet. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 173 CFS is with 1 gate open at 0.4 feet on the west end of the spillway.

Mike

November 9, 2007 - Norfork and White River - Courtesty of Mountain River Fly Shop -

WHITE RIVER: It's been tough to find low water over the past week, though there was a hint of it this morning, for the wading fly fisher. From what we have heard from our guides and other fly fishers the fishing has been good.

Zebra midges have been consistently good, the silver and black is very reliable and the black and copper has been our go to fly for several weeks now. Don't be afraid of trying the red and silver either. This time of year the bloodworm phase of the midge becomes common, and this can be a very effective pattern on bright fall-winter days.

Trout Crack in either the bead head or standard versions has been very popular, with good reason, it gets eaten consistently probably as a scud, but it could represent several food sources.

Egg patterns work extremely well at this time of year; look for rainbows to stack up in the fast water behind spawning redds, picking off the dislodged eggs.

Buggers and larger streamers can be very effective, particularly on cloudy days, in 3 units and up. Bunny Leeches, Zoo Cougars, and bigger buggers fished on sinking lines can draw better fish looking for a meal.

NORFORK: Norfork's crowds have slowed somewhat, but there is still plenty of comradeship when the White is running. The Journal fished Norfork on Monday with a slight stain in the water. Fishing was patchy, coming in bursts. Better action came from the fast water sections, indicating probably some low Dissolved Oxygen levels. To Check on current conditions click this link. Daily bursts of water have been able to keep the DO levels most of the day.

Zebra midges, again in black and silver and black and copper have worked best. But if you dabble in tying your own zebras, try olive or brown thread instead of black.

There are a bunch of redds, scattered above handicap (and higher we are sure) watch out for those lighter patches of gravel and please avoid wading through them. They can be a little easier to detect on Norfork than the White, but it still pays to keep your eyes open, and protect the spawners' efforts.

Tightlines from all at the Mountain River Fly Shop

Gary, Cindy, Kevin, Jim, Marc, Faye, Mike and Steve

November 8, 2007 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 11/08/2007

Overall the lake levels fallen slightly. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam has fallen two tenths of a foot to rest at five feet below power pool at 654.00 feet. Up stream, Table Rock Lake has fallen four tenths of a foot to four and two tenths of a foot below power pool. Beaver Lake has fallen two tenths of a foot to rest at five and seven tenths of a foot below pool. The pattern on the White River has been for low levels of generation around the clock or no generation. There have been several very windy days that included lake wind advisories which resulted in some difficult drift fishing. There have been some excellent wading opportunities on the White River . Norfork Lake has risen one tenth of a foot to rest at five and four tenths feet below power pool of 552.00 feet. The pattern on the Norfolk has been for very limited generation. This has created some excellent wading conditions. The forecast is for cooler weather and sunny skies. With the existing conditions, we should have low water on both rivers.

On the Norfork, the dissolved oxygen levels have dropped lower. The dissolved oxygen level was around two tenths parts per million and dropped well below this level on several occasions. The state standard is six parts per million. On the White River , the dissolved oxygen has also declined. It has averaged one and six tenths parts per million and dropped below one and four tenths parts per million. The oxygen level is at the critical stage on the Norfork. Great care should be taken to prevent stressing the trout particularly near the dam where the dissolved oxygen will be the lowest. Fish should be quickly landed and carefully revived before release.

With the Catch and Release Section at Bull Shoals Dam closed until February, 1, the action has moved down stream. The Wild Cat Shoals area has been fishing very well. On higher water the hot flies have been black zebra midges with silver wire and silver beads, brown zebra midges with copper wire and copper beads, Y2Ks and hot fluorescent pink San Juan worms. On lower flows soft hackles like the partridge and orange and green butt have been effective.

The section from Rim Shoals to Buffalo Shoals has been hot. There have been nice blue wing olive and caddis hatches late in the afternoon. At higher flows, the best flies have been the black and brown zebra midges in size fourteen, olive scuds, Y2Ks, and San Juan Worms. Grass hopper patterns are still producing fish as are Chernobyl ants. The Jenkin's Creek area has fished well with olive woolly buggers. If you need to access wadable water during generation, stop by Rim Shoals Trout Dock to arrange for a water taxi for a nominal charge.

The section from the confluence to Reds landing has been the hot spot. The fish are stacked up in there and several anglers have reported spectacular days. This section does not generally get as much pressure as the upper river but fishes well on two generators. Here again the best flies have been zebra midges, olive scuds and San Juan worms.

The Norfork has not been as crowded lately. The sometimes lower water on the White has helped to prevent overcrowding here. The fishing has been a bit slow. There have been some blue wing olive hatches. The generation has been a bit erratic but has been limited to low flows. The most productive flies have been olive Norfork bead heads, Y2Ks, zebra midges, and olive scuds. There have been some nice midge hatches that the trout have been keying on. The best fly for this has been Dan's turkey tail emerger in size twenty two. To fish some thing this small you will have to go down to at least 6X tippet. In order to thread the eye of this small a hook, clip your tippet at a forty-five degree angle to form a point on the tag end.

Dry Run Creek has been red hot. There are loads of fish stacked up in it to take advantage of the high oxygen content in the creek. The most effective fly for here is a gray sow bug in size fourteen. Use at least 5X tippet and be sure and test your knots. The trout are huge here! My young clients have also done well on olive woolly buggers fished under an indicator. Carry the biggest net you can lay your hands on.

John Berry

November 7, 2007 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service -The water level at greers ferry is at 457.05

The hybrid and white bass fishing continues to excellent all day long through out the lake as long as you can stay with the threadfin the major trick is if they are not pushing shad to the top you do have to have some wind to catch them and you can catch them all day , it is a good time to learn to use your electronics properly , spoons seen to be the best bait going at the time as well as the buckshot in-line spinners and big spooks on top.

The catfishing is good all over the lake with bream on jugs baited about 18 feet below.

All the bass species still seem to be scattered out real bad and could be anywhere , they have been really acting weird this fall for some reason.

The best walleye fishing seems to be under the hybrids and whites , catching 2-10 a day with spoons

Crappie fishing continues to get better in the standing pole timber and channel swings .

No report on the bream fishing

November 6, 2007 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service -

The Overall Picture:

The activity of Largemouth Bass and White Bass, and their schooling activities fired back up in random, sporadic, numerous locations along Little River, and her oxbows, over the past few days. The Bass bite over the past 6-8 weeks, has been consistent and very good on swimming jig heads w/ Bass Assassin Curly Shad trailers & Rat-L-Traps, all morning. This all changed approximately early last week with the influx of cold rain and muddy water along with increased current in Little River and gate release discharge at the dam to compensate incoming water on Little River. The discolored water and stain began settling out and improved water clarity turned on the schooling fish, periodically this week.

As of Monday, 05 November, the main lake and Little River's water surface temp continues cooling; is ranging approx 63º to 66º, depending of course, on location and time of day.

The USACE recently announced, the winter drawdown this year on Millwood, to take place approximately from November 26, 2007 through February 15, 2008, of three feet. This is for numerous reasons, and partially for project work to be completed and routine maintenance at the spillway, gates, boat ramps, boat lanes, and vegetation reduction. Volunteers to assist the USACE perform preventative maintenance on the lake during the drawdown, are encouraged to call the Millwood Lake USACE office.

There are currently no fishing [daily creel or length] regulation changes planned during the drawdown for Millwood. The lake level on Millwood as of 05 Nov, is approx 1.6 inches above normal and steady, at 259.33 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday, is approx 4-7" visibility. Main lake clarity and visibility is reduced to approx 2-3" due to recent high winds over the past few days. Current in Little River was recently decreased to 155 CFS as of Monday, & navigation conditions are normal.

Upriver oxbow's clarity improved at approx 15-17". The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Monday 29 October is reduced, at 225.59 feet. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 155 CFS is with 1 gate open at 0.4 feet.

The Details:

Largemouth Bass: Some schooling activity fired back up this week, albeit random in nature. The schooling activities had tapered off the last couple weeks due to increased muddy water and current in the river. The Bass had been schooling, at various times throughout the day, especially in the mornings, for the past 7-8 weeks prior to all the influx of colder rain and rising muddy water. During the mornings this past week, in the clearest water you can locate, the remaining schooling action can be had, randomly, up until around noon at various locations, especially in Little River at almost any creek mouth junction and in the oxbows. We are still swimming a lot of Bass Assassin Curly Shads in salt-n-pepper, bluegill or smoke colors, on a 1/8 to 3/8 oz jighead, and Rat-L-Traps, from 3" to 6 feet deep, and taking good fish, albeit random in nature.

Shallow running crankbaits are beginning to draw responses from Largemouths over the past week or two. The Baby Minus-1 in shad patterns, the Fat Free Shad/Guppy and/or the Cordell Big-O, shallow diving models, were catching some decent fish in the last couple days along the river, deflecting off stumps in sloughs of inside river bends.

1/4 oz to 1/2 oz Rat-L-Traps in diamond dust, white or chrome (sunny days & clear water) with blue or black backs, Redfin or Smithwick Rouge jerkbaits, white Little Georges, white/chart Rocket Shads are very effective on these random schoolers. The schooling bass range in size from 1 up to 5 or 6 pounds each, and will vary considerably depending on the individual school of bass. Moderate wind is key for Millwood most of the time, but during schooling weather, when the wind dies, the schools go deep again, under the bait school and just follow them around. If you make contact several Largemouths consecutively, and then several Whites also in the same school, throw out a buoy, check your graph, and maintain your position in the river. These schools are roaming and chasing shad, and they are typically herding them up on underwater points and humps, or over deep water in the oxbows. We anticipate the schooling activity to fire back up more aggressively as the water continues clearing and cooling, over the next few weeks.

The jig heads in 1/4 to 3/8 oz sizes, using a 4" Bass Assassin Curly Shad trailers are catching some decent bass and schoolers. The Curly Shads in salt-n-pepper silver phantom, or crystal shad or smoke pepper, seem to be the best color trailers for the past few weeks. Cordell Crazy Shads, Smithwick Rouges, and Red Fin jerk baits, are also working on these topwater schoolers. The key for the topwater baits and jerkbaits is to be within striking distance when the feeding frenzy begins. The Rat-L-Traps are still catching nice size keeper bass up to 5 or 6 pounds each. The white or chrome Traps in 1/4 to 1/2 oz sizes are the best working Traps over the past few weeks. Watch your electronics, follow the flippin school of bait on the surface, and the large blips and school on your graph. Letting a Rocket Shad or Rat-L-Trap sink up to 10 seconds before retrieving your bait, can pull up some really nice size bass from the depths of the school you are following. We are having best results when topwater action dies, by slowly swiming shallow running jerkbaits and Rat-L-Traps through random stands of green lily pads remaining. Where you see groups of 6 to 15 lily pads standing alone, away from the huge lily pad groups, seem to hold a few really nice sized bass.

Best jig and pig bite over the past couple weeks is the Texas Craw color (chart/pumpkin/black) or black and blue jig skirt color using black or green pumpkin chunk trailers. Noisy buzz baits, with the muddy water and cooler night time temperatures, have shut almost completely off over the past 2 weeks. The Bass Assassin Shad jerkbait bite has taken a back seat to the rattling lipless crankbaits over the past 2-3 weeks. Seems like the bass just want to chase shad and the rattling crankbaits are immitating these schooling shad very realistically. The bass are not as aggressive up in the lily pads looking for a single bite meal. The have pulled out with the falling water and are relating to large schools of shad, where they can get several mouthfuls at once, rather than a single baitfish by itself flopping on top of a lily pad.

Texas rigged 10" worms, in junebug-red, black-grape, or blue fleck remain taking some nice, keeper-sized largemouths, from 3-5 pounds each, on cypress trees, cypress tree knees, stumps, and close to grass and remaining pads where stumps or standing timber remain in the 6-9 feet depth areas and any creek channel's swing around 7-12 feet deep, with stumps.

White Bass: Activity level has tapered off the schooling activity over the past 2 weeks. Try Little Georges in silver or chrome, Rooster Tails in white/red, Rocket Shads or Roadrunners in white, and any chrome or white colored Rat-L-Trap. Good areas for the whites up until the recent influx of muddy water and current, were in Horseshoe, Mud and McGuire Oxbows, along the most clear water you can find, and also in Hurricane Creek and Cemetary Slough. Try trolling to locate the school in the clearest section of water available in depths ranging from 5-10 feet deep.

Crappie: shut off w/ the muddy water two weeks ago. We have located them again, on our electronics, moved back out near planted brush piles in 11-14' deep trees, but bite remains slow on hair jigs and tubes or shiners.

Channel Cats: Decrease in current in Little River, slowed the Cat bite this week. 2 to 5 pound sized keeper channel cats were caught over the past week, using cut shad, minnows and Charlie, on trot lines and yo-yo's along the river and in oxbows hung from cypress trees in approx 6-9 feet depths.

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

Navigation conditions in Little River are normal.

As of Monday, 05 November, the main lake and Little River's water surface temp continues cooling; is ranging approx 63º to 66º, depending of course, on location and time of day.

The USACE recently announced, the winter drawdown this year on Millwood, to take place approximately from November 26, 2007 through February 15, 2008, of three feet. This is for numerous reasons, and partially for project work to be completed and routine maintenance at the spillway, gates, boat ramps, boat lanes, and vegetation reduction. Volunteers to assist the USACE perform preventative maintenance on the lake during the drawdown, are encouraged to call the Millwood Lake USACE office.

There are currently no fishing [daily creel or length] regulation changes planned during the drawdown for Millwood. The lake level on Millwood as of 05 Nov, is approx 1.6 inches above normal and steady, at 259.33 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday, is approx 4-7" visibility. Main lake clarity and visibility is reduced to approx 2-3" due to recent high winds over the past few days. Current in Little River was recently decreased to 155 CFS as of Monday, & navigation conditions are normal.

Upriver oxbow's clarity improved at approx 15-17". The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Monday 29 October is reduced, at 225.59 feet. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 155 CFS is with 1 gate open at 0.4 feet.

Mike

November 2, 2007 - Norfork and White River - Courtesty of Mountain River Fly Shop -

WHITE RIVER: This week's Journal started with this very pretty brown, and we couldn't resist another shot from the last day before the closure of the Catch and Release section below the Bull Shoals Dam. It was otherwise relatively uneventful apart from the warmth. Pretty day, midgeing fish, no monsters but several nice browns, some red flanked bows and the trees just starting to change color and fun fishing. Yep it was low water too, two days of it so far this week and perhaps more to come, but I'm not going to put the curse on it.

Anyway that's a little copper bead midge in the upper jaw; copper beads just seem to be the absolute trick right now, no matter whether you are on the White or Norfork. Seriously, don't head to the river without them.

The second fly you absolutely need is the Trout Crack, bead head versions if you are going to be fishing the fast water, the standard tie in the slow water.

Otherwise pick up the standards Black and silver Zebras, try the red zebra as winter approaches, Anna K soft hackles for emerger eaters. Y2Ks and other eggs if you are fishing anywhere in the system but particularly the fast water. We like brighter hues now, graduating to the pastels later in winter.

But some of our better fun still has been coming on dries. Griffiths Gnats, parachute Adams and of course our favorite Morgan's CDC Para Midge.

But even sweeter have been the mayfly hatches, up and down the White and Norfork. We have been finding, and hearing about, oodles of Blue Wing Olives and even Sulphurs. The Olives we saw Sunday on the White between Cotter and Rim Shoal were about a 2o, with very large slate gray wings. A parachute Adams presented to risers, only smaller fish in our area at least, produced a bunch of takes and hookups. Then at Rim later in the week we saw the yellowish mayfly being described as a sulphur. It was very light in color, about a 22 with 2 long tail filaments, and the more entomologically correct among us may have a better idea on its correct nomenclature.

Anyway our suggestion is carry some small mayfly nymphs, like PTs, Copper Johns, real Deal Nymphs or better yet the Micro Mayfly alongside your regular midges. The numbers of adults we are seeing on the surface, it makes sense to fish the water column with this style of nymph. It may also explain some of the reports we have had of "picky fish" refusing their standard fare.

NORFORK: Fishing very well. Early morning (5am-ish) blasts of water seem to be doing the fishing the world of good. But you better have packed your small dries. Parachute Adams, Sparks Duns in yellow and olive, BWO and PMD Comparaduns, have all made the difference for many fly fishers. But as we mentioned above, if your midges stop working, switch to mayfly nymphs under an indicator and work the riffles. You may have to vary the depth if the bugs are truly emerging, but otherwise fish them deep.

We tried yesterday for a bit as an experiment and tied briefly to a very heavy fish that showed a distinct lack of respect of our need for nice pictures for this report and promptly spat the hook.

Scuds continue to work well on Norfork particularly in olive and tan. Don't leave home without the Trout Crack or Copper bead midges. Olive, black or brown thread behind the bead it doesn't seem to matter.

Tightlines from all at the Mountain River Fly Shop
Gary, Cindy, Chad, Jim, Marc, Faye, Mike and Steve

November 2, 2007 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 11/01/2007

Overall the lake levels fallen slightly. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam has fallen eight tenths of a foot to rest at four and eight tenths of a foot below power pool at 654.00 feet. Up stream, Table Rock Lake has fallen two tenths of a foot to three and eight tenths of a foot below power pool. Beaver Lake has fallen one tenth of a foot to rest at five and five tenths of a foot below pool. The pattern on the White River has been for low levels of generation around the clock or no generation. There have been several very windy days that included lake wind advisories which resulted in some difficult drift fishing. There have been some excellent wading opportunities on the White River . Norfork Lake has fallen one tenth of a foot to rest at five and five tenths feet below power pool of 552.00 feet. The pattern on the Norfolk has been for a substantial period of generation in the morning. This has created some excellent wading conditions in the afternoon. The forecast is for cooler weather and sunny skies. With the existing conditions, we should have low water on both rivers.

On the Norfork, the dissolved oxygen levels have dropped lower. The dissolved oxygen level was around two tenths parts per million. On the White River the dissolved oxygen has also declined. It has averaged one and six tenths parts per million. The oxygen level is at the critical stage on the Norfork. Great care should be taken to prevent stressing the trout particularly near the dam where the dissolved oxygen will be the lowest. Fish should be quickly landed and carefully revived before release.

On the White River the Bull Shoals Catch-and-Release Area from 100 yards below Bull Shoals Dam to the upstream boundary of Bull Shoals White River State Park is Catch-and-release from February 1 until October 31 is closed to fishing from November 1 to January 31 downstream to the wing dike at the Bull Shoals White River State Park Trout Dock. In addition the Bull Shoals Seasonal Brown Trout Catch-and-Release Area: From the wing dike at the Bull Shoals White River State Park trout dock to the downstream boundary of the park is designated a Catch-and-release area for brown trout from November 1 through January 31. Brown trout must be released immediately. No fishing from 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise. The brown trout are spawning in this area and the regulations are designed to protect them.

The fishing on the White River has definitely improved in the last week. The weather has cooled off and the trout are feeding. On the upper river, egg patterns in the Bull Shoals Dam State Park and below should be effective. Wildcat Shoals has been very productive with worm brown San Juan worms and Y2Ks. Soft hackles such as partridge and orange and green butts have been fishing well particularly after the fog burns off in the morning. This section has also fished well with grass hoppers. Add a small nymph such as a zebra midge or a pheasant tail and hang on.

Rim Shoals has also fished very well. On lower flows the Y2K and traditional egg patterns have accounted for a lot of fish. On higher flows the San Juan worm in hot pink has been effective. Grasshoppers have done well but do not use a dropper in this section as Catch and Release regulations only allow a single hook.

The Ranchette section has been really hot. Here it is nymphs lit the zebra midge in brown with copper wire and copper bead and in black with silver wire and silver bead. San Juan worms in bright colors like hot pink and fire orange have also been producing fish.

On the Norfork River , the low water on the White this week has eased the crowding a bit. Fishing has been good but not great. Midges rule. Norfork bead heads and zebra midges have been the go to flies. There have been blue wing olive hatches in the afternoon that have created some very nice top water action. The flies are pretty small, size eighteen or twenty. To fish something this small you will need to work it fairly close. If you can't see it, you can't fish it.

Dry Run Creek is fishing well. There are a large number of big brown trout that have moved into the creek. Egg patterns are the way to go. Also try sow bugs and olive woolly buggers. Be sure and carry the biggest net you can lay your hands on and carry a camera.

John Berry

October 29, 2007 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service -

The Overall Picture:

The activity of Largemouth Bass and White Bass, is somewhat diminished from last week's report, and schooling activities have tapered off in numerous locations along Little River, and her oxbows, due to muddy water and current increase in the river. The Bass bite over the past 6-8 weeks, has been consistent and very good on swimming jig heads w/ Bass Assassin Curly Shad trailers & Rat-L-Traps, all morning. This all changed approximately early last week with the influx of cold rain and muddy water along with increased current in Little River and gate release discharge at the dam to compensate incoming water on Little River.

As of Monday, 29 October, the main lake and Little River's water surface temp continues cooling; is ranging approx 62º to 67º, depending of course, on location and time of day.

As of Monday, 29 Oct, the USACE recently announced, the winter drawdown this year on Millwood, to take place approximately from November 26, 2007 through February 15, 2008, of three feet. This is for numerous reasons, and partially for project work to be completed and routine maintenance at the spillway, gates, boat ramps, boat lanes, and vegetation reduction. Volunteers to assist the USACE perform preventative maintenance on the lake during the drawdown, are encouraged to call the Millwood Lake USACE office.

There are currently no fishing [daily creel or length] regulation changes planned during the drawdown for Millwood. The lake level on Millwood as of 29 Oct, is approx 1.4 inches above normal and falling, at 259.32 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday, is approx 5-6" visibility. Main lake clarity and visibility is reduced to approx 2-3" due to recent high winds and lake wind advisories over the past few days. Current in Little River was recently decreased to 386 CFS as of Monday, & navigation conditions are normal.

Upriver oxbow's clarity diminished due to incoming rain and current in Little River, but improving, at approx 10-15". The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Monday 29 October is reduced, at 226.47 feet. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 386 CFS is with 1 gate open at 1 foot.

The Details:

Largemouth Bass: Some schooling activity is still occuring, but diminished again from last week's activity levels. The Bass have been schooling, at various times throughout the day, especially in the mornings, for the past 6-7 weeks prior to all the influx of colder rain and rising muddy water. For the past week with influx of incoming rain and curent muddying the conditions, the schooling activities have lulled again. During the morning, the remaining schooling action can be had, randomly, up until around noon at various locations, especially in Little River at almost any creek mouth junction and in the oxbows. We are still swimming a lot of Bass Assassin Curly Shads in salt-n-pepper, bluegill or smoke colors, on a 1/8 to 3/8 oz jighead, swimming it from 3" to 6 feet deep, and taking good fish, albeit random in nature.

1/4 oz to 1/2 oz Rat-L-Traps in diamond dust, white or chrome (sunny days & clear water) with blue or black backs, white Little Georges, white/chart Rocket Shads are very effective on these random schoolers. The schooling bass range in size from 1 up to 5 or 6 pounds each, and will vary considerably depending on the individual school of bass. Moderate wind is key for Millwood most of the time, but during schooling weather, when the wind dies, the schools go deep again, under the bait school and just follow them around. If you make contact several Largemouths consecutively, and then several Whites also in the same school, throw out a buoy, check your graph, and maintain your position in the river. These schools are roaming and chasing shad, and they are typically herding them up on underwater points and humps, or creek mouths dropping into Little River. We anticipate the schooling activity to fire back up more aggressively as the water continues clearing over this week.

1/4 to 3/8 oz size silver or white headed jig heads with 4" Bass Assassin Curly Shad trailers are catching some decent bass and schoolers. The Curly Shads in salt-n-pepper phantom, crystal shad or smoke pepper, seem to be the best trailer. Cordell Crazy Shads, Smithwick Rouges, and Red Fin jerk baits, were taking a lof of these topwater schoolers also prior to the rain and stain. The topwater frenzy has subsided over the past week due to increased stain and current in Little River. The Rat-L-Traps are still catching nice size keeper bass up to 4 & 5 pounds each. The white or chrome Traps in 1/4 to 1/2 oz sizes are the best working Traps over the past few weeks. Watch your electronics, follow the flippin school of bait on the surface, and the large blips and school on your graph. Letting a Rocket Shad or Rat-L-Trap sink up to 10 seconds before retrieving your bait, can pull up some really nice size bass from the depths of the school you are following.

Best jig and pig bite seems to be shifting from peanunt butter and jelly color, w/ black and blue pork or plastic chunks, to the Texas Craw color (chart/pumpkin/black) or black and blue jig skirt color. White noisy buzz baits were working last week, but with the last 2 cold fronts moving in, with the muddy water, the buzz bait bite has diminished over the past 2 weeks. The Bass Assassin Shad jerkbait bite has taken a back seat to the rattling lipless crankbaits over the past 2-3 weeks. Seems like the bass just want to chase shad and the rattling crankbaits are immitating these schooling shad very realistically. The bass are not as aggressive up in the lily pads looking for a single bite meal. The have pulled out with the falling water and are relating to large schools of shad, where they can get several mouthfuls at once, rather than a single baitfish by itself flopping on top of a lily pad.

Texas rigged 10" worms, in junebug-red, black-grape, or blue fleck remain taking some nice, keeper-sized largemouths, from 3-5 pounds each, on cypress trees, cypress tree knees, stumps, and close to grass and remaining pads where stumps or standing timber remain in the 6-9 feet depth areas and any creek channel's swing around 7-12 feet deep, with stumps.

White Bass: Activity level has tapered off the schooling activity over the past 2 weeks. Try Little Georges in silver or chrome, Rooster Tails in white/red, Rocket Shads or Roadrunners in white, and any chrome or white colored Rat-L-Trap. Good areas for the whites up until the recent influx of muddy water and current, were in Horseshoe, Mud and McGuire Oxbows, along the most clear water you can find, and also in Hurricane Creek and Cemetary Slough. Try trolling to locate the school in the clearest section of water available in depths ranging from 5-10 feet deep.

Crappie: were shallow 2 weeks ago, roaming in and out of the cypress trees from 3-8 feet deep, but shut off w/ the muddy water. We have located them again, on our electronics, moved back out near planted brush piles in 11-14' deep trees, but bite is very slow on hair jigs and tubes or shiners.

Channel Cats: Decrease in current in Little River, slowed the Cat bite this week. 2 to 5 pound sized keeper channel cats were caught over the past week, using cut shad, minnows and Charlie, on trot lines and yo-yo's along the river and in oxbows hung from cypress trees in approx 6-9 feet depths.

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

Navigation conditions in Little River are normal.

As of Monday, 29 October, the main lake and Little River's water surface temp continues cooling; is ranging approx 62º to 67º, depending of course, on location and time of day.

As of Monday, 29 Oct, the USACE recently announced, the winter drawdown this year on Millwood, to take place approximately from November 26, 2007 through February 15, 2008, of three feet. This is for numerous reasons, and partially for project work to be completed and routine maintenance at the spillway, gates, boat ramps, boat lanes, and vegetation reduction. Volunteers to assist the USACE perform preventative maintenance on the lake during the drawdown, are encouraged to call the Millwood Lake USACE office.

There are currently no fishing [daily creel or length] regulation changes planned during the drawdown for Millwood. The lake level on Millwood as of 29 Oct, is approx 1.4 inches above normal and falling, at 259.32 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday, is approx 5-6" visibility. Main lake clarity and visibility is reduced to approx 2-3" due to recent high winds and lake wind advisories over the past few days. Current in Little River was recently decreased to 386 CFS as of Monday, & navigation conditions are normal.

Upriver oxbow's clarity diminished due to incoming rain and current in Little River, but improving, at approx 10-15". The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Monday 29 October is reduced, at 226.47 feet. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 386 CFS is with 1 gate open at 1 foot.

Mike

October 25, 2007 - Norfork and White River - Courtesty of Mountain River Fly Shop -

WHITE RIVER: We haven't seen much low water this week, but the fishing has been very good for the boat based fly fisher. We have heard good things from the lower water levels, one unit mid-week, which augurs well for any spell of low water this weekend.

The wind certainly has been a pain in the butt. If there is one tip we can give you to those gusty, blowy days is wait for the wind to drop then cast. Casting indicator rigs into 20knot gust is a recipe for disaster and bad language.

Zebra midges continue to perform well, darker colors on the cloudy days and silvery tones on the sunny days. Scuds in tan and gray are very good, olive is working well and don't forget scud patterns or Trout Crack in both bead head and non-bead versions.

The Journal has found the bead head works best in the faster flows try the standard version in the flatter water.

Woolly buggers are a good bet in really windy conditions, where you can beat the wind killing drift. Fish an intermediate or slow sinking line to get below any wind chop. Eggs are starting to prove popular as the spawn gets closer. Y2ks and other egg patterns are hard to beat. Watch out for the redds when you are wading so as to avoid disturbing the eggs.

NORFORK: Norfork has been the choice of most fly fishers with so much generation underway on the White. It has led to some crowds on weekends, particularly close to the Dam or around the handicap access. The only solution is to walk up and down and keep in touch with the Generation telephone number, especially since you can't hear the horn all the way downstream.

Copper zebra-style midges have been the go to pattern. Scuds and Sowbugs similarly have been very, very good.

Tightlines from all at the Mountain River Fly Shop
Gary, Cindy, Chad, Jim, Marc, Faye, Mike and Steve

October 25, 2007 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 10/25/2007

There has been a good bit rain in the twin lakes area and overall the lake levels fallen slightly. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam has risen one tenth of a foot to rest at four feet below power pool at 654.00 feet. Up stream, Table Rock Lake has fallen five tenths of a foot to three and six tenths of a foot below power pool. Beaver Lake has fallen one tenth of a foot to rest at five and four tenths of a foot below pool. The pattern on the White River has been for low levels of generation around the clock. There have been a lot of very windy days that included lake wind advisories which resulted in several very difficult days for drift fishing. There have been few wading opportunities on the White River . Norfork Lake has remained steady at five and four tenths feet below power pool of 552.00 feet. The pattern has been for a couple of brief periods of low generation in the evening and early morning. This has created some excellent wading conditions. The forecast is for cooler weather and sunny skies. With the existing conditions, we should have low water on both rivers.

On the Norfork, the dissolved oxygen levels have dropped lower. The dissolved oxygen level was around four tenths parts per million. There was two instances where it dropped below two tenths of a part per million. On the White River the dissolved oxygen has also declined. It has averaged two and two tenths parts per million most of the time but did drop to one and eight tenths parts per million on one occasion. The oxygen level is at the critical stage on the Norfork. Great care should be taken to prevent stressing the trout particularly near the dam where the dissolved oxygen will be the lowest. Fish should be quickly landed and carefully revived before release.

On the White River the fishing has been a bit spotty during the last week. There were some really good days and some very poor days. The wind for the last week has been particularly strong and has been an issue for all fly fishers. Larger rods in five and six weight have been the rule.

The upper river from Bull Shoals Dam to White Hole has been on average a bit slow. On the lower flows zebra midges in black with silver wire and silver bead and in brown with copper wire and copper bead have been effective. On heavier flows San Juan worms in bright colors and egg patterns have been the ticket.

The catch and release section at Rim Shoals has been fishing a bit better. There has been some really good drift fishing in the Jenkins Creek area. On lower water olive woolly buggers and zebra midges have been accounting for a lot of good fish. On higher water San Juan worms in magenta have been very effective. These flies have also produced well down stream at the end of the catch and release area just below the power lines.

Further down stream the section around the Ranchette and on down to Buffalo Shoals has been fishing very well. This section has not received as much pressure of late and there are quite a few fish there. Zebra midges and San Juan worms in bright colors have been the go to flies. Buffalo Shoals has fished particularly well.

The Norfork has been fishing well of late. With the White River running around the clock, the only reliable wading has been on the Norfork. As a result, the Norfork has been incredibly crowded. The overcrowding has been made worse by the closure of McClellan's. The Handicap Access has been so crowded that all parking spaces are taken and several people are parking in the road. I should point out that this road is clearly marked no parking and these cars are subject to getting towed away. That said, the Norfork is fishing well in spite of the pressure. The hot flies have been Norfork bead heads in black and olive, Wilson 's trout crack, and peach eggs.

Dry run Creek has been fishing very well as usual. A large number of brown trout have moved up into the creek. The browns tend to be in the lower section. Remember that this is Catch and Release water and bait fishing is illegal. You must fish single hook artificial lures. The best way to fish it is by high sticking sow bug through deep fast water. San Juan worms, egg patterns, and woolly buggers are also effective. Gently release the trout as quickly as possible.

October 24, 2007 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service -

The water level is on the rise and at 457.13

The hybrid fishing continues to be very good with catches of 50-100 fish a day not uncommom at this time they can be caught on top as well as with the buckshot spinner and a right bite jigging spoon 35 to 43 feet of all around the lake

The crappie have continued to get better with the better catches coming at night under lights in about 15 feeet of water

No report on bream

The catfish are good also with a lot of big blues coming in on jugs .

Walleye can be caught in various areas with the most consistant being around feeding hybrids and whites on spoons

The bass fishing is improving every day even with all the pressure with a lot of fish being caught on spoons , top waters and jerk baits , as always this time of year you can depend on a jig or c-rig to catch all 3 species as wellOctober 18, 2007 - Norfork and White River - Courtesty of Mountain River Fly Shop -

WHITE RIVER: Yesterday you could hear the collective sigh of relief up and down the river yesterday. Low water was back again; letting the waders have free reign up and down the White. After a couple of weeks of two units running pretty consistently, it was so much of a shock one of our regulars was in the store hanging out yesterday morning without having checked the water levels, resigned at not fishing. You should have seen the look on his face when we told him it was off, and so was he out the door heading for waders and a strung up fly rod.

Even more of a surprise it was off all day again today. So the fall slowing of generation may finally be upon us. But as always we aren't going to be making any rash predictions. The Journal was predictably in the store yesterday and not even offering bribes could swing an early minute. Besides, the Journal has a new guide boat from Supreme so of course the water is off. And as was pointed out, we were picking up the girls from school.

However Chad enlivened proceedings with messages of 4 fish over 20" in an hour or something like that; we had to hang up on him!

But as he pointed out later, the Journal managed to fish half a unit Tuesday below the dam with some very nice, if smaller fish up to 19". Most spectacular was a 16" cut in full spawned up colors, the crimson slash was remarkable. Of course, we left the camera at home. Even more fun was doing it on dry flies and 5x. Foam Ant patterns were best but parachute ants, also drew takes. We have heard similar tales up and down the river, with Stimulators and Hoppers performing well on Rim.

Zebra midges remain the ticket. Crystal's skinny body tie of Chad's camel and copper midge is doing particularly well; it's the one with the black rib. The standard black and silvers, red and gold and the brown are also doing well.

We are also getting more and more customers after Y2Ks. The best color combination at present is the orange/yellow, but the paler shades will come to the fore as winter sets in. Don't forget your woolly buggers and streamers; the best fishing of the year is underway.

NORFORK: With wading conditions opening back up on the White, pressure on the Norfork should ease now. The Journal had a guide trip with Kevin Brandtonies and George Peters last Friday and it was hard to find a bathtub of water without a couple of waders in it. So we hiked well upstream pretty much to McLellan's, a calculated risk based on generation patterns last week. It would have been a scramble to get back. Thankfully the fishing was pretty good with abundant midge hatches bringing plenty of fish up.

Brady McDonough, of Ok, scored the fish of the day with a nice brown just under 18", fatter in the belly than it looks in the pics and beautifully colored. We were fishing the black rib midge mentioned above, then switched to black and silver. The fish were definitely in the riffles but look at the flat water too. We found some very nice fish well away from the fast water.

George had one of his clients fishing a Parachute Adams to fish taking emergers and these were getting eaten readily. There may be fancier midge patterns around, but the Para Adams in a small size 18s and smaller is very reliable. Always carry some of these in your box if you like the challenge of dry fly fishing when the midges are on.

Tightlines from all at the Mountain River Fly Shop

Gary, Cindy, Chad, Jim, Marc, Faye, Mike and Steve

October 18, 2007 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 10/18/2007

There has been a little rain in the twin lakes area and overall the lake levels continue to fall. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam has fallen seven tenths of a foot to rest at four and one tenth of a foot below power pool at 654.00 feet. Up stream, Table Rock Lake has fallen two tenths of a foot to three and one tenth of a foot below power pool. Beaver Lake has fallen two tenths of a foot to rest at five and three tenths of a foot below pool. The pattern on the White River has been for low levels of generation around the clock early in the week. Then mid week we got some low water making for excellent wading. Norfork Lake has fallen two tenths of a foot to rest at five and four tenths feet below power pool of 552.00 feet. The pattern has been for a couple of brief periods of low generation in the evening and early morning and a period of substantial generation in the afternoon. This has created some excellent wading conditions. The forecast is for cooler weather and sunny skies. With the existing conditions, we should have low water on both rivers.

On the Norfork, the dissolved oxygen levels have remained low. The dissolved oxygen level was around six tenths parts per million. There was one instance where it dropped below four tenths of a part per million. On the White River the dissolved oxygen has declined slightly. It has averaged two and six tenths parts per million most of the time but did drop to two and three tenths parts per million on one occasion. The oxygen level is at the critical stage on the Norfork. Great care should be taken to prevent stressing the trout particularly near the dam where the dissolved oxygen will be the lowest. Fish should be quickly landed and carefully revived before release.

The fishing on the White has been a bit slow during the last week particularly on the upper river. The section from the Catch and Release area at the base of Bull Shoals Dam to White Hole has yielded a few good fish. The trout have been finicky and it is has been necessary to change flies often. Be sure and try San Juan worms, zebra midges in brown with copper wire and copper bead, and black with silver wire and silver bead. On the top try big foam hoppers, Chernobyl ants, and small midge emergers in black or peacock. Further down stream Wildcat Shoals has been fishing poorly. This section has received a lot of pressure during the last few weeks and a lot of trout have been harvested.

The section from Cotter to Rim has fished a bit better. This section has also seen a lot of pressure and significant harvest. The trout here have also been finicky. Productive flies have included the brown and the black zebra midges, sow bugs, partridge and orange soft hackles, olive woolly buggers and the Y2K. The river below Buffalo Shoals has fished better. There has been significantly less pressure here.

The Norfork has fished a bit better but the pressure has been unrelenting. There have been an inordinate number of anglers on the river from Norfork Dam to the confluence with the White. With limited wading on the White River everyone has headed here. It has not been the quality fly fishing experience that it has been in the past.

Dry Run Creek has been the exception and has fished incredibly well during the past week. There are a large number of brown trout that have moved up into the creek to spawn and there have been a large number of large fish caught. The hot technique during the past week has been to fish an olive woolly bugger below a strike indicator. Be sure and use at least 4X tippet. With the heavy tippet and larger hook of the Woolly bugger it is easier to handle the larger fish here. By fishing the fly under an indicator you can work a very short line and stay out of the trees. Most big fish are lost at the net. Be sure and carry the biggest one that you can lay your hands on. Other good flies for Dry Run Creek are sow bugs (the dominant food source in the creek), egg patterns, and San Juan worms. Be sure and mash down your barbs and handle the fish very gently. Carefully revive the trout before releasing them.

John Berry

October 17, 2007 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service -

The water level at greers ferry is at 456.98 and falling.

The hybrid fishing continues to be very good with catches of 50-100 fish a day not uncommom at this time they can be caught on top as well as with the buckshot spinner and a right bite jigging spoon 35 to 43 feet of all around the lake

The crappie have continued to get better with the better catches coming at night under lights in about 15 feeet of water

No report on bream

The catfish are good also with a lot of big blues coming in on jugs .

Walleye can be caught in various areas with the most consistant being around feeding hybrids and whites on spoons

The bass fishing is improving every day even with all the pressure with a lot of fish being caught on spoons , top waters and jerk baits , as always this time of year you can depend on a jig or c-rig to catch all 3 species as well

October 15, 2007 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service - The Overall Picture:

Activity of Largemouth Bass and White Bass mostly unchanged from last week, and continue schooling in numerous locations along Little River, and her oxbows, from mid to late mornings, and again near dusk. The Bass bite remains excellent on swimming jig heads w/ Bass Assassin Curly Shad trailers & Rat-L-Traps, early in the morning. It truly is a great time to take a kid fishing. The schooling bass are hitting a variety of lures from top waters like the clear Baby Torpedo, Crazy Shads, Zara Spook jr's, (in the midst of the frenzy) Spit'n Images, and jerk baits.

As of Monday, 15 October, the main lake and Little River's water surface temp continues cooling; is ranging in the mid 70ºs range, approx 72º to 75º, depending of course, on location and time of day. Water surface temps are cooling faster this year.

As of Monday, 15 Oct, the USACE recently announced, the winter drawdown this year on Millwood, to take place approximately from November 26, 2007 through February 15, 2008, of three feet. This is for numerous reasons, and partially for project work to be completed and routine maintenance at the spillway, gates, boat ramps, boat lanes, and vegetation reduction. Volunteers to assist the USACE perform preventative maintenance on the lake during the drawdown, are encouraged to call the Millwood Lake USACE office.

There are currently no fishing [daily creel or length] regulation changes planned during the drawdown for Millwood. The lake level on Millwood as of 15 Oct, is approx 2 inches above normal and steady, at 259.34 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday, is approx 8-12" visibility. Main lake clarity and visibility is 2-3" due to high winds. Current is increased to 1,159CFS as of Monday & navigation conditions are normal.

Upriver oxbow's clarity approx 12-18". The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Monday 15 October is 228.97 feet. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 1,159 CFS is with 3 gates open at 1 foot each.

The Details:

Largemouth Bass: Mostly unchanged from last week. The bass, continue to school, at various times throughout the day, especially in the mornings, when water temps are coolest, and then again around dusk. During the morning, excellent schooling action can be had, randomly, up until around noon at various locations, lake wide, especially in Little River at almost any creek mouth junction. This is the time of year that spoils all Bass fishermen, and keep us coming back, from youth to seniors. Grab your son, daughter, and any kid to let them truly enjoy what started most of us bass fishermen and let them experience cool fall weather, and schooling bass. We are throwing a lot of Bass Assassin Curly Shads in salt-n-pepper or smoke colors on a 1/8 to 3/8 oz jighead, swimming it from 3" to 6 feet deep, and wearing them out. 1/4 oz to 1/2 oz Rat-L-Traps in diamond dust, smokey joe, or chrome blue & black back, Little Georges, H&H spinners, Rocket Shads and buck-tailed hammered spoons, and numerous topwater baits, are also very effective on these schoolers. The schooling bass range in size from 1 up to 5 or 6 pounds each, and will vary considerably depending on the individual school of bass. The White Bass are also schooling along w/ the Largemouths, around huge schools of shad as long as the wind stays moving some. The wind is key for Millwood most of the time, but during schooling weather, when the wind dies, the schools go deep again, under the bait school and just follow them around. If you contact several Black Bass or Largemouths, and then several Whites also in the same school, throw out a buoy, check your graph, and maintain your position in the river. These schools are roaming and chasing shad, and they are typically herding them up on underwater points and humps, or creek mouths dropping into Little River.

1/4 to 3/8 oz size silver or white headed jig heads with 4" Bass Assassin Curly Shad trailers are catching some decent bass and schoolers. The Curly Shads in salt-n-pepper phantom, crystal shad or smoke pepper, seem to be the best trailer. Cordell Crazy Shads, Smithwick Rouges, and Red Fin jerk baits, are are taking a lof of these topwater schoolers also. The topwater frenzy is only lasting for 5-6 minutes each time at most, before they go down again, but fish can be caught from the school, for up to 20 minutes or longer, after the surface action subsides with the Rat-L-Traps. Watch your electronics and follow the school of bait on the surface and the large blips and school on your graph. Letting a Rocket Shad or Rat-L-Trap sink up to 10 seconds before retrieving your bait, can pull up some really nice size bass from the depths of the school you are following. These schoolers are constantly moving chasing the baitfish. Make sure your trolling motor batteries are full charged, and you had breakfast, because both will be worn after chasing and fighting these schooling fish. The white bass schools are following the black bass, and are ranging from 2-3.5 pounds each. If the wind dies, seems like so does the schooling. Go to a 10" worm or jig during the lull in the action.

Best jig and pig bite is still the peanunt butter and jelly color, w/ black and blue pork or plastic chunks, for keeper size bass on stumps, although the Texas Craw color (chart/pumpkin/black) jig are also taking some nice bass up to 4 or 6 pounds each. Spot Remover and firecracker colors of War Eagle spinnerbaits remain taking good keeper size and smaller bass around any remaining lily pad stems and vegetation for last couple weeks. These spinnerbait and buzz bait bass are ranging in size from 12" to 18". Buzz baits using firecracker or cole slaw colored skirt, are best working colors.

Texas rigged 10" worms, and 7" ringworms in junebug-red, plum, blue ice, or sour grape remain taking some nice, keeper-sized largemouths, from 3-5 pounds each, close to grass and remaining pads where stumps or standing timber remain in the 6-9 feet depth areas and any creek mouths interesecting the Little River.

White Bass: Are schooling with the Largemouths, along Little River up until around noon, then again in late afternoon. Try Little Georges in silver or chrome, Rooster Tails in white/red, Rocket Shads or Roadrunners in white, and any chrome colored Rat-L-Trap for a good fight. We have caught Whites ranging in size over the past week from 2-3.5 pounds each.

Crappie: are fair along Little River, on live shiners, and hair jigs, but are scattered and more shallow, at 3-7 feet depths in trees and lily pads.

Channel Cats: Increased current in Little River, improved the Cat bite this week. Some nice sized keeper channel cats were caught over the past few days, up to 7 and 8 pounds each, using Catfish Charlie, gold fish and cut bait, on trot lines and yo-yo's.

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

Navigation conditions in Little River are normal.

As of Monday, 15 October, the main lake and Little River's water surface temp continues cooling; is ranging in the mid 70ºs range, approx 72º to 75º, depending of course, on location and time of day. Water surface temps are cooling faster this year.

As of Monday, 15 Oct, the USACE recently announced, the winter drawdown this year on Millwood, to take place approximately from November 26, 2007 through February 15, 2008, of three feet. This is for numerous reasons, and partially for project work to be completed and routine maintenance at the spillway, gates, boat ramps, boat lanes, and vegetation reduction. Volunteers to assist the USACE perform preventative maintenance on the lake during the drawdown, are encouraged to call the Millwood Lake USACE office.

There are currently no fishing [daily creel or length] regulation changes planned during the drawdown for Millwood. The lake level on Millwood as of 15 Oct, is approx 2 inches above normal and steady, at 259.34 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday, is approx 8-12" visibility. Main lake clarity and visibility is 2-3" due to high winds. Current is increased to 1,159CFS as of Monday & navigation conditions are normal.

Upriver oxbow's clarity approx 12-18". The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Monday 15 October is 228.97 feet. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 1,159 CFS is with 3 gates open at 1 foot each.

Mike

October 11, 2007 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 10/11/2007
There has been a little rain in the twin lakes area and overall the lake levels have fallen. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam has fallen one and one tenth of a foot to rest at three and four tenths of a foot below power pool at 654.00 feet. Up stream, Table Rock Lake has risen three tenths of a foot to two and nine tenths feet below power pool. Beaver Lake has remained fallen four tenths of a foot to rest at five and one tenth of a foot below pool. The pattern on the White River has been for low levels of generation in the morning and then to spike it with a bit more water in the afternoon and early evening, when there is peak demand for electricity.  This has severely limited wading on the White. Norfork Lake has fallen four tenths of a foot to rest at five and two tenths feet below power pool of 552.00 feet. The pattern has been for no generation in the morning and limited generation in the afternoon. There have been substantial periods of no generation with excellent wading conditions.  The forecast is for cooler weather and sunny skies. With the existing conditions, we should have low water on both rivers.
 
On the Norfork, the dissolved oxygen levels have dropped significantly. This is most critical during periods of no generation. The dissolved oxygen level was around six tenths parts per million. There was one instance where it dropped below four tenths of a part per million.  On the White River the dissolved oxygen has declined slightly. It has averaged three parts per million most of the time but did drop to two and six tenths parts per million on one occasion. The oxygen level is at the critical stage on the Norfork. Great care should be taken to prevent stressing the trout particularly near the dam where the dissolved oxygen will be the lowest. Fish should be quickly landed and carefully revived before release.
 
The fishing on the White while good was not excellent like the previous week. The lack of wading limited the number of fly fishers on the river. Those anglers fishing from a boat did well. The Bull Shoals Dam area fished well in the morning on low water but not as well in the high water in the afternoon. The hot nymphs were black zebra midges with silver wire and silver beads and red San Juan worms. Terrestrials such as grass hoppers and Chernobyl ants have been very productive. Be sure and use 4X tippet and pretty stiff rods to fish these flies. The takes can be vicious. Wildcat Shoals has also fished well. Zebra midges and San Juan worms have been the hot flies there.
 
Rim Shoals has fished particularly well. On the lower flows small zebra midges black with silver wire and silver bead and brown with copper wire and copper bead in size eighteen have done well. Olive scuds and gray sow bugs in size sixteen and eighteen have also been productive. Dry flies have also done well. Dave's hoppers in size ten and yellow stimulators in size ten have accounted for some fine fish. On the higher flows, San Juan worms in hot pink, fire orange and blood red all in size eight have produced fish.
 
The Norfork was very crowded because it had the only wadable water during conclave. Despite the pressure, the fishing has been surprisingly good. I recommend avoiding the area directly below Norfork Dam because of the low dissolved oxygen. The handicap access has been fishing well. It is best to wade up stream. That way, if they begin generating you can walk out with the rising water not against it. Hot flies have been the Norfork bead head in black, olive, and amber size twenty. Small bead head olive woolly buggers have also been effective.
 
Dry Run Creek has been fishing extremely well. During conclave a number of trophy trout were landed at the youth conclave. The most effective technique is to work a very short line and dead drift sowbugs. Make sure that you use heavy tippet so that the kids have a chance to land the trout they hook. A shorter rod is a plus here as there is quite a bit of tree cover and little room to cast. Also try red San Juan Worms and egg patterns in various colors. Do not forget to carry the biggest net you can lay your hands on and a camera.
 
John Berry

October 10, 2007 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service -

The water level at greers ferry lake is at 457.16 and falling and cooling off also.
 
The bass are scattered all over the water column and can be caught anywhere from 6 inches to 60 feet , with most being deep drop-shots and c-rigged lizards , and jigging spoons catching most
 
 The crappie are picking back up some what in 15 feet of water with the night bite real good under lights
 
 No report on bream
 
The catfish are biting good all over the lake in 15 feet of water on jugs and all sorts of baits
 
Walleye are folling the whites and hybrids and can be caught with chartruse spoons
 
The white bass and hybrids are mixed along with all bass species and walleye and can be caught all over the lake , just be careful and not let anyone run over you as people lose all control with these breaking fish , watch your grapth and it will help you learn to use it especially this time of year and find your own fish and you can stay out of everyone elses way and make the day so much enjoyable.

October 8, 2007 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service -

 The Overall Picture:  
 
Activity of Largemouth Bass and White Bass mostly unchanged from last week, and continue schooling in numerous locations along Little River, and her oxbows, from mid to late mornings, and again near dusk.  The Bass bite remains excellent on swimming jig heads w/ Bass Assassin Curly Shad trailers & Rat-L-Traps, early in the morning.  It truly is a great time to take a kid fishing.  The schooling bass are hitting a variety of lures from top waters like the clear Baby Torpedo, Crazy Shads, Zara Spook jr's, (in the midst of the frenzy) Spit'n Images, and jerk baits. 
 
As of Sunday, 07 October, the main lake and Little River's water surface temp continues cooling; is ranging in the mid 70ºs range, approx 74º to 78º, depending of course, on location and time of day.  Water surface temps are cooling faster this year.
 

As of Sunday, 07 Oct, the USACE recently announced, the winter drawdown this year on Millwood, to take place approximately from November 26, 2007 through February 15, 2008, of three feet.  This is for numerous reasons, and partially for project work to be completed and routine maintenance at the spillway, gates, boat ramps, boat lanes, and vegetation reduction.  Volunteers to assist the USACE perform preventative maintenance on the lake during the drawdown, are encouraged to call the Millwood Lake USACE office. 
 
Thusfar, there has been no formal announcement that we are aware of, from AG&FC, if any lake daily creel limits or length regulation changes are planned during the drawdown for Millwood.  Would Les or Drew please care to comment on that as necessary?  Thanks.  The lake level on Millwood as of 07 Oct, is 1.2 inches above normal and steady, at 259.30 feet.  Little River's clarity as of Sunday, is approx 7-10" visibility.  Main lake clarity and visibility is moderate stain, approx 5-6" but changes with wind each day, to muddy.   Current is decreased to 385CFS as of Sunday & navigation conditions are normal.  
 
Upriver oxbow's clarity approx 12-18".  The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Sunday 07 October is 228.09 feet.  Red River is almost normal level.  Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 385 CFS is with 1 gate open at 1 foot.  
 
 The Details:  
 
Largemouth Bass:  Mostly unchanged from last week.  This gorgeous fall-like weather over the past few days, continues to spoil me, and has me really looking forward to fall and winter fishing.  The bass, continue to school, at various times throughout the day, especially in the mornings, when water temps are coolest, and then again around dusk.  During the morning, excellent schooling action can be had, randomly, up until around noon at various locations, lake wide, especially in Little River at almost any creek mouth junction.  This is the time of year that spoils all Bass fishermen, and keep us coming back, from youth to seniors.  Grab your son, daughter, and any kid to let them truly enjoy what started most of us bass fishermen and let them experience cool fall weather, your favorite college football team on a transistor radio in the boatseat (& yes, signal fading out just as the QB throws a 60 yard pass), and schooling bass.  What more can we ask for?  Bass are schooling slightly early this year due to recent cooler water temps during the summer through September.  We are throwing a lot of Bass Assassin Curly Shads in salt-n-pepper or smoke colors on a 1/8 to 3/8 oz jighead, swimming it from 3" to 6 feet deep, and wearing them out.  1/4 oz to 1/2 oz Rat-L-Traps in diamond dust, smokey joe, or chrome blue & black back, Little Georges, H&H spinners, Rocket Shads and buck-tailed hammered spoons, are also effective on these schoolers.  The schooling bass range in size from 1 up to 6 pounds each, and will vary considerably depending on the individual school of bass.  The White Bass are also schooling along w/ the Largemouths, around huge schools of shad as long as the wind stays moving some.  The wind is key for Millwood most of the time, but during schooling weather, when the wind dies, the schools go deep again, under the bait school and just follow them around.  If you contact several Black Bass or Largemouths, and then several Whites also in the same school, throw out a buoy, check your graph, and maintain your position in the river.  These schools are roaming and chasing shad, and they are typically herding them up on underwater points and humps, or creek mouths dropping into Little River.
 
1/4 to 3/8 oz size silver or white headed jig heads with 4" Bass Assassin Curly Shad trailers are catching some decent bass and schoolers.  The Curly Shads in white, crystal shad or smoke pepper, seem to be the best trailer.  Cordell Crazy Shads, Smithwick Rouges, and Red Fin jerk baits, are are taking a lof of these topwater schoolers also.  The topwater frenzy is only lasting for 5-6 minutes each time at most, before they go down again, but fish can be caught from the school, for up to 20 minutes or longer, after the surface action subsides with the Rat-L-Traps.  Watch your electronics and follow the school of bait on the surface and the large blips and school on your graph.  Letting a Rocket Shad or Rat-L-Trap sink up to 10 seconds before retrieving your bait, can pull up some really nice size bass from the depths of the school you are following.  These schoolers are constantly moving chasing the baitfish.  Make sure your trolling motor batteries are full charged, and you had breakfast, because both will be worn after chasing and fighting these schooling fish.  The white bass schools are following the black bass, and are ranging from 2-3.5 pounds each.  If the wind dies, seems like so does the schooling.  Go to a 10" worm or jig during the lull in the action.
 
Best jig and pig bite is still the peanunt butter and jelly color, w/ black and blue pork or plastic chunks, for keeper size bass on stumps, although the Texas Craw color (chart/pumpkin/black) jig are also taking some nice bass up to 4 or 6 pounds each.  Spot Remover and firecracker colors of War Eagle spinnerbaits remain taking good keeper size and smaller bass around any remaining lily pad stems and vegetation for last couple weeks.  These spinnerbait bass are ranging in size from 12" to 18".  Buzz baits caught a few 14-16" bass last week again.    
 
Texas rigged 10" worms, and 7" ringworms in junebug-red, plum, blue ice, or sour grape remain taking some nice, keeper-sized largemouths, from 3-5 pounds each, close to grass and remaining pads where stumps or standing timber remain in the 6-9 feet depth areas and any creek mouths interesecting the Little River.
 
White Bass:  Are schooling with the Largemouths, along Little River up until around noon, then again in late afternoon.  Try Little Georges in silver or chrome, Rooster Tails in white/red, Rocket Shads or Roadrunners in white, and any chrome colored Rat-L-Trap for a good fight.  We have caught Whites ranging in size over the past week from 2-3.5 pounds each.  Several fishermen caught over 100 whites schooling, in approx an hour over the past few days.
 
Crappie:  are fair along Little River, on live shiners, and hair jigs, but are scattered and more shallow, at 3-7 feet depths in trees and lily pads.
 
Channel Cats:  Decreased current in Little River, diminished the Cat bite this week.  Some nice sized keeper channel cats were caught over the past few days, up to 6 pounds each, using gold fish and cut bait, on tight lines, noodles, and yo-yo's.
 

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

Navigation conditions in Little River are normal.
 As of Sunday, 07 October, the main lake and Little River's water surface temp continues cooling; is ranging in the mid 70ºs range, approx 74º to 78º, depending of course, on location and time of day.  Water surface temps are cooling faster this year.
 

As of Sunday, 07 Oct, the USACE recently announced, the winter drawdown this year on Millwood, to take place approximately from November 26, 2007 through February 15, 2008, of three feet.  This is for numerous reasons, and partially for project work to be completed and routine maintenance at the spillway, gates, boat ramps, boat lanes, and vegetation reduction.  Volunteers to assist the USACE perform preventative maintenance on the lake during the drawdown, are encouraged to call the Millwood Lake USACE office. 
 
Thusfar, there has been no formal announcement that we are aware of, from AG&FC, if any lake daily creel limits or length regulation changes are planned during the drawdown for Millwood.  Would Les or Drew please care to comment on that as necessary?  Thanks.  The lake level on Millwood as of 07 Oct, is 1.2 inches above normal and steady, at 259.30 feet.  Little River's clarity as of Sunday, is approx 7-10" visibility.  Main lake clarity and visibility is moderate stain, approx 5-6" but changes with wind each day, to muddy.   Current is decreased to 385CFS as of Sunday & navigation conditions are normal.  
 
Upriver oxbow's clarity approx 12-18".  The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Sunday 07 October is 228.09 feet.  Red River is almost normal level.  Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 385 CFS is with 1 gate open at 1 foot.

Mike

October 4, 2007 - Norfork and White River - Courtesty of Mountain River Fly Shop -

WHITE RIVER: Water patterns have been quirky but the fishing has been very, very good. The water is off this morning and going on recent weeks it should be off tomorrow as well, and hopefully Saturday as well. Zebra Midges, scuds and woolly buggers have been very good according to all reports.

Try Zebra's in Black/Copper, Black/Silver and Gray/Silver. Try 16s in the faster runs and step down to 18s in the slower stuff.

Hunchback and Kaufmann's Scuds in olive and tan have been outstanding as well. The Dead Scud and Rainy's Scuds in orange tones have also been working well.

Streamers are coming into their own, with a rush on the Autumn Splendor cone-headed rubber legged streamer this week and don't forget the Barr's Slumpbuster

NORFORK: On low water, tie on a Zebra Midge and be prepared to get hammered. The Journal guided Dick from Memphis last weekend and it was one fish after another. Fish the fast water, and the same story was being repeated by guides up and down the river. In high water see our streamer report above.
 
Tightlines from all at the Mountain River Fly Shop
    Gary, Cindy, Chad, Jim, Marc, Faye, Mike and Steve

October 4, 2007 - Beaver - Submitted by Jason Piper - JT Crappie Guide Service -J.T. Crappie Guide Services (479-640-3980) said: said the water is clear and at a normal level. Bream fishing is good on crickets. Crappie are being caught on minnows and black/grren jigs 8 to 15 feet deep over brush. Bass fishing is good in the mornings on topwater baits and drop shots. Fishing for bass in the afternoon is good on spinnerbaits and plastics. Catfish are being caught on live or prepared bait.

October 3, 2007 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY CONCLAVE FISHING REPORT

There has been a little rain in the twin lakes area and overall the lake levels have changed very little. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam has risen three tenths of a foot to rest at two and three tenths of a foot below power pool at 654.00 feet. Up stream, Table Rock Lake has dropped two tenths of a foot to three and two tenths feet below power pool. Beaver Lake has remained steady at four and seven tenths of a foot below pool. The pattern on the White River has been for no generation or low levels of generation in the morning and then to spike it with a bit more water in the afternoon and early evening, when there is peak demand for electricity. This has created some limited but excellent wading on the White. Norfork Lake has fallen eight tenths of a foot to rest at four and eight tenths feet below power pool of 552.00 feet. The pattern has remained fairly erratic. There have been periods of no generation with excellent wading conditions on some days. With no predictable pattern, I would recommend that you check conditions before wading and carefully monitor the water level when fishing. The forecast is for warm weather and sunny skies. With the existing conditions, we should have some low water on both rivers.

On the Norfork, the dissolved oxygen levels have remained low. This is most critical during periods of no generation. Last week, the dissolved oxygen level hovered around one and two tenths parts per million. There was one instance where it dropped below six tenths of a part per million. On the White River the dissolved oxygen has remained steady. It has averaged three and a half parts per million most of the time. The oxygen level is at the critical stage on the Norfork. Great care should be taken to prevent stressing the trout particularly near the dam where the dissolved oxygen will be the lowest. Fish should be quickly landed and carefully revived before release.

Anglers visiting from other states to attend the Federation of Fly Fishers Southern Council Conclave should be aware that the White and Norfork Rivers are infected with the invasive alga, Didymo. They should carefully clean their waders before returning to their home waters to prevent spreading the didymo. The Federation of Fly Fishers recommends that you remove any visible alga at the stream. Your waders should be washed in hot water and then be carefully dried (especially the felt soles) before being used again.

Fishing on the White River this past week has been Red Hot! The fishing on the upper river from Bull Shoals Dam to White Hole has been particularly good. There have been reports of some really great days and some very nice browns. The hot flies have been small midge patterns and San Juan worms. There is still some excellent top water action on large terrestrials especially grasshoppers and ants.

Wildcat Shoals has been another hot spot. While the small zebra midges have worked well, soft hackles like the partridge and orange and green butt have worked well. Here again the grasshoppers and ants have been productive.

Rim Shoals has also been fishing particularly well. The same flies effective else where will also work here. As the waters become more crowded this week with visitors from Conclave, this is a good place to go because there is quite a bit of water. To escape the crowds, take the trail that follows the river down stream. It begins at the walk in access and goes for some distance providing easy access and exit from some very productive water. As I mentioned last week, Gary Flipin at Rim Shoals Trout Dock also runs a water taxi that will deliver you to remote water for a small fee.

The Norfork has also been red hot this past week. Here the black zebra midges, black Norfork bead heads, San Juan worms, and olive woolly buggers have been the most productive flies. There is very limited access to the Norfork and it gets crowded quickly. Several anglers have been walking up to McClellan,s. This area has been fishing well, but since it closed in January the only way to reach it has been to wade or float in. With the erratic pattern of generation, I consider wading in very dangerous. It would be much safer to float in from the dam by canoe, kayak, river boat, or personal watercraft.

Dry Run Creek is always a hot spot. If you have not been there you need to visit just to see the huge fish. It is Catch and Release that was set aside for kids and the handicapped. The most effective way to fish it is by high sticking sowbugs and San Juan worms. Egg patterns are also effective this time of year. Take the biggest net you can find and a camera.

John Berry

October 3, 2007 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service -The water level at greers ferry is at 457.34 and falling , but maay come back up some due to the rain

The hybrid and white bass fishing is great at present at times they are schooling on top and moving pretty fast eating small shad, all types top waters working at times and sometimes not , they go through that funky mode some now , when they go down they can be caught on the buckshot in-line spinner and a right bite spoon, even though it is good it should get better with the cold front, also a bonus is catching walleye and bass under the hybrids

Crappie are biting in 15 feet of water in creek bends and in pole timber suspended in all depths of water , never the less they are holding in 15 feet, whether it is over 80 or 20 feet of water and can be caught with minnows and jigs.

Walleye have moved and scattered out some now and are harder to find for some reason, but should get grouped back up good soon.

Bream fishing is good on crickets and crawlers in 15 feet of water

All the bass species are pretty scattered all over the water column and can be caught from 6 inches to 60 feet it is hard to pattern them , but after this front should get grouped up and get on a good feed now until December anyway, with c-rigs and drop shots working the best , along with spinnerbaits and rattle traps and as well as crank baits , top waters and buzz baits working early and late .

The catfish are excellent in 15 feet of water on hot dogs or any of your favorite baits on jugs.

Tommy Cauley

October 1, 2007 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service -

The Overall Picture:

Largemouth Bass and White Bass continue schooling in numerous locations along Little River, and her oxbows, from mid to late mornings, and again near dusk. The Bass bite remains very good on swimming jig heads w/ Bass Assassin Curly Shad trailers & Rat-L-Traps, early in the morning. It truly is a great time to take a kid fishing. The schooling bass are hitting a variety of lures from top waters like the clear Baby Torpedo, Crazy Shads, Zara Spook jr's, (in the midst of the frenzy) and jerk baits.

As of Monday, 01 October, the main lake and Little River's water surface temp continues cooling; is ranging from mid 70º to upper 70º range, approx 75º to 79º, depending of course, on location and time of day. Water surface temps are much cooler this year, for mid-September, due to all the recent rain and cloud cover for the past many weeks.

As of Monday, 01 Oct, the USACE recently received approval for and announced, the winter drawdown this ear on Millwood, to take place approximately from November 26, 2007 through February 15, 2008, of three feet. This is for numerous reasons, and partially for project work to be completed and routine maintenance at the spillway, gates, boat ramps, boat lanes, and vegetation reduction. Volunteers to assist the USACE perform preventative maintenance on the lake during the drawdown, are encouraged to call the Millwood Lake USACE office. Thusfar, there has been no formal announcement that we are aware of, from AG&FC, if any lake daily creel limits or length regulation changes are planned during the drawdown for Millwood. Would Les or Drew please care to comment on that as necessary? Thanks. The lake level on Millwood as of 01 Oct, is 3 inches above normal and steady, at 259.45 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday, is approx 9-12" visibility. Main lake clarity and visibility is moderate stain, approx 4-6" but changes with wind each day to muddy. Current is increased to 1,958CFS as of Monday & navigation conditions are normal.

Upriver oxbow's clarity approx 15-20". The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Monday 01 October is 231.03 feet. Red River is almost normal level. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 1,958 CFS is with 5 gates open at 1 foot each. The boat ramps at Beard's Bluff Lake, River Run East, River Run West, and White Cliffs have re-opened due to recent closures from high water.

The Details:

Largemouth Bass: This gorgeous fall-like weather over the past few days, continues to spoil me, and has me really looking forward to fall and winter fishing. The bass, continue to school, at various times throughout the day, especially in the mornings, when water temps are coolest, and then again around dusk. During the morning, very good schooling action can be had, randomly, up until around noon at various locations, lake wide, especially in Little River at almost any creek mouth junction. This is the time of year that spoils all Bass fishermen, and keep us coming back, from youth to seniors. Grab your son, daughter, and any kid to let them truly enjoy what started most of us bass fishermen and let them experience cool fall weather, your favorite college football team on a transistor radio in the boatseat (& yes, signal fading out just as the QB throws a 60 yard pass), and schooling bass. What more can we ask for? Bass are schooling slightly early this year due to recent cooler water temps during the summer through September. We are throwing a lot of Bass Assassin Curly Shads in salt-n-pepper or smoke colors on a 1/8 to 3/8 oz jighead, swimming it from 3" to 6 feet deep, and wearing them out. 1/4 oz to 1/2 oz Rat-L-Traps in diamond dust, smokey joe, or chrome blue & black back, Little Georges, H&H spinners, Rocket Shads and buck-tailed hammered spoons, to these schoolers. The schooling bass range in size from 1 up to 6 pounds each, and will vary considerably depending on the individual school of bass. The White Bass are also schooling along w/ the Largemouths, around huge schools of shad as long as the wind stays moving some. The wind is key for Millwood most of the time, but during schooling weather, when the wind dies, the schools go deep again, under the bait school and just follow them around. If you contact several Black Bass or Largemouths, and then several Whites also in the same school, throw out a buoy, check your graph, and maintain your position in the river. These schools are roaming and chasing shad, and they are typically herding them up on underwater points and humps in Little River.

1/4 to 3/8 oz size silver or white headed jig heads with 4" Bass Assassin Curly Shad trailers are catching some decent bass and schoolers. The Curly Shads in white, crystal shad or smoke pepper, seem to be the best trailer. Cordell Crazy Shads, Smithwick Rouges, and Red Fin jerk baits, are are taking a lof of these topwater schoolers also. The topwater frenzy is only lasting for 5-6 minutes each time at most, before they go down again, but fish can be caught from the school, for up to 20 minutes or longer, after the surface action subsides with the Rat-L-Traps. Watch your electronics and follow the school of bait on the surface and the large blips and school on your graph. Letting a Rocket Shad or Rat-L-Trap sink up to 10 seconds before retrieving your bait, can pull up some really nice size bass from the depths of the school you are following. These schoolers are constantly moving chasing the baitfish. Make sure your trolling motor batteries are full charged, and you had breakfast, because both will be worn after chasing and fighting these schooling fish. The white bass schools are following the black bass, and are ranging from 2-3.5 pounds each. If the wind dies, seems like so does the schooling. Go to a 10" worm or jig during the lull in the action.

Best jig and pig bite is still the peanunt butter and jelly color, w/ black and blue pork or plastic chunks, for keeper size bass on stumps, although the Texas Craw color (chart/pumpkin/black) jig are also taking some nice bass up to 4 or 6 pounds each. Spot Remover and firecracker colors in War Eagle spinnerbaits remain taking good keeper size and smaller bass around any remaining lily pad stems and vegetation for last couple weeks. These spinnerbait bass are ranging in size from 12" to 18". Buzz baits caught a few 14-16" bass last week again.

Texas rig 10" worms in blue fleck, junebug-red, or plum remain taking some nice, keeper-sized largemouths, from 3-5 pounds each, close to grass and remaining pads where stumps or standing timber remain in the 6-9 feet depth areas and any creek mouths interesecting the Little River.

White Bass: Are schooling with the Largemouths, along Little River up until around noon, then again in late afternoon. Try Little Georges in silver or chrome, Rooster Tails in white/red, Rocket Shads or Roadrunners in white, and any chrome colored Rat-L-Trap for a good fight. We have caught Whites ranging in size over the past week from 2-3.5 pounds each. 6 fishermen caught over 200 whites schooling in approx 2 hours.

Crappie: are good along Little River, on live shiners, and tubejigs on light jig heads, but are more shallow, at 3-7 feet depths in trees and lily pads.

Channel Cats: Increased current in Little River, improved the Cat bite again, and nice sized channel cats this week were caught, up to 10 pounds each, using gold fish and cut bait, on tight lines, yo-yo's, and trot lines.

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

Navigation conditions in Little River are normal.

As of Monday, 01 October, the main lake and Little River's water surface temp continues cooling; is ranging from mid 70º to upper 70º range, approx 75º to 79º, depending of course, on location and time of day. Water surface temps are much cooler this year, for mid-September, due to all the recent rain and cloud cover for the past many weeks.

As of Monday, 01 Oct, the USACE recently received approval for and announced, the winter drawdown this ear on Millwood, to take place approximately from November 26, 2007 through February 15, 2008, of three feet. This is for numerous reasons, and partially for project work to be completed and routine maintenance at the spillway, gates, boat ramps, boat lanes, and vegetation reduction. Volunteers to assist the USACE perform preventative maintenance on the lake, are encouraged to call the Millwood Lake USACE office. The lake level on Millwood as of 01 Oct, is 3 inches above normal and steady, at 259.45 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday, is approx 9-12" visibility. Main lake clarity and visibility is moderate stain, approx 4-6" but changes with wind each day to muddy. Current is increased to 1,958CFS as of Monday & navigation conditions are normal.

Upriver oxbow's clarity approx 15-20". The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Monday 01 October is 231.03 feet. Red River is almost normal level. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 1,958 CFS is with 5 gates open at 1 foot each. The boat ramps at Beard's Bluff Lake, River Run East, River Run West, and White Cliffs have re-opened due to recent closures from high water..

Mike

September 27, 2007 - Norfork and White River - Courtesty of Mountain River Fly Shop -

WHITE RIVER: Once again we have had happy fly fishers wandering through the store all week with broad grins, recounting tales of oodles of fish being caught and released, everywhere from State Park to Buffalo Shoals. One fish not released, as it was on death's door and unable to be revived when found by a guide near Stetson's Hole, provoked plenty of chatter on the White River grapevine last weekend. The photo (thanks to our mate Jimmy Traylor) popped up on numerous websites, and goes to show the sort of fish the river produces. It weighed in at 35 pounds. No information on the cause of death but Jimmy pointed out there weren't any hooks in its gullet.

Dark Midges have been the fly of choice this week. Copper Zebra (either our slimline tie or Umpqua's) have been performing extremely well. Brown thread, black thread, or camel thread, it doesn't seem to matter, though different fly fishers swear by their favorite color and size. We've heard good things on everything from a 22 to 16.

Olive woolly buggers, that Ozark standby has been in strong demand as well, showing that its taking it share (and probably more) of fish. Similarly orange-hued scuds, like our Dead Scud, Kaufman's orange scud, Rainy's woven scud and copper McLellan's scuds have also been in demand. A few of the Mountain River crew were out on the river filming yesterday (another little project we are working on) and a quick report was everything they threw was eaten.

Certainly it appears that the cooling weather is signaling to the fish that fall and the spawn is fast approaching so its time to fatten up. A pretty good time to be on the water. About the only section of the White which has been a little slow is the flats immediately below the dam, where we have been seeing a consensus that "its been tough".

NORFORK: All the attention has been on the White again this week, with early morning generation, and only small windows of afternoon low water, sending fly fishers to the White. There's also been talk of voluntary personal bans on fishing the Norfork in low water, which might also be keeping some fly fishers away.

Scuds continue to do well on the Norfork, either McLellan's Rainy's or Kaufman's in the smaller sizes. Copper and brown zebras or olive WD40s seem to be the midges of choice as well.

Tightlines from all at the Mountain River Fly Shop

Gary, Cindy, Chad, Jim, Marc, Faye, Mike and Steve

September 27, 2007 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 9/27/2007

There has been a little rain in the twin lakes area and the lake levels have continued to fall. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam has dropped two tenths of a foot to rest at two and six tenths of a foot below power pool at 654.00 feet. Up stream, Table Rock Lake has dropped six tenths of a foot to three feet below power pool. Beaver Lake has dropped four tenths of a foot and is now at four and seven tenths of a foot below pool. The pattern on the White River has been for no generation or low levels of generation in the morning and then to spike it with a bit more generation in the afternoon and early evening, when there is peak demand for electricity. This has created some excellent wading on the White. Norfork Lake has fallen four tenths of a foot to rest at four feet below power pool of 552.00 feet. The pattern has remained fairly erratic. There have been periods of no generation with excellent wading conditions virtually every day. With no predictable pattern, I would recommend that you check conditions before wading and carefully monitor the water level when fishing. The forecast is for cooler weather and sunny skies. With the existing conditions, we should have some low water on both rivers.

On the Norfork, the dissolved oxygen levels continue to drop. This is most critical during periods of no generation. Last week, the dissolved oxygen level hovered around one and two tenths parts per million. There was one instance where it dropped below six tenths of a part per million. On the White River the dissolved oxygen has remained steady. It has averaged three and a half parts per million most of the time. The oxygen level is at the critical stage on the Norfork. Great care should be taken to prevent stressing the trout particularly near the dam where the dissolved oxygen will be the lowest. Fish should be quickly landed and carefully revived before release.

The fishing on the upper river from Bull Shoals Dam to White Hole has been good. The top water action is still excellent with grasshoppers continuing to catch fish. Nymphing with zebra midges (black with silver wire and silver beads and brown with copper wire and copper beads all in size eighteen) has been very productive. The bigger browns are beginning their annual migration upstream to spawn. Effective tactics for these migrating trout would be casting weighted larger streamers and crayfish patterns.

Wildcat Shoals has been another hot spot. The lower water has been a boon to fly fishers. While the grasshoppers and zebra midges have been effective here, the big producer has been soft hackles. The best flies have been the partridge and orange and the green butt size fourteen and sixteen.

The section from Cotter to Rim Shoals has also been fishing very well. The grasshoppers, zebra midges, and soft hackles have all done well here particularly on the lower water. There have also been some very predictable caddis hatches late every afternoon. Elk hair caddis in size sixteen have been quite productive. Immediately before the hatch occurs, caddis pupa have been accounting for some good fish. If you want to try some new water, stop by the office at Rim Shoals Trout Dock and have Gary Flipin take you away from the crowds in a water taxi. He will come and pick you when the water comes up or at a predetermined time.

The Norfork has done a little better lately. With wadable water on the White, it has not been so crowded. The bigger fish should start moving up stream soon. If you are fishing there and releasing fish, try and avoid the upper river near the dam because of the low dissolved oxygen (DO) there. The DO will be higher down stream. As the water flows through riffles on its way down stream, it will pick up some oxygen. The most productive flies have been midges. Black zebra midges and Norfork bead heads in size twenty or smaller have been the hot nymphs. Dan,s turkey tail emergers in size twenty two have also done well. If you want to fish something a bit larger try a grass hopper or worm brown San Juan worms.

Dry Run Creek is still fishing well. The big browns should be moving in soon. Sow bugs are the dominant food on the creek and I have seen some pretty big ones there up to a size twelve). San Juan worms in red and worm brown can also be effective. I would recommend using a bit stronger tippet on Dry Run than you normally would. This will help the kids catch some of these larger fish. To stay out of the trees, try high sticking nymphs. It works!

John Berry

September 26, 2007 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service -

The lake level at greers ferry is at 457.12 and falling

The hybrids and whites are good through out the day all around the lake and when they can get shad hearded up will be on top and if not can be caught with the buckshot bait as well as white spoons fished in them you can expect 100 fish days if you stay with them all day if you use your electronics and stay with the bait , there is schools of bait as big as houses right now and the fish are really trying to get grouped up and it is shaping up to be one of our best fall fishing in a white and expect to catch crappie , walleye and all bass species mixed in as well

The bass fishing is good on top and smallmouth are at various depths through out the day and the blacks are staying pretty much suspended right now as well as the spots

The crappie have slowed somewhat with the warm back up

The walleye are fair dragging crawlers in about 23-27 feet of water on humps and flats

The catfishing is good in 15 feet of water on lines and jugs with live or cut bait of your choice. A lot of good blues are coming in

The bream are shallow again

Tommy Cauley

September 24, 2007 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service -

The Overall Picture:

Largemouth Bass and White Bass are schooling in numerous locations along Little River, and her oxbows, from mid to late mornings, and again near dusk. The most consistent Bass bite over the past few days, remains good to very good on swimming jig heads w/ Bass Assassin Curly Shad trailers, Rat-L-Traps, early in the morning. The schooling bass are hitting a variety of lures from top waters like the clear Baby Torpedo and Spit 'n Images, Zara Spook jr's, (in the midst of the frenzy) to Little Georges, Rocket Shads, hammered spoons w/ bucktails, Roadrunners and tail spinners.

As of Monday, 14 September, main lake and Little River water surface temperature continues to cool and is ranging from upper 70º range to low 80ºs range, approx 77º to 83º, depending of course, on location and time of day. Water surface temps are much cooler this year, for mid-September, due to all the recent rain and cloud cover for the past many weeks.

As of Monday, 14 Sept, the USACE recently received approval for and announced, the winter drawdown this year on Millwood, to take place November 26, 2007 through February 15, 2008, of three feet. This is for numerous reasons, and partially for project work to be completed and routine maintenance at the spillway, gates, boat ramps, boat lanes, and vegetation reduction. The lake level on Millwood as of 14 Sept, is 2.5 inches above normal and steady, at 259.40 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday, is approx 6-9" visibility. Main lake clarity and visibility is moderate stain, approx 5-8". Current is increased to 1,166CFS as of Monday & navigation conditions are normal .

Upriver oxbow's clarity approx 15-20". The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Monday 14 September is 230.55 feet. Red River is still very much above normal, and in control. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 1,166 CFS is with 3 gates open at 1 foot each. The boat ramps at Beard's Bluff Lake, River Run East, River Run West, and White Cliffs have re-opened due to recent closures from high water.

The Details:

Largemouth Bass: This gorgeous fall-like weather over the past few days, has certainly spoiled me, and has me really looking forward to fall and winter fishing. The cooler nights and days, have likewise, turned on the bass, as they are beginning to school, at various times throughout the day, especially in the mornings, when water temps are in the mid to upper 70º range and again around dusk. During the morning, very good schooling action can be had, randomly, up until around noon at various locations, lake wide, especially in Little River at almost any creek mouth junction. Bass are schooling slightly early this year due to recent cooler water temps during September. Normal schooling activity doesn't begin until around the first of October, which apparently, may come early this year. We are throwing a lot of Rat-L-Traps, Little Georges, H&H spinners, Rocket Shads, and hammered spoons to these schoolers. The schooling bass range in size from 1 up to 6 pounds each, and will vary considerably depending on the individual school of bass. The White Bass are also intermingling w/ the Largemouths, around huge schools of shad. If you contact several Black Bass or Largemouths, and then several Whites also in the same school, throw out a buoy, check your graph, and maintain your position in the river. These schools are roaming and chasing shad, and they are typically herding them up on underwater points and humps in Little River.

1/4oz size silver or white headed jig heads with Bass Assassin Curly Shad trailers are catching some decent bass and schoolers randomly, also. The Curly Shads in white, or smoke seem to be the best trailer. Clear Baby torpedoes, Chuck-N-Spins, Little Cleos, Rooster Tails and Rat-L-Traps are are taking a lof of these topwater schoolers also. The topwater frenzy is only lasting for 5-6 minutes each time at most, before they go down again, but fish can be caught from the school, for up to 20 minutes or longer, after the surface action subsides. Watch your electronics and follow the school of bait on the surface and the large blips and school on your graph. Letting a Rocket Shad or large Rat-L-Trap sink up to 10 seconds before retrieving your bait, can pull up some really nice size bass from the depths of the school you are following.

Best jig bite remains peanunt butter and jelly color, w/ black and blue pork or plastic chunks, for keeper size bass on stumps, although the Texas Craw color (chart/pumpkin/black) jig are also taking some nice bass up to 4 pounds each. Spot Remover and firecracker colors in War Eagle spinnerbaits remain taking good keeper size and smaller bass around any remaining lily pad stems and vegetation. These spinnerbait bass are ranging in size from 12" to 18". Best bet for Rat-L-Traps color is in chrome/blue back or chrome/ black back colors, are catching good bass ranging from 2 to 5 pounds, and some are involved in the schooling activities, along creek channel mouth intersection areas of Little River.

Texas rig 10" or 12" worms in plum, blue fleck, or red shad are taking some nice, keeper-sized largemouths, from 3-5 pounds each, close to grass and remaining pads where stumps or standing timber remain in the 6-9 feet depth areas and any creek mouths interesecting the Little River.

White Bass: Are beginning to school with the Largemouths, along Little River up until around noon, then again in late afternoon. Try Little Georges in silver or chrome, Rooster Tails in white/red, Rocket Shads or Roadrunners in white, and any chrome colored Rat-L-Trap for a good fight.

Crappie: are improving along Little River, on live shiners, and grubs on light jig heads, from 15-20 foot depths in planted brush piles.

Channel Cats: Increased current in Little River this week, improved the Cat bite, and many folks we spoke with, have been catching nice sized channel cats this week, up to 8 pounds each, using gold fish, livers, and cut bait, on tight lines, yo-yo's, and trot lines.

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

Navigation conditions in Little River are normal.

As of Monday, 14 Sept, the USACE recently received approval for the winter drawdown this year on Millwood, to take place November 26 through February 15, of three feet. This is for numerous reasons, and partially for project work to be completed and routine maintenance at the spillway, gates, boat ramps, boat lanes, and vegetation reduction. The lake level on Millwood, is 2.5 inches above normal and steady, at 259.40 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday, is approx 6-9" visibility. Main lake clarity and visibility is moderate stain, approx 5-8". Current is increased to 1,166CFS as of Monday & navigation conditions are normal .

As of Monday, 14 September, main lake and Little River water surface temperature, ranging from upper 70ºs to low 80º range, approx 77º to 83º, depending of course, on location and time of day. Water temps remain very cool for this time of year, due to all the recent rain and cloud cover for the past many weeks. Normal water temps are in the low 90º range this time of year.

Upriver oxbow's clarity approx 15-20". The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Monday 14 September is 230.55 feet. Red River is still very much above normal, and in control. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 1,166 CFS is with 3 gates open at 1 foot each. The boat ramps at Beard's Bluff Lake, River Run East, River Run West, and White Cliffs have re-opened due to recent closures from high water.

Mike

September 20, 2007 - Norfork and White River - Courtesty of Mountain River Fly Shop -

White River: Apparently while were away the fishing was very good. Even better some nice windows of low water have been opening up. We have been getting glowing reports from people coming off the river on the numbers of fish. Nothing huge mind you, that we have heard about, not since Jim's 24" brown last week.

Up and down the River the dry fly action remains supreme; with these warm days and a touch of breeze, it will continue nicely for a couple of weeks yet at least until the Journal gets to bang some hoppers one more time. We'd mentioned earlier in the hopper action; last year the red Rainy's Grand Hopper was good, but for us at least it had been and on or off fly that would pull one or two fish or none. Yesterday, in wandered a customer who went back to the bin for his weird hopper. The red Rainy's which had performed well. You heard it here first!

Subsurface, size 16 Black and Copper Zebras have been doing very well, alongside Beadhead Trout Crack, and McLellan's Scuds in olive and tan. Fish these under a hopper if you like to vary things up.

We have also had a run on woolly buggers this week: flash-a-buggers, krystal buggers, red head, coneheads, with rubber legs and without. It's been like throwing a switch, and it's hard to ignore.

Norfork: Norfork has been getting some topsy-turvy up and down generation pretty much all week, so it's understandable we haven't had too many reports, particularly with the White working so well. When they are generating, try a brown San Juan fished deep or heavier rigs with size 14 or larger tan or olive scuds.

If we get some wade able water back this weekend, try consistent Norfork fare like zebra midges in brown/copper, black/copper and black and silver plus the ubiquitous Trout Crack.

Tightlines from all at the Mountain River Fly Shop

Gary, Cindy, Jim, Chad, Marc, Faye, Mike and Steve

September 20, 2007 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 9/20/2007

There has been little if any rain in the twin lakes area and the lake levels have fallen a bit. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam has remained steady at two and four tenths of a foot below power pool at 654.00 feet. Up stream, Table Rock Lake has dropped two tenths of a foot to two and four tenths of a foot below power pool. Beaver Lake has dropped three tenths of a foot and is now at four and four tenths of a foot below pool. The pattern on the White River has been for no generation or low levels of generation in the morning and then to spike it with a bit more generation in the afternoon and early evening, when there is peak demand for electricity.

This has created some excellent wading on the White. Norfork Lake has fallen eight tenths of a foot to rest at three and six tenths of a foot below power pool of 552.00 feet. The pattern has been fairly erratic of late. There have been periods of heavy generation for over twenty four hours and some periods of no generation. With no predictable pattern, I would recommend that you check conditions before wading and carefully monitor the water level when fishing. The forecast is for warmer weather and sunny skies. With the existing conditions, I would hope for some low water on both rivers.

On the Norfork, the dissolved oxygen levels continue to drop. This is most critical during periods of no generation. Last week, the dissolved oxygen level hovered around one and a half parts per million. There was one instance where it dropped below one part per million. On the White River the dissolved oxygen has continued to drop. It has averaged three and a half parts per million most of the time. There were several instances where it went below three parts per million. The oxygen level is reaching the critical stage especially on the Norfork. Great care should be taken to prevent stressing the trout particularly near the dam where the dissolved oxygen will be the lowest. Fish should be quickly landed and carefully revived before release.

Fishing on the White has been consistently excellent. The Catch and Release Section at Bull Shoals Dam has been particularly hot this past week. There has been a lot of top water action on large terrestrial patterns. Western foam grass hoppers and Chernobyl ants have been the go to flies. At the same time, small black midge emergers (size twenty four or smaller) have been very productive. There have been some mayfly hatches but there is some discussion over whether they are pale morning duns or blue wing olives. The hot dry fly has been the Adams parachute size twenty (a good generic dry fly).

For anglers desiring a good float, the section from Wildcat Shoals to Cotter has been very productive. There is a lot of water that does not get a lot of fly fishing pressure. Grass hoppers have been the ticket here along with streamers like olive woolly buggers and wool head sculpins. Black zebra midges and sowbugs have been the nymphs of choice.

Rim Shoals is red hot. My wife, Lori, and I fished it yesterday and caught a nice, late summer caddis hatch. The elk hair caddis in size sixteen and lime trudes accounted for a lot of fish. During lulls in the hatch, caddis pupa were the ticket to success. The hopper fishing has remained hot and streamers like olive woolly buggers and sculpins have also been very productive.

The fishing on the Norfork has been quite slow. The big fish have not moved up yet. The crowding has been somewhat alleviated by the low water on the White river. The most productive flies have been the small midges. The Norfork bead head and the zebra midge is size twenty or smaller have been productive. Midge emergers like the Dan,s turkey tail emerger in size twenty two have accounted for some large fish. The water is gin clear and the fish are very selective so you need to go to 8X tippet. With this light a tippet be sure and fish with a rod that has a soft tip to protect them.

Dry Run creek is fishing well. The dissolved oxygen on the creek is higher than the river because of the oxygenating action of the hatchery discharge pipes. As we get into the fall, we will see a lot of large brown trout moving into the creek to spawn. During this time, egg patterns will be the go to fly.

Be sure and stop by and visit me at my booth at the FFF Southern Council Conclave in Mountain Home, Arkansas on October 5th and 6th and let me tie you a fly.

John Berry
(870) 435-2169
berrybrothers@infodash.com
www.berrybrothersguides.com

September 19, 2007 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service -

The water level at greers ferry is at 457.36 and falling.

All species of bass can be caught with a c-rig or drop shot rif, dragging a jig or on top at this time the fish are spread out all over the water column , some fish have already moved back shallow and can be caught with spinnerbaits,crank baits and rattle traps , the deeper fish can be caught from 15 feet to 40 feet and if ya can find fish on your graph you can turn around and catch them spend a lot of time behind your depth finder.

The crappie are suspended in 15 feet of water over 40 feet over brush piles and in pole timber.

Bream have moved back shallow again

The walleye are slow, some can be caught under hybrids.

The catfishing is good on jugs with a 15 foot leader some good blues are coming in.

The hybrids and whites are schooling all over the lake and will get better each day find the shad and the fish will be close , do not look for boats look at your graph and you will have a place all to yourself

Tommy Cauley

September 17, 2007 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service -

The Overall Picture:

Activity levels of Bass and Crappie, continue improving, with the recent cooler days and nights; several days over past couple weeks, we have found Largemouths and White Bass trying to school in numerous locations along the river, mid-mornings. The most consistent, and most aggressive bite, remains good to very good on swimming jig heads w/ Bass Assassin Curly Shad trailers, Rat-L-Traps, and rattle crankbaits, early in the morning. The schoolers are hitting Little Georges, Rocket Shads, Bass Assassin Shads, clear Baby Torpedos, tail spinners like Little Cleos and ChuckNSpins, and Roadrunners.

As of Monday, 17 September, main lake and Little River water surface temperature, low to mid-80º range, approx 79º to 85º, depending of course, on location and time of day. Water temps remain very cool for this time of year, due to all the recent rain and cloud cover for the past many weeks.

As of Monday, 17 Sept, lake level on Millwood, is 3.7 inches above normal and steady, at 259.51 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday, is approx 8-12" visibility based on location. Main lake clarity and visibility is moderate stain, improved at approx 5-8". Current is increased to 1,977CFS as of Monday & navigation conditions are normal .

Upriver oxbow's clarity approx 12-24". The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Monday 17 September is falling, at 232.51 feet. Red River is still very much above normal, and in control. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 1,977 CFS is with 5 gate open at 1 foot each. The boat ramps at Beard's Bluff Lake, River Run East, River Run West, and White Cliffs have re-opened due to recent closures from high water.

The Details:

Largemouth Bass: Gorgeous, cool and fall like weather over the past 2 weeks, have turned on the bass as water temperatures continue to drop. The bass are trying to school, at various times throughout the day, especially in the mornings, when water temps are in the upper 70º to low 80º range. During the morning, schooling activity has been the best and very good, up until around noon at various locations, lake wide, especially in Little River at creek mouth junctions. This activity is much earlier than normal years, due to recent cooler water temps during summer through September. Normal schooling activity doesn't even begin until around the first of October, which may come early this year. We are throwing a lot of Rat-L-Traps, Little Georges, Rocket Shads and clear, Baby Torpedos to these surface schoolers. The schooling bass range in size from 1 up to 6 pounds each, and will vary depending on time and school sizes. Whites are intermingling w/ the Largemouths, herding up shad. The water temps never made it up to normal mid 90º ranges, and are cooling off quickly with the passage of several "cold fronts" through the Millwood area.

1/8 to 1/4oz size silver or white headed jig heads with Bass Assassin Curly Shad trailers are still catching some very nice sized keeper bass and schoolers, also. The Curly Shads in white, or smoke seem to be the best color trailers over the past couple weeks. Buzz bait bite died several weeks ago. Clear Baby torpedoes are still taking some nice topwater bass in the schools also. For last couple weeks, the best jig has been the peanunt butter and jelly color, w/ black and blue pork or plastic chunks, for keeper size bass on stumps. Texas Craw color is working sporadically. Aurora and Firecracker seem to be the best colors in War Eagle spinnerbaits over the past few days. Bass Assassin Shads in salt and pepper or black shad colors, and Rat-L-Traps in chrome/blue back or chrome/black back colors, are catching good bass from 1 to 6 pounds along creek channel mouth intersection areas of Little River.

Texas rig 10" worms in junebug-red, grasshopper, or plum crazy, are taking some nice, keeper-sized largemouths, from 3-5 pounds each, close to grass and remaining pads where stumps or standing timber remain in the 6-9 feet depth areas and any creek mouths interesecting the Little River.

White Bass: Also beginning to school with the Largemouths, along Little River between Yarborough and Highway 71 bridge, up until around noon, then again in late afternoon. Try Little Georges, Rocket Shads, Roadrunners and Rat-L-Traps for a good fight.

Crappie: Bite fair along Little River, on live shiners, and grubs on light jig heads, from 9-12 foot depths in planted brush piles.

Channel Cats: Numerous folks were catching nice size channel cats this week, up to 6 pounds each, using gold fish, livers, and cut bait, on noodles, yo-yos and trot lines.

Longnose or Spotted Gar remain shallow, and are surfacing in the shallow flats and back of creeks, making very good opportunities additionally, for bow fishermen.

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

Navigation conditions in Little River are normal.

As of Monday, 17 September, main lake and Little River water surface temperature, low to mid-80º range, approx 79º to 85º, depending of course, on location and time of day. Water temps remain very cool for this time of year, due to all the recent rain and cloud cover for the past many weeks.

As of Monday, 17 Sept, lake level on Millwood, is 3.7 inches above normal and steady, at 259.51 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday, is approx 8-12" visibility based on location. Main lake clarity and visibility is moderate stain, improved at approx 5-8". Current is increased to 1,977CFS as of Monday & navigation conditions are normal .

Upriver oxbow's clarity approx 12-24". The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Monday 17 September is falling, at 232.51 feet. Red River is still very much above normal, and in control. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 1,977 CFS is with 5 gate open at 1 foot each. The boat ramps at Beard's Bluff Lake, River Run East, River Run West, and White Cliffs have re-opened due to recent closures from high water.

Mike

September 13, 2007 - Norfork and White River - Courtesty of Mountain River Fly Shop -WHITE RIVER: Over the past few days the edge has been taken off summer, with some nights getting down into the 50s. It's been nice with some cool mornings, prompting thoughts of where is my jacket and fleece. I must actually dig them out for when I really need it. Last weekend's rain was welcome too, not so welcome was a bunch of generation for all the folks who came in.

Still its time to start thinking about fall fishing as October creeps closer and closer. Mind you September is good. You can get the best of both worlds. Warm afternoons with some hopper and dropper activity. Perhaps some streamer fishing during the day, particularly if its an overcast day.

Hoppers like the Schroeder's Para Hopper, Rainy's Grand Hopper (good reports on green this week), Chaos Hopper and the Deer Hair Hopper continue to work extremely well. The choice of a dropper is up to your personal taste, whether you want to fish a midge, a scud or something heavy and edible like a Copper John (red 18-16 have been good) or a Lightning Bug.

Scuds have also been all the talk bottom bouncing in the flows too. McLellan's Hunchback Scud has been good in gray and olive, 16s and 14s. Get them down deep and dead drifted. Trout Crack, Kauffman's Scud (tied barbless) and Rainy Woven Scuds are also worth carrying particularly in the larger sizes for heavy flows.

Streamer time is coming, or if you like fishing at night, already here. It won't happen every night (ask Steve about last night when it didn't) but when your in the right place at the right time it can. One of Marc's old Oklahoma buddy Jay was certainly in the right place at the right time last weekend after rising at 3am. In his first 15 minutes on the water he picked off two gorgeous browns a guesstimated 23" male and a 21" female. We saw the pics and they were deep-bodied strong fish.

If you want to try it make sure you scout the water in daylight so you know where the rocks and holes are, being safe is critical. We like larger woolly buggers in black for fishing at night, close to the surface. But there are aficionados of deep sculpins, like the Whitlock series, Bunny Leeches. Daytime streamer fun can be intense, fish tight to the banks in a flow and rip that fly out, trying to imitate panicked fleeing prey. John Barr's Tungsten Slumpbuster is one of our favorite searching streamers, so is the Conehead Autumn Splendor, Flash Bunny, Conehead Kiwi Muddler and Conehead Madonna. For these patterns, try our Streamer Page

NORFORK: You might recall our bout of whining a couple of weeks back when the Journal took some mates to Norfork on a Sunday only to cop some rare morning generation. Last Sunday we had the same scenario, an early morning phone call, a different group of friends, Bull Shoals was running, and Norfork wasn't. So let's hit the Norfork. "Not again". The Journal would apologize to anyone else on the river that had to live through our curse. But while we were there the fishing was good. Bec slammed fish for a while on a bead head Trout Crack, the Journal introducing her to the wily ways of Norfork trout. We managed a nice 'bow on a McLellan's olive scud, the first time we had personally fished this favorite fly in a while.

The rest of the party was into some nice action on smaller midges, when the water rose.

Copper or gray midges had been doing exceptionally well on Norfork. Also try McLellan's Hunchback Scuds in tan or olive, Trout Crack, Kaufmann's barbless scuds tan or brown-olive, and McLellan's Woven Sowbugs.

STOP PRESS: See what happens when we let our guys get a day off. Former CHiP (if you're gray haired old fart like the like the journal you'll remember that show) and Idaho driftboat jockey Jim Mengle snuck over to Norfork when we weren't looking and nailed a 24" brown on a size 20 Dan's Turkey Tail Emerger, with 6x flouro tippet. Jim told us the fish was beautifully colored and in superb condition _ so we asked where was the camera so we could put it on the website??

Changing the subject he told us how he'd picked up another dozen or so fish in the 16" to 17" all sight-fishing during a nice midge hatch.

Tightlines from all at the Mountain River Fly Shop

Gary, Cindy, Ron, Jim, Marc, Faye and Steve

September 13, 2007 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 9/13/2007

There has been a bit of rain in the twin lakes area but this has resulted in little change in the lake levels. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam has dropped three tenths of a foot to rest at two and four tenths of a foot below power pool at 654.00 feet. Up stream, Table Rock Lake has risen four tenths of a foot to rest at two and two tenths of a foot below power pool. Beaver Lake has dropped two tenths of a foot and is now at four and one tenth of a foot below pool. The pattern on the White River has been for no generation or low levels of generation in the morning and then to spike it with a bit more generation in the afternoon and early evening, when there is peak demand for electricity. This has created some limited but excellent wading on the White. Norfork Lake has remained steady at two and eight tenths of a foot below power pool of 552.00 feet. The pattern is to turn the generators off in the morning and to run a bit of water in the afternoon and early evening. This has created some excellent wading opportunities on the Norfork early in the day. The forecast is for cooler weather and sunny skies. With the existing conditions, I would hope for some low water on both rivers.

On the Norfork, the dissolved oxygen levels continue to drop. This is most critical during periods of no generation. Last week, the dissolved oxygen level hovered around two parts per million. There were a couple of instances where it dropped below one and a half parts per million. On the White River the dissolved oxygen has continued to drop. It has averaged four parts per million most of the time. There were several instances where it went below four parts per million. Great care should be taken to prevent stressing the trout particularly near the dam where the dissolved oxygen will be the lowest. Fish should be quickly landed and carefully revived before release.

On the White, fishing has been excellent. The Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam has been red hot. The story here has been large terrestrials. Grass hoppers and large ants have been the most productive flies for top water. The best flies for nymphing have been black zebra midges with silver wire and silver beads and olive scuds all in size eighteen. There has not been much really high water on the White.

Further down stream, the section from Cotter to Rim has been producing a lot of fish. Here again, the story has been the big hopper patterns. If you are fishing above the Catch and Release section, I recommend that you tie on a dropper at the hook bend of the hopper with an eighteen inch 5X tippet. The best fly for this technique is the black zebra midge in size eighteen. My clients have also done very well swinging a size fifteen partridge and orange soft hackles.

On the Norfork River , the fishing has been a bit slow. With the only reliable wadable water, it has been getting a lot of pressure. During the week, it has not been as bad but the weekends have been a zoo. The best place to fish is still McClellan's but it is difficult to get there. A lot of anglers have been walking in from the Handicap Access. I saw a couple of guys get caught in high water as they were walking in this week and they looked pretty wet when they got out.

The hot flies here are black midges as small as you can tie them (size twenty eight or smaller). With something this small you will have to go to 8X tippet or smaller. When you cut the tippet, do so at a forty five degree angle to create a point at the end of it. This will be easier to thread through the hook eye of these small flies. Other flies to try are worm brown San Juan worms and size twenty orange scuds.

Dry Run Creek is fishing well. As the weather cools you can expect a lot of large Brown trout to begin moving up into it to spawn. Egg patterns, sow bugs and San Juan worms are all good producers here. Most of the big fish are lost in the netting process. Take the biggest net you can find and do not forget the camera.

September 12, 2007 - Beaver - Submitted by Jason Piper - JT Crappie Guide Service -J.T. Crappie Guide Services (479-640-3980) said the water is very clear. Bream are biting fairly well on crickets. Crappie are biting well on crankbaits trolled during the middle of the day and minnows fished in 10 to 15 feet of water in the mornings. Bass are biting well on Carolina rigs and shaky head finesse worms during the day and on black spinnerbaits, soft plastics and jigs at night. Catfishing is good on liver and prepared baits.

September 12, 2007 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service -Cool nights will start the fishing back on an upswing and should get better almost overnight. Largemouth and Kentucky bass are still deep on long tapering points in 28-35 feet of water. The best bite has been on football-head jigs and Carolina rigs, almost all of the other fish except for a few shallow fish can be caught in the pole timber on a spoon and drop-shot finesse worm. Smallmouth can be caught at times with a small Redfin on flats and spinnerbaits on cloudy windy days. Otherwise the smallmouth are in 18 to 20 feet of water and holding close to the bottom. Crappie have slowed, but can still be caught on top of some brush piles and also in the pole timber in 25 feet suspended over 60-80 feet of water. Bream are finishing a spawn and will be headed back out deep with some small ones still being caught shallow and the better ones in about 22 feet of water. Walleye have slowed, but will get better after the fall turnover for sure. Catfish are still feeding very well on cut and live bait. Whites and hybrids are hit and miss day and night they are on the move quite a bit but remember they will not move more than a couple of acres, a good graph is a must. Keep up with the bait, and the fish will be close.

September 10, 2007 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service -

The Overall Picture:

Activity levels of Bass and Crappie, are improved, with the recent cool days and nights and a few Largemouths and White Bass are trying to school in numerous locations along the river, late in the mornings. The most consistent Bass bite over the past few days, remains good to very good on swimming jig heads w/ Bass Assassin Curly Shad trailers, Rat-L-Traps, and bulky worms, early in the morning. The schoolers are hitting Little Georges, Rocket Shads, hammered spoons w/ bucktails, clear Baby Torpedos, Roadrunners and tail spinners.

As of Monday, 10 September, main lake and Little River water surface temperature, low to mid-80º range, approx 79º to 85º, depending of course, on location and time of day. Water temps remain very cool for this time of year, due to all the recent rain and cloud cover for the past many weeks. Normal water temps are in the mid 90º range this time of year.

As of Monday, 10 Sept, lake level on Millwood, is 3.5 inches above normal and steady, at 259.49 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday, is approx 5-8" visibility. Main lake clarity and visibility is moderate stain, approx 3-5". Current is reduced to 388CFS as of Monday & navigation conditions are normal .

Upriver oxbow's clarity approx 10-15". The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Monday 10 September is 237.98 feet. Red River is still very much above normal, and in control. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 388 CFS is with 1 gate open at 1 foot each. The boat ramps at Beard's Bluff Lake, River Run East, River Run West, and White Cliffs have re-opened due to recent closures from high water.

The Details:

Largemouth Bass: Dog days of summer maybe on their way out... fall like weather over the past few days have turned on the bass as they are trying to and schooling at various times throughout the day, especially in the mornings, when water temps are in the upper 70º range During the morning, very good schooling action can be had, up until around noon at various locations, lake wide, especially in Little River at creek mouth junctions. Bass are attempting to start schooling activity somewhat early this year due to recent cooler water temps during September. Normal schooling activity doesn't even begin until around the first of October, which may come early this year. We are throwing a lot of Rat-L-Traps, Little Georges, Rocket Shad and hammered spoons to these schoolers. The schooling bass range in size from 1 up to 6 pounds each, and will vary considerably. Whites are intermingling w/ the Largemouths, herding up shad. Due to an abnormally cool front half of summer, the water temps never made it up to normal mid 90º ranges, and are cooling off quickly with the passage of several "cold fronts" through our area.

1/8 to 1/4oz size silver or white headed jig heads with Curly Shad trailers are still catching some decent bass and schoolers, also. The Curly Shads in white, or smoke seem to be the best trailer. Buzz baits have shut off. Clear Baby torpedoes are are taking a few topwater bass in the schools also early. For last couple weeks, the best jig has been the peanunt butter and jelly color, w/ black and blue pork or plastic chunks, for keeper size bass on stumps. Firecracker and hot mouse are the best colors in War Eagle spinnerbaits over the past week or so. Bass Assassin Shads in salt and pepper or black shad colors, and Rat-L-Traps in chrome/blue back or chrome/black back colors, are catching good bass from 1 to 6 pounds along creek channel mouth intersection areas of Little River.

Texas rig 10 and 12" worms in black/blue tail, plum, or grasshopper are taking some nice, keeper-sized largemouths, from 3-5 pounds each, close to grass and remaining pads where stumps or standing timber remain in the 6-9 feet depth areas and any creek mouths interesecting the Little River.

White Bass: Are trying to school with the Largemouths, along Little River up until around noon, then again in late afternoon. Try Little Georges, Rocket Shads, Roadrunners and Rat-L-Traps for a good fight.

Crappie: Bite fair along Little River, on live shiners, and grubs on light jig heads, from 12-15 foot depths in planted brush piles.

Channel Cats: Numerous folks were catching nice size channel cats this week, up to 6 pounds each, using gold fish, livers, and cut bait, on tight lines and noodles and trot lines.

Longnose or Spotted Gar remain shallow, and are surfacing in the shallow flats and back of creeks, making very good opportunities additionally, for bow fishermen.

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

Navigation conditions in Little River are normal.

As of Monday, 10 September, main lake and Little River water surface temperature, low to mid-80º range, approx 79º to 85º, depending of course, on location and time of day. Water temps remain very cool for this time of year, due to all the recent rain and cloud cover for the past many weeks. Normal water temps are in the mid 90º range this time of year.

As of Monday, 10 Sept, lake level on Millwood, is 3.5 inches above normal and steady, at 259.49 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday, is approx 5-8" visibility. Main lake clarity and visibility is moderate stain, approx 3-5". Current is reduced to 388CFS as of Monday & navigation conditions are normal .

Upriver oxbow's clarity approx 10-15". The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Monday 10 September is 237.98 feet. Red River is still very much above normal, and in control. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 388 CFS is with 1 gate open at 1 foot each. The boat ramps at Beard's Bluff Lake, River Run East, River Run West, and White Cliffs have re-opened due to recent closures from high water.

Mike

September 6, 2007 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 9/06/2007

Water levels continue their drop and every impoundment in the White River system is now well below power pool. There has been a little rain and the daily high temperatures have cooled to the mid eighties. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam has dropped seven tenths of a foot to rest at two and one tenth of a foot below power pool at 654.00 feet. Up stream, Table Rock Lake has dropped three tenths of a foot to rest at two and six tenths of a foot below power pool. Beaver Lake has dropped three tenths of a foot and is now at four and three tenths of a foot below pool. The pattern on the White River has been for low levels of generation in the morning and then to spike it with up to seven generators in the afternoon and early evening, when there is peak demand for electricity. This has created some excellent boating conditions but little if any acceptable wading. Norfork Lake has dropped three tenths of a foot and is now two and eight tenths of a foot below power pool of 552.00 feet. The pattern is to turn the generators off in the morning and to run a full two generators in the afternoon and early evening. This has created some excellent wading opportunities on the Norfork early in the day. The forecast is for slightly cooler weather and more rain. With the existing conditions, I would hope for some low water on both rivers.

On the Norfork, the dissolved oxygen levels continue to drop. This is most critical during periods of no generation. Last week, the dissolved oxygen level regularly dropped below two parts per million. There was one instance where it dropped below one and six tenths parts per million. On the White River the dissolved oxygen has continued to drop. It has been below five parts per million most of the time. There was one instance where it went below four and one half parts per million.

When there is inadequate dissolved oxygen, the trout will be stressed. This has, in the past, resulted in fish kills. Great care should be taken to prevent stressing the trout particularly near the dam where the dissolved oxygen will be the lowest. Fish should be quickly landed and carefully revived before release. As the water flows down stream it tumbles through shoals and is oxygenated.

Fishing on the White has been spectacular. The milder temperatures and consistent water flows have created some near perfect fishing conditions. There seemed to be a smaller than usual number of anglers on the recent holiday weekend. The fishing has been good from the Dam to below the confluence with the Norfork.

The Catch and Release section at Bull Shoals Dam, Cotter, and Rim Shoals were all hot spots. The usual nymphs like the zebra midges and scuds were very productive.

The top producer in the past week has been western terrestrials. These are the western foam grasshoppers, big ants (size six or larger) and foam beetles. These flies have been accounting for the larger fish caught and have been producing numbers of fish as well. The western flies, as a group, are easy to see and float like corks. Since they are essentially made from closed cell foam, they do not require a dressing to make them float. Conventional hopper patterns like Dave,s hopper and Schroeder,s hopper have accounted for a lot of the fish caught.

On high water the best bet is brightly colored San Juan worms (bright red, hot pink, and fire orange). Big egg patterns in pink and orange have also been catching fish. If you are not fishing in a catch and release section, tie a small nymph dropper to your worm or egg. A good choice for this would be a size eighteen black zebra midge.

The Norfork has not fished as well as the White. With no wadable water on the White all of the anglers desiring to wade ended up on the Norfork. It got severely crowded and many anglers expressed frustration with the situation. With that much pressure the fishing was spotty at best. Those anglers reporting success caught fish on small midge patterns like the zebra midge in black and brown and the Norfork bead head in olive. All of these flies were size twenty or smaller.

Dry Run Creek has remained the ultimate place to take kids fishing. Sowbugs and San Juan worms are the ticket. There were several fish caught on dry flies there recently. This requires a bit more skill than most kids have. Remember to take the biggest net you can find and a camera.

Practice water safety and always check conditions before you leave home.

September 6, 2007 - Norfork and White River - Courtesty of Mountain River Fly Shop -

WHITE RIVER: Oh the fates can be cruel. The one day in the past week the White has been wadeable and it happens to be today. The one day of the week the Journal can't take a Mental Health Day, fake a sickie, play hookie or what have you. Besides the Boss can put 2 +2 together and get low water fishing. He knows where we fish. So, now you know why we roll our eyes at any suggestion fly shop labor gets to fish all the time. Reports of big browns and rainbows being taken over the last week by those actually on the water makes it even harder to bear. Well stiff cheddar! No point whining, about the water levels, you roll the dice and fish hard when you can.

We keep talking about hoppers, hoppers and more hoppers. Guess what? They are on. Guide and regular shop hand Marco Poulos has been getting on the water plenty this week with a friend from Chicago and they have been doing well. This morning it was the foam bodied, Deer Hair Hopper in Tan, up underneath the Dam which did exceptionally well. This fly has been a great producer for us over the past three weeks. It has a great profile, with the seductiveness of the cut Deer Hair head and the durability and floatability of the foam underbody. We have heard other good things on hoppers up and down the river, including John Berry's very nice 25" brown at Rim Shoals. Incidentally, we came across another very easy to tie hopper pattern on the internet this week, co-incidentally by one of the Journal's good friends Toby Vaughan. Here's our fly tiers' bonus for the week Toby's E-Z Hopper <> . If you need the fixin's, like foam, hackle or chenille, check the Webstore <http://store.mtnriverflyshopstore.com/> or give us a call.

Since we haven't been on the water much, we also checked in with guide Kevin Brandtonies, who was floating the upper section of the river. Between motor noise, screaming reels and his Chicago accent we made out certain key words, "eating", "scuds", "really on them". When we established a clearer line it turns out weighted scuds like McLellan's Hunchback scud or Kaufmann's Scud in gray or olive in size 16 or 14 were the ticket on the White today, once 1 generator was on. It makes sense then to fish these patterns in the shoals where there are naturally faster flows. "Get them down and get a dead drift" was his final admonishment. Can't get any fresher report than that without getting wet!

NORFORK: The Princess of Tailwaters has been the most consistent place for wade fishing again this week. She has been performing well. With the White running almost around the clock (at least whenever we are able to fish), extra fishing pressure has been put onto the Norfork. Canoes, pontoon boats or other water craft offer a great way to get away from the crowds.

Marc and Greg floated on Wednesday and did well, with several fish around the 20" mark. Marco pulled a 21" cutthroat on the same tan Deer Hair Hopper and also reported that scuds were doing very well. Try olive or tan hunchback scuds in 16. Copper midges, Zebra and San Juan worms have been doing well close to the access points and I'm sure further afield.

Please be careful with releasing fish in the Norfork as we are approaching the season for low oxygen levels.

Tightlines from all at the Mountain River Fly Shop

Gary, Cindy, Ron, Jim, Marc, Faye and Steve

September 4, 2007 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service -

The Overall Picture:

Navigation conditions in Little River are normal.

As of Monday, 03 September, main lake and Little River water surface temperature, remain in mid-80º range, approx 82º to 86º, depending of course, on location and time of day. Water temps remain very cool for this time of year, due to all the recent rain and cloud cover for the past many weeks. Normal water temps are in the mid 90º range this time of year.

As of Monday, 03 Sept, lake level on Millwood, is 2.5 inches above normal and steady, at 259.40 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday, is approx 8-10" visibility. Main lake clarity and visibility is moderate stain, approx 4-6". Current is reduced to 774CFS as of Monday & navigation is normal conditions.

Upriver oxbow's clarity approx 15-20". The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Monday 03 September is 237.98 feet. Red River is still very much above normal. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 774 CFS is with 2 gates open at 1 foot each. The boat ramps at Beard's Bluff Lake, River Run East, River Run West, and White Cliffs have re-opened due to recent closures from high water.

Activity levels of Bass and Crappie, are in normal summer patterns, with the best, most aggressive bite being early and late in the day. The most consistent Bass bite over the past few days, remains good to fair on swimming jig heads w/ Bass Assassin Curly Shad trailers, Rat-L-Traps, and bulky worms, early in the morning.

The Details:

Largemouth Bass: It is still very HOT, people. Dog days of summer are evidently arriving with a vengence... During the morning, good to very good action can be had early, then shutting off and taking a rest as the sun gets higher in the sky. Bass are relating to deep water during the heat of the day, as is normal summer routines. Swimming 1/8 to 1/4oz size silver or white headed jig heads with Curly Shad trailers are catching some decent bass. We are just swimming those through grass and pads from 4-8' deep, holding a high rod tip to keep the open hook more weedless. Try the Curly Shad in white, or smoke w/ tail dipped in chart. Buzz baits have shut off. Pop R's are taking a few topwater bass early. Jigs in peanunt butter and jelly w/ black and blue pork or plastic chunks, are catching keeper size bass. War Eagle spinnerbaits in firecracker are still taking a few random bass. Bass Assassin Shads in salt and pepper or black shad colors, and Rat-L-Traps in red chrome or chrome/black back colors, are catching good bass from 1 to 2.5 pounds on flats adjacent to creek channel areas.

Once the sun gets up hot and direct on lake surfaces, we are switching over to Texas rig or Carolina rigging, 7" or 10" magnum size ring worms and lizards, in grasshopper or cotton candy/chart tail colors, and 12" worms in blue fleck, june bug-red, or sour grape in holes of the vegetation. Nice, 3-4 pound bass are in 6-9 feet of water close to deeper water where oxygen supply is higher. Best jig bite for keeper size Largemouth bass over past couple weeks remains the peanut butter/jelly color or black and purple, with the black/blue pork or plastic chunk trailers.

White Bass: No report this week.

Crappie: Bite fair along Little River, on live shiners, and grubs on light jig heads, from 14-20 foot depths in planted brush piles.

Channel Cats: Numerous folks were catching nice size channel cats this week using gold fish and cut bait, up to 7-8 pounds each on tight lines and noodles and trot lines.

Longnose or Spotted Gar remain shallow, and are surfacing in the shallow flats and back of creeks, making very good opportunities additionally, for bow fishermen.

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

Navigation conditions in Little River are normal.

As of Monday, 03 September, main lake and Little River water surface temperature, remain in mid-80º range, approx 82º to 86º, depending of course, on location and time of day. Water temps remain very cool for this time of year, due to all the recent rain and cloud cover for the past many weeks. Normal water temps are in the mid 90º range this time of year.

As of Monday, 03 Sept, lake level on Millwood, is 2.5 inches above normal and steady, at 259.40 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday, is approx 8-10" visibility. Main lake clarity and visibility is moderate stain, approx 4-6". Current is reduced to 774CFS as of Monday & navigation is normal conditions.

Upriver oxbow's clarity approx 15-20". The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Monday 03 September is 237.98 feet. Red River is still very much above normal. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 774 CFS is with 2 gates open at 1 foot each. The boat ramps at Beard's Bluff Lake, River Run East, River Run West, and White Cliffs have re-opened due to recent closures from high water.

Mike

August 30, 2007 - Norfork and White River - Courtesty of Mountain River Fly Shop -
WHITE RIVER: What a week of fishing! It has been nothing but exceptional. We even got some low water. The elder statesmen of the Mountain River Fly Shop Jim and Ron headed out with guide Kevin Brandtonies onto the Upper end of the White on Tuesday. Kevin had about 85 years worth of fly fishing knowledge, and goodness knows how many guide days on rivers out west and in Arkansas, in the front of the boat so you'd expect them to find a few. When the Journal spoke to Jim on Tuesday night, he was still giggling like a schoolboy.

In modern parlance they "slayed 'em". Ron was probably being a little modest when he told us that anything you threw on the water would get eaten, but the "boys" did well. Jim had on a big cutthroat of probably just under 20" which pulled the hook at the boat.

Best flies were the bead head trout crack, black midges pheasant tail and tungsten soft hackles, tan bead head scuds. Jim also had several fish hit his hopper while drifting hopper and dropper rigs, and size 14 Olive Woollies.

As mentioned before Steve and Bec did very well on the Red Legged Hopper at Rim Shoal on Monday as the water fell out. We heard of other hoppers working well, including Dave's Hopper and the Brown Grand Hopper from others fishing nearby. Copper and Black Midges were also performing well.

It should be a great 3-day weekend. Drop by the store and say G'day.

NORFORK: The Journal would like to apologize to everyone who headed to the Norfork Sunday morning. We had just strung up a rod for a first outing on the Princess of Tailwaters for a while when the horn sounded. Obviously, it was our fault. I don't think we will make it over this weekend, so go have a great time.

Once again, the Norfork has offered the most consistent wading this week, with afternoon generation (apart from last Sunday) on the agenda for the most part. Terrestrials, hoppers and ants can work well here through the warmer part of the day. For the better fish try Trout Crack, Woven Sowbugs, and scud patterns.

Midge patterns, like the black and copper midge, have been doing extremely well at both McLellans and downstream to the handicap access. We have heard scuttlebutt from some spin fishers of nice fish being caught downstream of the handicap access where fewer fly fishers appear to go. Just watch out for the water as you have to walk back against the rise.

Tightlines from all at the Mountain River Fly Shop

Gary, Cindy, Ron, Jim, Marc, Faye and Steve

August 30, 2007 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 8/30/2007

Water levels continue their drop and every impoundment in the White River system is well below power pool. There has been precious little rain in several weeks and the daily high temperatures have hovered in the mid to high nineties. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam has dropped four tenths of a foot to rest at one and four tenths of a foot below power pool at 654.00 feet. Up stream, Table Rock Lake has dropped eight tenths of a foot to rest at two and three tenths of a foot below power pool. Beaver Lake has dropped six tenths of a foot and is now at four feet below pool. The pattern on the White River has been for low levels of generation or no generation in the morning and then to spike it with up to seven generators in the afternoon and early evening, when there is peak demand for electricity. This has created some excellent wading conditions on the days with no morning generation. Norfork Lake has dropped seven tenths of a foot and is now two and a half feet below power pool of 552.00 feet. The pattern is to turn the generators off in the morning and to run a full two generators in the afternoon and early evening. This has created some excellent wading opportunities on the Norfork early in the day. The forecast is for slightly cooler weather. With the existing conditions, I foresee continued heavy afternoon generation on both rivers.

On the Norfork, the dissolved oxygen levels continue to drop. This is most critical during periods of no generation. Last week, the dissolved oxygen level regularly dropped below two and a half parts per million. There was one instance where it dropped below two parts per million. The oxygen level will be the lowest just below the dam. On the White River the dissolved oxygen has started to drop. There was one instance where it went below five parts per million.

Despite the heat, the White has been fishing extremely well. The section from Wildcat Shoals to Cotter has been a real hot spot. At low levels of generation, zebra midges and small scud patterns have been effective. On high water the hot flies have been brightly colored San Juan worms (red, hot pink, and fire orange) and egg patterns.

The big story has been the grass hopper fishing. It has been spectacular. On low water, particularly in the afternoon hopper patterns have been the ticket. The debate is over which pattern is the most effective Rainey,s hopper, Schroeder,s hopper, or Dave,s hopper. Should it be rubber legs, foam or deer hair? I have been using the Dave,s hopper size ten and doing well. Be sure and use at least a 4X tippet and let the fly hit the water with a splash. There is a tendency for most anglers to set the hook too soon with dry flies. Take a deep breath, and make sure the fish has taken the hopper before setting the hook.

Another hot spot, on the White River, has been Rim Shoals. On low water, this section has been very productive. The best flies have been the zebra midge in brown with copper bead and copper wire in size eighteen and partridge and orange soft hackles. The grasshopper has also reigned supreme here.

The Norfork is not fishing as well as the White. On the days when they are running water on the White, the Norfork can get pretty crowded, particularly on the weekends. The overcrowding has been worsened by the closing of McClellan,s. Small midges are still the best bet. Hot patterns are the black zebra midge with silver wire and silver bead, brown zebra midge with copper wire and copper bead, and the Norfork bead head in olive. All are most effective in size twenty or smaller. The partridge and orange has been the hot soft hackle. Grass hoppers have also been quite effective here.

Dry Run Creek is still the place to introduce children to trout fishing. If you have not visited there you need to check it out. There are trout as big as your leg all over the place. This is what Catch and Release could all be about. The best way to fish it is by high sticking sowbugs (the dominate food source on Dry Run Creek), San Juan worms, or egg patterns. Don,t for get to take the largest net you can lay your hands on and a camera. This is where memories are made.

Always practice water safety and check conditions before you leave home.

The Mid South Fly Fishers is celebrating its thirty year anniversary with a homecoming event September 4, 2007. All are invited for free pizza and a program highlighting the clubs history.

August 29, 2007 - Beaver - Submitted by Jason Piper - JT Crappie Guide Service -J.T. Crappie Guide Services said the water is clear and 84 degrees. Some bream have been caught on worms and crickets. Crappie fishing is fair in 8-10 feet of water on minnows and trolled Hot-N-Tots. Some bass have been caught, mostly at night on jigs, spoons, and drop shots. Catfishing has been very good using live or prepared bait.

August 29, 2007 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service -The water level at greers ferry is at 457.48 and falling pretty good at present and will until we have some fall rains. Remember the grass planting will be here sept.8th

The cooler nights here will start the fish back on an up swing and should get better almost over night.

The largemouth and Kentucky bass are still deep some on long tapering points try 28-35 feet of water and can be caught with a football head jig and a c-rig , almost all of the other fish except for a few shallow fish can be caught in the pole timber on a spoon and drop-shot.

The smallmouth can be caught at times with a red fin on flats and also spinner bait on cloudy windy days and out deep in 18-20 feet of water dragging a rig or small football head.

The crappies have slowed but can still be caught on top of some brush piles and also in the pole timber in 25 feet suspended over 60-80 feet of water.

The bream are finishing a spawn and will be headed back out deep with some small ones still being caught shallow and the better ones in about 22 feet of water

Walleye has slowed but will get better after the fall turnover for sure .

The catfish are still feeding real well at times especially in baited holes/ check your local regulations/ with cut and live bait, on rod and reels as well as jugs, noodles or trotlines.

Whites and hybrids are hit and miss day and night they are on the move quite a bit but remember they will not move more than a couple of acres , a good graph is a must and keep up with the bait and the fish will be close by , live bait as well as artificial will work.

August 29, 2007 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service - The Overall Picture:

Navigation conditions in Little River are normal.

As of Monday, 27 August, main lake and Little River water surface temperature, remain in mid-80º range, approx 84º to 87º, depending of course, on location and time of day. Water temps remain very cool for this time of year, due to all the recent rain and cloud cover for the past many weeks. Normal August water temps are in the mid 90º range.

As of Monday, 27 Aug, lake level on Millwood, is 3 inches above normal and steady, at 259.45 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday, is much improved at approx 8-10" visibility. Main lake clarity and visibility is moderate stain, approx 4-6". Current is constant at 1,553CFS as of Monday & navigation has returned to normal with the reduction in recent lake pool level.

Upriver oxbow's clarity approx 15-20". The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Monday 27 August is 238.54 feet. Red River is still very much above normal. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 1,553 CFS is with 4 gates open at 1 foot each. The boat ramps at Beard's Bluff Lake, River Run East, River Run West, and White Cliffs have re-opened due to recent closures from high water.

Activity levels of Bass and Crappie, are in normal summer patterns, with the best, most aggressive bite being early and late in the day. The most consistent Bass bite over the past few days with the recent return to near normal lake pool, remains good on swimming jig heads w/ Bass Assassin Curly Shad trailers, Rat-L-Traps, and bulky worms, early in the morning.

The Details:

Largemouth Bass: Well it is HOT people. Dog days of summer are evidently arriving with a vengence... During the morning, good to very good action can be had early, then shutting off and taking a rest as the sun gets higher in the sky. Bass are relating to deep water during the heat of the day, as is normal summer routines. Tads, Bass Assassin Shads, & swimming 1/8 to 1/4oz size silver or white headed (no skirt & no weedguard) jig heads with Curly Shad trailers are catching some decent bass. We are just swimming those through grass and pads from 4-8' deep, holding a high rod tip to keep the open hook more weedless. Try the Curly Shad in white, or smoke w/ tail dipped in chart. Buzz bait bite and activity has diminished overall in the last week or so. War Eagle spinnerbaits in firecracker are still taking a few random bass. Bass Assassin Shads in salt and pepper or rainbow trout, and Rat-L-Traps in baby crappie or red chrome colors, are catching good bass from 1 to 2.5 pounds on flats adjacent to creek channel areas. A few Kentucky bass (spots) were caught in a large school this past week on points with stumps and cypress trees shallow.

Once the sun gets up direct, we are switching over to 7" or 10" ring worms in grasshopper color and 12" worms in blue fleck, june bug-red, or sour grape with a heavy sinker to penetrate the mats of vegetation. Nice 3-4 pound bass are in 6-9 feet of water close to deeper water where oxygen supply is higher. Best jig bite past couple weeks is the peanut butter/jelly color or black and purple, with Uncle Josh pork trailers.

White Bass: No report this week.

Crappie: Bite fair along Little River, on live shiners, Cordell paddle tail smoke colored grubs on light jig heads, and Southern Pro tubes in smoke color, from 19-22 foot depths in planted brush piles.

Channel Cats: No report this week.

Longnose or Spotted Gar remain shallow, and are surfacing in the shallow flats and back of creeks, making very good opportunities additionally, for bow fishermen.

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

Navigation conditions in Little River are normal.

As of Monday, 27 August, main lake and Little River water surface temperature, remain in mid-80º range, approx 84º to 87º, depending of course, on location and time of day. Water temps remain very cool for this time of year, due to all the recent rain and cloud cover for the past many weeks. Normal August water temps are in the mid 90º range.

As of Monday, 27 Aug, lake level on Millwood, is 3 inches above normal and steady, at 259.45 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday, is much improved at approx 8-10" visibility. Main lake clarity and visibility is moderate stain, approx 4-6". Current is constant at 1,553CFS as of Monday & navigation has returned to normal with the reduction in recent lake pool level.

Upriver oxbow's clarity approx 15-20". The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Monday 27 August is 238.54 feet. Red River is still very much above normal. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 1,553 CFS is with 4 gates open at 1 foot each. The boat ramps at Beard's Bluff Lake, River Run East, River Run West, and White Cliffs have re-opened due to recent closures from high water.

Mike

August 25, 2007 - Norfork and White River - Courtesty of Mountain River Fly Shop - WHITE RIVER: WADEABLE water has been hard to find on the White over the past week with pretty much a constant 2 units of water running. Waders can pick their spots for some fishing, but a river boat, drift boat, pontoon or some kind of watercraft offers way more versatility. At this water level the fishing has been very good. Our guides have been doing well for their clients fishing a mixture of patterns.

Tan scuds have been very, very good in the Upper Sections of the river, 16s and bigger. Try McLellan's Hunchback Scud, Kaufmann's Tan Bead Head, and Rainey's Woven. Add some weight if needed to drift these along the edges and seams in the current and you will find fish. Use the motor to extend the drift as long as possible.

Pink and Fire Orange San Juan Worms have been killer as usual in this flow. Try some bigger midges size 14 and larger.

Hopper and dropper combinations continue to do well. Try Deer Hair Hoppers, Rainey's Grand Hopper, and Dave's Hopper in size 10s and run a deep dropper with a red, copper or silver Copper John, Lightning Bug or one of the above mentioned scuds.

We have also been getting a lot of bugger customers in stocking up, a sure sign these great streamers are doing well, particularly Flash-A-Buggers in olive and black. Try a sink-tip line or sinking leaders to search out the deeper holes below the fast water at places like Rim or Wildcat Shoals, with Buggers, Tungsten Slump Busters, Whitlock's Near Nuff Sculpin or a Dead Drift Crawdad

Once the water levels settle wading fisher should be in for a treat. Rim Shoals and Wildcat Shoals have been producing and so has the Dam region.

NORFORK: THE Princess of the Ozark Tailwaters has been offering the best opportunities for wading fly fishers over the past week. Please be careful when releasing fish, give them extra time in clean, moving current to sort themselves out as the oxygen levels diminish. Norfork has been at her frustrating best for some, and very kind to others.

A copper and copper midge remains a favorite among more experienced Norfork hands, leaders should be long and fine and indicators small and subtle. Black and Silver, Red and Silver and Black and Copper Zebras are doing well. Ron's Anna K in black is also working well swung across the nose of trout rising to some seriously teeny midges.

Hoppers have also scored some very nice cuts recently, tan hoppers, plus larger ant or beetle patterns can produce on windy afternoons.

Tightlines from all at the Mountain River Fly Shop

Gary, Cindy, Ron, Jim, Marc, Faye and Steve

August 23, 2007 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 8/23/2007

Water levels continue their drop and every impoundment in the White River system is currently below power pool. There has been no appreciable rain in several weeks and the daily high temperatures have cooled somewhat to the mid-nineties. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam has dropped nine tenths of a foot to rest at one and one tenth feet below pool at 654.00 feet. Up stream Table Rock Lake has dropped four tenths of a foot and is currently one and six tenths of a foot below power pool. Beaver Lake has dropped seven tenths of a foot and is now at three and one half feet below pool. The pattern on the White River has been for low levels of generation in the morning and then to spike it with up to seven generators in the afternoon and early evening, when there is peak demand for electricity. This has created optimal boating conditions but has severely limited wading. The constant generation has greatly helped the trout cope with the high temperatures. Norfork Lake has dropped three tenths of a foot and is now one and eight tenths of a foot below power pool of 552.00 feet. The pattern is to turn the generators off in the morning and to run a full two generators in the afternoon and early evening. This has created some excellent wading opportunities on the Norfork early in the day. I predict that we will continue to see heavy generation on both rivers in the afternoons.

On the Norfork, the dissolved oxygen levels continue to drop. This is more critical during periods of no generation. There were several instances in the last week when the dissolved oxygen level dropped below two and a half parts per million. There was one instance where it dropped below two parts per million. The oxygen level will be the lowest just below the dam. This is not considered a problem on the White River at this time where the dissolved oxygen remains at five parts per million or higher.

Though the heat wave has kept most anglers huddled around the air conditioner for the past week, fishing has been excellent for those willing to brave the heat. The upper White River has been a hot spot. The Catch and Release section at the base of Bull Shoals Dam has been very productive particularly early in the day during periods of low generation. The hot flies have been midge larva patterns like the black zebra midge size twenty and midge emerger patterns like Dan,s turkey tail emerger size twenty two. During high generation try San Juan worms in red, hot pink and fluorescent orange.

The area from Cotter to Buffalo Shoals has been another hot spot. The better fishing is during the lower generation flows. Hot flies have been the black zebra midge size eighteen; sowbugs size 16, and small pheasant tails. The grass hopper is still the hot dry fly. There are a lot of patterns to choose from but I have done well lately with the Dave,s hopper. Make sure that you use at least a 4X tippet. This is a large fly and you will need a big tippet to turn it over.

The Norfork is not fishing as well as the White. There has been no stocking in the middle section for some time. With McClellan,s closed there is no stocking point in that section. Small midges are still the best bet. Hot patterns are the black zebra midge with silver wire and silver bead, brown zebra midge with copper wire and copper bead, and the Norfork bead head in olive. All are most effective in size twenty or smaller. Grass hoppers have also been effective here. There have been some large fish caught on worm brown San Juan worms.

The best way to escape the heat is to take a kid fishing on Dry Run Creek. The water from the hatchery discharge pipes, the tight confines of the creek valley and the heavy tree cover all contribute to making this the coolest place to fish in Arkansas. It is also the best place to introduce kids to fishing. The creek is loaded with trophy fish. The most effective way to fish it is to high stick sowbugs in heavy water. San Juan worms in brown and red are very effective. Remember to take a camera and the biggest net you can find.

John Berry

August 21, 2007 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service -

The Overall Picture:

Navigation conditions in Little River are normal.

As of Tuesday, 21 August, main lake and Little River water surface temperature, 84º to 88º, depending of course, on location and time of day. Water temps remain very cool for this time of year, due to all the recent rain and cloud cover for the past many weeks. Normal August water temps are in the mid 90º range.

As of Tuesday, 21 Aug, lake level on Millwood, is 2.5 inches above normal and falling, at 259.41 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday, is much improved at approx 8-10" visibility. Main lake clarity and visibility is also much improved from last week. Current is decreased at 1,553CFS as of Tuesday 21 August & navigation has returned to normal with the reduction in recent lake pool level.

Upriver oxbow's clarity are much improved, as well, and clarity is approx 15-20". The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Tuesday 21 August is 238.51 feet. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 1,553 CFS is with 4 gates open at 1 foot each. The boat ramps at Beard's Bluff Lake, River Run East, River Run West, and White Cliffs have re-opened due to recent closures from high water.

Activity levels of Bass and Crappie, are in normal summer patterns, with the best, most aggressive bite being early and late in the day. Crappie bite is improving from the recent high, and muddy water. The most consistent Bass bite over the past few days with the recent return to near normal lake pool, remains best on buzz baits, Bass Assassin Shads, Rat-L-Traps, and jigs early in the morning.

The Details:

Largemouth Bass: Good to very good early, then relating to deep water during the heat of the day, as is normal summer routines. Spittin Images, Toads, Bass Assassin Shads and Buzz baits are all producing good topwater activity equally well, early. Buzz baits in smoke/chartreuse or firecracker skirt colors, Bass Assassin Shads in salt and pepper, and Rat-L-Traps in baby bass, sunperch, or baby crappie, are catching good bass from the river population, from 2 to 3 pounds in areas with grass and lily pads, and on points with mixtures of grass and pads.

Later in the day, & once the sun gets up direct, we are switching over to 7" ring worms in grasshopper color and 10" and 12" worms in blue fleck, june bug-red, or sour grape with a heavy sinker to penetrate the mats of vegetation. Nice 4-6 pound bass are holding inside vegetation lines in 6-9 feet of water close to deeper water where oxygen supply is high. Best jig bite this week appears to be the peanut butter/jelly color or black/purple with Uncle Josh pork trailers. Rat-L-Traps in baby bass, baby crappie or bream and sunperch are producing 14-16" bass with some regularity. Bass Assassin twitch worms in watermelon-red, crystal shad or white ice color or a Shad Assassin in salt and pepper silver phantom color around pads and grass, are working. When the bite shuts down late morning, Cordell hammered spoons with white/red bucktails, jigging in 12-16 feet depths near vertical river wash-outs and walls along the river and over and around humps and cuts on the main lake out in front of the dam where Little River and Saline River intersect are working fair.

White Bass: With improved Little River clarity conditions, whites were caught this week trolling with chrome- blue crank baits, chrome-black Rat-L-Traps in Little River near Hurricane Creek, Pugh Slough and Jack's Isle this week. The Rat-L-Traps, crank baits and Rocket Shads are catching good numbers of White Bass from 1-3 pounds each.

Crappie: Bite continues improving along Little River, on live shiners, Cordell paddle tail smoke colored grubs on light jig heads, and Southern Pro tubes in smoke color, from 12-18 foot depths in planted brush piles.

Channel Cats: No report this week.

Bream: Action is fair to good, around State Park and Beard's Bluff on crickets, & red worms.

Longnose or Spotted Gar remain shallow, and are surfacing in the shallow flats and back of creeks, making very good opportunities additionally, for bow fishermen.

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

Navigation conditions in Little River are normal.

As of Tuesday, 21 August, main lake and Little River water surface temperature, 84º to 88º, depending of course, on location and time of day. Water temps remain very cool for this time of year, due to all the recent rain and cloud cover for the past many weeks. Normal August water temps are in the mid 90º range.

As of Tuesday, 21 Aug, lake level on Millwood, is 2.5 inches above normal and falling, at 259.41 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday, is much improved at approx 8-10" visibility. Main lake clarity and visibility is also much improved from last week. Current is decreased at 1,553CFS as of Tuesday 21 August & navigation has returned to normal with the reduction in recent lake pool level.

Upriver oxbow's clarity are much improved, as well, and clarity is approx 15-20". The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Tuesday 21 August is 238.51 feet. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 1,553 CFS is with 4 gates open at 1 foot each. The boat ramps at Beard's Bluff Lake, River Run East, River Run West, and White Cliffs have re-opened due to recent closures from high water.

Mike

August 17, 2007 - Norfork and White River - Courtesty of Mountain River Fly Shop - WHITE RIVER: Low water mornings, midge hatches, hoppers during the day and if you,re downriver, no need for waders. This is an amazing time of year, and so much fun we are surprised it's not illegal. There has been some fun fishing up and down the river. The Journal, courtesy of our antipodean dry fly upbringing, has been having a blast tossing hopper and dropper combinations all week. We have been talking about fishing the fast water with hoppers and dropper, over the past few weeks.

This week as mentioned above, we also found some hopper action in the tail-out and heads of pools and even in the dead slow middle sections.

Certainly downriver it appears that as well as the hoppers on the wing, crash-landing onto the surface, the abundance of small (10-12) orange-brown butterflies is attracting the attention of the trout. We saw one taken on the wing at Rim; it was absolutely monstered in fact, by a fat 17+ bow. A hopper cast onto the same seam drew a similarly brutal take, but the surprise was enough to catch us totally off guard, hence we comprehensively failed to set the hook.

The technique is relatively simple; we have been looking for sipping or rising fish and working the fly to these fish. Drifts over drop-offs and deeper holes in shallow sections also seem to be working. Any rising fish at this time of year can fall for the hopper trap, even the midge feeders close to the dam. Try a 10,-11, 5x leader, and use a 5wt or even a 6wt to turn them over effectively. You want the hopper landing with a splat, not with feather-like delicacy, not too close to the fish to spook but not too far away either. If you aren't hammered immediately look for a dead drift over likely holding water or risers.

Now while a conventional dead drift is a fine bet we have been surprised at the number of fish caught on a subtle twitch and more surprised during some less than subtle movement; imagination is not a curse.

This week we have been fishing with green, yellow, red and brown or tan hoppers, and have caught fish on them all. But the strongest action has come on the brown/tan yellow or olive hoppers. Don't be surprised if you don't catch every taker. Sometimes trout miss and striking takers on dry flies can be a black art. Generally hit the faster hard risers faster and the slow head and shoulders rollers slower.

Our droppers of choice, when fishing outside the Catch and Release areas have been an assortment of the usual Zebra Midges, Bead Head Trout Cracks, Sowbugs, Scuds and Micro Mayflies. The standard fare you would serve up under a normal indicator on low water. You could probably do well with a Y2K too, if you choose.

More conventionally we have heard good things on the above assortment of flies. Have a serious look at Charlie Craven's Blue Poison Tung during these hot bright summer days. It's been one of the Journal's favorite blue sky summer day patterns for a couple of years, but friend and guide Ken Richards was in yesterday vouching for its effectiveness on his trip earlier in the day.

If you are targeting midgeing risers, Ron's Anna K in black was again a hot fly. We have been introducing one of our favorite dry fly midges to a few dry fly addicts this week; Morgan's Para Midge has been doing well below the Dam in 20s and 22s. Its white foam parachute post makes it significantly more visible in the morning mist.

NORFORK:

The generation schedule has been starting around lunchtime, allowing some nice morning wading and the daily midge-fest. Try a change from drifting the usual assortment of small midge pupa to these fish. Strap on a small dry like a Griffiths Gnat or a Para Midge and a nice long leader for some fun fishing.

Copper and Black Zebras, Diamond Midges, and Poison Tungs are hard to ignore. We have also been hearing some decent reports on San Juan Worms, in brown or red. The abundance of smallish dark green scuds, try an 18 Rainy's Woven Scud for some good fun.

Cheers from all at the Mountain River Fly Shop
Gary, Cindy, Ron, Jim, Marc, Steve and Faye

August 16, 2007 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 8/16/2007

Water levels continue their drop and every impoundment in the White River system is currently below power pool. There has been no rain in several weeks and the daily high temperatures have been soaring above 100 degrees for over a week. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam has dropped three tenths of a foot to rest at two tenths of a foot below pool at 654.00 feet.

Up stream Table Rock Lake has dropped one and one tenth of a foot and is currently one and two tenths of a foot below power pool. Beaver Lake has dropped one foot and is now at two and eight tenths of a foot below pool. The pattern on the White River has been no generation in the morning and then to spike it with up to seven generators in the afternoon and early evening, when there is peak demand for electricity. This has resulted in optimal wading conditions.

Norfork Lake has dropped one and one tenth of a foot and is now one and one half feet below power pool of 552.00 feet. The pattern is to turn the generators off in the morning and to run a full two generators in the afternoon and early evening. This has created some excellent wading opportunities on the Norfork early in the day. The weather is forecast to cool down about ten degrees and there is some rain expected. I predict that we will continue to see heavy generation on both rivers in the afternoons.

On the Norfork, the dissolved oxygen levels continue to drop. This is more critical during periods of no generation. There were several instances in the last week when the dissolved oxygen level dropped below three parts per million. The oxygen level will be the lowest just below the dam. This is not a problem on the White River at this time where the dissolved oxygen remains at six parts per million or higher.

Despite the weather, the fishing on the White has been excellent. With the predictable low water conditions, anglers willing to deal with the excessive heat have done well through out the river. The best way to deal with the low water and heat has been to wet wade. Anglers have been wearing tropical shirts, light slacks, big hats and wading sandals to stay comfortable. To prevent heat stroke they have also been carrying and drinking a lot of water and sports drinks. Others, in an attempt to escape the heat, have been fishing at night. This is dangerous business. Do not fish alone at night.

The Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam has been a hot spot. As usual, small midge patterns like the zebra midge in black with silver bead and silver wire and in brown with copper bead and copper wire have been the ticket. There has also been some really good hopper fishing. When the water comes up in the early afternoon, fish the rise and switch to brightly colored San Juan worms when the water gets high. The upper river from Bull Shoals Dam to White Hole has fished well with the same basic techniques.

The section from Wildcat Shoals to Cotter has been fishing well. The hot flies in this area have been sowbugs (size sixteen) and partridge and orange soft hackles. Grasshoppers have also been very effective particularly when fished with a small dropper like a zebra midge or pheasant tail (size twenty). Another killer technique for this area has been to dredge the deeper holes with an olive woolly bugger fished on a sink-tip line.

Rim Shoals has been another Hot Spot. There has been some spectacular fishing there on zebra midges, scuds and sow bugs. Soft hackles have been very effective. The best pattern has been the partridge and orange. Grasshoppers (size ten) have been very productive, especially later in the afternoon.

The Norfork has not been fishing as well as the White. The Catch and Release section has been crowded all summer. With optimal wading conditions on the White, I would expect there to be less pressure here. The section as McClellan's is still the bright spot. There are some nice fish in that section but it is still difficult to get there. The safest way is to float down from Norfork Dam. Be prepared to drag your boat through a few low spots.

The weather is forecast to cool down in the coming days and with the lower water conditions, I would expect some great fishing this week.

John Berry

August 15, 2007 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service -

Not much change since last week.

The hybrid and white bass fishing is hit and miss they are schooling some and can be caught on top when they are up on chuggers and super spook jrs. And when they are down on buckshot inline spinners and spoons as well as swimbaits, try point 14 as well as point 6 . edgemount bridge and cove creek.

The bass fishing is good for blacks in 28 feet dragging jigs and c-riggs , the kentuckies are schooling some as well as the largemouth , the smallmouth have been holding in 22 feet of water and can be caught with c-rigged lizards and baby brush hogs, on points .

The small bream can be caught up shallow in main lake pockets , but the better ones are out in 22 feet of water on crickets and night crawlers.

The crappie are suspended in 15-20 feet of water over 80 feet and can be caught with minnows and jigs the bit has slowed down with the hot weather.

The walleye are coming in real slow with calm conditions and the heat , try dragging crawlers or leeches in 43 feet of water about 3 miles and hour for the best bite or line weight a wally diver in clown or brown color.

Tommy Cauley

August 14, 2007 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service -

The Overall Picture:

Navigation conditions in Little River are normal.

As of Monday, 13 August, main lake and Little River water surface temperature, 85º to 89º, depending of course, on location and time of day. Water temps are very good for this time of year, due to all the recent rain and cloud cover for the past many weeks. Normal August water temps are in the mid 90º range.

Lake level on Millwood, as of Monday, 13 Aug, is 5.9 inches above normal and falling, at 259.69 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday, is much improved at approx 8-10" visibility. Main lake clarity and visibility is also much improved from last week. Current is decreased at 3,548CFS as of Monday 13 August & navigation has returned to normal with the reduction in recent lake pool level.

Upriver oxbow's clarity are much improved, as well, and clarity is approx 15-20". The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Monday 13 August was 239.12'. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 3,548 CFS is with 9 gates open at 1 foot each. The boat ramps at Beard's Bluff Lake, River Run East, River Run West, and White Cliffs have re-opened due to recent closures from high water.

Activity levels of Bass and Crappie, are in normal summer patterns, with the best, most aggressive bite being early and late in the day. Crappie bite is improving from the recent high, and muddy water. The most consistent Bass bite over the past few days with the recent return to near normal lake pool, remains best on buzz baits, Bass Assassin Shads, War Eagle spinnerbaits, and jigs early in the morning.

The Details:

Largemouth Bass: Now that the lake has returned to normal pool, are in full summer patterns, relating to deep water during the heat of the day, venturing shallow early and late in the day during which time are responding very well to topwater action. Toads, Bass Assassin Shads and Buzz baits are all producing equally well early and late. Buzz baits in Black/blue or smoke/chartreuse skirt colors, Bass Assassin Shads in salt and pepper, and Floating Rat-L-Traps are catching good bass from the river population, from 3 to 5 pounds in areas with grass and lily pads, and on points with mixtures of grass and pads.

Later in the day, once the sun gets high, 10" and 12" worms in blue fleck, june bug-red, or black grape, are working well. Best jig bite continues to be the Texas Craw color or black/blue. Rat-L-Traps in white, chrome -blue are producing yearling bass. Bass Assassin twitch worms in crystal shad color or a salt and pepper silver phantom color around grass, are working. When the bite shuts down late morning, we have been having good success with Cordell hammered spoons with white/red bucktails, jigging in 12-16 feet depths near vertical river wash-outs and walls along the river and over and around humps and cuts on the main lake out in front of the dam where Little River and Saline River intersect.

War Eagle spinnerbaits in chartreuse-white, smoke/chartreuse or spot remover and aurora colors, are continuing to pick up roaming fish in and around vegetation.

White Bass: With improved Little River clarity conditions, whites remained in large schools in Horseshoe Lake and in the very back of McGuire Lake, and in Little River near Hurricane Creek this week. Rat-L-Traps, Little Georges, Rocket Shads, and Roadrunners remain the bait of choice over the past week, catching good numbers of White Bass from 1-3 pounds each.

Crappie: Bite continues improving along Little River, on live shiners, Cordell paddle tail smoke colored grubs on light jig heads, from 17-22 foot depths in planted brush piles.

Channel Cats: good on trot lines from 8-12 feet deep, on outside river bends where current is most prominent. Cut shad, Charlie, and Catalpa worms remain the most consistent producers. Yo-yos are still in decent action, and catching 3-8 pound Channel Cats, using Catalpa worms, Charlie or home-made dough balls, hung from low cypress limbs over 6-9 feet depths around Jack's Isle.

Bream: Action is good around Jack's Isle and the State Park on crickets, red worms and waxworms.

Longnose or Spotted Gar remain shallow, and are cruising in the shallow flats and back of creeks, making very good opportunities additionally, for bow fishermen.

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

Navigation conditions in Little River are normal.

As of Monday, 13 August, main lake and Little River water surface temperature, 85º to 89º, depending of course, on location and time of day. Water temps are very good for this time of year, due to all the recent rain and cloud cover for the past many weeks. Normal August water temps are in the mid 90º range.

Lake level on Millwood, as of Monday, 13 Aug, is 5.9 inches above normal and falling, at 259.69 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday, is much improved at approx 8-10" visibility. Main lake clarity and visibility is also much improved from last week. Current is decreased at 3,548CFS as of Monday 13 August & navigation has returned to normal with the reduction in recent lake pool level.

Upriver oxbow's clarity are much improved, as well, and clarity is approx 15-20". The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Monday 13 August was 239.12'. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 3,548 CFS is with 9 gates open at 1 foot each. The boat ramps at Beard's Bluff Lake, River Run East, River Run West, and White Cliffs have re-opened due to recent closures from high water.

Mike

August 12, 2007 - Norfork and White River - Courtesty of Mountain River Fly Shop

WHITE RIVER: Oh it was just a taste, but what a taste. After a couple of weeks of hardcore generation, Tuesday morning's low water was a delight _ if you caught it. Steve, Kevin and Marc all found their way separately to the water for varying periods of time but nailed some fish in the upper end of the river. Marc claimed the best fish a 19" brown on a .

We had a bunch of customers coming through the store also having had good wade fishing from the Dam to Rim Shoals. Ruby Midges, Black/Silver Zebras, Copper Zebras have been performing well. Have some tan and olive scuds in your box, a handful of Woven Sowbugs, Copper Johns' (copper, silver and red) and Lightning Bugs (16-18).

Hoppers have been ultra-successful. Marc nailed some fish with a client Wednesday fishing Chaos Hoppers in the fast water at Wildcat and Roundhouse Shoals. The Bead Head Trout Crack dropper took plenty of fish but trout crashing the Hopper were the icing on the cake.

Fluorescent pink, red, brown and fire orange San Juan Worms have been scoring plenty of fish at higher flows. Pack some Arkansas Drifters, our stocks of big Midges, your big indicators and bb shot to fish the high flows.

NORFORK:

Good fishing has been available most mornings on the Norfork, before an afternoon blast of cold water comes down from the dam. San Juans in red and brown have been very good as well as the Red/Gold, Copper, Black/Silver Zebras. Kevin helped a client to a nice 4-pound brown from the Upper end of the River last week.

But in the low flows, with the Power Station generation offline for another few weeks, the fish are very shy. Skinny water means longer leaders, longer and finer tippet and careful presentation.

Cheers from all at the Mountain River Fly Shop
Gary, Cindy, Ron, Jim, Marc, Steve and Faye

August 9, 2007 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - Water levels continue their drop and every impoundment in the White River system is currently at or below power pool. There has been no rain in quite a while and the daily high temperatures have been soaring into the high nineties. The lake level at Bull Shoals Dam has dropped seven tenths of a foot to rest at one tenth of a foot above pool at 654.00 feet. Up stream Table Rock Lake has dropped six tenths of a foot and is currently one tenth of a foot below power pool. Beaver Lake has dropped nine tenths of a foot and is now at one and eight tenths of a foot below pool. The pattern on the White River is to run low levels of water in the morning (one to two generators) and then spike it with up to seven generators in the afternoon when there is peak demand for electricity. There was one major instance of no generation in the last week. Norfork Lake has dropped seven tenths of a foot and is now four tenths of a foot below power pool of 552.00 feet. The pattern is to turn the generators off in the morning and to run a full two generators in the afternoon and early evening. This has created some excellent wading opportunities on the Norfork early in the day. The weather is forecast to stay extremely hot. I predict that we will continue to see heavy generation on both rivers in the afternoon as temperatures rise and power usage spikes.

With daily high temperatures rising this high it is important for there to be regular generation to keep the water temperatures down. This is particularly important on the White River below the confluence with the Buffalo River .

On the Norfork, the dissolved oxygen levels are dropping. This is more critical during periods of no generation. There was one instance when the dissolved oxygen level dropped below three parts per million. The oxygen level will be the lowest just below the dam. As the water tumbles over rocks and riffles as it goes down stream, it will become more oxygenated. Trout will tend to locate in riffles because of the higher oxygen levels. They will be more vulnerable so you should land them as quickly as possible and take extra care when reviving them prior to their release.

The fishing on the White River has been excellent. The upper river from Bull Shoals Dam to Cane Island has been a hot spot. Small midge patterns, caddis emergers, San Juan worms and soft hackles have been the ticket on low water. When the water comes up in the afternoon be sure and fish the rise.

Wildcat Shoals has been another hot spot. This area fishes well with the low levels of generation we have been getting early in the day. It is a wide, shallow, easily waded shoal that holds a lot of good fish. Try the usual midge patterns and soft hackles. Do not be afraid to try a grasshopper particularly when the action slows in the afternoon. This is not Catch and Release water so you can rig a small nymph as a dropper here.

Cotter to Rim Shoals has fished especially well on low water. The hot fly here has been the zebra midge in black with a silver wire and bead and brown with copper wire and bead. The best size is eighteen. Small sowbugs have also been productive. This is another area that is a great place to fish grasshoppers. The high water has not been reaching here till quite late in the day.

The Norfork has been a bit spotty. The lower river has been fishing poorly. There has been a lot of pressure on it. With it's consistently low water in the morning, wade fishers have had little choice but to go there. A lot of anglers are still wading up to the McClellan's area. I consider this to be very dangerous. The water has been coming up very fast and very high. You should also be careful when wading down stream from the handicap access. The water rises fast there also. The safest place to wade is to go upstream from the Handicap access. The Norfork is still producing some large trout. The hot fly has been the Norfork bead head and the black zebra midge.

Dry Run Creek has been fishing well. This is a great place to escape the heat. When you are down in the creek, it feels like air conditioning. It is the best place to take a youngster on a hot summer day. Be sure and take some sowbugs, a big net, and a camera

John Berry
(870) 435-2169

August 7, 2007 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service -

The water level at greers ferry is at 459.63 and falling.

The hybrid and white bass fishing is hit and miss they are schooling some and can be caught on top when they are up on chuggers and super spook jrs. And when they are down on buckshot inline spinners and spoons as well as swimbaits, try point 14 as well as point 6 . edgemount bridge and cove creek.

The bass fishing is good for blacks in 28 feet dragging jigs and c-riggs , the kentuckies are schooling some as well as the largemouth , the smallmouth have been holding in 22 feet of water and can be caught with c-rigged lizards and baby brush hogs, on points .

The small bream can be caught up shallow in main lake pockets , but the better ones are out in 22 feet of water on crickets and night crawlers.

The crappie are suspended in 15-20 feet of water over 80 feet and can be caught with minnows and jigs the bit has slowed down with the hot weather.

The walleye are coming in real slow with calm conditions and the heat , try dragging crawlers or leeches in 43 feet of water about 3 miles and hour for the best bite or line weight a wally diver in clown or brown color.

Tommy Cauley

August 7, 2007 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service -

The Overall Picture:

Navigation conditions in Little River have returned to normal.

As of Monday, 06 August, main lake and Little River water surface temperature, 83º to 88º, depending of course, on location and time of day. Water temps are very good for this time of year, due to all the recent rain and cloud cover for the past many weeks. Normal August water temps are in the mid 90º range.

Lake level on Millwood, as of Monday, 06 Aug, is 3.6 inches above normal and falling, at 259.50 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday, is much improved at approx 5-8" visibility. Main lake clarity and visibility is also much improved from last week. Current is decreased at 5,894CFS as of Monday 06 August navigation has returned to normal with the reduction in recent lake pool level.

Upriver oxbow's clarity are much improved, as well, and clarity is approx 10-20". The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Monday 06 August was 243.88'. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 5,894 CFS is with 11 gates open at 1 foot each and 2 gates open at 2 feet each. The boat ramps at River Run East, River Run West, and White Cliffs have re-opened due to recent closures from high water.

Activity levels of Bass and Crappie, are in normal summer patterns, with the best, most aggressive bite being early and late in the day. Crappie bite is improving from the recent high, and muddy water, when it all but shut down completely. The most consistent Bass bite over the past few days with the recent return to near normal lake pool, remains best on buzz baits, Bass Assassin Shads, top water Ken Pops, and Zara Spooks, Spit'n Images early in the morning.

The Details:

Largemouth Bass: Now that the lake has returned to normal pool, are in full summer patterns, relating to deep water during the heat of the day, venturing shallow early and late in the day during which time are responding very well to topwater action. Zara Spooks, Spit'n Images, Ken Pops, Toads and Buzz baits are all producing equally well early and late. Buzz baits in Black/blue or firetiger colors, Bass Assassin Shads in salt and pepper, and Floating Rat-L-Traps are catching good bass from the river population, from 3 to 5 pounds in areas with grass and lily pads, and on points with mixtures of grass and pads.

Later in the day, once the sun gets high, 10" and 12" worms in blue fleck, june bug-red, or black grape, are working well. Best jig bite continues to be the Texas Craw color or black/blue. Rat-L-Traps in white, chrome -blue or orange shad are producing yearling bass. Bass Assassin twitch worms in crystal shad color or a salt and pepper silver phantom color around grass, is still working.

Largemouths continue to respond to crank baits like the Fat Free Shad in citrus shad colors, and craw fish pattern cranks like the Bandit 300. Rat-L-Traps in the larger 3/4 or one ounce sizes, in white or chromes are working, this week now that the clarity is improved. War Eagle spinnerbaits in chartruese-white, or spot remover and aurora colors, are continuing to pick up roaming fish in and around vegetation.

White Bass: With improved Little River clarity conditions, whites were caught in large schools in Horseshoe Lake and in the Little River near Hurricane Creek this week. Rat-L-Traps, Little Georges, Rocket Shads, and Roadrunners were the bait of choice over the past week, catching good numbers of White Bass from 1-3 pounds each.

Crappie: Bite is improving along Little River, on live shiners from 15-20 foot depths in planted brush piles.

Channel Cats: remain very good on trot lines from 9-15 feet deep, on outside river bends where current is most prominent. Cut baits, Charlie, and chicken liver remain the most consistent producers. Yo-yos are still in decent action, and catching 3-8 pound Channel Cats, using Catalpa worms, Charlie or home-made dough balls, hung from low cypress limbs over 9-12 feet depths around Jack's Isle.

Bream: Action is good around Jack's Isle and the State Park on crickets, red worms and waxworms.

Longnose or Spotted Gar remain shallow, and are cruising in the shallow flats and back of creeks, making very good opportunities additionally, for bow fishermen.

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

Navigation conditions in Little River have returned to normal.

As of Monday, 06 August, main lake and Little River water surface temperature, 83º to 88º, depending of course, on location and time of day. Water temps are very good for this time of year, due to all the recent rain and cloud cover for the past many weeks. Normal August water temps are in the mid 90º range.

Lake level on Millwood, as of Monday, 06 Aug, is 3.6 inches above normal and falling, at 259.50 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday, is much improved at approx 5-8" visibility. Main lake clarity and visibility is also much improved from last week. Current is decreased at 5,894CFS as of Monday 06 August navigation has returned to normal with the reduction in recent lake pool level.

Upriver oxbow's clarity are much improved, as well, and clarity is approx 10-20". The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Monday 06 August was 243.88'. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 5,894 CFS is with 11 gates open at 1 foot each and 2 gates open at 2 feet each. The boat ramps at River Run East, River Run West, and White Cliffs have re-opened due to recent closures from high lake level and excess lake pool.

Mike

August 2, 2007 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 8/02/2007

Area Lakes have continued their fall and there has been precious little rain. While Bull Shoals Lake has dropped two tenths of a foot to sit at eight tenths of a foot above pool of 654.00 feet, up stream Table Rock Lake has fallen eight tenths of a foot to rest at one half of a foot above pool and Beaver Lake has fallen seven tenths of a foot and now sits at nine tenths of a foot below pool. Norfork Lake has fallen three tenths of a foot and to rest at three tenths of a foot above pool of 552.00 feet. The pattern on the White has been to turn off generation or run low levels of water most of the day and then spike it with up to seven generators in the afternoon. There has been a bit of wadable water. Boating, in general has been excellent. On the Norfork, there has been little or no generation in the morning while they have been running a full two generators in the afternoon and early evening. This has provided some excellent wading opportunities early in the day. As the lakes continue to fall, we should see more low water and some excellent wading opportunities.

There has been a problem in the last week with the Corps of Engineers line graph for cubic feet per second of discharge from the Bull Shoals power plant. It has either provided an inaccurate or no reading. Many anglers have come to rely on this graph to determine the actual level of water in the river as it has been a more accurate indicator of river conditions than to call the Bull Shoals power plant and listen to how many generators are on line. The Corps has taken this graph off line. In the mean time, you can use the Tailwater (msl) graph. This graph records the actual height of the water expressed in feet above sea level at the base of Bull Shoals Dam.

The weather forecast for the next week calls for temperatures in the nineties and no rain. This means that we can count on generation in the afternoon when electrical usage is at its peak. It also indicates that the water temperatures on the White down stream from the confluence of the Buffalo River will rise during periods of little or no generation at Bull Shoals Dam.

Fishing has been good on the White River particularly in the morning. Up stream at the Catch and Release section below Bull Shoals Dam down to Cain Island, fishing has been good on small midge patterns like the zebra midge on low water. When the water rises significantly in the afternoon, you should switch to brightly colored San Juan worms. Bright red, fire orange and hot pink are the best colors.

Further down stream from White Hole to Rim Shoals the White has been fishing very well. On low water, zebra midges have been productive. There have been some blue wing olives hatching. The fishing has been better on the nymphs than on the actual hatch which has been a bit sparse and unpredictable. The hot flies have been copper johns and pheasant tails in sizes sixteen and eighteen.

The real action has been on grass hoppers. The best time seems to be windy afternoons. The best patterns have been Rainey,s hoppers and Dave,s hoppers. Work the water near the bank and around heavy structure for the bigger fish. If you are not in Catch and Release water rig a dropper to the hopper. Tie an eighteen inch section of 5X tippet to the bend of the hook of the grasshopper and tie a small pheasant tail or other small nymph to the other end of the tippet. Fish as you normally would and set the hook every time the hopper goes under. It is a killer technique for this time of year.

The action on the Norfork is a bit slow but large fish are still being caught. This is the beginning of the season for low dissolved oxygen on the Norfork. The dissolved oxygen level is already dropping below four parts per million during periods of low generation. Any fish hooked should be landed quickly. Avoid long struggles and be sure and carefully revive fish before releasing them. The dissolved oxygen will be lower near the dam. The water will become more oxygenated as it flows down stream over riffles.

Dry Run Creek is still fishing well. The dissolved oxygen level there is higher than the Norfork because of the way water enters from the hatchery. The hot flies as always are sow bugs and San Juan worms. This is a great place to escape the heat.

John Berry
(870) 435-2169
berrybrothers@infodash.com
www.berrybrothersguides.com <http://www.berrybrothersguides.com>

August 1, 2007 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service -

The water level at greers ferry is at 460.22 and falling.

All is the same at greers ferry except hybrid and white fishing have improved a lot for some reason and can be caught in cove creek point 6 , mouth of shilo creek , point 14 and the edgemount bridge.

All other species is the same

Sorry I have got to hit the water, out of time this morning

Tommy Cauley

July 27, 2007 - Norfork and White River - Courtesty of Mountain River Fly Shop

WHITE RIVER: Well the water levels have been up and down, and one and off all week. Adding to the grumbles have been the out of kilter CFS readings on the Corp generation sites. From watching it all week it seems to us that it is reading high flows accurately, but once the generation slows the CFS reading sticks at 50cfs, a nice low water reading _ but there still might be a couple of units on.
However if you look at the river height on the Bull Shoals Graph you can get a better handle on how much water is in the system.

Despite all that there have been good reports all week, even if you have to move around. Check out Brandon Boivin's nice brown taken above Cotter on a large midge pattern fished deep in generation on Saturday. Access to a boat like Brandon offers a great option when the generation takes over. AR Midges, flouro pink San Juans, and micro jigs can be extremely productive.

But stay flexible and plan your routes. It can be a bummer being stranded by low water, when they switch off generation. Pack your waders too and be ready for low water. Fishing from State Park to the Dam has been good, with small midge patterns reliable. Adjust your fly-indicator depth according to where you are fishing, the flow and depth can be critical. With the sun high at this time of year brighter patterns are working well. Fish Mercury Black Beauties and Glass Bead midges in the slower sections, move up to Tungsten Zebras (Black and Silver remains hot), Charlie Craven's Blue Poison Tung can be very good in these conditions.

Downstream we have been hearing reports of the odd decent caddis about and suprisingly some Blue Wing Olives. The hot ticket though has been hopper and dropper combinations. Smaller hoppers in size 10-12 and 14 are the best bet, tailor the size to the size of nymph you want to suspend underneath. Flashback Pheasant Tails, Lightning Bugs and silver and copper Copper Johns have been all the talk through the store. But there are other options according to where you are fishing, including Midges, Micro Mayflies, Hares Ears or even Scuds and Sowbugs.

The trick is fish hard and stay flexible.

NORFORK
Late morning or early afternoon generation seems to have been the schedule for the Norfork early this week, but today of course it was 10am. Be nice to have some low water for the weekend. The generation horn is now back up to full power but you won't hear it downstream so keep and eye on the water level and plan your exit route.

Early morning midge hatches have been very, very good. Zebra Midges, black/silver, are a great bet, same with the black and copper, and Olive or Gray Tungsten WD40s. Smaller Olive scuds, Hunchback, Rainy woven have also been productive, get the down on the bottom and drifting true.

Again outside the catch and release areas fish a hopper and dropper combination, along the banks and bounced down the riffles. Daves' Hopper, Rainy's Grand Hopper and Whit Hoppers in 10 with Copper Johns, Flashback Pheasant Tails, and Lightning Bugs should be very productive from mid-morning through the afternoon

Cheers from all at the Mountain River Fly Shop
Gary, Cindy, Ron, Jim, Marc, Steve and Faye

July 26, 2007 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 7/28/2007

The lake level at Bull Shoals has fallen approximately six tenths of a foot to rest at one foot above pool of 654.00 feet. Up stream, Table Rock Lake has fallen three tenths of a foot to one and three tenths feet above pool and Beaver Lake has fallen eight tenths of a foot to rest at two tenths of a foot below pool. The Norfork has fallen a foot to rest at six tenths of a foot above pool of 552.00 feet. In the past week, Bull Shoals has had some significant periods of no generation. The pattern has been to turn off generation or run low levels of water most of the day and the spike it with up to seven generators in the afternoon. There has been quite a bit of wadable water. Boating, in general has been good. On the Norfork, there has been little or no generation in the morning while they have been running a full two generators in the afternoon and early evening. This has provided some excellent wading opportunities early in the day. As the lakes continue to fall, we should see more low water and some excellent wading opportunities

Overall, the fishing has been good. In the Catch and Release section at the base of Bull Shoals Dam fishing has been good with low levels of generation on small midge larva patterns, the zebra midge in particular. At no generation, the fishing has been a bit slower. Try the zebra midges and soft hackles, a partridge and orange or a green butt, for this water level. On high water in the afternoon, go to a brightly colored San Juan worm and plenty of lead. The hot colors have been hot pink, fire orange and bright red.

The section from Wild Cat Shoals to Cotter has been hot. This stretch has been fishing well with a variety of patterns. The grasshopper fishing has been excellent. When fishing hoppers, go to at least 4X tippet and a five weight rod or larger to cast these flies. You want the flies to hit the water,s surface with a plop. Give them a bit of action to imitate a struggling insect and look out for a vicious take. It is still early in the hopper season so you should use smaller flies (size ten or twelve), for best results. I am particularly fond of the western foam hoppers because they float like corks and do not require dressing.

Rim Shoals has also been fishing particularly well. There were several days when the water was low and the wade fishing was spectacular. There has been a blue wing olive hatch in the afternoon. It has been a bit sparse and sporadic and there have not been many trout keying in on them. The best fishing has been on pheasant tail nymphs size eighteen and copper johns size eighteen before and during the hatch. At lot of the action has been at the end of the drift when the nymph begins to swing up imitating the emerging nymph. Grasshoppers have been supplying some exciting top water action. The same flies have done well at lower levels of generation. The higher water has been hitting here at night.

Despite the excellent wading conditions on the Norfork, particularly in the morning, the fishing has been a bit slow. I believe the Norfork Overlook Estates debacle earlier in the year has had a negative impact on fishing this year. The key to having any success is to come very early and concentrate on very small midge patterns. I would suggest zebra midges and Norfork bead heads in black. Later in the day, I would give grasshoppers a try. There has also been some nice trout caught on small midge emergers like Dan,s turkey tail emerger. There have been several anglers fishing at night but no reports of any big fish being caught.

Dry Run Creek remains the top place to take kids fishing in the area. This creek has a huge population of trophy fish and is the home of the current state record rainbow trout. If you are headed that way, take plenty of sow bugs, San Juan worms, and Y2Ks. Concentrate on high sticking nymphs in heavy water and use at least 5X tippet or larger. Take the biggest net you can put your hands on. Most of these monsters are lost at the net. Be sure and remember the camera. The memories will last a life time.

John Berry

July 25, 2007 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service -

The water level at greers ferry lake 460.40 and falling

The crappie fishing is pretty fair over brush piles and in standing pole timber in 15-20 feet of water on jigs and minnow combinations .

The bass fishing is good with worms texas rigged and c-rigged along with lizars and baby brush hogs in 22 feet of water and are moving deeper with the water falling , and can be caught on drops and ledges as well as river bends , the football head bite is good also.

Hybrid and white bass fishing is good if you can stay around the shad and fish anywhere from the topwater to 70 feet of water on spoons in-line spinners and rinky dinks and swimbaits .their was a 24 lb. brought in last week, try the salt creek area as well as point 14 point 6 and all the other areas that have held them in the years past

The catfishing is excellent all over the lake

Bream are good shallow and the big ones can be caught out in 22 feet of water.

The walleye are fair on crawlers and leeches on bottonbouncers in 37-43 feet of water

Tommy Cauley

July 22, 2007 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service -

The Overall Picture:

Navigation conditions in Little River is extremely cautioned as of 22 July 07.

As of Sunday, 22 July, main lake and Little River water surface temperature, 75º to 79º, depending of course, on location and time of day.

Lake level on Millwood, as of Sunday, 22 July, is 3.4 feet above normal and falling, at 262.58 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday, is heavy stain or muddy most locations, approx 3-5" visibility. Main lake clarity and visibility is also heavy stain to muddy conditions as of Sunday. Current is increased at 24,174CFS as of Sunday 22 July, and extreme navigational caution is advised, since there are trees, limbs, tree tops, vegetation mats and much debris associated with the recent rapid rise, and current floating down Little River. Another gate change is scheduled for mid-week. Navigation along Little River is muddy, high water and extremely swift current, carrying much debris, logs, tree tops, limbs, trash, and matted grass, etc. The Red River, which Little River flows into, remains very high from Texas and Oklahoma's recent rain saturation also.

Upriver oxbow's clarity are heavy stain conditions this week with the recent rise of over 2-3 feet in the last week, and clarity is approx 5-10" at best but improving. River and main lake still heavy stain to muddy conditions from recent 2-3 foot rise from rains. The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Sunday 22 July was 249.87'. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 24,174 CFS is with all 13 gates open at 3.4 feet each. The boat ramps at River Run East, River Run West, and White Cliffs are still closed for the past 2 weeks, and no information was available on when those boat ramps will re-open due to increased tailwater elevation below the spillway and high water and current in Little River.

Activity levels of Bass and Crappie, are approaching normal summer patterns, yet outside the norm due to recent pool fluctuations. Bass are roaming so far back into the recently shallow, and flooded new areas, they are hard to reach in most situations. Crappie are also roaming, and less dependable with all the current and high, muddy water. The most consistent Bass bite from these roaming fish over the past few days with all the newly flooded vegetation, is on 10 or 12" worms, and buzz baits. Most aggressive Bass bite over the past few days, remain good on soft plastic frogs and buzz baits, Johnson spoons or Bass Assassin Shads in the grass and lily pads. With all the rain in NE Texas, SW Arkansas, and SE Oklahoma for the past few weeks, combined w/ increase in current, and more rain again this week, the improvement to clarity, conditions and level of the lake may not improve until next week.

The Details:

Largemouth Bass were in process of summer transition, that is until the lake rose over 2-3 feet in 20-30 hours over the past few days again. With the lake still over normal pool by over 3.4 feet, bass are roaming back into fresh vegetation so thick, they are hard to reach and find with a lot of consistency and following the rising water further and further back into cover. Little River's grass and pads which are normally at surface, are now subsurface, and the river bass population are now suspended or roaming over the top of this grass attached to the bottom - yet approx 15-20" under the surface. Black/blue or firetiger colored Buzz baits, top water toads, Bass Assassin Shads and Floating Rat-L-Traps in 3/4 to 1oz sizes, are catching good bass from the river population, from 3 to 5 pounds in these areas, and on points with mixtures of grass and pads and flooded bushes.

10" and 12" worms in blue fleck, purple, or black in the muddy colored water along the river, or a Bass Assassin Shad in chartruese pepper-fire tail color, are working well. In the muddy water, we are throwing a loud rattling jig or Rat-L-Trap in coach dog red color, to draw their attention. In the clearer water back in the oxbows and away from current, we changed over to a Bass Assassin twitch worm in crystal shad color or a salt and pepper silver phantom colored Shad Assassin around flooded bushes and grass. Those patterns are still catching fair numbers and fair quality bass.

Because the Bass are venturing so far back into fresh vegetation, we are finding them responding to various different baits, randomly. Largemouths continue to respond to crank baits like the Fat Free Shad in citrus shad colors, and Rat-L-Traps in the larger 3/4 or one ounce sizes, in red coach dog or firetiger colors, this week over the tops of flooded grass, along the river in muddy water. Jigs and 10" or 12" worms continue working on base of cypress trees and stumps, but timing, and now rattles, due to muddy conditions continues to remain the key with those baits. Best jig color over the past couple weeks, remains the Texas Craw with chartruese in it and a sour grape, or black plastic chunk. Rat-L-Traps in spring bream with orange colors, white shad and diamond dust, continue to work in the clearer areas of the backwaters and oxbows away from Little River's current. War Eagle spinnerbaits in copper peach, chartruese and white, or fire tiger colors, are continuing to pick up roaming fish in and over the flooded grass and bushes.

White Bass remained elusive, again this week with all the current and muddy water in Little River.

Crappie bite has all but shut off, due to the muddy water and current in the river.

Channel Cats are excellent on trot lines approx 6 to 7 feet deep, on outside river bends where current is flowing out of the river's normal banks and in back of the oxbows where current is rising. Cut baits, Charlie, and chicken liver remain the most consistent producers. Yo-yos remain in action, and catching decent size 4-5 pounders, using Catfish Charlie or home-made dough balls, hung from low cypress limbs over 7-8 feet depths in Mud Lake, Horseshoe and around Jack's Isle.

Longnose or Spotted Gar remain shallow, and are cruising in the shallow flats and back of creeks, making very good opportunities additionally, for bow fishermen.

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


Navigation conditions in Little River is extremely cautioned as of 22 July 07.

As of Sunday, 22 July, main lake and Little River water surface temperature, 75º to 79º, depending of course, on location and time of day.

Lake level on Millwood, as of Sunday, 22 July, is 3.4 feet above normal and falling, at 262.58 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday, is heavy stain or muddy most locations, approx 3-5" visibility. Main lake clarity and visibility is also heavy stain to muddy conditions as of Sunday. Current is increased at 24,174CFS as of Sunday 22 July, and navigational extreme caution is advised, since there are trees, limbs, tree tops, vegetation mats and much debris associated with the recent rapid rise, and current floating down Little River. Another gate change is scheduled for mid-week. Navigation along Little River is muddy, high water and extremely swift current, carrying much debris, logs, tree tops, limbs, trash, and matted grass, etc. The Red River, which Little River flows into, remains very high from Texas and Oklahoma's recent rain saturation also.

Upriver oxbow's clarity are heavy stain conditions this week with the recent rise of over 2-3 feet in the last week, and clarity is approx 5-10" at best but improving. River and main lake still heavy stain to muddy conditions from recent 2-3 foot rise from rains. The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Sunday 22 July was 249.87'. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 24,174 CFS is with all 13 gates open at 3.4 feet each. The boat ramps at River Run East, River Run West, and White Cliffs are still closed for the past 2 weeks, and no information was available on when those boat ramps will re-open due to increased tailwater elevation below the spillway and high water and current in Little River.

Mike

July 19, 2007 - White River - Submitted by Berry Brothers Guides - JOHN BERRY FISHING REPORT 7/19/2007

The lake level at Bull Shoals has fallen approximately four tenths of a foot to rest at one and six tenths feet above pool of 654.00 feet. Up stream, Table Rock Lake has fallen two tenths of a foot to one and six tenths feet above pool and Beaver Lake remains has risen slightly to six tenths of a foot above pool. The Norfork has fallen three tenths of a foot to rest at one and six tenths feet above pool of 552.00 feet. Bull Shoals has been generating around the clock with few exceptions. The pattern has been to run low levels of water most of the day and the spike it with up to seven generators in the afternoon. There has been some wadable water on the very low levels of generation and one significant fourteen hour period of no generation. Boating, in general has been excellent. They have significantly changed the pattern on the Norfork. There has been no generation in the morning while they have been running a full two generators in the afternoon and early evening. This has provided some excellent wading opportunities early in the day. As the lakes continue to fall, there may be more wading opportunities in the immediate future.

Summer has arrived and the weather is starting to heat up. As the temperatures begin to soar, particularly in Oklahoma, we can expect the heavy generation to continue. The hot weather will increase the need for air conditioning and increased energy consumption. Peak times for energy consumption are week day afternoons. The generation will help keep water temperatures low which will be of benefit to the trout.

One way to beat the heat is to fish at night. This has the added advantage of being an effective way to catch large brown trout. Great care should be taken when planning a fishing trip at night. There are a number of risks to be considered. Since you cannot see as well you can easily fall or step into deep water and the water can come up.

Fishing on the White has been excellent lately. The upper river from White Hole to Bull Shoals dam has been fishing particularly well. The best time to fish this section has been the early morning. The trout have been keying in on midge larva early on. The hot flies have been the zebra midge in black with silver bead and silver wire and in brown with copper bead and copper wire. In the afternoon when the heavier generation begins switch to San Juan worms in bright colors (red, hot pink, and fire orange) and large bright egg patterns.

The section from Cotter to Rim shoals has been fishing well. In addition to the zebra midges a lot of fish have been taken on copper johns. The hot weather has signaled the beginning of hopper season and some great fishing lately has been attributed to grasshoppers. This is an easily seen fly that represents a big meal for big fish. Traditional patterns like Dave,s hopper have been effective as well as the western foam patterns. Be sure and use heavier tippet (4X) and do not be afraid to occasionally twitch the fly to imitate a struggling insect. Look for grassy undercut banks.

The Norfork has been fishing well. On low generation midges have definitely been the ticket. The hot flies have been the zebra midges and Norfork bead heads. The difference here is that the midges on the Norfork seem to run a couple of sizes smaller. Where I might use a size sixteen nymph on the White, I would use a size twenty or smaller on the Norfork. There is also quite a bit of dry fly activity at this time. The hoppers are definitely starting to appear stream side and the big fish are responding greedily, particularly the cutthroats.

Dry Run Creek is a great place to escape the heat. The Cold water coming from the hatchery discharge pipes, the tight creek bed and heavy tree cover combine to create an air conditioned paradise to take kids fishing on a hot day. Be sure and take plenty of sowbugs and San Juan worms. Do not forget to include your biggest net, a camera, and a few cold drinks.

Remember to practice water safety and always check conditions before you leave home.

John Berry

July 18, 2007 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service - The water level at greers is at 460.86 and falling

The hybrids and white bass are hit and miss the bait fish are scattered but with the break in the rain and now getting settled into a summer pattern and should get more predictable , just find the bait and they will be close and the night fishing will get better also.

The crappie fishing is still good over brushpiles and standing timber in 15- 20 feet of water using minnows and small grubs

The bass have been scattered pretty bad but can be caught in about 22 feet of water using baby brushhogs and right bite senkos, they have pulled out of the grass as the water is falling some ar4e schooling up the rivers with some big ones coming in.

The catfishing is good all over the lake

Bream are real active also-with some being on the bank but the better ones are in 20 feet of water.

Tommy Cauley

July 18, 2007 - Beaver - Submitted by Jason Piper - JT Crappie Guide Service -J.T. Crappie Guide Services said the water is clear and up a little. Bluegill are biting well in 6 to 10 feet of water on redworms and crickets. Crappie fishing is fair in 8 to 20 feet of water spider-rigging with minnows and trolling with Hot-n-Tots. Black bass fishing is slow; some are biting at night on dark-colored worms and single blade spinnerbaits. White bass are schooling and chasing shad. Whites and crappie are biting well at night around the lights on live shad. Catfishing is slow; some are biting on turkey or chicken liver, and trotlines with goldfish or sunfish.

July 16, 2007 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service -

The Overall Picture:

Navigation conditions in Little River is extremely cautioned as of 16 July 07.

As of Monday, 16 July, main lake and Little River water surface temperature, 75º to 79º, depending of course, on location and time of day.

Lake level on Millwood, as of Monday, 16 July, is 4.97 feet above normal and rising, at 264.17 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday, is heavy stain or muddy most locations, approx 3-5" visibility. Main lake clarity and visibility is also heavy stain to muddy conditions as of Monday. Current is reduced at 10,867CFS as of Monday 16 July, and navigational caution is advised, since there are trees, limbs, tree tops, vegetation mats and much debris associated with the recent rapid rise, and current floating down Little River. Another gate change is scheduled for mid-week. Navigation along Little River is muddy, high water and extremely swift current, carrying much debris, logs, tree tops, limbs, trash, and matted grass, etc. The Red River, which Little River flows into, remains very high from Texas and Oklahoma's recent rain saturation also.

Upriver oxbow's clarity are somewhat worse this week with the recent rise of over 2 feet this week in just a few hours on Millwood, and clarity is approx 5-10" at best. River and main lake still heavy stain to muddy conditions from recent 2 foot rise from rains. The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Monday 16 July was 249.47'. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 10,867 CFS is with 6 gates at 1 foot each and 7 gates open at 2 feet each. River Run East and West boat ramps have been closed for the past week, and no information was available on Monday when those boat ramps will re-open due to increased tailwater elevation below the spillway.

Activity levels of Bass and Crappie, are approaching normal summer patterns, yet outside the norm due to recent pool fluctuations. Bass are roaming so far back into the recently shallow, and flooded new areas, they are hard to reach in most situations. Crappie are also roaming, and less dependable with all the current and high, muddy water. The most consistent Bass bite from these roaming fish over the past few days with all the newly flooded vegetation, is on 10 or 12" worms, heavy thumping spinner baits and rattle jigs. Best Bass bite over the past few days, remain good on soft plastic frogs and buzz baits, Johnson spoons or Bass Assassin Shads in the grass and lily pads. With all the rain in NE Texas, SW Arkansas, and SE Oklahoma for the past few weeks, combined w/ increase in current, and more rain again this week, the improvement to clarity, conditions and level of the lake may not improve until next week.

The Details:

Largemouth Bass were in process of summer transition, that is until the lake rose over 2-3 feet in 20-30 hours over the past few days again. With the lake now over normal pool by almost 5 feet, bass are roaming back into fresh vegetation so thick, they are hard to reach and find with a lot of consistency and following the rising water further and further back into cover. Little River's grass and pads which are normally at surface, are now subsurface, and the river bass population are now suspended or roaming over the top of this grass attached to the bottom - yet approx 15-20" under the surface. Black/blue or firetiger colored Buzz baits, top water frogs, Bass Assassin Shads and Floating Rat-L-Traps in 3/4 to 1oz sizes, are catching good bass from the river population, from 3 to 5 pounds in these areas, and on points with mixtures of grass and pads.

10" and 12" worms in blue fleck, purple, or black in the muddy colored water along the river, or a Bass Assassin Shad in chartruese pepper-fire tail color, are working well. In the muddy water, we are throwing a loud rattling jig or Rat-L-Trap to draw their attention. In the clearer water back in the oxbows and away from current, we changed over to a Bass Assassin twitch worm in crystal shad color or a salt and pepper silver phantom colored Shad Assassin around flooded bushes and grass. Those patterns are still catching fair numbers and fair quality bass.

Because the Bass are venturing so far back into fresh vegetation, we are finding them responding to various different baits, randomly. Largemouths continue to respond to crank baits like the Fat Free Shad in citrus shad colors, and Rat-L-Traps in the larger 3/4 or one ounce sizes, in red coach dog or firetiger colors, this week over the tops of flooded grass, along the river in muddy water. Jigs and 10" or 12" worms continue working on base of cypress trees and stumps, but timing, and now rattles, due to muddy conditions continues to remain the key with those baits. Best jig color over the past couple weeks, remains the Texas Craw with chartruese in it and a sour grape, or black plastic chunk. Rat-L-Traps in spring bream with orange colors, white shad and diamond dust, continue to work in the clearer areas of the backwaters and oxbows away from Little River's current. War Eagle spinnerbaits in copper peach, chartruese and white, or fire tiger colors, are continuing to pick up roaming fish in and over the flooded grass.

Southern Pro Fattbutt Tubes with rattles, in pumpkinseed/chart tail, purple smoke w/ chart tail, or black neon colors, using heavy sinkers for a fast fall and a reaction bite are working around stumps in vegetation, cypress tree bases, in 6-9 feet depths and at mouths of creeks where flooded bushes are half submerged.

White Bass remained elusive, again this week with all the current and muddy water in Little River.

Crappie bite has all but shut off, due to the muddy water and current in the river.

Channel Cats are excellent on trot lines approx 6 to 7 feet deep, on outside river bends where current is flowing out of the river's normal banks and in back of the oxbows where current is rising. Cut baits, Charlie, and chicken liver remain the most consistent producers. Yo-yos remain in action, and catching decent size 4-5 pounders, using Catfish Charlie or home-made dough balls, hung from low cypress limbs over 7-8 feet depths in Mud Lake, Horseshoe and around Jack's Isle.

Longnose or Spotted Gar remain shallow, and are cruising in the shallow flats and back of creeks, making very good opportunities additionally, for bow fishermen.

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

Navigation conditions in Little River is extremely cautioned as of 16 July 07.

As of Monday, 16 July, main lake and Little River water surface temperature, 75º to 79º, depending of course, on location and time of day.

Lake level on Millwood, as of Monday, 16 July, is 4.97 feet above normal and rising, at 264.17 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday, is heavy stain or muddy most locations, approx 3-5" visibility. Main lake clarity and visibility is also heavy stain to muddy conditions as of Monday. Current is reduced at 10,867CFS as of Monday 16 July, and navigational caution is advised. Another gate change is scheduled for mid-week. Navigation along Little River is muddy, high water and extremely swift current, carrying much debris, logs, tree tops, limbs, trash, and matted grass, etc. The Red River, which Little River flows into, remains very high from Texas and Oklahoma's recent rain saturation also.

Upriver oxbow's clarity are somewhat worse this week with the recent rise of over 2 feet this week in just a few hours on Millwood, and clarity is approx 5-10" at best. River and main lake still heavy stain to muddy conditions from recent 2 foot rise from rains. The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Monday 16 July was 249.47'. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 10,867 CFS is with 6 gates at 1 foot each and 7 gates open at 2 feet each.

Mike

July 9, 2007 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service -

The Overall Picture:

Navigation conditions in Little River is extremely cautioned as of 9 July 07.

As of Monday, 9 July, main lake and Little River water surface temperature, 78º to 83º, depending of course, on location and time of day.

Lake level on Millwood, as of Monday, 9 July, is 22" above normal and rising, at 261.05 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday, is heavy stain or muddy most locations, approx 3-5" visibility. Main lake clarity and visibility is also heavy stain to muddy conditions as of Monday. Current is increased at 19,054CFS as of Monday 9 July, and navigational caution is advised. A gate change is expected mid-week. Navigation along Little River is muddy, high water and extremely swift current, carrying much debris, logs, tree tops, limbs, trash, and matted grass, etc. The Red River, which Little River flows into, remains very high from Texas and Oklahoma's recent rain saturation also.

Upriver oxbow's clarity are somewhat worse this week with the recent rise of over 15" in approx 36 hours on Millwood, and clarity is approx 5-10" at best. River and main lake still heavy stain to muddy conditions from recent 20" rise from rains. The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Monday 9 July was not available from the Corps of Engrs. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 19,054 CFS is with 7 gates open at 3 feet each and 6 gates open at 4 feet each.

Activity levels of Bass and Crappie, are approaching normal summer patterns, yet outside the norm due to recent pool fluctuations. Bass are roaming so far back into the recently shallow, and flooded new areas, they are hard to reach in most situations. Crappie are also roaming, and less dependable with all the current and high, muddy water. The most consistent Bass bite from these roaming fish continues to be shallow pads, grass and creek channel points, early and late. Best Bass bite over the past few days, remain good on soft plastic frogs and buzz baits, Johnson spoons or Bass Assassin Shads in the grass and lily pads. With all the rain in NE Texas, SW Arkansas, and SE Oklahoma for the past few weeks, combined w/ increase in current, and more rain again this week, the improvement to clarity and conditions of the lake may not improve until next week. Crank baits in chartruese/blue and white are taking some good numbers of bass on points away from current in Little River.

AG&FC released approximately another 125,000 Florida Strain Bass from the Hot Springs Hatchery into Millwood 4 weeks ago.

The Details:

Largemouth Bass were in process of summer transition, that is until the lake rose approx 15-20 inches in about 20 hours over the Sunday/Monday time frame. The bass are roaming a lot, especially early and late, and following the rising water further and further back into cover. Little River's grass and pads which are normally at surface, are now subsurface, and the river bass population are now suspended or roaming over the top of this grass attached to the bottom - yet approx 15-20" under the surface. Black/blue or firetiger colored Buzz baits, top water frogs, Bass Assassin Shads and Floating Rat-L-Traps in 3/4 to 1oz sizes, are catching good bass from 3 to 5 pounds in these areas, and on points with mixtures of grass and pads.

10" worms in blue fleck, purple, or red shad in the muddy colored water along the river, or a Bass Assassin Shad in chartruese pepper-fire tail color, are working well. In the muddy water, we are throwing a loud rattling jig or Rat-L-Trap to draw their attention. In the clearer water back in the oxbows and away from current, we changed over to a Bass Assassin twitch worm in crystal shad color. Those patterns are still catching fair numbers and fair quality bass.

Because the Bass are venturing so far back into fresh vegetation, we are finding them responding to various different baits, randomly. Largemouths continue to respond to crank baits like the Fat Free Shad in citrus shad colors, and Rat-L-Traps in the larger 3/4 or one ounce sizes, in red coach dog or firetiger colors, this week over the tops of flooded grass, along the river in muddy water. Jigs and 10" worms continue working on base of cypress trees and stumps, but timing, and now rattles, due to muddy conditions continues to remain the key with those baits. Best jig color over the past couple weeks, remains the Texas Craw with chartruese in it and a sour grape, or black plastic chunk. Rat-L-Traps in spring bream with orange colors, white shad and diamond dust, continue to work in the clearer areas of the backwaters and oxbows away from Little River's current. War Eagle spinnerbaits in copper peach, chartruese and white, or fire tiger colors, are picking up roaming fish in and over the flooded grass.

Southern Pro Fattbutt Tubes with rattles, in pumpkinseed/chart tail, purple smoke w/ chart tail, or black neon colors, using heavy sinkers for a fast fall and a reaction bite are working around stumps in vegetation, cypress tree bases, in 6-9 feet depths and at mouths of creeks where flooded bushes are half submerged. Johnson spoons in chrome (on sunny days), or gold (on cloudy days) with a bluegill or shad colored trailer are still getting good blow ups in grass and lily pads, early and late in the day.

White Bass remained elusive, again this week with all the current and muddy water in Little River.

Crappie bite has all but shut off, due to the muddy water and current in the river.

Channel Cats are excellent on trot lines approx 6 to 7 feet deep, on outside river bends where current is flowing out of the river's normal banks and in back of the oxbows where current is rising. Cut baits, Charlie, and chicken liver remain the most consistent producers. Yo-yos remain in action, and catching decent size 4-5 pounders, using Catfish Charlie or home-made dough balls, hung from low cypress limbs over 7-8 feet depths in Mud Lake, Horseshoe and around Jack's Isle.

Longnose or Spotted Gar remain shallow, and are cruising in the shallow flats and back of creeks, making very good opportunities additionally, for bow fishermen.

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

Navigation conditions in Little River is extremely cautioned as of 9 July 07.

As of Monday, 9 July, main lake and Little River water surface temperature, 78º to 83º, depending of course, on location and time of day.

Lake level on Millwood, as of Monday, 9 July, is 22" above normal and rising, at 261.05 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday, is heavy stain or muddy most locations, approx 3-5" visibility. Main lake clarity and visibility is also heavy stain to muddy conditions as of Monday. Current is increased at 19,054CFS as of Monday 9 July, and navigational caution is advised. A gate change is expected mid-week. Navigation along Little River is muddy, high water and extremely swift current, carrying much debris, logs, and matted grass. The Red River, which Little River flows into, remains very high from Texas and Oklahoma's recent rain saturation also.

Upriver oxbow's clarity are somewhat worse this week with the recent rise of over 15" in approx 36 hours on Millwood, and clarity is approx 4-7" at best. River and main lake still heavy stain to muddy conditions from recent 20" rise from rains. The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Monday 9 July was not available from the Corps. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 19,054 CFS is with 7 gates open at 3 feet each and 6 gates open at 4 feet each.

Mike

July 2, 2007 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service -

The Overall Picture:

Navigation conditions in Little River is increased current & flow as of 2 July 07.

As of Monday, 2 July, main lake and Little River water surface temperature, ranging 77º to 82º, depending of course, on location and time of day.

Lake level on Millwood, as of Monday, 2 July, is 3" above normal and rising, at 259.44 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday, is heavy stain or muddy most locations, approx 3-5" visibility. Main lake clarity and visibility is also heavy stain to muddy conditions as of Monday. Current is increased at 6,158CFS as of Monday 2 July, & a gate change is expected mid-week. Navigation along Little River is muddy, high water and much current carrying some debris. Normal caution advised. USACE recently replaced 25 River Buoys, due to recent high water, heavy release current and much debris, floater trees, flowing downstream, which relocated and/or damaged many of the buoys. The Red River, which Little River flows into, remains very high from Texas and Oklahoma's recent rain saturation, and is preventing much release from Millwood that may potentially cause flooding downstream on the Red.

Upriver oxbows are much improved to last week's muddy conditions. Although the lake remains above normal (3+"), the oxbows are beginning to clear. River and main lake still heavy stain to muddy conditions from recent 10-11" rise from rains. The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Monday 2 July was 246.11 feet. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 6,158CFS is with 10 gates open at 1 foot each and 3 gates open at 2 feet each.

Activity levels of Bass and Crappie, are approaching normal summer patterns. Crappie are beginning to suspend in Little River over and in planted brush piles with more regularity, but biting less with all the current and high, muddy water. Bass have pulled out to be near deeper water, but are still roaming shallow early and late. Good size bass from 4-5 lbs each, continue to blow up chasing baitfish and shad around lily pads and grass beds. Best Bass bite over the past few days, remain good on Bass Assassin Shads and grubs and Johnson spoons in grass and lily pads. The muddy water in Little River should settle out in a few more days, but with all the rain in NE Texas and SE Oklahoma last week and this week, increase in current, and more rain again this week, it may postpone the improvement to clarity. Crank baits in chartruese and white are taking some good numbers of bass on points.

AG&FC released approximately another 125,000 Florida Strain Bass from the Hot Springs Hatchery into Millwood 3 weeks ago.

The Details:

Largemouth Bass remain in process of summer transition. They continue wandering back and forth and roaming a lot, especially early and late, in and around grass beds and lily pads along Little River. Black/blue or firetiger colored Buzz baits, top water frogs, Bass Assassin Shads and Johnson silver and gold spoons are catching good bass up to 5 pounds in these areas, and on points with mixtures of grass and pads. 10" worms in blue fleck, black or red shad in the muddy colored water along the river, or a Bass Assassin Shad in Gold Pepper Shad color, are working well on a carolina rig. The carolina rig bite has improved with shorter leaders in water depths of 4-8 feet also. We dropped down to an approx 10" leader length a couple weeks ago, dragging it off of 2-4 feet deep flats, and into the next drop zone and parallel to the grass and pads, through stumps. In the off-colored water we were throwing a kiwi or june bug-red colored trick or finesse worm. In the clearer water back in the oxbows and away from current, we changed over to a Bass Assassin twitch worm in crystal shad color.

Because the Bass are roaming between various depths in transition, we are finding them responding to various different baits, randomly. Largemouths continue to respond to crank baits like the Fat Free Shad in citrus shad colors, and Rat-L-Traps in the larger 3/4 or one ounce sizes, in red coach dog or firetiger colors, this week along the river in muddy water. Jigs and 10" worms continue working on base of cypress trees and stumps, but timing, and now rattles, due to muddy conditions remains the key with those baits. Best jig color over the past couple weeks, remains the Texas Craw with chartruese in it and a sour grape plastic chunk. Rat-L-Traps in bream with orange colors, white shad and diamond dust, continue to work in the clearer areas of the backwaters and oxbows away from Little River's current. War Eagle spinnerbaits in copper peach, chartruese and white, or fire tiger colors, are picking up roaming fish in grass.

Southern Pro Fattbutt Tubes with rattles, in camoflauge, pumpkinseed/chart, or black neon colors, using heavy sinkers for a fast fall and a reaction bite are working around stumps in vegetation, cypress tree bases, etc, in 6-9 feet depths. Johnson spoons in chrome (on sunny days), or gold (on cloudy days) with a bluegill or shad colored trailer are still getting good blow ups in grass and lily pads, early and late in the day

White Bass remained elusive this week with all the current and muddy water in Little River.

Crappie bite has all but shut off during the day with the muddy water and current in the river.

Channel Cats are excellent on trot lines approx 12 to 18 feet deep, using cut baits, Charlie, and chicken liver with the increase of Little River current. Yo-yos remain in action, and catching decent size 4-5 pounders, using Catfish Charlie or home-made dough balls, hung from low cypress limbs over 7-8 feet depths in Mud Lake, Horseshoe and around Jack's Isle.

Longnose or Spotted Gar remain shallow, and are cruising in the shallow flats and back of creeks, making very good opportunities additionally, for bow fishermen.

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

Navigation conditions in Little River high water & increased current, of 25 June 07.

As of Monday, 2 July, main lake and Little River water surface temperature, ranging 77º to 82º, depending of course, on location and time of day.

Lake level on Millwood, as of Monday, 2 July, is 3" above normal and rising, at 259.44 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday, is heavy stain or muddy most locations, approx 3-5" visibility. Main lake clarity and visibility is also heavy stain to muddy conditions as of Monday. Current is increased at 6,158CFS as of Monday 2 July, & a gate change is expected mid-week. Navigation along Little River is muddy, high water and much current carrying some debris. Normal caution advised. USACE recently replaced 25 River Buoys, due to recent high water, heavy release current and much debris, floater trees, flowing downstream, which relocated and/or damaged many of the buoys. The Red River, which Little River flows into, remains very high from Texas and Oklahoma's recent rain saturation, and is preventing much release from Millwood that may potentially cause flooding downstream on the Red.

Upriver oxbows are much improved to last week's muddy conditions. Although the lake remains above normal (3+"), the oxbows are beginning to clear. River and main lake still heavy stain to muddy conditions from recent 10-11" rise from rains. The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Monday 2 July was 246.11 feet. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 6,158CFS is with 10 gates open at 1 foot each and 3 gates open at 2 feet each.

Mike

June 27, 2007 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service - The water level at greers ferry is at 461.33

The hybrid and white bass are schooling some around and between shilo and Cherokee park and can be caught on top waters and spoons as well as the buckshot in-line spinners and of course live bait also, with the clouds and late and earily in the day will see some action.

A lot of bass can still be caught up shallow right now on texas rigged worms , crank baits matching sunfish and top waters as well as right bites frogs, and the rest of the smallmouth, largemouth and Kentucky bass are on drops and brushpiles in 15-43 feet of water.

Crappie are being caught trolled with jigs and over brushpiles in 15-25 feet of water as well as being suspended in the pole timber.

The walleye are biting fair in 43 feet but are pretty scattered with the clouds and rain.

Bream are biting pretty well on crickets and worms right on the bank and in 18-20 feet of water as your better fish are deeper.

The catfish are biting good on shrimp soap and live bream as well as dog food and hot dogs all over the lake

Tommy Cauley

June 26, 2007 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service - The Overall Picture:

Navigation conditions in Little River high water & increased current, of 25 June 07.

As of Monday, 25 June, main lake and Little River water surface temperature, ranging 79º to 85º, depending of course, on location and time of day.

Lake level on Millwood, as of Monday, 25 June, 9.24" above normal and rising, at 259.97 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday, is heavy stain or muddy most locations, approx 3-5" visibility. Main lake clarity and visibility is also heavy stain to muddy conditions as of Monday. Current is increased at 8,845CFS as of Monday 25 June, & a gate change is expected mid-week. Navigation along Little River is muddy, high water and much current carrying some debris. Normal caution advised. USACE recently replaced 25 River Buoys, due to recent high water, heavy release current and much debris, floater trees, flowing downstream, which relocated and/or damaged many of the buoys. The Red River, which Little River flows into, is still very high from Texas and Oklahoma's recent rain saturation, and is preventing much release from Millwood that may potentially cause flooding downstream on the Red.

Upriver oxbows are still similar to last week's muddy conditions. Although the lake is now above normal (9+"), the oxbows are beginning to color up again with the lake on the rise. River and main lake still heavy stain to muddy conditions from prior to recent gate change. The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Monday 25 June was 238.34 feet. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 8,845CFS is with 4 gates open at 1 foot each and 9 gates open at 2 feet each.

Activity levels of Bass and Crappie, are approaching normal summer patterns. Crappie are beginning to suspend in Little River over and in planted brush piles with more regularity. Bass have pulled out to be near deeper water, but are still roaming shallow early and late. Good size bass from 4-5 lbs each, continue to blow up chasing bream and shad around lily pads and grass beds. Best Bass bite over the past few days, remain good on Bass Assassin Shads and grubs and Johnson spoons in grass and lily pads. The muddy water in Little River should settle out in a few more days, but with all the rain in Oklahoma over the past week, and increase in current, it may postpone the improvement to clarity. Crank baits in chartruese and white are taking some good numbers of bass on points.

AG&FC released approximately another 125,000 Florida Strain Bass from the Hot Springs Hatchery into Millwood 2 weeks ago.

The Details:

Largemouth Bass remain in process of summer transition. They continue wandering back and forth and roaming a lot, especially early and late, in and around grass beds and lily pads along Little River, & bass are still busy cruising back and forth. Black/blue or firetiger colored Buzz baits, top water frogs, Bass Assassin Shads and Johnson silver and gold spoons are catching good bass up to 5 pounds in these areas, and on points with mixtures of grass and pads. 10" worms in purple or red shad or black in the muddy colored water along the river, or a Bass Assassin Shad in Gold Pepper Shad color, are working well on a carolina rig. The carolina rig bite has improved with shorter leaders in water depths of 4-8 feet also. We dropped down to an approx 10" leader length and got bit fairly consistently in McGuire Lake oxbow over the past week, dragging it off of 2-4 feet deep flats, and into the next drop zone and parallel to the grass and pads, through stumps. In the off-colored water we were throwing a kiwi or june bug-red colored trick or finesse worm. In the clearer water, we changed over to a Bass Assassin twitch worm in crystal shad color.

Because the Bass are roaming between various depths in transition, we are finding them responding to various different baits, randomly. Largemouths continue to respond to crank baits like the Fat Free Shad and Rat-L-Traps in the larger 3/4 oz size, in white or firetiger colors, doing our best to deflect off stumps, on points this week. Jigs and 10" worms continue working on base of cypress trees and stumps, but timing is the key with those baits. Best jig color over the past week was the Texas Craw with chartruese in it and a sour grape plastic chunk. Rat-L-Traps in bream with orange colors, white and firetiger, continue to work this week, and War Eagle spinnerbaits in copper peach, chartruese and white, or fire tiger colors, are picking up roaming fish in grass. A gorgeous 9.4 pound bass was caught, photographed, and released within the past couple weeks near Pugh Slough on a War Eagle Spinnerbait in the spot remover color.

Southern Pro Fattbutt Tubes with rattles, in camoflauge, pumpkinseed/chart, or black neon colors, using heavy sinkers for a fast fall and a reaction bite are working around stumps in vegetation, cypress tree bases, etc, in 6-9 feet depths. Johnson spoons in chrome (on sunny days), or gold (on cloudy days) with a bluegill or shad colored trailer are still getting good blow ups in grass and lily pads, early and late in the day

White Bass disappeared this week.

Crappie are the most consistent suspended between 15-18 feet deep, in brush piles. The most consistent bite over the past few weeks, has been on live shiners and smoke colored Cordell (paddletail) grubs on a lightweight white, or chartruese jig heads.

Bream and Goggleye continue biting very well on crickets and red worms, from the bank around Millwood State Park and Jack's Isle.

Channel Cats are improved on trot lines approx 9-14 feet deep, using cut baits, Charlie, and chicken liver with the increase of Little River current. Yo-yos remain in action, and catching decent size 4-5 pounders, using Catfish Charlie hung from low cypress limbs over 7-8 feet depths in Mud Lake, Horseshoe and around Jack's Isle.

Longnose or Spotted Gar remain shallow, and are cruising in the shallow flats and back of creeks, making very good opportunities additionally, for bow fishermen.

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

Navigation conditions in Little River high water & increased current, of 25 June 07.

As of Monday, 25 June, main lake and Little River water surface temperature, ranging 79º to 85º, depending of course, on location and time of day.

Lake level on Millwood, as of Monday, 25 June, 9.24" above normal and rising, at 259.97 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday, is heavy stain or muddy most locations, approx 3-5" visibility. Main lake clarity and visibility is also heavy stain to muddy conditions as of Monday. Current is increased at 8,845CFS as of Monday 25 June, & a gate change is expected mid-week. Navigation along Little River is muddy, high water and much current carrying some debris. Normal caution advised. USACE recently replaced 25 River Buoys, due to recent high water, heavy release current and much debris, floater trees, flowing downstream, which relocated and/or damaged many of the buoys. The Red River, which Little River flows into, is still very high from Texas and Oklahoma's recent rain saturation, and is preventing much release from Millwood that may potentially cause flooding downstream on the Red.

Upriver oxbows are still similar to last week's muddy conditions. Although the lake is now above normal (9+"), the oxbows are beginning to color up again with the lake on the rise. River and main lake still heavy stain to muddy conditions from prior to recent gate change. The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Monday 25 June was 238.34 feet. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 8,845CFS is with 4 gates open at 1 foot each and 9 gates open at 2 feet each.

As of Monday, 25 June, main lake and Little River water surface temperature, ranging 79º to 85º, depending of course, on location and time of day.

Mike

June 25, 2007 - Lake Catherine - caught a 17.5 lb walleye (approximate b/c analog scale) on a 6" storm wild swim shad soft plastic swim bait in about 18' of water just down from carpenter dam on lake catherine.


Eric Pinter

June 20, 2007 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service -
The water level at greers ferry is at 461.48 a little over pool and the temp is ranging from 78-82 degrees

The whites and hybrids are hit or miss at present and can be caught schooling around the right bait fish in the right areas and ya just got to spend some time on the water, the night fishing for them is good in certain areas try the bridges and the tracks and around marinas.

The bass fishing is good right now most are shallow and roaming chasing bream, some are out on the drops and they can be caught with texas rigged worms and c-rigged lizards in the bends . and some are in the jumps as well , salt creek has been good for that

Crappie are biting trolling jigs and minnows as well as fishing brushpiles 15-25 feet of water.

Bream are biting all over the lake

Walleye are biting on flats in about 43 feet dragging crawlers on rigs and bottom bouncers

The catfishing is good with the flatheads spawning this monthe

Tommy CauleyJune 19, 2007 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service -The Overall Picture:

Navigation conditions in Little River normal, of 18 June 07.

As of Monday, 18 June, main lake and Little River water surface temperature, ranging 79º to 84º, depending of course, on location and time of day.

Lake level on Millwood, as of Monday, 18 June, 5.4" above normal and rising, at 259.65 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday, is heavy stain or muddy most locations, approx 4-6" visibility. Main lake clarity and visibility is also heavy stain to muddy conditions as of Monday. Current is decreased at 1,554CFS as of Monday 18 June, however a gate change is expected mid-week. Navigation along Little River is normal. USACE recently replaced 25 River Buoys, due to recent high water, heavy release current and much debris, floater trees, flowing downstream, which relocated and/or damaged many of the buoys. The Red River, which Little River flows into, is still very high from Texas and Oklahoma's recent rain saturation, and is preventing much release from Millwood that may potentially cause flooding downstream on the Red.

Upriver oxbows are much improved from last week's muddy conditions. Although the lake is now slightly above normal (5"), the heavy stain has begun settling out and clarity is drastically improved in some of the oxbows. River and main lake still heavy stain to muddy conditions from prior to recent gate change. The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Monday 18 June was unavailable. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 1,554CFS is with 4 gates open at 1 foot each.

Activity levels of Bass and Crappie, are approaching normal summer patterns. Crappie remain scattered, and are beginning to suspend in Little River over and in planted brush piles. Bass have pulled out to be near deeper water, but are still roaming shallow early and late. Good size bass from 4-5 lbs each, continue to blow up chasing bream and shad around lily pads and grass beds. Best Bass bite over the past few days, remain good on Bass Assassin Shads and grubs and Johnson spoons in grass and lily pads. The muddy water in Little River should settle out in a few more days, but with all the rain in Oklahoma over the past week, and increase in current, it may postpone the improvement to clarity.

AG&FC released approximately another 125,000 Florida Strain Bass from the Hot Springs Hatchery into Millwood last week.

The Details:

Largemouth Bass remain in process of summer transition. They continue wandering back and forth and roaming a lot. We continue to catch good quality bass over the past few weeks, which are chasing post spawn Bream, Bluegill, and shad, in and around grass beds and lily pads along Little River and in the oxbows along the river. Black and blue or firetiger colored Buzz baits, top water frogs, Bass Assassin Shads and Johnson silver and gold spoons are catching good bass up to 5 pounds in these areas, and on points with mixtures of grass and pads. If the fish blows up on a spoon and misses, be quick to throw a 10" worm in blue-fleck, june bug-red, or a 7" Bass Assassin Charm Assassin, in salt and pepper silver phantom or crystal shad colors, where he missed the spoon or frog. Pay particular attention to any movement, or twitch sideways, of your line. 3" Bass Assassin grubs and 2" Bass Assassin Curly Shads in crystal shad or Firecracker colors, rigged on light jig heads, are getting some good reactions from Bass in grass beds.

Because the Bass are roaming between various depths in transition, we are finding them responding to various different baits, randomly. Largemouths are beginning to respond to crank baits like the Fat Free Shad and Rat-L-Traps in the larger 3/4 oz size, in white and shad patterns, on points. Jigs and 10" worms continue working on base of cypress trees and stumps, but timing is the key with those baits. Rat-L-Traps in bream with orange colors, white and shad patterns continue to work this week, and War Eagle spinnerbaits in copper peach, chartruese and white, or fire tiger colors, are picking up roaming fish in grass. A gorgeous 9.4 pound bass was caught, photographed, and released within the past couple weeks near Pugh Slough on a War Eagle Spinnerbait in the spot remover color.

Southern Pro Fattbutt Tubes with rattles, in camoflauge, bluegill, & pumpkinseed colors, using heavy sinkers for a fast fall and a reaction bite are working around stumps in vegetation, cypress tree bases, close to deep water. These are the same fish, as on jigs with pork trailers or 10" worms. Johnson spoons in chrome (on sunny days), or gold (on cloudy days) with a bluegill or shad colored trailer are getting good blow ups in grass and lily pads.

White Bass were fair trolling with chartreuse / blue crankbaits and Rat-L-Traps along Little River between White Cliffs and McGuire Lake this week.

Crappie continue roaming, but are the most consistent suspended between 12-17 feet deep, in brush piles. The most consistent bite over the past few weeks, has been on live shiners and smoke colored Cordell (paddletail) grubs on a lightweight white, or chartruese jig heads.

Bream continue biting very well on crickets and red worms, from the bank around Millwood State Park and Jack's Isle.

Channel Cats are fair to good on trot lines using cut baits, Charlie, and chicken liver. Yo-yos remain in action, and catching decent size 4-5 pounders, using Catfish Charlie hung from low cypress limbs over 7-8 feet depths in Mud Lake, Horseshoe and around Jack's Isle.

Longnose or Spotted Gar remain shallow, and are cruising in the shallow flats and back of creeks, making very good opportunities additionally, for bow fishermen.

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

Navigation conditions in Little River normal, of 18 June 07.

Lake level on Millwood, as of Monday, 18 June, 5.4" above normal and rising, at 259.65 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday, is heavy stain or muddy most locations, approx 4-6" visibility. Main lake clarity and visibility is also heavy stain to muddy conditions as of Monday. Current is decreased at 1,554CFS as of Monday 18 June, however a gate change is expected mid-week. Navigation along Little River is normal. USACE recently replaced 25 River Buoys, due to recent high water, heavy release current and much debris, floater trees, flowing downstream, which relocated and/or damaged many of the buoys. The Red River, which Little River flows into, is still very high from Texas and Oklahoma's recent rain saturation, and is preventing much release from Millwood that may potentially cause flooding downstream on the Red.

Upriver oxbows are much improved from last week's muddy conditions. Although the lake is now slightly above normal (5"), the heavy stain has begun settling out and clarity is drastically improved in some of the oxbows. River and main lake still heavy stain to muddy conditions from prior to recent gate change. The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Monday 18 June was unavailable. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 1,554CFS is with 4 gates open at 1 foot each.

As of Monday, 18 June, main lake and Little River water surface temperature, ranging 79º to 84º, depending of course, on location and time of day.

Mike

June 13, 2007 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service - The water level at greers ferry is at 461.61.

The crappie are biting pretty well in the creek channels , in the bends and over brush piles and in the pole timber on jigs tipped with minnows, in 15-20 feet of water.

The bream are up bedding and can be caught with a fly rod or crickets and night crawlers.

The bass fishing is good a lot of largemouth are up shallow in the grass chasing bream and out on the drops and bends and can be caught with top waters right bite shackey hookers as well as the right bite frogs , kentuckys and largemouth can be caught on the drops with c-rigs and texas rigged worms and the smallmouth can be caught with c-rigged cinkos.we are having some schooling going on up the rivers as well.

The catfishing is good on a lot of different baits on floating trot lines and jugs as well as traditional trot lines baited with bream .

The whites and hybrids are coming up allover the lake when it is cloudy and earily morning and late afternoons , and can be caught with super spook jrs. And swimming a grub if they are not on top and if it is sunny a jigging spoon in 43 feet of water or a buckshot in line spinner.

The walleye are still scattered from 8-38 feet of water. And some can be caught dragging crawlers around

we find em you catch em

Tommy Cauley

June 12, 2007 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service -

The Overall Picture:

Navigation conditions in Little River normal, of 11 June 07.

As of Monday, 11 June, main lake and Little River water surface temperature, ranging 77º to 83º, depending of course, on location and time of day.

Lake level on Millwood, as of Monday, 11 June, 4.3" above normal and falling, at 259.56 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday, is heavy stain or muddy most locations, approx 3-4" visibility. Main lake clarity and visibility is also heavy stain to muddy conditions as of Monday. Current is decreased at 1,175CFS as of Monday 11 June. Navigation along Little River is normal. USACE recently replaced 25 River Buoys, due to recent high water, heavy release current and much debris, floater trees, flowing downstream, which relocated and/or damaged many of the buoys. Little River increased heavy current and some floaters and debris noted as of Monday 11 June.

Upriver oxbows are much improved from last week's muddy conditions. Although the lake is now slightly above normal (4"), the heavy stain has begun settling out and clarity is drastically improved in some of the oxbows. River and main lake still heavy stain to muddy conditions from prior to recent gate change. The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Monday 11 June was 234.33. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 1,175CFS is with 3 gates open. Open gates are 1, 7, & 13.

Activity levels of Bass and Crappie, are approaching normal summer patterns. Crappie remain scattered, and roaming back and forth between 6" deep around shallow cypress, to 20 feet of depth in the river suspended over brush piles. Bass have pulled out to be near deeper water, but are still roaming shallow early and late. Good size bass from 3-6 lbs each, continue to blow up chasing bream and shad in floating grass beds. Best Bass bite over the past few days, remain good on salad spoons and Johnson spoons in grass and lily pads. The recent improvement in water clarity, gave the bass a boost in their response to artificial baits. The muddy water in Little River should settle out in a few more days, but with all the rain in Oklahoma over the past week, and increase in current, it may postpone the improvement to clarity.

AG&FC have plans to release more Florida Bass from the Hot Springs Hatchery into Millwood this week. The numbers are not yet available.

The Details:

Largemouth Bass remain in process of early summer transition. They continue wandering back and forth and roaming a lot. We have noted and caught very good quality bass in the past week, chasing post spawn Bream, Bluegill, and shad, in and around grass beds and lily pads. Buzz baits, top water frogs and toads, Bass Assassin Shads and Johnson silver and gold spoons and weedless spoons are catching good bass up to 7 pounds in these areas, and on points with mixtures of grass and pads. If the fish blows up on a spoon and misses, be quick to throw a 10" Ole Monster or Power worm in blue-fleck, june bug-red, or a 7" Bass Assassin Charm Assassin, in watermelon-red or crystal shad colors, where he missed the spoon or frog. 9 times out of 10, he will hit it on the fall. Pay particular attention to any movement, or twitch sideways, of your line. Small 4" worms on a light shakey head jig are catching some decent bass.

Because the Bass are roaming between various depths in transition, we are finding them responding to various different baits, randomly. Largemouths are beginning to respond to crank baits like the Fat Free Shad and Rat-L-Traps in the larger 3/4 oz size, in white and shad patterns. Jigs and 10" worms continue working on base of cypress trees and stumps, but timing is the key with those baits. Rat-L-Traps in bream with orange colors, white and shad patterns are beginning to work again, and War Eagle spinnerbaits in spot remover and blue gill colors, are picking up roaming fish, erratically. A gorgeous 9.4 pound bass was caught, photographed, and released within the last week near Pugh Slough on a War Eagle Spinnerbait in the spot remover color.

Southern Pro Fattbutt Tubes with rattles, in camoflauge, bluegill, & pumpkinseed colors, using heavy sinkers for a fast fall and a reaction bite are working around stumps in vegetation, cypress tree bases, close to deep water. These are the same fish, as on jigs with pork trailers or 10" Power worms. Johnson spoons in chrome (on sunny days), or gold (on cloudy days) with a bluegill colored trailer are getting good blow ups in grass and lily pads.

White Bass no report this week.

Crappie continue roaming, but are the most consistent between 12-17 feet deep suspended in brush piles. The most consistent bite over the past week has been on live shiners and smoke colored Cordell (paddletail) grubs on a lightweight white, or chartruese jig heads.

Bream continue biting very well on crickets and red worms, in and around Millwood State Park this week.

Channel Cats are fair to good on trot lines using cut baits, Charlie, and chicken liver. Yo-yos remain in action, and catching 3-4 pounders, using Catfish Charlie hung from low cypress limbs over 7-8 feet depths in Mud Lake, Horseshoe and around Jack's Isle.

Longnose or Spotted Gar remain shallow, and are cruising in the shallow flats and back of creeks, making very good opportunities additionally, for bow fishermen.

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

Navigation conditions in Little River normal, of 11 June 07.

Lake level on Millwood, as of Monday, 11 June, 4.3" above normal and falling, at 259.56 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday, is heavy stain or muddy most locations, approx 3-4" visibility. Main lake clarity and visibility is also heavy stain to muddy conditions as of Monday. Current is decreased at 1,175CFS as of Monday 11 June. Navigation along Little River is normal. USACE recently replaced 25 River Buoys, due to recent high water, heavy release current and much debris, floater trees, flowing downstream, which relocated and/or damaged many of the buoys. Little River increased heavy current and some floaters and debris noted as of Monday 11 June.

Upriver oxbows are much improved from last week's muddy conditions. Although the lake is now slightly above normal (4"), the heavy stain has begun settling out and clarity is drastically improved in some of the oxbows. River and main lake still heavy stain to muddy conditions from prior to recent gate change. The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Monday 11 June was 234.33. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 1,175CFS is with 3 gates open. Open gates are 1, 7, & 13.

As of Monday, 11 June, main lake and Little River water surface temperature, ranging 77º to 83º, depending of course, on location and time of day.

Mike

June 11, 2007 - Beaver - G'day y'all from the Beaver Dam Store crew! -FISHING REPORT
BEAVER TAILWATER: IT doesn't seem that long ago that we were wading down to Houseman and wondering if we would ever get some rain. Well, we sure got it now. The White River system is about full with all the lakes at the top of power pool and the catchments still flowing hard .

With Table Rock Lake now close to 917' above sea level its been pretty much a flat lake from Branson to Beaver Dam this week. The good news is Table Rock power station has been running hard the past two days and the level below us should fall, giving us some better flow.

Early morning fishing still has been productive.
The surface action can be strong until between 9am and 10am but the trout activity seems to slow for a couple of hours. Cadion Midges in blue dun, Blue Poison Tungs, Tungsten Rainbow Warriors, Lightning Bugs, Copper Johns, and olive Zebra Midges and WD40s have all been performing.

Woolly Buggers, Crystal Buggers and Baby Buggers are hard to beat through the dog hours in the middle of the day. But the good thing is the fishing is really picking up around midday, and running through the afternoon. How long you get to play in the pm depends on generation schedules. Beaver Lake is still high, and warms days will see afternoon generation.

All the more reason for an early start.

Tight Lines from the Beaver Dam Store staff

June 4, 2007 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service -

The Overall Picture:

Navigation conditions in Little River normal, heavy current cautions of 4 June 07.

As of Monday, 4 June, main lake and Little River water surface temperature, ranging 72º to 80º, depending of course, on location and time of day.

Lake level on Millwood, as of Monday, 4 June, 6.8" above normal and rising, at 259.77 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday, is heavy stain or muddy most locations, approx 3-4" visibility. Main lake clarity and visibility is also heavy stain to muddy conditions as of Monday. Current is increased at 7,879CFS as of Monday 4 June. Navigation along Little River is normal with heavy current. USACE recently replaced 25 River Buoys, due to recent high water, heavy release current and much debris, floater trees, flowing downstream, which relocated and/or damaged many of the buoys. Little River increased heavy current and some floaters and debris noted as of Monday 4 June.

Upriver oxbows are much improved from last week's muddy conditions. Although the lake is now slightly above normal (6-7"), the heavy stain has begun settling out and clarity is drastically improved in some of the oxbows. River and main lake still heavy stain to muddy conditions from prior to recent gate change. The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Monday 4 June was unavailable. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 7,879CFS is with 7 gates open at 2 ft each, and 6 gates open at 1ft each. All gates are open.

Activity levels of Bass and Crappie, continue to improve. Crappie remain scattered, between 6" around shallow cypress, to 20 feet of depth in the river suspended over brush piles. Bass continue to roam back and forth from summer to spring depths, but are also chasing recent bream and bluegill nest makers. Good size bass from 3-6 lbs each, continue to blow up and chase bream in floating grass beds. Best Bass bite over the past few days, remain good on salad spoons and Johnson spoons in grass and lily pads. The recent improvement in water clarity, gave the bass a boost in their response to artificial baits. The muddy water in Little River should settle out in a few more days, but with all the rain in Oklahoma over the past week, and increase in current, it may postpone the improvement to clarity.

The Details:

Largemouth Bass remain in process of early summer transition. They continue wandering back and forth and roaming a lot. We have noted and caught very good quality bass in the past week, chasing post spawn Bream, Bluegill, and their recent hatch fry, in grass beds. Buzz baits, top water frogs and toads, Bass Assassin Shads and Johnson silver and gold spoons and weedless spoons are catching good bass up to 7 pounds in grass beds. If the fish blows up on a spoon and misses, be quick to throw a 10" Ole Monster or Power worm in blue-fleck, june bug-red, or a 7" Bass Assassin Charm Assassin, in watermelon-red or crystal shad colors, where he missed the spoon or frog. 9 times out of 10, he will hit it on the fall. Pay particular attention to any movement, or twitch sideways, of your line.

Because the Bass are roaming between various depths in transition, we are finding them responding to various different baits, randomly. The past week we had decent responses from bass with a Bass Assassin Twitch or Charm worm in kiwi, watermelon-red and crystal shad colors, with a very light wire hook, wacky style. Jigs and 10" worms continue working on base of cypress trees and stumps, but timing is the key with those baits. Rat-L-Traps in baby bream, baby bass, or chrome on sunny days, and War Eagle spinnerbaits in spot remover and blue gill colors, are picking up roaming fish, erratically. A gorgeous 9.4 pound bass was caught, photographed, and released within the past few days near Pugh Slough on a War Eagle Spinnerbait in the spot remover color.

Southern Pro Fattbutt Tubes in camo, or bluegill, around stumps in vegetation, cypress tree bases, close to deep water are catching fish. These are the same fish, as on jigs with pork trailers or 10" Power worms. Johnson spoons in chrome (on sunny days), or gold (on cloudy days) with a bluegill colored trailer are getting good blow ups in grass and lily pads.

White Bass were caught slow-trolling chartreuse or white crankbaits and Rat-L-Traps, in Little River this week between Jack's Isle and Pugh Slough.

Crappie remain scattered from brush piles in 18-20' depths of the river to 6" deep under cypress trees. Crappie continue to transition right behind the bass, to their summer depths. Crappie bite is at best, inconsistent, but the best bite over the past week has been on live shiners and smoke colored Cordell (paddletail) grubs on a lightweight white, jig heads.

Bream continue biting very well on crickets and red worms, in and around Millwood State Park this week.

Channel Cats are improved again, with increase of river's current, on trot lines using cut shad, dog food, and chicken liver. Yo-yos are back in action, and catching 3-4 pounders, using Catfish Charlie hung from low cypress limbs over 7-8 feet depths in Mud Lake, Horseshoe and around Jack's Isle.

Longnose or Spotted Gar remain shallow, and are cruising in the shallow flats and back of creeks, making very good opportunities additionally, for bow fishermen.

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

Navigation conditions in Little River normal, heavy current cautions of 4 June 07.

Lake level on Millwood, as of Monday, 4 June, 6.8" above normal and rising, at 259.77 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday, is heavy stain or muddy most locations, approx 3-4" visibility. Main lake clarity and visibility is also heavy stain to muddy conditions as of Monday. Current is increased at 7,879CFS as of Monday 4 June. Navigation along Little River is normal with heavy current. USACE recently replaced 25 River Buoys, due to recent high water, heavy release current and much debris, floater trees, flowing downstream, which relocated and/or damaged many of the buoys. Little River increased heavy current and some floaters and debris noted as of Monday 4 June.

Upriver oxbows are much improved from last week's muddy conditions. Although the lake is now slightly above normal (6-7"), the heavy stain has begun settling out and clarity is drastically improved in some of the oxbows. River and main lake still heavy stain to muddy conditions from prior to recent gate change. The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Monday 4 June was unavailable. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 7,879CFS is with 7 gates open at 2 ft each, and 6 gates open at 1ft each. All gates are open.

As of Monday, 4 June, main lake and Little River water surface temperature, ranging 72º to 80º, depending of course, on location and time of day.

Mike

May 30, 2007 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service - The water level at greers ferry is at 461.76 and I have been told that we will soon be having a temp guage installed in the south fork and middle fork areas of the lake.

The hybrids and whites are starting to come up a little better after the shad spawn here now and they are moving out to deeper water and the whites and hybrids are corralling them up at times and if you are in the right place can catch them good try top waters and spoons and also the buckshot inline spinner as it will have more vibration and the fish are not used to seeing them at all anf of course spoons, yo yoed.

The walleye are better on cloudy days of course and are biting pretty good in 8- 23 feet of water.on crawlers used a variety of ways dragged across the bottom and try trolling some shad raps also.

The crappie are biting real well in 15 to 20 feet of water over brush piles on jigs tipped with minnows

Bream are spawning and a lot are up shallow and can be caught with crawlers and crickets as well as small spinners .

The catfish are doing real well all over the lake and can be caught with about anything you want to use in 8-17 feet of water.

The bass species are finally getting in their summer places channel swings , drops and ledges as well as as pole timber. And can be caught with grubs swam through the trees , top water baits texas rigged worms and c-rigged plastic baits , you can still catch some shallow on spinner baits as well as flukes and the right bit swimming frog in the grass if ya can find some , as some grass is doing real well , buzzbaits and top waters are working earily and late also as well as some schooling action up the rivers and creek arms

Tommy Cauley
Fishing Guide

May 29, 2007 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service -

The Overall Picture:

Navigation conditions in Little River normal, no cautions of 28 May 07.

As of Monday, 28 May, main lake and Little River water surface temperature, ranging 74º to 81º, depending of course, on location and time of day.

Lake level on Millwood, as of Monday, 28 May, 3.5" above normal and steady, at 259.49 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday, is heavy stain or muddy most locations, approx 3-4" visibility. Main lake clarity and visibility is also heavy stain to muddy conditions as of Monday. Current is increased at 1,979CFS as of Friday 25 May. Navigation along Little River is normal, USACE recently replaced 25 River Buoys, due to recent high water, heavy release current and much debris, floater trees, flowing downstream, which relocated and/or damaged many of the buoys. Little River just recently stabilized, and USACE recently completed maintenance work on the dam and spillway.

Upriver oxbows are much improved from last week's muddy conditions. Although the lake is now slightly above normal, the heavy stain has begun settling out and clarity is drastically improved in some of the oxbows. River and main lake still heavy stain to muddy conditions from prior to recent gate change. The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Friday 25 May was 231.20'. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 1,979CFS is with 1 gate open at 0.5 ft, and 3 gates open at 1.5ft each. Open gates are 1, 6, 7, & 13.

Activity levels of Bass and Crappie, continue to improve. Crappie remain scattered, between 6" around shallow cypress, to 20 feet of depth in the river suspended over brush piles. Bass continue to roam back and forth from summer to spring depths, but are also chasing recent bream and bluegill nest makers. Good size bass from 3-6 lbs each, continue to blow up and chase bream in floating grass beds. Best Bass bite over the past few days, are on salad spoons and Johnson spoons in grass and lily pads. The recent improvement in water clarity, gave the bass a boost in their response to artificial baits. The muddy water in Little River should settle out in a few more days, but with all the rain in Oklahoma over the past week, it may postpone the improvement to clarity.

The Details:

Largemouth Bass remain in process of early summer transition. They are looking at their summer homes and wandering back and forth and roaming a lot. We have noted and caught very good quality bass in the past week, chasing post spawn Bream, Bluegill, and their recent hatch fry, in grass beds. Buzz baits, top water frogs and toads, Bass Assassin Shads and Johnson silver and gold spoons and weedless spoons are catching good bass up to 7 pounds in grass beds. If the fish blows up on a spoon and misses, be quick to throw a 10" Ole Monster or Power worm in june bug-red, red shad, or watermelon-red in where he missed the spoon. 9 times out of 10, he will hit it on the fall. Pay particular attention to any movement, or twitch sideways, of your line.

Because the Bass are roaming between various depths in transition, we are finding them responding to various different baits, randomly. The past week we had decent responses from bass with a Twitch worm in kiwi, watermelon-red and white ice colors, with a very light wire hook, wacky style. Jigs and 10" worms continue working on base of cypress trees and stumps, but timing is the key with those baits. Rat-L-Traps in baby bream, baby bass, or chrome on sunny days, and War Eagle spinnerbaits in spot remover and blue gill colors, are picking up roaming fish, erratically.

Southern Pro Fattbutt Tubes in camo, or bluegill, around stumps in vegetation, cypress tree bases, close to deep water are catching fish. These are the same fish, as on jigs with pork trailers or 10" Power worms. Johnson spoons in chrome (on sunny days), or gold (on cloudy days) with a bluegill colored trailer are getting good blow ups in grass and lily pads.

White Bass were caught slow-trolling chartreuse crankbaits and Rat-L-Traps, in Little River this week between Jack's Isle and Pugh Slough.

Crappie remain scattered from brush piles in 18-20' depths of the river to 6" deep under cypress trees. Crappie continue to transition right behind the bass, to their summer depths. Best bite over the past week has been on live shiners and smoke paddletail grubs on a lightweight white, jig heads.

Bream were biting very well on crickets and red worms, in and around Millwood State Park this week.

Channel Cats are improved, with increase of river's current, on trot lines using cut shad, dog food, and chicken liver. Yo-yos are back in action, and catching 3-4 pounders, using Catfish Charlie hung from low cypress limbs over 7-8 feet depths.

Longnose or Spotted Gar remain shallow, and are cruising in the shallow flats and back of creeks, making very good opportunities additionally, for bow fishermen.

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

Navigation conditions in Little River normal, no cautions of 28 May 07.

Lake level on Millwood, as of Monday, 28 May, 3.5" above normal and steady, at 259.49 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday, is heavy stain or muddy most locations, approx 3-4" visibility. Main lake clarity and visibility is also heavy stain to muddy conditions as of Monday. Current is increased at 1,979CFS as of Friday 25 May. Navigation along Little River is normal, USACE recently replaced 25 River Buoys, due to recent high water, heavy release current and much debris, floater trees, flowing downstream, which relocated and/or damaged many of the buoys. Little River just recently stabilized, and USACE recently completed maintenance work on the dam and spillway.

Upriver oxbows are much improved from last week's muddy conditions. Although the lake is now slightly above normal, the heavy stain has begun settling out and clarity is drastically improved in some of the oxbows. River and main lake still heavy stain to muddy conditions from prior to recent gate change. The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Friday 25 May was 231.20'. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 1,979CFS is with 1 gate open at 0.5 ft, and 3 gates open at 1.5ft each. Open gates are 1, 6, 7, & 13.

As of Monday, 28 May, main lake and Little River water surface temperature, ranging 74º to 81º, depending of course, on location and time of day.

Mike

May 25, 2007 - Beaver - G'day y'all from the Beaver Dam Store crew! -Well its Memorial Day weekend and summer break is almost here. The weather has been superb, there has been plenty of splashing and swimming up on the Lake. The tailwater is still its normal trouty self, cool and clear. Its a great time to come up, get away from the city and relax in the leafy camprgounds along the river, or the comfortable cabins of Spider Creek Resort , and treat yourself to a well earned rest. Oh yeh some trout fishing would be fun too. Consider it therapy.

* FISHING REPORT

BEAVER TAILWATER: Fishing has been a little up and down on the fly for the past week or so. Fishing has definately been a little moody mid-morning after an early midge hatch. As usual soft hackles are the most productive bet for the fish swirling or showing dorsals, a giveaway sign that the fish are taking the hatching midges under the surface and not off the top.
Try a Partridge and Orange, Patridge and Yellow, Red Ass or a Patridge and Pheasant on a long 6x leader. SOme of the takes will be furious but on others the only signal is a gradual tightening of the line. Either way a slow lift is better than a strike.
Fish Cadion Midges short under the smallest indicator you can, or perhaps a Barr Pure Midge under a Para Midge or a Parachute Adams. If its misty you can up the size of the dry fly to better visibility or add a flouro orange indicator.

The surface action can be strong until betwene 9am and 10am but the trout activity seems to slow for a couple of hours. Cadion Midges in blue dun, Blue Poison Tungs, Tungsten Rainbow Warriors, Lightning Bugs, Copper Johns, and olive Zebra Midges and WD40s have all been performing. Don't forget scud and sowbug patterns too which are consistently part of the trout diet.
Drifted Woolly Buggers, Crystal Buggers and Baby Buggers are hard to beat through the dog hours in the middle of the day. But the good thing is the fishing is really picking up around the middle of the day. Generation this week has been running around 2pm-ish for a couple of hours, enablish a return to the water to fish through until dark.
All the more reason for an early start.

*
FISHING TWIGS

THERE is nothing like nice summer days, small streams, wading wet and carrying a short, light rod. In the Australian venacular this is Twig Water fishing _ and that feather light rod, usually 4wt and below, and under 8', a twig. Roaring River is the closest Twig Water we have around here for trout, but there's plenty of smallmouth/panfish streams on offer where these rods work just as well. Incidentally Roaring River is fishing nicely with an Olive Elk Hair Caddis.

And somedays its fun to take your twig out onto the big tailwaters, throwing midges, ants or beetles on the Upper end of the river for instance. Sections of Norfolk lend itself to twigs, perhaps behind the island at RoundHouse Shoal or the Flats immediately below Bull Shoals.

But there are some things that twigs can't do _ otherwise we'd be fishing them all the time. Mending is inherently more difficult, you just can't cast as much line. The lighter line weights make it harder, sometimes impossible, to toss bigger streamers and indicator rigs, and for most casting they are generally designed for shorter range work. We love loading up the Rio Selective Trout line on pretty much all of our twigs. Its easy to cast, floats high and for these quiet waters, the delicacy needed.

The reel can be as simple or compelx as you like, a drag rarely essential, but as you go lighter and lighter, a lighter, more expensive reel becomes more of a necessity in terms of balance.

Twig fishing is a great part of the fly fishing experience, more intimate than the tailwaters, the relaxing flow of crystal waters around your bare legs, freed from their normal confinement in fleece and waders, the rod and reel barely felt.

Tight Lines from the Beaver Dam Store staff,
Lisa, Steve, and Bryce.

May 22, 2007 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service -

The Overall Picture:

Navigation conditions in Little River normal, no cautions of 21 May 07.

As of Monday, 21 May, main lake and Little River water surface temperature, ranging 72º to 80º, depending of course, on location and time of day.

Lake level on Millwood, as of Monday, 21 May, below normal at 2.4" and steady, at 259.00 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday, is heavy stain, approx 3" visibility. Main lake clarity and visibility is also heavy stain to muddy conditions as of Monday. Current is decreased at 168CFS as of Monday 21 May. Navigation along Little River is normal, USACE recently replaced 25 River Buoys, due to recent high water, heavy release current and much debris, floater trees, flowing downstream, which relocated and/or damaged many of the buoys. Little River just recently stabilized, and USACE recently completed maintenance work on the dam and spillway.

Upriver oxbows are much improved from last week's muddy conditions. Although the lake is now slightly below normal, the muddy water has begun settling out and clarity is drastically improved in some of the oxbows. River and main lake still heavy stain to muddy conditions from prior to recent gate change. The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Monday 21 May was unavailable. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 168CFS is with 1 gate open at 0.4 ft each.

Activity levels of Bass and Crappie, have the "post-spawn blues" and have been somewhat picky about their artificial baits. Crappie are rather scattered, between depths of 18 feet to shallow cypress. Bass are looking toward their normal, typical summertime patterns, as a result, transitioning. Bite was improved, then got almost lackadaisical, over the past couple days with the incoming cool fronts. Now that the lake is near normal and not falling, the current and muddy water should settle out in a few days. The bite should improve by mid to late week.

The Details:

Largemouth Bass are in process of a late spring/early summer transition. They are looking at their summer homes and wandering back and forth a lot. What had been an excellent and very consistent, top water bite on buzz baits, frogs, and Bass Assassin shads, all but turned off, late last week, and went to a jig and worm bite for any decent size keepers. The best bites we were finding were on big power worms in june bug or june bug red and black/blue/ purple jigs w/ black neon plastic chunk. With the return of the lake to near normal, and steady now that the gate change was cut back, a more normal bite should return. The past few weeks have seen lots of pool fluctuation and muddy to clear conditions, with a couple of good cold nite snaps thrown in for good measure. Buzz bait, Horney Toad, & Bass Assassin Shads and top water frogs bite all but shut off late in the week last week. We were finding the most consistent bite from keeper size bass over 16-17" on the jigs and big worms for the past. Ole Monster 10.5" worm in june bug red was working early in the week fairly consistently, but the locations of the fish were varied from 6 inches to 14 feet.

We have caught very few top water decent size bass in the past 4-5 days. Baby Torpedos, Crazy Shads, and skipjacks have caught a few responders, but not of the same calibur in size like the last few weeks have. Carolina bite slightly improved, because the Bass are moving back and forth between various depths in transition, and we are catching them moving shallow from deep, or back again, but timing is random. We had the best response with a Twitch worm in kiwi, or white ice colors, with a very light wire hook. Black, purple or or june bug color combinations on jigs and 10" worms have also been working.

Southern Pro Fattbutt Tubes in camo, or appleseed with loud rattles, around stumps in vegetation, cypress tree bases, close to deep water are catching fish. These are the same fish, as on jigs with pork trailers or 10" Power worms. Reportedly, a 10" worm won the recent Opportunities, Inc.,$10,000 tournament by taking a nice bass in the 8-9 pound range over last weekend.

White Bass no report.

Crappie are scattered from brush piles in 18-20' depths of the river to 3' under cypress trees. Beginning to transition right behind the bass. Best bite over the past week has been on live shiners and white jigs, or smoke paddletail grubs on a lightweight white, jig heads.

Channel Cats are fair, with reduced river's current, on trot lines using cut shad, dog food, and chicken liver.

Longnose or Spotted Gar remain shallow, and are cruising in the shallow flats and back of creeks, making very good opportunities additionally, for bow fishermen.

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

Navigation conditions in Little River normal, no cautions of 21 May 07.

Lake level on Millwood, as of Monday, 21 May, below normal at 2.4" and steady, at 259.00 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday, is heavy stain, approx 3" visibility. Main lake clarity and visibility is also heavy stain to muddy conditions as of Monday. Current is decreased at 168CFS as of Monday 21 May. Navigation along Little River is normal. USACE, during recent continual maintenance on Little River, recently replaced 25 River Buoys, due to recent high water, heavy release current and much debris, floater trees, flowing downstream, which relocated and/or damaged many of the buoys. Little River just recently stabilized, and USACE recently completed maintenance work on the dam and spillway.

Upriver oxbows are much improved from last week's muddy conditions. Although the lake is now slightly below normal, the muddy water has begun settling out and clarity is drastically improved in some of the oxbows. River and main lake still heavy stain to muddy conditions from prior to recent gate change. The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Monday 21 May was unavailable. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 168CFS is with 1 gate open at 0.4 ft each.

Water surface temperatures, as of Monday, 21 May, are ranging 72-80º, depending of course, on location and time of day. Up-river water and oxbow's surface temps slightly warmer than the main lake at approx 77ºF-82ºF.

Mike

May 17, 2007 - Beaver - Submitted by Jason Piper - JT Crappie Guide Service -J.T. Crappie Guide Services said the water clarity is good and the water is at normal levels. Bream are beginning to really turn on. The best bite is on crickets and redworms. Crappie are fair on minnows, tube jigs and Shinneee Hinneee jigs in 6 to 12 feet of water. Bass are biting well on top-water lures in the mornings and soft-plastics during the day. Football-head jigs are also working well on the bass. White bass are schooling and biting well on Roostertails and spoons.

May 16, 2007 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service - The water level at greers ferry is at 462.35 and falling right now, but should rise with the rain the water temp is still cool for this time of year

The walleye are pretty good in places right now and some are real shallow on cloudy days in 7 or 8 feet of water and feeding and some are in 27 feet night crawlers are your best bet rigged just about anyway you like to rig them

The catfish bite is still good and will be until later in the summer when it gets really hot

Hybrids and whites are schooling some but you have to be right on top of them as they are moving pretty fast

Crappie and bream action pretty good with a lot of bream spawning and even a few crappie on bright skies catch the crappie off of tops of brush piles in 15-20 feet of water on minnows tipped with jigs

All bass species do not know which way to go as the cool water , some have went back shallow to chase bream and most of the rest are floating aroung in 8- 10 feet of water post spawn and pretty hard to catch if and when it gets hotter they will get moved out on their summer time drops and bends

Tommy Cauley
Fishing Guide

May 15, 2007 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service -

The Overall Picture:

Navigation conditions remain extremely cautioned in Little River.

As of Monday, 14 May, main lake and Little River water surface temperature, ranging 70º to 75º, depending of course, on location and time of day. Up-river water and oxbow's surface temps remain slightly warmer than the main lake, and approx 72-76ºF at various times of the afternoon.

Lake level on Millwood, as of Monday, 14 May, almost back to normal at 2.5" above normal and falling, at 259.41 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday, is improved, approx 5" visibility. Main lake clarity and visibility is also improved, and is fair at approx 5-7". Current is decreased at 10,634CFS as of Monday 14 May. Navigation along Little River is extreme cautioned, due to recent high water, heavy release current and much debris, floater trees, many at, or just below surface, flowing downstream, as well as several buoy markers missing in long runs and in turns along the River. A few extra buoys are much needed, placed in the long runs and closer together, and in turns for low light navigational aid, especially on the main lake south and east of Yarborough point, to the main lake. Use extreme caution in boating and navigation on Little River until the lake stabilizes and returns to normal and release rate and current stabilizes.

Upriver oxbows are much improved from last week's muddy conditions. Although the lake is still above normal, the muddy water has begun settling out and clarity is drastically improved. The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Monday 14 May was unavailable. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 10,634CFS is with all 13 gates open at 2.2 ft each.

Activity levels of Bass and Crappie, are beginning to resemble normal, typical summertime patterns. Bite has improved over the past couple days with the improvement in clarity now that the lake is trying to return to normal level. There is still a tremendous amount of current in Little River, and release rate at the dam.

The Details:

Largemouth Bass are into a early summer time pattern. Best bites are definitely early and late in the day. With the return of the lake to a better water clarity, and falling lake level trying to return to more normal condition, the bite has much improved over the past few days. Buzz baits, Horney Toads, Bass Assassin Shads and top water frogs are creating some good reactions, and quite a commotion, from keeper size bass holding in lily pads and vegetation, especially once the sun is up at a good angle, shadows from frog baits in the pads are drawing good blow ups and decent strikes. Be patient and let them take the lure before setting the hook. If you miss the bass, let the bait fall or sit and he will hit it on the drop. If you pull the bait away to early before he's hooked up, he will not hit it again.

Early morning Bass continue to improve, and are fair to good, from daylight to approx 10am on Buzzbaits and War Eagle spinnerbaits in firecracker, aurora, and blue glimmer colors. Bass Assassin Twitch or Shad Assassins in salt and pepper phantom colors, or pumpkinseed colors; jigs in brown/amber/orange colors, and Carolina rigs using lizards and trick worms in cotton candy, or kiwi colors, or white ice. Black, purple or or june bug color combinations on lizards and jigs and 10" worms are also working.

Mid day Bass remain fair on Southern Pro Fattbutt Tubes in camo, or appleseed with loud rattles, around stumps in vegetation, cypress tree bases, close to deep water. These fish are fair and some days better, on jigs with pork trailers or 10" Power worms. Texas rigged lizards and Hogg Assassins, were taking some bass in the 3-6 lb class, prior to the recent rise and muddy water. Best colors for creature plastics, jigs, worms and lizard over the past week are black, cotton candy, kiwi, or green pumpkin. Trick worms or Twitch Assassins in Crystal Shad color, wacky rigged, are drawing some good bites.

White Bass dissappeared last week with the muddy, 2 foot rise from incoming run-off and rains in Oklahoma, and haven't been seen since.

Crappie are beginning to take on a normal summertime pattern, suspended in brush piles, 12-18 feet deep along the river channel, now that the lake is beginning to normal level. Best bite over the past week has been on live shiners and white jigs, or smoke grubs on lightweight jig heads.

Channel Cats continue biting well, along Little River's 10,000CFS current, on trot lines using cut shad, blood baits, and chicken liver. Yo-Yos are producing good cats using chicken livers on yo-yos hung in 5-8 foot depths from under cypress trees.

Longnose or Spotted Gar remain shallow, and are cruising in the shallow flats and back of creeks, making very good opportunities additionally, for bow fishermen.

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

River Navigation conditions remain extremely cautioned!

Little River's navigation is exremely cautioned with much debris, floaters, trees, root wads and vegetation flowing down river with the increase in discharge at the dam. River clarity as of Monday 14 May, is much improved from last week, at most locations. The river clarity is approx 5" visibility, and current is decreased from last week to 10,634 CFS as of Monday. Upriver oxbows likewise, have drastically improved and the water clarity this week ranges from 2-3 feet. As of Monday 14 May 07, the lake level is approx 2.5 inches above normal at 259.41 feet, and falling.

The tailwater elevation below the spillway was unavailable Monday 14 May. Discharge & Release Rate at the spillway, is with all 13 gates open at 2.2 feet each.

Water surface temperatures, as of Monday, 14 May, are ranging 70-75º, depending of course, on location and time of day. Up-river water and oxbow's surface temps remain slightly warmer than the main lake at approx 74ºF-76ºF.

Mike

May 8, 2007 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service -

The Overall Picture:

Navigation conditions remain extremely cautioned in Little River.

As of Monday, 07 May, main lake and Little River water surface temperature, ranging 68º to 73º, depending of course, on location and time of day. Up-river water and oxbow's surface temps remain slightly warmer than the main lake, and approx 72-75ºF at various times of the afternoon.

Lake level on Millwood, as of Monday, 07 May, 11.5" above normal and falling, at 260.14 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday, is much improved from last week and is approx 8-9" visibility. Main lake clarity and visibility is also much improved, and is fair at approx 5-7". Current is decreased at 12,050CFS as of Monday 07 May. Navigation along Little River is extreme cautioned, due to high water, heavy release current and much debris, floater trees, many at, or just below surface, flowing downstream, as well as several buoy markers missing in long runs and in turns along the River. A few extra buoys are much needed, placed in the long runs and closer together, and in turns for low light navigational aid, especially on the main lake south and east of Yarborough point, to the main lake. Use extreme caution in boating and navigation on Little River until the lake stabilizes and returns to near normal.

Upriver oxbows are much improved from last week's muddy conditions. Although the lake is still almost a foot above normal, the muddy water has begun settling out and clarity is drastically improved. The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Monday 07 May was unavailable. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 12,050CFS is with all 13 gates open at 2.4 ft each.

Activity levels of Bass and Crappie, are beginning to resemble normal, typical summertime patterns. Bite has improved over the past couple days with the improvement in clarity now that the lake is trying to return to normal level. There is still a tremendous amount of current in Little River, and release rate at the dam.

The Details:

Largemouth Bass are beginning to relate to a early summer time pattern. Best bites are definitely early and late in the day. Most all of the bass lake-wide have already spawned or are finishing up the spawn. With the return of the lake to a better water clarity, and falling lake level trying to return to more normal condition, the bite has much improved over the past few days. Buzz baits, Horney Toads Bass Assassin Shads and top water frogs are creating some good reactions, and quite a commotion, from keeper size bass holding in lily pads and vegetation. Most of the vegetaion has been filtering out the sedimentation in the backs of creeks and sloughs, and that is where we are finding the best responses from decent keeper size Largemouths.

Early morning Bass are much improved from last week, and are fair to good, from daylight to approx 10am on Buzzbaits and War Eagle spinnerbaits in firecracker, aurora, and blue glimmer colors. Bass Assassin Twitch or Shad Assassins in salt and pepper phantom colors, or pumpkinseed colors; jigs in Texas Craw colors, and Carolina rigs using lizards and trick worms in cotton candy, watermelon red, or kiwi colors. Black, purple or or june bug color combinations on lizards and jigs and 10" worms are also working.

Mid day Bass are fair on Southern Pro Fattbutt Tubes in camo, or appleseed with loud rattles, around stumps in vegetation, cypress tree bases, close to deep water. These fish are fair and some days better, on jigs with pork trailers or 10" Power worms. Texas rigged lizards and Hogg Assassins, were taking some bass in the 3-6 lb class, prior to the recent rise and muddy water. Best colors for creature plastics, jigs, worms and lizard over the past week are black, cotton candy, kiwi, or green pumpkin.

White Bass dissappeared last week with the muddy, 2 foot rise from incoming run-off and rains in Oklahoma, and haven't been seen since then.

Crappie are still scattered and hard to pinpoint with any regularity due to increased lake level and muddy water, but we expect them to settle down late this week if the lake can return to normal level by the weekend.

Channel Cats continue to bite well, along Little River current, on trot lines using cut shad, blood baits, and chicken liver. Yo-Yos are producing good cats using blood balls and chicken livers on yo-yos hung in 5-8 foot depths from under cypress trees.

Longnose or Spotted Gar remain shallow, and are cruising in the shallow flats and back of creeks, making very good opportunities additionally, for bow fishermen.

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

River Navigation conditions remain extremely cautioned!

Little River's navigation is exremely cautioned with much debris, floaters, trees, root wads and vegetation flowing down river with the increase in discharge at the dam. River clarity as of Monday 07 May, is much improved from last week, at most locations. The river clarity is approx 8-9" visibility, and current is decreased from last week to 12,050 CFS as of Monday. Upriver oxbows likewise, have drastically improved and the water clarity this week ranges from 2-3 feet. As of Monday 07 May 07, the lake level is approx 12 inches above normal at 260.14 feet, and falling.

The tailwater elevation below the spillway was unavailable Monday 07 May. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway, is with all 13 gates open at 2.4 feet each.

Water surface temperatures, as of Monday, 07 May, are ranging 68-73º, depending of course, on location and time of day. Up-river water and oxbow's surface temps remain slightly warmer than the main lake at approx 74ºF-75ºF.

Mike

May 2, 2007 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service

The water level at greers ferry is at 462.30 the temp is 67-72 degrees

The catfish are biting pretty well with fish up to 40 lbs coming on trot lines baited with minnow and bream in 18-24 feet deep close to creek channels

The crappie all have still not spawned yet and are in the process f finishing up at present and should bite pretty well for at least another week before they move back out deep again, jigs tipped with minnows are working the best in spring craw.

The bream are up shallow and some are trying to bed and can be caught with crickets and night crawlers anywhere from 6 inches to 8 feet and also around docks.

The whites and hybrids are chasing some big gizzard shad that are up spawning and some of the whites are up in main lake creeks finishing their spawn , hybrids are starting to come in from under the bridges at night now as well as a few walleye.

The walleye are trying to get grouped up and some can be caught on rocky flats dragging crawlers on light line try anywhere from 15-40 feet deep

The bass species are still pre, post and some are spawning now and can be caught shallow and the smallmouth are around 15 feet and biting c-rigged lizards and cinko's made by right bite , the blacks and Kentucky bass are biting the right bite shacky hookers and cinko's as well as texas rigged lizards in and in front of the bushes , some buzzbait and spinnrebait fish are coming in also.

Tommy Cauley

May 1, 2007 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service -

The Overall Picture:

Navigation conditions are extremely cautioned in Little River.

As of Monday, 30 April, main lake and Little River water surface temperature, ranging 68º to 73º, depending of course, on location and time of day. Up-river water and oxbow's surface temps remain slightly warmer than the main lake, and approx 72-75ºF at various times of the afternoon.

Lake level on Millwood, as of Monday, 30 April is approx 21" above normal and rising, at 260.90 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday, is muddy at approx 2-3" visibility. Main lake clarity and visibility is reduced likewise, and muddy, approx 2-3". Current is increased at 20,486CFS as of Monday 30 April. Navigation along Little River is extreme cautioned, due to high water, heavy release current and much debris, floater trees, many at, or just below surface, flowing downstream, as well as several buoy markers missing in long runs and in turns along the River. Several buoys from high winds are out of place or up on the bank between Yarborough point, Pugh Slough and Jack's Isle. A few extra buoys are much needed, placed in the long runs and closer together, and in turns for low light navigational aid, especially on the main lake south and east of Yarborough point, to the main lake. Use extreme caution in boating and navigation on Little River until the lake stabilizes and returns to near normal.

Upriver oxbows are additionally muddy from recent high wind and increased inflow. The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Monday 30 Apr is 241.34. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 20,486CFS is with 2 gates open at 3 ft each and 11 gates open at 4 feet each.

The activity levels of Bass and Crappie, are post spawn, over mostly lake wide. Bite has almost completely shut off over the past 3-4 days of muddy high water and increase in lake level to almost two feet above normal in 2-4 days, in combination with increased river current and release rate.

The Details:

Largemouth Bass are mostly post-spawn over the past 2-3 weeks. Several large female bass have been caught and released over the past 2-3 weeks, including one over 13 and several others in the 7.5 to 11 lb bass, with numerous bass in the 9lb class. Most all of the bass lake-wide have already spawned or are finishing up the spawn. Over the past 3-4 days, with the recent high winds, rain and inflow of water from Oklahoma, the lake went from good clarity of 6-9" to muddy and 2-3" visibility, and a literal 2 foot rise in same time period. Buzz baits are generating some good reactions from decent size bass holding on stumps if you can find any decent clarity water. Bass Assassin shads and Yum Buzz Frogs are still working around lily pads and vegetation, since most of the vegetation is filtering out the sedimentation in the backs of creeks and sloughs, as far from the current of Little River as you can find.

Early morning Bass are slow to fair from daylight to approx 10am on black/bubble gum colored Buzzbaits, Bass Assassin Twitch or Shad Assassins in salt and pepper phantom colors, jigs in black/blue and Senkos in june bug or watermelon red. Black, purple or black/red or june bug color combinations on lizards and jigs and 10" worms are also working.

Mid day Bass are fair on Southern Pro Fattbutt Tubes in black-neon, or pumpkinseed/chartreuse tail colors with loud rattles, around stumps in vegetation, cypress tree bases, close to deep water. The recent rise in the lake level of almost 2 feet has flooded so much vegetation and surrounding flats, that the really decent
size fish are very spread out and roaming hard to find. These fish are fair, when you can find them, on jigs with pork trailers and 3" So Pro Fattbutt tubes in black neon, pumpkinseed/ chart tail colors. Texas rigged lizards and Hogg Assassins, were taking some bass in the 3-6 lb class, prior to the recent rise and muddy water. Best colors for creature plastics, jigs and lizard over the past week are black, blackberry, red shad, or black with chartruese tail lizards, and creature baits.

White Bass dissappeared this week with the muddy, 2 foot rise from incoming run-off and rains in Oklahoma.

Crappie shut down over the past 3 days this week with lake level rise and muddy water.

Channel Cats continue to bite well, anywhere you like to try where current is present,on trot lines using cut shad, Charlie, or home made blood baits. Freshly flooded areas with the recent rise in lake elevation are producing some really good cats in the 6-8 lb class using blood balls and chicken livers on yo-yos hung in 5-8 foot depths from under cypress trees.

Longnose or Spotted Gar remain shallow, and are cruising in the shallow flats and back of creeks, making very good opportunities additionally, for bow fishermen.

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

Navigation conditions are extremely cautioned!

Little River's navigation is exremely cautioned with much debris, floaters, trees, root wads and vegetation flowing down river with the increase in discharge at the dam. River clarity as of Monday 30 April, is muddy at most locations due to recent thunderstorms, high wind and increased inflow from Oklahoma rains and runnoff. The river clarity is approx 2-3" visibility, and current is increased from last week to 20,486 CFS as of Monday. Upriver oxbows likewise, with muddy water clarity this week and ranges from 3-5 inches, at best, in places. As of Monday 30 Apr 07, the lake level is approximately 21 inches above normal at 260.90 feet, and rising.

The tailwater elevation below the spillway is 241.34 feet as of Monday. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway, is with two gates set at 3 feet each, and eleven gates at 4 feet each.

Water surface temperatures, as of Monday, 30 April, are ranging 68-73º, depending of course, on location and time of day. Up-river water and oxbow's surface temps remain slightly warmer than the main lake at approx 74ºF-75ºF.

Mike

April 26, 2007 - Beaver - G'day y'all from the Beaver Dam Store crew! -

BEAVER TAILWATER: Don't be suprised if we get some generation over the next week or two with this week's rain taking Beaver Lake back into flood pool. We are hoping that the releases will come of an evening, but as always check the website, the phone number (427 336 5083) or call the store.
 
Midge continue to be the mainstay whether your fishing pupa like the  Blue Dun Cadion Midge which has been firing or swinging soft hackles for emergers. Blue Poison Tungs, Tyler's Fakey Nymph, Copper Johns, and olive Zebra Midges and WD40s have all been performing.
 
The biggest fish of last week's tournament, a 16" brown fell to a dead drifted woolly bugger, a technique which works well, but don't foreget about a quick jerky strip if you're not picking up fish.

Tight Lines from the Beaver Dam Store staff,

Lisa, Steve, and Bryce

April 23, 2007 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service -

The Overall Picture:

As of Monday, 23 April, main lake and Little River water surface temperature, ranging 68º to 73º, depending of course, on location and time of day. Up-river water and oxbow's surface temps remain slightly warmer than the main lake, and approx 72-75ºF at various times of the afternoon.

Lake level on Millwood, as of Monday, 23 April is approx 2" above normal and steady, at 259.35 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday is improved from last week, and is approx 6-9" visibility. Main lake clarity and visibility is reduced to heavy stain and approx 3-5". Current is increased at 1,793CFS as of Monday 23 April. Navigation along Little River is fair, but cautioned, as there are several buoy markers missing in long runs and in turns along the River. Several buoys from high winds are out of place or up on the bank between Yarborough point, Pugh Slough and Jack's Isle. A few extra buoys are much needed, placed in the long runs and closer together, and in turns for low light navigational aid, especially on the main lake south and east of Yarborough point, to the main lake.

Upriver oxbows remain ver good water clarity over the last few weeks and ranges from 3-6 feet in places, further from river currents and warmer than that of the main lake. The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Monday was unavailable. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 1,793CFS is with 2 gates open at 1.8 ft each and one gate open at 1 foot.

The activity levels of Bass and Crappie, are post spawn, majority of the lake. Many bass and crappie have now pulled out of spawning areas to 2nd drops along Little River or the oxbows. Bream should begin bed making and spawning activities shortly.

The Details:

Largemouth Bass have all but finished spawn activities for the most part over the past couple weeks. Several large female bass have been caught and released over the past 2-3 weeks, including one over 13 and several others in the 7.5 to 11 lb bass, with numerous bass in the 9lb class. Most all of the bass lake-wide have already spawned or are finishing up the spawn. Twitch Assassins, Senkos, lizards, War Eagle spinnerbaits and Jigs are taking some nice bass. The best bite, or the more aggressive bite for the past week, was on Bass Assassin twitch worms (trick worms) or Senkos or Shad Assassins. Wacky rigs and War Eagle spinner baits are catching good size keeper bass. Buzz baits are generating some good reactions from decent size bass.

Early morning Bass are good from daylight to approx 10am on Firecracker or black/bubble gum colored Buzzbaits, Bass Assassin Twitch or Shad Assassins in gizzard shad or salt and pepper phantom colors, jigs in black/blue and Senkos in watermelon seed or watermelon red. Black, purple or black/red or june bug color combinations on lizards and jigs and 10" worms are also working.

Decent size Bass remain biting well on War Eagle Spinner Baits in spot remover, copper peach, or cole slaw colors around any remaining vegetation and stumps, cypress trees, or any standing timber on flats next to drop offs. Good quality bass, post spawners, have pulled out slightly deeper and remain near deep drops, and some of the post spawn Bass are holding in the 9-11 feet depth range on stumps and creek mouths. These fish are good on jigs with pork trailers and 3" So Pro Fattbutt tubes in black neon, pumpkinseed with chart tail, or smoke-red/chart tail colors. Texas rigged lizards and Hogg Assassins, are taking some bass in the 3-6 lb class. Best colors for creature plastics, jigs and lizard over the past week are cherry seed, blackberry, watermelon-red, black/blue, or red shad.

Although early morning low light conditions are producing good quality and quantities of bass bites, the warmest period of the day, is generating the highest activity levels. Along the river next to stumps and adjacent to creeks dumping into Little River are the most consistent areas for a good bite. Flats close to deep creek channel bends, and cypress trees close to deeper water with shallow flats behind them is where we are getting the most consistent responses from decent fish. The water temps are in the mid to upper 60º range, and most of the bass are definitely post spawn condition dependent on location.

White Bass remain good to very good near White Cliffs, Cemetary Slough and entrance to McGuire Lake this week. Activity for Whites are post-spawn as well, and continue to bite well on small Rat-L-Traps, tail spinners like Rooster Tails, Roadrunners, and Rocket Shads in white or red or chrome/blue.

Crappie improved over the past week with lake level and clarity improvements. The best Crappie bite was transition bites, along brush piles in Little River in 12-18 feet depths. Best bite this week on grubs in white or chartruese color, or shiners on slip rigs.

Channel Cats continue to bite well, along outer river bends of Little River on trot lines using cut shad, Charlie, or home made blood baits.

Longnose or Spotted Gar remain shallow, considering spawning activities, and are cruising in the shallow flats and back of creeks in preparation for that, making very good opportunities additionally, for bow fishermen.

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

Navigation conditions are cautioned with missing river buoys.

Little River's clarity as of Monday 23 April, is dimished at most locations due to high wind. The river clarity is approx 6-9" visibility, and current is increased from last week. The USACE continues their routine maintanence of Little River. Upriver oxbows remain fair to good water clarity over the last week and ranges from 3-7 feet in places. As of Monday 23 Apr 07, the lake level is approximately 2 inches above normal at 259.35 feet, and steady.

Little River's discharge at the dam on Monday, 1,793 CFS as of 23 April. The tailwater elevation below the spillway was unavailable on Monday. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway, is with 2 gates set at 1.8 feet each, and one gate at 1 foot.

Water surface temperatures, as of Monday, 23 April, are ranging 68-73º, depending of course, on location and time of day. Up-river water and oxbow's surface temps remain slightly warmer than the main lake at approx 74ºF.

Mike

April 20, 2007 - Beaver - G'day y'all from the Beaver Dam Store crew! -

BEAVER TAILWATER: OOOH THE FISHING has hotted up over the past week, with the warming temperatures. Steve and Bryce have had a great week, either with clients or fishing themselves. It didn't matter whether the clients were novices or very experienced the fish were ON!.

Midges were the best bet, and suprise surprise it was out favorite Blue Dun Cadion Midge that was the killer on Wednesday. The Green or Red Cadion Midges did well first thing in the morning, but when the sun came out the Blue Dun was the pick.
Charlie Craven's Blue Poison Dun was the best on Sunday, fished dead drift.

Fishing early is very good with a good midge hatch but the action is slowing midmorning, then kicking on hard just before lunch and continuing well into the afternoon.

Tight Lines from the Beaver Dam Store staff,
Lisa, Steve, and Bryce

April 9, 2007 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service -

The Overall Picture:

As of Monday, 16 April, main lake and Little River water surface temperature, ranging 66º to 72 º, depending of course, on location and time of day. Up-river water and oxbow's surface temps remain slightly warmer than the main lake, and approx 72-74ºF at various times of the afternoon.

Lake level on Millwood, as of Monday, 16 April is approx 5" below normal and falling, at 259.60 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday is worse than last week, due to all the high wind and thunderstorms over the past weekend, and is approx 5-8" visibility. Current is drastically increased at 1175CFS as of Monday 16 April. Navigation along Little River is fair, but cautioned, as there are several buoy markers missing in long runs and in turns along the River. Several buoys from high winds are out of place or up on the bank between Yarborough point, Pugh Slough and Jack's Isle. A few extra buoys are much needed, placed in the long runs and closer together, and in turns for low light navigational aid, especially on the main lake south and east of Yarborough point, to the main lake.

Upriver oxbows remain ver good water clarity over the last few weeks and ranges from 3-6 feet in places, further from river currents and warmer than that of the main lake. The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Monday is at 228.45. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 1,175CFS is with 3 gates open at 1 ft each. Open gates are # 1, 7, and 13.

The spawning activity levels of Bass and Crappie, are winding down over the past week. Many bass and crappie are now post-spawn. If current weather patterns hold over the next couple weeks, the Bream should begin bed making and spawning activities shortly.

The Details:

Largemouth Bass have all but finished spawn activities for the most part over the past couple weeks. Several large female bass have been caught and released over the past 2-3 weeks, including one over 13 and several others in the 7.5 to 11 lb bass, with numerous bass in the 9lb class. Most all of the bass up-river have already spawned. Twitch Assassins, Senkos, lizards, War Eagle spinnerbaits and Jigs are taking some nice bass. The best bite, or the more aggressive bite for the past week, was on Bass Assassin twitch worms (trick worms) or Senkos or Shad Assassins. Wacky rigs and War Eagle spinner baits are catching good size keeper bass. Buzz baits are beginning to turn on with some regularity.

Early morning Bass are good from daylight to approx 10am on Firecracker or black/bubble gum colored Buzzbaits, Bass Assassin Twitch or Shad Assassins in gizzard shad or salt and pepper phantom colors, jigs in black/blue and Senkos in watermelon seed or watermelon red. Black/blue or black/red or june bug color combinations on lizards and jigs and 10" worms are also working.

Decent size Bass are also hitting War Eagle Spinner Baits in spot remover, blue glimmer, or copper peach colors around any remaining vegetation and stumps, cypress trees, or any standing timber on flats next to drop offs. Good quality bass remain around cypress trees and cypress knees, most especially near deep drops, and some of the post spawn Bass have pulled out into the 9-11 feet depth range on stumps. These fish are good on jigs with pork trailers and 3" So Pro Fattbutt tubes in camo or purple smoke color. Texas rigged lizards and Hogg Assassins, are taking some bass in the 3-6 lb class. Best colors for creature plastics, jigs and lizard over the past week are cherry seed, blackberry, watermelon-red, black/blue, or red shad.

Although early morning low light conditions are producing good quality and quantities of bass bites, the warmest period of the day, is generating the highest activity levels. Along the river next to stumps and cypress trees close to deeper water with shallow flats behind them is where we are getting the most consistent responses from decent fish. Remember to slow your retrieve. A lot of the larger female bass are spawning or some post-spawn already. The water temps are in the mid to upper 60º range, and most of the bass are definitely post spawn condition dependent on location.

White Bass remain good to very good near White Cliffs and entrance to McGuire Lake this week. Activity for Whites are post-spawn as well, and continue to bite well on small Rat-L-Traps, tail spinners like Rooster Tails, Roadrunners, and Rocket Shads in white or red or chrome/blue.

Crappie improved over the past week with lake level and clarity improvements. The best Crappie bite was transition bites, between the brush piles along Little River in 12-13 feet depths up to the shallow cypress trees and in spawning areas. Best bite this week on grubs in smoke color, or shiners on slip rigs.

Channel Cats continue to bite well, along outer river bends of Little River on trot lines using cut shad, Charlie, or home made blood baits.

Longnose and Spotted Gar are considering spawning activities, and are cruising in the shallow flats and back of creeks in preparation for that, making very good opportunities additionally, for bow fishermen.

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

Navigation conditions are cautioned with missing river buoys.

Little River's clarity as of Monday 16 April, is dimished from last week due to recent high wind and thunder storms for most locations. The river clarity is approx 5-8" visibility, and current is increased from last week. The USACE continues their routine maintanence of Little River. Upriver oxbows remain fair to good water clarity over the last week and ranges from 3-7 feet in places. As of Monday 16 Apr 07, the lake level is approximately 5 inches above normal at 259.60 feet, and falling. Gate change was made recently at the dam by USACE and we expect the lake level to begin returning back to normal in the next few days.

Current in Little River on Monday is increased from last week, and is 1,175 CFS as of 16 April. The tailwater elevation below the spillway was 228.45 feet Monday. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway, is with 3 gates set at 1 foot each. Open gates are #1, 7, and 13.

Water surface temperatures, stabilized this past week. As of Monday, 16 April, main lake and Little River water surface temperatures are ranging 66-72º, depending of course, on location and time of day. Up-river water and oxbow's surface temps remain slightly warmer than the main lake at approx 74ºF.

Mike

April 9, 2007 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service -

The Overall Picture:

As of Monday, 09 April, main lake and Little River water surface temperature, with the recent cold fronts, is currently ranging 60º to 68 º, depending of course, on location and time of day. Up-river water and oxbow's surface temps remain slightly warmer than the main lake, and approx 70-71ºF at various times of the afternoon.

Lake level on Millwood, as of Monday, 09 April is approx 1" below normal and steady, at 259.13 feet. We expect the lake level to begin rising back to normal within the next few days, as gate change was recently made at the dam with reduction in discharge. Little River's clarity as of Monday is much improved, at approx 10-15" visibility and current is drastically decreased at 169CFS. Navigation along Little River is fair, but cautioned, as there are several buoy markers missing in long runs and in turns along the River. Several buoys from high winds are out of place or up on the bank between Yarborough point, Pugh Slough and Jack's Isle. A few extra buoys are much needed, placed in the long runs and closer together, and in turns for low light navigational aid, especially on the main lake south and east of Yarborough point, to the main lake.

Upriver oxbows remain ver good water clarity over the last few weeks and ranges from 4-7 feet in places, further from river currents and warmer than that of the main lake. The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Monday was unavailable. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 169CFS is with 1 gate open at 0.4 feet.

The activity levels of Bass and Crappie remain in the spawning mode all over the lake, with very large bass seen either on beds, or on their way to and from the beds, again over the past week. Bass and Crappie bed making activities continue and are being seen at various locations on Millwood. In the last 3 weeks, there have been numerous pre-spawn, big female bass full of roe caught and released as large as a 13 pounder and many between 7.5 and 11 pounds each. Jigs, Bass Assassin Twitch Assassins, wacky rigs, lizards, Cordell Red Fins and Bass Assassin Shads remain the best bet for a good bass bite over the past 2 weeks.

The Details:

Largemouth Bass remain in full blown spawning mode in many locations this week. The recently improved clarity, are making it much easier to spot the beds in depths of 3 to 7 feet. Several large female bass are being caught, including one over 13 and several others in the 7.5 to 11 lb bass, with numerous bass in the 9lb class, over the past few weeks. Over the past week, bed making and full blown spawning activities continue in many locations. Some of the bass up-river have already spawned. Twitch Assassins, Senkos, lizards, War Eagle spinnerbaits and Jigs are taking some nice bass. The best bite, or the more aggressive bite for the past week, was on Bass Assassin twitch worms (trick worms) or Senkos or Shad Assassins. Wacky rigs and War Eagle spinner baits are catching good size keeper bass.

Early morning Bass are good from daylight to approx 10am on Firecracker or black/bubble gum colored Buzzbaits, Bass Assassin Twitch or Shad Assassins in gizzard shad or salt and pepper phantom colors, jigs in black/blue and Senkos in watermelon seed or watermelon red. Black/blue or black/red or june bug color combinations on lizards and jigs and 10" worms are also working.

Decent size Bass are also hitting War Eagle Spinner Baits in spot remover, blue glimmer, or copper peach colors around any remaining vegetation and stumps, cypress trees, or any standing timber on flats next to drop offs. Good quality bass remain around cypress trees and cypress knees, most especially near deep drops, and some of the post spawn Bass have pulled out into the 9-11 feet depth range on stumps using jigs with pork trailers and 3" So Pro Fattbutt tubes in camo or purple smoke color. Texas rigged lizards and Hogg Assassins, are taking some bass in the 3-6 lb class. Best colors for creature plastics, jigs and lizard over the past week are cherry seed, blackberry, watermelon-red, black/blue, or red shad.

Although early morning low light conditions are producing good quality and quantities of bass bites, the warmest period of the day, is generating the highest activity levels. Along the river next to stumps and cypress trees close to deeper water with shallow flats behind them is where we are getting the most consistent responses from decent fish. Remember to slow your retrieve. A lot of the larger female bass are spawning or some post-spawn already. The water temps are in the mid to upper 60º range, and the bass are definitely pre and post spawn condition dependent on location.

White Bass remain good to very good near White Cliffs and entrance to McGuire Lake this week. Activity for Whites continue good on small Rat-L-Traps, tail spinners like Roadrunners, Rocket Shads and Rooster Tails in white or red or chrome/blue.

Crappie improved over the past week with lake level and clarity improvements. The Crappie continue to move up shallow and into the spawning mode also, and will continue to improve as long as the wind will stay down and not muddy up the lake and the river. The best Crappie bite was transition bites, between the brush piles along Little River in 12-13 feet depths up to the shallow cypress trees and in spawning areas. Best bite this week on grubs or tubes in smoke color, or jigs in white and chartruese.

Huge carp, estimated ranging from 10-35 pounds each, continue spawning in 1-2 feet depth flats adjacent to the river, and make some excellent opportunities for bow fishermen. Best locations are flats all around Jack's Isle, and between Bee Lake and Outlaw Trail, on the north side of Little River in the 1-3 feet depth flats between the depth of the river and Bee Lake. We noted numerous Carp of these sizes over the past few weeks coming completely out of the water and thrashing about.

Channel Cats continue to bite well, along outer river bends of Little River on trot lines using cut shad, Charlie, or cottonseed mill cake.

Longnose and Spotted Gar are considering spawning activities, and are cruising in the shallow flats and back of creeks in preparation for that, making very good opportunities additionally, for bow fishermen.

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

Navigation conditions are cautioned with missing river buoys.

Little River's clarity as of Monday 09 April, has improved to excellent, for Millwood & normal stain in most locations. The river clarity is approx 10-15" or more visibility, and current is reduced from last week. The USACE continues their routine maintanence of Little River. Upriver oxbows remain fair to good water clarity over the last week and ranges from 4-7 feet in places. As of Monday 09 Apr 07, the lake level is approximately 1 inch below normal at 259.13 feet, and stable. Gate change was made recently at the dam by USACE and we expect the lake level to begin returning back to normal in the next few days.

Current in Little River on Monday is drastically reduced from last week, and is 169 CFS as of 09 April. The tailwater elevation below the spillway was unavailable Monday. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway, is with 1 gate set at 0.4 feet.

Water surface temperatures, dropped over the past week with repeated cold frontal passages. As of Monday, 09 April, main lake and Little River water surface temperatures are ranging 60-68º, depending of course, on location and time of day. Up-river water and oxbow's surface temps remain slightly warmer than the main lake at approx 70ºF.

Mike

April 7, 2007 - Beaver - G'day y'all from the Beaver Dam Store crew! - OK Who ordered snow in April. One day we were in shorts and sandals and a couple of days later we are back in the winter woollies, hand warmers in the pocket trying to watch a high school track meet in Eureka Springs. We were tempted to enter something just to try and warm up _ but most of the kids were still in shorts.

The weekend is supposed to be pretty nippy as well so bundle up if you are going to be fishing.

FISHING REPORT
BEAVER TAILWATER: This weekend could be interesting to say the least. Stop buy the store and pick up some gloves, fleece or just wander around trying to stay warm tomorrow morning. This cold front, then sunny days, could make the fishing great or very average. Still there is worse things you could be doing.

If the trout are up on top early try soft hackles in Yellow, Orange or Olive/Green colors. Swing it across their noses and you should be rewarded. Persistance definately pays off. Peak times seem to be 8-11 and then 4- to dusk. But we have hit "fish a cast" bursts during the middle of the day too. As the action slows try different tactics. Some days a drifted woolly bugger will be best, other day's they want them stripped.

Olive and greenish or chartruese midges are doing very well in the overcast periods, go with Cadion Midges in Green and Red, Green/Yellow Hotwire Princes, Psycho Princes in caddis Green, Olive scuds, WD40s etc. Under full sun go with something with a little more sparkle like a Cadion Midge in blue dun, Tungsten Rainbow Warriors, Razorback Midges or Charlotte's Redneck.

BEAVER LAKE: THE cold weather is expected to shut down the white bass, hybrids and stripers in Beaver and the Upper White this weekend. But they should return as conditions warm next week.

Tight Lines from the Beaver Dam Store staff,
Lisa, Steve, and Bryce.

April 4, 2007 - Beaver - Submitted by Jason Piper - JT Crappie Guide Service -J.T. Crappie Guide Services said bream are biting very well on worms and crickets fished shallow. Crappie are biting well on minnows and jigs. Bass are biting well near the shallows on Zoom Flukes and floating worms. Catfishing is good on chicken livers and cut shad.

April 4, 2007 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service -The water level at greers ferry is at 461.51 at present and on the rise somewhat, when they do not generate.

The white bass action is slowed in the main rivers and now the main lake fish will move into the main lake creeks and do their thing after the weather warms back up and some hybrids will be mixed in also and will be able to catch them on a rapalas , roadrunners, grubs and live bait.

The hybrids have been in the bushes in parts of the lake , and can be caught swimming grubs and wake baits and the such, they think they are spawing , when they do get done they will move out and the bite will pick back up.

The crappie are trying to spawn all over the lake around the buckbrush and on top of stumps and where they can find some cover , after this cold front they the ones not doing their thing yet will back back out for a few days and can be caught fishing real slow about 7or 8 feet right out nside of the brush and shoud be suspended their.

The catfishing is good as they are eating the buffalo eggs now around the marinas and that bite will do nothing but get better also.

A lot of the b ream are now up and floating around the top of the water column now and biting some getting ready to move up as some already have

Some of the bass species spawned with the last moon but most are not even up yet we have had such a false spring , winter to summer deal, now we are gonna have a week of spring and the biggest part of our bass spawn will take place between now and the next full moon and with the rest doing their thing in may and that will be the last of the bass spawn , get out now and catch them on just about anything you like to throw as we are pre-spawn , spawn and also involved with post-spawn also , just gte out and keep your bait wet, remember 100 percent of the fish are in 10 percent of the water so if you are not getting bit move.

Tommy Cauley

April 2, 2007 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service -

The Overall Picture:

As of Monday, 02 April, main lake and Little River water surface temperature ranges 62º- 72º, depending of course, on location and time of day. Up-river water and oxbow's surface temps remain slightly warmer than the main lake, and approx 72-74ºF at various times of the afternoon.

Lake level on Millwood, as of Monday, 02 April is approx 11.5" above normal and slowly rising, at 260.16 feet. We expect the lake level to begin falling within the next day, as gate change was recently made at the dam with increase in discharge. Little River's clarity as of Monday is much improved, at approx 10-15" visibility and current is increased at 4,038CFS. Navigation along Little River is fair, but cautioned, as there are several buoy markers missing in long runs and in turns along the River. Several buoys from high winds are out of place or up on the bank between Yarborough point and Snake Creek entrance. We have seen a few of these along the north bank between Yarborough Landing and Jack's Isle also. A few extra buoys are much needed, placed in the long runs and closer together, and in turns for low light navigational aid, especially on the main lake south and east of Yarborough point, to the main lake.

Upriver oxbows remain ver good water clarity over the last few weeks and ranges from 4-7 feet in places, further from river currents and warmer than that of the main lake. The tailwater elevation below the spillway on Monday is 227.20. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 4,038CFS is with 10 gates open at 1 foot each.

The activity levels of Bass and Crappie are in the spawning mode all over the lake, with very large bass seen either on beds, or on their way to the beds, again over the past week. Bass and Crappie bed making activities continue and are being seen at various locations on Millwood. In the last 3 weeks, there have been numerous pre-spawn, big female bass full of roe caught and released as large as a 13 pounder and many between 7.5 and 11 pounds each. A 9.5 pound bass full of eggs, won this past Saturday's Texarkana Noon Lion's Club - Big Bass benefit tournament and was released alive back into the lake. Jigs, Bass Assassin Twitch Assassins, lizards, Cordell Red Fins and Bass Assassin Shads remain the best bet for a good bass bite over the past 2 weeks.

The Details:

Largemouth Bass remain in full blown spawning mode in many locations this week. The recently improved clarity, are making it much easier to spot the beds in depths of 3 to 7 feet. Several large female bass are being caught, including one over 13 and several others in the 7.5 to 11 lb bass, with numerous bass in the 9lb class, over the past few weeks. Saturday's Texarkana Noon Lion's Club Benefit Big Bass Tournament was won with a 9.5 pound bass this past week. Over the past week, bed making and full blown spawning activities continue in many locations. Some of the bass up-river have already spawned. Twitch Assassins, Senkos, lizards, War Eagle spinnerbaits and Jigs are taking some nice bass. The best bite, or the more aggressive bite for the past week, was on Bass Assassin twitch worms (trick worms) or Senkos or Shad Assassins.

Early morning Bass are good from daylight to approx 10am on Firecracker colored Buzzbaits, Bass Assassin Twitch or Shad Assassins, jigs and Senkos. Best colors over the past week were pumpkinseed or Gizzard Shad colored Assassins, and Salt and Pepper Silver Phantom colors. Black/blue or black/red or june bug color combinations on lizards and jigs are working.

Bass are still hitting War Eagle Spinner Baits in spot remover and blue glimmer colors around any remaining vegetation and stumps, cypress trees, or any standing timber on flats next to drop offs. Good quality bass remain around cypress trees and cypress knees, most especially near deep drops, and some of the post spawn Bass have pulled out into the 9-11 feet depth range on stumps using jigs with pork trailers and 3" So Pro Fattbutt tubes in camo or purple smoke color. Texas rigged lizards and Hogg Assassins, are taking some bass in the 3-6 lb class. Best colors for creature plastics, jigs and lizard over the past week are cherry seed, blackberry, watermelon-red, black/blue, or red shad.

The warmest period of the day, is generating the highest activity levels. Along the river next to stumps and cypress trees close to deeper water with shallow flats behind them is where we are getting the most consistent responses from decent fish. Remember to slow your retrieve. A lot of the larger female bass are spawning or some post-spawn already. The water temps are in the mid to upper 60º range, and the bass are definitely pre and post spawn condition dependent on location.

White Bass remain good to very good between White Cliffs (near the old crashed out-car on the cliffs) and Patterson shoals this week. Activity for Whites continue good on small Rat-L-Traps, tail spinners like Roadrunners, Rocket Shads and Rooster Tails in white or red or chrome/blue.

Crappie improved over the past week with lake level and clarity improvements. The Crappie are beginning to move up shallow and into the spawning mode also, and will continue to improve as long as the wind will stay down and not muddy up the lake and the river. The best Crappie bite was transition bites, between the brush piles along Little River in 12-13 feet depths up to the shallow cypress trees and in spawning areas. Best bite this week on grubs or tubes in smoke color, or jigs in white and chartruese.

Huge carp, estimated ranging from 10-35 pounds each, continue spawning in 1-2 feet depth flats adjacent to the river, and make some excellent opportunities for bow fishermen. Best locations are flats all around Jack's Isle, and between Bee Lake and Outlaw Trail, on the north side of Little River in the 1-3 feet depth flats between the depth of the river and Bee Lake. We noted numerous Carp of these sizes over the past few weeks coming completely out of the water and thrashing about.

Channel Cats continue to bite well, along outer river bends of Little River on trot lines using cut shad, Charlie, or cottonseed mill cake.

Longnose and Spotted Gar are considering spawning activities, and are cruising in the shallow flats and back of creeks in preparation for that, making very good opportunities additionally, for bow fishermen.

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

Navigation conditions are cautioned with missing river buoys.

Little River's clarity as of Monday 02 April, has improved to excellent, for Millwood & normal stain in most locations. The river clarity is approx 10-15" visibility, and current is marked increase from last week. The USACE continues their routine maintanence of Little River. Upriver oxbows remain fair to good water clarity over the last week and ranges from 4-7 feet in places. As of Monday 02 Apr 07, the lake level is 260.16 feet, and slowly rising. Gate change was made recently at the dam by USACE and we expect the lake level to begin falling again over the course of the next day or so, back to normal.

Current in Little River on Monday is drastically increased from last week, and is 4,038 CFS as of 02 April. The tailwater elevation below the spillway was at 227.20 feet as of Monday. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway, is with 10 gates set to 1 foot each.

Water surface temperatures, continue to rise with warmer days. As of Monday, 02 April, main lake and Little River water surface temperatures are ranging 62-72º, depending of course, on location and time of day. Up-river water and oxbow's surface temps remain slightly warmer than the main lake at approx 73ºF.

Mike

March 28, 2007 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service -The lake level at greers ferry is at 461.35 and rising we had a pretty good rain around the lake

The walleye run is over and you can pick up a few in the days ahead , headed back down the rivers into the lake as they will get back down and be hungry after a drawn out spawn and will be setting up on main lake flats and humps and points to begin a post spawn feed and can be caught with crawlers minnows and trolled crankbaits in o-32 feet of water.

The white bass spawn is getting over with in the major feeding arms but a lot have not spawned in the main lake and will use the small feeder creeks to do so any creek that feeds the lake , roadrunners , grubs and in-line spinners will work the best, and the main river fish will get schooled up and will be chasing shad in the main lake soon .

The hybrids are schooling some in parts of the lake and some can be caught with the white bass and some can be caught out of the bushes scattered all over the lake thinking they are reproducing as well and as the water warms will get schooled up also and chasing shad

The black basses are going great some are in the bushes and some are spawning up lake and some have just reached the secondary points , while some are still in deep water as well as the main lake points and can be caught with a texas rigged worm or small top water, and the secondary point as well as the depper fish can be caught with a caroliana rigged lizards as well as right bite cinkos , the winter to summer deal has fish by-passing a lot of stages and baits that will work at different times , flukes , spinnerbaits , shakey hookers as well as floating worms have been working also as well as shallow crankbaits.

The crappie are getting in full swing all over the lake and the rising water will help the spawn

The carp are spawn and the catfish can be caught eating their eggs right now all over the lake

Some good bream are being caught around docks and in about 12 feet of water

we find em you catch em

Tommy Cauley
Fishing Guide

Fish Finder Service
4710 hwy 92 east
Bee Branch,Ark. 72013

fishfinder@alltel.net

March 27, 2007 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service -

The Overall Picture:

As of Monday, 27 March, main lake and Little River water surface temperature ranges 60º- 70º, depending of course, on location and time of day. Up-river water and oxbow's surface temps remain slightly warmer than the main lake, and approx 71-72ºF at various times of the afternoon.

Lake level on Millwood, as of Monday, 27 March is approx 2.5" above normal and slowly falling at 259.40 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday is much improved, at approx 10-15" visibility and current is consistent with last week at 1,251CFS. Navigation along Little River is fair, but cautioned, as there are several buoy markers missing in long runs and in some of the turns along the River, several from high winds are out of place or up on the bank. We have seen a few of these along the north bank between Yarborough Landing and Jack's Isle. There needs to be more river buoys placed in the long runs, closer together, and in turns for low light navigational aid, especially on the main lake south and east of Yarborough point, to the main lake.

Upriver oxbows remain ver good water clarity over the last few weeks and ranges from 4-7 feet in places, further from river currents and warmer than that of the main lake. The tailwater elevation below the spillway was unavailable on Monday. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 1251FS is with 1 gate open at 0.2 feet and 3 gates open at 1 foot each.

The activity levels of Bass and Crappie are still prespawn in certain areas of the lake and spawning with very large bass seen on beds over the past week in other areas. Bass bed making activities continue and are being seen at various locations on Millwood. In the last 2 weeks, there have been numerous pre-spawn, big female bass full of roe caught and released as large as a 13 pounder and many between 7.5 and 11 pounds each. Twitch Assassins, lizards, Cordell Red Fins and Bass Assassin Shads remain the best bet for a good bass bite over the past 2 weeks.

The Details:

Largemouth Bass are full blown spawning in many locations and w/ improved clarity, much easier to find the beds in depths of 3 to 7 feet. Several large female bass are being caught, including one over 13 and several others in the 7.5 to 11 lb bass, with numerous bass in the 9lb class, over the past few weeks. Over the past week, bed making and full blown spawning activities are evident in many locations. Some of the bass up-river have already spawned. Twitch Assassins, Senkos, lizards and Southern Pro Fatbutt Tubes are taking some nice bass. The best bite, or the more aggressive bite for the past week, was on Bass Assassin twitch worms (trick worms) or Senkos or Shad Assassins.

Early morning Bass are good from daylight to approx 10am on Firecracker colored Buzzbaits, Bass Assassin Twitch or Shad Assassins, and Senkos. Best colors over the past week were pumpkinseed / chartreuse or Gizzard Shad Assassins, and Salt and Pepper Silver Phantom colors. Black/blue or black/red or june bug color combinations on lizards are working.

Bass are still hitting War Eagle Spinner Baits in spot remover, blue herring, and blue glimmer colors around any remaining vegetation and stumps on flats next to drop offs. Good quality bass remain around cypress trees and cypress knees, most especially near deep drops, and some of the post spawn Bass have pulled out to the 12-14 feet depth range on stumps using jigs with pork trailers and 3" So Pro Fattbutt tubes in camo or purple smoke color. Texas rigged lizards and Hogg Assassins, are taking some bass in the 3-6 lb class. Best colors for creature plastics and lizard over the past week are blackberry, watermelon-red, black/blue, or red shad.

The warmest period of the day, is generating the highest activity levels. Along the river next to stumps and cypress trees close to deeper water with shallow flats behind them is where we are getting the most consistent responses from decent fish. Remember to slow your retrieve. A lot of the larger female bass are spawning or some post-spawn already. The water temps are in the mid to upper 60º range, and the bass are definitely pre and post spawn condition dependent on location.

White Bass remain good to very good between Patterson shoals as far downriver as White Cliffs this week. Activity for Whites continue good on small Rat-L-Traps, tail spinners like Roadrunners, Rocket Shads and Rooster Tails in white or red or chrome/blue.

Crappie improved over the past week with lake level and clarity improvements. The Crappie are beginning to move up shallow as well, and will continue to improve as long as the wind will stay down and not muddy up the lake and the river. The best Crappie bite was transition bites, between the brush piles along Little River in 12-13 feet depths up to the shallow cypress trees and in spawning areas. Best bite this week on grubs or tubes in smoke color, or jigs in white and chartruese.

Huge carp, estimated ranging from 10-35 pounds each, continue spawning in 1-2 feet depth flats adjacent to the river, and make some excellent opportunities for bow fishermen. Best locations are flats all around Jack's Isle, and between Bee Lake and Outlaw Trail, on the north side of Little River in the 1-3 feet depth flats between the depth of the river and Bee Lake. We noted numerous Carp of these sizes this week coming completely out of the water and thrashing about.

Channel Cats continue to bite well, along outer river bends of Little River on trot lines using chicken livers, homemade blood or stink bait combinations with cut shad, Charlie, or cottonseed mill cake.

Longnose and Spotted Gar are considering spawning activities, and are cruising in the shallow flats and back of creeks in preparation for that, making very good opportunities additionally, for bow fishermen.

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

Navigation conditions are cautioned with missing river buoys.

Little River's clarity as of Monday 27 March, has improved to excellent, for Millwood & normal stain in most locations. The river clarity is approx 10-15" visibility, and current consistent with last week. The USACE continues their routine maintanence of Little River. Upriver oxbows remain fair to good water clarity over the last week and ranges from 4-7 feet in places. As of Monday 27 March 07, the lake level is 259.40 feet, and slowly falling.

Current in Little River on Monday was same as last week, and is 1,251 CFS as of 27 March. The tailwater elevation below the spillway was unavailable on Tuesday. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway, is with 3 gates set to 1 feet each, and 1 gate set at 0.2 feet.

Water surface temperatures, continue to rise with warmer days. As of Monday, 27 March, main lake and Little River water surface temperatures are ranging 60-68º, depending of course, on location and time of day. Up-river water and oxbow's surface temps remain slightly warmer than the main lake at approx 71ºF.

Mike

March 22, 2007 - Beaver - G'day y'all from the Beaver Dam Store crew! - BEAVER TAILWATER: Its been spring time fishing at its best on the tailwater, with period of frantic activitivy, growling thunder, wind, fat fish, slow patches and cold fronts. You have to come prepared for every eventuality.

The more you have in your gearbag in terms of imagination, tactics patience and fly patterns to get fish consistently. The ebb and flow during the day can be remarkable. We have had some very good trips during the week. The Jones boys, Ian 15 and Morgan, 12, slayed them Sunday, outfishing a lot of older, and wiser fly fishers. This pair had earnt a smile from the fishing gods after enduring some of the worst spring weather last year, and showing lots of perseverance in tough fishing.

Interestingly part of the reason they may have been doing well was their shorter casts were targetting fish crusing the close edges which longer casting adults were casting over and probably spooking.

Trout fly recommendation focus on Bryce's Midge in Green (18s and 20s), definately use your 6x tippet. Green-Yellow Hot Wire Princes, Copper Johns, and Olive Hare's Ears are also working well. Brighter days choose the Blue Dun Cadion Midge, Tungsten Rainbow Warriors, Poison Tungs and everyday Black/Silver Zebra Midges. You can also fish our Anything Butt Pupa and Soft Hackle sowbugs for good results.

Drifted Woolly and Crystal Buggers in Olive White and Brown has been killer technique, when the midge hatches slow. Baby Buggers in olive and black are also working well

Our favorite McLellan's Hunchback Scud in Tan, Copper and Olive is working very nicely in the lower half of the Trophy Zone don't leave home without them. Offset the point a touch during the afternoons for better hookups. The fish have definately been quick to drop flies, so quick hands help.

Later in the afternoon, from around 3pm, the fishing has really been heating up after a midday lull. The fish start hitting harder and more often so don't go home early.

WELL, Spring Crazyness is upon us. We have great trout fishing here, and below Bull Shoals to fish (the caddis are ON). Hillbilly Coho (white bass) are slamming flies and bending rods on the Upper White, and its Mayfly Time on Roaring River.

Its almost a relief that we don't have the whites and walleye in the tailwater in number or this report might have to have a little hiatus. But the white are coming.

FLYFISH FOR FAITH HOWIE
Here is a great opportunity to fly fish Beaver Tailwater, have some fun and help a brave four-year-old local girl fight leukemia. The Faith Howie Benefit Tournament, will be held on the tailwater on Saturday, April 21. We'd encourage all of the Dam Store family to get behind this event, being run by one of our regulars Toby Vaughan. If you have ever visited internet bulletin boards you probaly have seen Toby posting as "Antron Midge"

The cost of the tournament is $100 for a 4-person team or $25 per person. ALL of the money raised with go to the Faith Howie Fund. Toby already has some 10 teams registered for the event, _ and don't worry if you can't get a full 4 person team together. Toby will put together teams on the morning. The assembly place is the Beaver Dam Store, and we'd suggest everyone arrive early (ready to go by 7.30am) for the 8am start.

Toby has also collected a bunch of donation items including rods, flies, artwork and more. So bring your checkbook or cash. Remeber it all goes to helping a great little girl

Toby told us that Faith, just 4-years-old was diagnosed with leukemia in mid-February. To help offset the family's medical bills and other costs he decided to approach his fly fishing friends with a catch and release, teams fly fishing event, a fun event with a real purpose.

""First of all thanks to all for the thoughts, prayers and well wishes, the Howie family appreciates it more than you know. To update everyone, little Faith is doing great with her treatments! The doctors are really pleased with her early progress.
The cost of the tournament is 100 dollars per 4 person team, or 25 dollars per person. There will be trophies awarded to the winning team, BUT 100% of every penny we raise is going to the family.

There will be an auction table as well with various items such as rods,flies ect ect. We will fish whatever the water conditions or weather. (unless lighting). We are also collecting items to auction and all donations will be accepted.
Together we can make a difference in this young lady's life. I am asking all teams to be present at 7:30 am to pay entry as well as a quick explanation of rules. There will also be a table for auction items, so if you are looking for a good rod, or some flies this might be for you!

When you pay your team/individual entry, I am asking you make the payment to the Faith Howie Fund.

If you have any questions feel free to call me anytime (479-524-2412) or email me at tobydee@cox.net.

If you would like to send a donation send it to
Toby Vaughan
2598 Summit Drive
Siloam Springs AR 72761
please mark the package "Faith's Fund" so that I will put all together. Thanks again for all of your support

RULES: The cost of the tournament is 100 dollars per 4 person team, or 25 dollars per person.
The rules are pretty simple, each member can measure 1 fish, and the first fish caught by the team must measured.
The other 3 members may continue to catch and release fish until they choose to measure a fish.

All trout must released unharmed to the stream. Single Barbless hooks must be used as well.
The anglers may switch flies as often as they like, but once they "board" their fish they are cannot measure any other fish _ but are welcome to keep fishing for fun.


MAYFLY TIME
MAYFLY magic is back on on Roaring River. If ytou remeber a few week's back we previewd our selection of Spring Sulphur and PMD patterns, well come in pick them up and hit Roaring River midweek. This is the best mayfly action in the area. Steve slipped up the road midweek for a little reconnaisance and found two former clients Harold and Eva Beck sitting in his favorite stretch _ with neither a fish to their credit.

A quick change of flies, from the usual tailwater fare over to mayfly bugs, and both were soon tight to fish on dry flies. Eva of course scored the best fish a brown of almost 17". The sillyness continued for probably 3 hours and the fish were still rising when we left.

The hatch wasn't all that thick, with few visible bigs in the air but there was plenty of fish feeding on emergers in the drift. Each day it should get better.

Of course the downside of Roaring River is the lack of ettiquette, even from people you would expect better from. The trio had two fairly experienced fly fishers come in and try to shift them off the spot, after they started catching fish, but casting over their position from upstream. All we can suggest is be patient and sit out the idiots.

If you want to experience the best of this hatch, and the Pale Evening Duns and tricos to come, drop by and talk to Steve.

WHITE BASS FEVER
WE are still getting great reports on "Hillbilly Coho" and hybrid runs in the Upper White. Take floating lines, plenty of Olive, Chartruese and Tutti Frutti Clousers and Jiggies to the Twin Bridges Area off 45 east of Fayetteville.

Look for the holding water, eddies, slack water behind deadfalls and the heads and tailouts of pools above and below shoals. A moderately fast retrieve is generally best. So far it seems as if the Whites on the Tailwater are still downstream in the Holiday Island area, and we are awaiting their arrival in the next week or two.

EVENTS
APRIL 9: Steve will be speaking about fly fishing Beaver Tailwater at the Fort Smith Fly Fisher's Club monthly meeting in Fort Smith. 6.30pm. Creekmore Park Community Building.

APRIL 21: Faith Howie Benefit Tournament, Beaver Tailwater. 8am-3pm

APRIL 12: Tulsa Fly Fisher's Monthly meeting. Steve will be speaking on Beaver Tailwater at 7pm, Martin East Regional Library, 2601 S. Garnet . More details on the club click here <http://http//members.cox.net/tffstreamline/>

MAY 4-5: Smallmouth Rendezvous in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. A really fun event, lots of tying and lots of casting, plus you can go play in the Illinois river for smallies and more. More details click here <http://www.okieflyfishers.org/smallmouth.html> .

Tight Lines from the Beaver Dam Store staff,
Lisa, Steve, and Bryce.

March 21, 2007 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service -The water level at greers ferry is at 461.19 and the temp is 52-62 in the afternoons and according which part of the lake you are in the temp fell as much as 9 degrees after the last front went through

The walleye spawn is pretty much over now , some can be caught coming back down river and they will be heading to their post spawn sites and the post spawn bite should pick back up then dragging crawlers and so forth

The hybrids are mixing in with the whites in parts of the river systems now , the white bass spawn is on the verge of exploding all over the lake especially in the main rivers, and can be caught on just about anything as long as it is small, just keep your bait wet and a lot of the hybrids in the main lake are right up on the bank

The bream are slow

The crappie have slowed by the front also and have backed back out to some what deeper water, but from today on they will be back trying to spawn aand some can also be caught mixed in with the whites and hybrids

The bass wrer affected by the front also on the north end can be caught mixed in with the whites and hybrids around the bushes and also on main lake points and secondary points and also in the back of some pockets , the main lake fish can be caught on jerk baits and crank baits and spinnerbaits , the rest of the fish will bite traps and texas rigged lizards

Tommy Cauley

March 19, 2007 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service -

The Overall Picture:

As of Tuesday, 20 March, main lake and Little River water surface temperature ranges 59º- 67º, depending of course, on location and time of day. Up-river water and oxbow's surface temps remain slightly warmer than the main lake, and approx 70ºF at various times of the afternoon.

Lake level on Millwood, as of Monday, 20 March is approx 5" above normal and slowly rising at 259.62 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday is much improved, at approx 8-10" visibility and current is increased at 1,251CFS. Navigation along Little River is fair, but cautioned, as there are several buoy markers missing in long runs and in some of the turns along the River, several from high winds are out of place or up on the bank. We have seen a few of these along the river bank between Yarborough Landing and Jack's Isle. There needs to be more river buoys placed in the long runs, closer together, and in turns for low light navigational aid, especially on the main lake south and east of Yarborough point, to the main lake.

Upriver oxbows remain ver good water clarity over the last few weeks and ranges from 3-5 feet in places, further from river currents and warmer than that of the main lake. The tailwater elevation below the spillway was unavailable on Tuesday. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 1251FS is with 1 gate open at 0.2 feet and 3 gates open at 1 foot each.

The activity levels of Bass and Crappie continue improving over the past week with increased daytime hours and sunlight penetration, increasing water temperatures. Bass bed making activities by males, are being seen at various locations along the oxbows and Little River. Several pre-spawn, big female bass full of roe have been caught and released in the last couple weeks, many over 7-8 pounds each. Trick worms, Senkos, crankbaits, lizards, Cordell Red Fins and suspending Smithwick Rouges remain the best bet for a good bass bite over the past 2 weeks.

The Details:

Largemouth Bass bite continues to improve over the past 2 weeks with improved clarity, temperature and lake conditions. Several large female bass are being caught, including one over 11.5 and another 10.5 lb bass, with several in the 9lb class, over the past few weeks. Over the past week, bed making activities are evident in many, numerous locations. Some of the bass up-river have already spawned, some on top of tree stumps in 7-8 feet depths. Trick worms, Senkos, and lizards are taking some nice bass. The best bite, or the more aggressive bite for the past week, was on Bass Assassin twitch worms (trick worms) or gold Red Fins and suspending Smithwick Rouges in clown or gold colors. With the water level returning to near-normal and the clarity improved, even with the high winds and stain, and with the improved / increased surface temps, the bass are pre-spawn and getting ready to move up.

The best Bass bite remains fair to good from approx 10am to 3pm on Bass Assassin Twitch Assassins, Senkos, black and blue lizards, jerk baits and a few good bass are busting at buzz baits. Best colors over the past week for jigs were pumpkinseed / chartreuse or black/blue combinations using pork trailers. Best colors for crankbaits we were throwing were shad or variations of shad and white or crawfish colors.

Bass are fair to good and hitting War Eagle Spinner Baits with a change in skirt color with the improved water clarity. Try colors of spot remover, chartreuse/white, or blue herring, around any remaining vegetation and cypress tree knees near creek channels with quick access to deeper drop offs. Good quality bass remain congregating around cypress trees and cypress knees, most especially near deep drops, using jigs with pork trailers and 3" tubes in black neon or purple smoke colors. Texas rigged 8" lizards, creature baits, and Hogg Assassins, are taking some bass in the 3-6 lb class. Best colors for creature plastics and lizard over the past week are green-pumpkin, watermelon-red, black/blue, red shad and redbug.

The bass' aggressive levels are slowly recovering over the past few weeks, from all the fluctuating water levels and muddy water clarity. The warmest period of the day, is generating the highest activity levels. Along the river next to stumps and cypress trees close to deeper water with shallow flats behind them is where we are getting the most consistent responses from decent fish. Remember to slow your retrieve. The water temps are in the low to mid 60ºs range, and the bass are definitely pre-spawn condition. Another week of this increase in ambient temps, will put them on beds at various locations. Keep a close eye on your surface temp guage over the next coming few weeks.

White Bass remain good to very good between Patterson shoals and highway 71 bridge this week. Activity for Whites continue good on small Rat-L-Traps, tail spinners like Roadrunners, Rocket Shads and Rooster Tails in white or red or chrome/blue.

Crappie improved over the past week with lake level and clarity improvements. The Crappie are beginning to move up shallow as well, and will continue to improve as long as the wind will stay down and not muddy up the lake and the river. The best Crappie bite was suspended in brush piles along Little River in 12-13 feet depths, but they are beginning to move toward spawning areas, and beginning to transition. Best bite this week on grubs in smoke color, or jigs in white.

Huge carp up to 40++ pounds each, continue spawning in 1-2 feet depth flats adjacent to the river, and make some excellent opportunities for bow fishermen.

Channel Cats continue to bite well, along outer river bends of Little River on trot lines using chicken livers, homemade blood or stink bait combinations with cut shad, Charlie, or cottonseed mill cake.

Longnose and Spotted Gar are considering spawning activities, and are cruising in the shallow flats and back of creeks in preparation for that, making very good opportunities additionally, for bow fishermen.

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

Navigation conditions are cautioned with missing river buoys.

Little River's clarity as of Tuesday 20 March, has improved to normal Millwod stain in most locations. The river clarity is approx 8-10" visibility, and current reduced. USACE are continuing their routine maintanence of Little River. Upriver oxbows remain fair to good water clarity over the last week and ranges from 3-5 feet in places. As of Monday 20 March 07, the lake level is 259.62 feet, and slowly rising.

Current in Little River on Monday was increased from last week, and is 1,251 CFS as of 20 March. The tailwater elevation below the spillway was unavailable on Tuesday. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway, is with 3 gates set to 1 feet each, and 1 gate set at 0.2 feet.

Water surface temperatures, continue to rise with warmer days. As of Monday, 20 March, main lake and Little River water surface temperatures are ranging 59-67º, depending of course, on location and time of day. Up-river water and oxbow's surface temps remain slightly warmer than the main lake at approx 70ºF.

Mike

March 14, 2007 - Beaver - Submitted by Jason Piper - JT Crappie Guide Service - J.T. Crappie Guide Services said the water is at normal level and has good clarity. Crappie are fair in 8 to 20 feet of water on minnows and jigs. Bass are at a variety of depths and are transitioning towards spawning areas. Spinnerbaits, crankbaits, jerk baits and spoons are all working. White bass are running and are being caught as far upstream as the Twin Rivers area. Catfishing and bream fishing are both poor.

March 12, 2007 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service -

The Overall Picture:

As of Monday, 12 March, main lake and Little River water surface temperature ranges 58º- 65º, depending of course, on location and time of day. Up-river water and oxbow's surface temps remain slightly warmer than the main lake, and approx 68ºF.

Lake level on Millwood, as of Monday, 12 March is approx 3.5" above normal and slowly rising at 259.45 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday is much improved, at approx 8-10" visibility and current is decreased at 600CFS. Navigation is much improved with the replaced river buoy markers, for boating and navigation in Little River. The USACE continues to run the river working to replace the buoys that the high water levels recently moved out of place, with their routine maintenance of replacing lost or misplaced River buoy markers.

Upriver oxbows remain ver good water clarity over the last few weeks and ranges from 2-5 feet in places, further from river currents and warmer than that of the main lake. The tailwater elevation below the spillway was unavailable on Monday. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 600FS is with 1 gate open at 1 foot and 1 gate open at 0.5 feet.

The activity levels of Bass and Crappie continue improving over the past week with increased daytime hours and sunlight penetration, increasing water temperatures. Feeding periods are increasing in duration, and are best, during the warmest periods of the day. Several days over the past week, in which daytime highs have warmed up into the 70-80º range have improved the activity levels of the bass. Trick worms, crankbaits, lizards, Cordell Red Fins and suspending Smithwick Rouges and jigs remain the best bet for a good bass bite over the past 2 weeks.

The Details:

Largemouth Bass bite continues to improve over the past 2 weeks with improved clarity, temperature and lake conditions. Several large female bass are being caught, including one over 11.5 and another 10.5 lb bass, with several in the 9lb class, over the past few weeks. Over the past week, the warmer days and increasing water surface temps, have greatly improved Millwood Bass' attitude. Trick worms, Senkos, and crankbaits continue taking some nice bass. The best bite, or the more aggressive bite for the past week, was on Bass Assassin twitch worms (trick worms) or gold Red Fins and suspending Smithwick Rouges in clown or gold colors. With the water level returning to near-normal and the clarity improved, even with the high winds and stain, the bite continues to slowly improve.

The best Bass bite remains fair to good from approx noon to 3pm on jigs, Bass Assassin Twitch Assassins, Senkos, magnum lizards, jerk baits and a few good bass are busting at buzz baits. Best colors over the past week for jigs were pumpkinseed / chartreuse or black/blue combinations using pork trailers. Best colors for crankbaits we were throwing were shad or variations of shad and white or crawfish colors.

Bass are fair to good and hitting War Eagle Spinner Baits with a change in skirt color with the improved water clarity. Try colors of spot remover, chartreuse/white, or blue herring, around any remaining vegetation and cypress tree knees near creek channels with quick access to deeper drop offs. Good quality bass remain congregating around cypress trees and cypress knees, most especially near deep drops, using jigs with pork trailers and 3" tubes in black neon or purple smoke colors. Texas rigged 8" lizards, creature baits, and Hogg Assassins, are taking some bass in the 3-6 lb class. Best colors for creature plastics and lizard over the past week are green-pumpkin, watermelon-red, black/blue, red shad and redbug.

The bass' aggressive levels are slowly recovering over the past few weeks, from all the fluctuating water levels and muddy water clarity. The warmest period of the day, is generating the highest activity levels. Along the river next to stumps and cypress trees close to deeper water with shallow flats behind them is where we are getting the most consistent responses from decent fish. Remember to slow your retrieve. The water temps are in the upper 50º to low 60º range, and the bass are almost pre-spawn condition. Another week of this increase in ambient temps, will put them in a much more agressive feeding pattern. Keep a close eye on your surface temp guage over the next coming few weeks.

White Bass remain good to very good between Patterson shoals and highway 71 bridege this week. Activity for Whites continue good on small Rat-L-Traps, tail spinners like Roadrunners, Rocket Shads and Rooster Tails in white or red or chrome/blue.

Crappie improved over the past week with lake level and clarity improvements. The Crappie will continue to improve as long as the wind will stay down and not muddy up the lake and the river. The best Crappie bite was suspended in brush piles along Little River in 14-16 feet depths, but they are beginning to move toward spawning areas, and are beginning to transition. Best bite this week on jigs in smoke colors.

Huge carp up to 40++ pounds each, are spawning in 1-2 feet depth flats adjacent to the river, and make some excellent opportunities for bow fishermen.

Channel Cats continue to bite well, along outer river bends of Little River on trot lines using chicken livers, homemade blood or stink bait combinations with cut shad, Charlie, or cottonseed mill cake.

Longnose and Spotted Gar are considering spawning activities, and are cruising in the shallow flats and back of creeks in preparation for that, making very good opportunities additionally, for bow fishermen.

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

Navigation conditions are returned to normal.

Little River's clarity as of Monday 12 March, has improved to normal Millwod stain in most locations. The river clarity is approx 8-10" visibility, and current reduced. USACE are continuing their routine maintanence of Little River. Upriver oxbows remain fair to good water clarity over the last week and ranges from 3-5 feet in places. As of Monday 12 March 07, the lake level is 259.49 feet, and slowly rising.

Current in Little River on Monday was decreased from last week, and is 600 CFS as of 12 March. The tailwater elevation below the spillway was unavailable on Monday. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway, is with 1 gate set to 1 foot each, and 1 gate set at 0.5 feet.

Water surface temperatures, this week slightly rose with warmer days. As of Monday, 12 March, main lake and Little River water surface temperatures are ranging 58-65º, depending of course, on location and time of day. Up-river water and oxbow's surface temps remain slightly warmer than the main lake at approx 68ºF.

Mike

March 9, 2007 - Beaver - G'day y'all from the Beaver Dam Store crew! -
GREAT to get back home and enjoy some time on the tailwater. Travel is great and all of us at the store have a lot of fun on the winter show circuit. meeting old friends, making some new ones and for Bryce and Steve introducing the art of the long wand to a wider audience.

But there's no place like your home river, and the boys enjoyed playing on the tailwater this week. Spring is in the air, the generation shuts down between 8pm-10pm so keep the number in your cell phone 417 336 5083 to fine tune when you hit the river. There is sooo much fishing coming its exciting. If we stock and think about it _ man it just gives you shivers. We have had some reports of White Bass and Walleye in the Upper White already, and they are coming this way too, the caddis hatch is firing on the White below Bull Shoals, and then there is the Beaver Lake stripers and hybrids. Plus we are looking at chasing some of these elusive big Beaver rainbows and browns in a very new way _ stay tuned for that!

In this week's report we give you run down on some great new fly patterns to add to your boxes, fill you in on some upcoming events and of course the fly fishing report.

FISHING REPORT
We are currently getting late morning (10-12) shut down of generation, and the water is falling out fairly slowly, given the height of Table Rock Lake. The fishing is fairly slow as the water drops too, as it takes a while for the fish to move out of their highwater hidey holes and back into their normal feeding lanes. Work the backwaters and eddies with drifted buggers in black, olive or white on the falling water for some action. These patterns were also working well during low water stripped with a quick short jerky retrieve
.
Midges and scuds are the hot ticket right now in low water. Bryce's Green Cadion Midge (16 or 18) are working very well as the midge hatch thickens. The Cadion blue dun is also worth carrying, as are smaller flyes like the Tungsten Rainbow Warrior, Tungsten WD40 in Olive.

McLellan's Hunchback Scuds in tan and Olive are hot, if your outside the Trophy Zone fish them with a sowbug or midge pattern.

CADDIS, AND SULPHURS
SPRING is in the air and its time for a couple of our regiuon's most spectacular hatches. And not we aren't talking about teensy weensy little midges either _ that that is pretty good too.

The Bull Shoals section of the White hosts a huge green caddis hatch at this time of year and over the past week has been kicking into gear. The scary things is neither Bryce nor Steve has hit it at its peak _ yet, And they have still had great fishing. These are big 16-14 caddis, and its one of the "underground" events that isn't to be missed.

The caddis start coming off downstream and follow the warming water upstream _ you can track its progress on the White River bulletin board <http://p222.ezboard.com/White-River/fflyfishingarkansasandmissourifrm8> on John Wilson's Fly Fishing Arkansas and Missouri Forum. The latest we heard was downstream of Cotter.

Now we love mayfly fishing, its traditions the etherial beauty of these slender elegant bugs, and the trout are pretty keen on them as well. Our best mayfly hatch is another spring favorite, the Sulphurs (if your Western Minded) or Pale Morning or Pale Evening Duns if you have East Coast tendencies. Either way these yellow-tinted Ephemeralla can provide our best mayfly action of the year. Close to home they best on Roaring River (though have have seen some on Beaver as well) and the Norfolk and the Bull Shoals sections of the White also can feature great emergences.

Think long fine leaders, accurate casting and big fish eating emergers and dries with delicious abandon. We brought in a bunch of new patterns into the store based on our experiences and recommendations from some of our best buddies for both hatches

CADDIS

Matthew's X-Caddis Olive: Great low riding pattern with the visibility of a dry and the shuck of a trapped emerger. Our version's are prettier than the pic at left, and you'll be very keen to give them a swim. Craig Matthews run the Blue Ribbon Fly Shop in West Yellowstone and his flies just work.


LATFONTAINE'S SPARKLE PUPA: The all-time great emerger pattern from the master observer of trout food, the late Gary LaFontaine. Fish this, when the trout are swirling and bulging, like you would a soft hackle, swinging on the current past their noses. Not so traditional but you'll be surprised how many times it will get taken on the surface too. Carry lots.


GLOW BUBBLE CADDIS: This is one sexy little bug. Weight, sparkle, halo effect of the Sparkle Pupa. This is going to be good. Don't be afraid to fish it summer through fall, down on the bottom.

BARR'S GRAPHIC CADDIS: Great fly from one of the trout catchin'-est dentists to ever throw a whip finish. John Barr=Copper John. Need we say more. John fished this fly himself on the White system and from reports slayed them. This is a fly to have.

MATTHEW'S IRIS CADDIS: In caddis emerger's scruffy is good. Caddis don't have the elegance of an emerging mayfly but that's doesn't both the trout. Another killer pattern from the vice of Western guru Craig Matthews. Its meant to be fished dry as an emerger, but I wouldn't be embarrassed to dunk it either as a shallow running nymph.

KEN'S JELLY CORD CADDIS: Gummy worms for trout. Its got weight, color and feel. Besides all your fishing buddies will think you are way cool with a couple of these in your box. Fish this all year round on Norfolk and Bull.

SULPHURS/PMDs

LAWSON'S NO HACKLE PMD: Buy 'em, don't tie them. Tough to tie and fragile. But this is the go to fly when the fish are big and tough, and have all the time in the world to inspect the fly. Steve fell for this fly on the PhD trout of the Henry's Fork and Silver Creek. Its perfect for the skinny Water at McLellans and some of our favorite glides on Roaring River.

LAWSON'S CRIPPLED DUN PMD: One of the best Cripple's on the market. It looks like a flat water pattern (and works well) but the deer hair wing will keep it up and visible on even splashy ripples. This could be our first choice for searching up some fish. Use floatant only on the post

LAWSON'S THORAX PMD: There is a good reason we have 3 of Mike Lawson's flies in this list. Mike own's Henry's Fork Angler in Last Chance, Idaho on the banks of the West's finest dry fly water _ the Henry's Fork of the Snake. Its slow water, braided currents, lots of bugs and lots of weed. The fish are smart and 20" is just a good fish. His flies are borne of necessity and get plenty of scrutiny. The throax flies are a very good alround mayfly.

Early in the hatch simple nymphs work well. Pheasant tails, with or without beads and flashbacks are fine. Run them as a dropper below these patterns. Or once we get Steve strapped down to the tying desk, his tungsten thorax bead mutation of Skip Morris' excellent Skip Nymph should be back in our Dam Store Premium Fly Box . We say mutation as according to the Aussie he was trying to remember how to tie a Skip Nymph but had lost all his samples down the throats of Norfolk and Roaring River trout.

EVENTS
MARCH 15-17: NAFF Sowbug Roundup, Mountain Home. Lots of fly tying demonstrations, programs and more. For more details click here <http://www.northarkansasflyfisher.org/Sowbug2.html> .

APRIL 9: Steve will be speaking about fly fishing Beaver Tailwater at the Fort Smith Fly Fisher's Club monthly meeting in Fort Smith. 6.30pm. Creekmore Park Community Building.

APRIL 12: Tulsa Fly Fisher's Monthly meeting. Steve will be speaking on Beaver Tailwater at 7pm, Martin East Regional Library, 2601 S. Garnet . More details on the club click here <http://http://members.cox.net/tffstreamline/>

MAY 4-5: Smallmouth Rendezvous in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. A really fun event, lots of tying and lots of casting, plus you can go play in the Illinois river for smallies and more. More details click here <http://www.okieflyfishers.org/smallmouth.html> .

Tight Lines from the Beaver Dam Store staff,
Lisa, Steve, and Bryce

March 7, 2007 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service -

The water level at greers ferry is at 461.53 and falling , the temp is 47-52 almost all over the lake

The bass fishing is good using crank baits and rattle traps as well as jerkbaits, on channel swings and guts of pockets over deep water they are staging in the bends and hovering around bait in the pockets some have even been reported being caught out of the bushes already chasing shad

The walleye have slowed a little the last week but will really be good the next 2 weeks coming up as more and more will be making their way up river to spawn

The white bass and hybrids are spotty find the shad and you can catch some they are staging at the mouths of major fedder arms and will improve each hour of the day as we have this nice weather

No-catfish

The crappie are staging in the bends also and caught about 15 feet deep over 40 feet with jigs and minnows

Tommy Cauley

March 5, 2007 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service -

The Overall Picture:

An 11.7 lb bass and a 10.5 lb and several 9 lb bass have been caught on Millwood in the past 2-3 weeks.

As of Monday, 05 March, main lake and Little River water surface temperature ranges 49º- 56º, depending of course, on location and time of day. Up-river water and oxbow's surface temps remain slightly warmer than the main lake, and approx 58ºF.

Lake level on Millwood, within the last few days, has returned to near-normal as of Monday, 05 March at 259.45 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday is much improved, at approx 4-8" visibility and current is decreased at 1,766CFS. Navigation is much improved with the replaced river buoy markers, for boating and navigation in Little River. The USACE continues to run the river working to replace the buoys that the high water levels recently moved out of place, with their routine maintenance of replacing lost or misplaced River buoy markers.

Upriver oxbows remain ver good water clarity over the last few weeks and ranges from 2-5 feet in places, further from river currents and warmer than that of the main lake. The tailwater elevation below the spillway was 228.30 feet on Monday. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 1,766FS is with 4 gates open at 1 foot each and 1 gate open at 0.5 feet. Open gates are 1, 2, 3, 12, 13.

The activity levels of Bass and Crappie continue improving over the past week with increased daytime hours and sunlight penetration, increasing water temperatures. Feeding periods are increasing in duration, and are best, during the warmest periods of the day. Several days over the past week, in which daytime highs warmed up into the 70-80º range have improved the activity levels of the bass. Rat-L-Traps, crankbaits, lizards, suspending Smithwick Rouges and jigs remain the best bet for a good bass bite over the past 2 weeks.

The Details:

The Bass bite continues to improve over the past 2 weeks with improved clarity, temperature and lake conditions. Several large female bass are being caught, including one over 11.5 and another 10.5 lb bass, with several in the 9lb class, over the past few weeks. Over the past week, the warmer days and increasing water surface temps, have greatly improved Millwood Bass' attitude. Rat-L-Traps and crankbaits continue taking some keeper size 16-18" bass. The best bite, or the more aggressive bite for the past week, was on red or orange Rat-L-Traps or shad colored crankbaits like the Bomber Flat-A and suspending Smithwick Rouges in clown or gold colors. With the water level returning to near-normal and the clarity improved, even with the high winds and stain, the bite continues to slowly improve.

The best Bass bite remains fair to good from approx noon to 3pm on jigs, Rat-L-Traps, magnum lizards and 10" Power worms. Best colors over the past week for jigs were pumpkinseed/chartreuse or black/blue combinations using pork trailers. Best colors for crankbaits we were throwing were shad or variations of shad and white or crawfish colors. Rat-L-Traps in orange, red, citrus shad or red-chrome (on sunny days) seem to have the best responses.

Bass are fair to good and hitting on a War Eagle Spinner Bait with a change in skirt color with the improved water clarity. Try colors of spot remover, aurora, or chartreuse/white, around any remaining vegetation and cypress tree knees near creek channels with quick access to deeper drop offs. Good quality bass remain congregating around cypress trees and cypress knees, most especially near deep drops, using jigs with pork trailers and 3" tubes in pumpkinseed/chart tail, black/blue or purple smoke colors. Texas rigged 8" lizards, creature baits, and Hogg Assassins, are taking some bass in the 3-6 lb class. Best colors for creature plastics and lizard over the past week are green-pumpkin, watermelon-red, black/blue, red shad and redbug.

The bass' aggressive levels are slowly recovering over the past few weeks, from all the fluctuating water levels and muddy water clarity. The warmest period of the day, is generating the highest activity levels. Along the river next to stumps and cypress trees close to deeper water with shallow flats behind them is where we are getting the most consistent responses from decent fish. Remember to slow your retrieve. The water temps are in the upper 40º to mid 50º range, and the bass are almost pre-spawn condition. Another 2-3 weeks of mid or upper 60º days, will put them in a much more agressive feeding pattern. Keep a close eye on your surface temp guage over the next coming few weeks. Watch for temps to surge into the low to mid 60º range.

White Bass were found just below Patterson shoals last week. Activity for Whites are good on small Rat-L-Traps, tail spinners like Roadrunners, Rocket Shads and Rooster Tails in white or red or chrome/blue.

Crappie improved over the past week with lake level and clarity improvements. The Crappie will continue to improve as long as the wind will stay down and not muddy up the lake and the river. The best Crappie bite was suspended in brush piles along Little River in 12-16 feet depths on shiners.

Channel Cats continue to bite well, along outer river bends of Little River on trot lines using chicken livers, homemade blood or stink bait combinations with cut shad, Charlie, or cottonseed mill cake.

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

Navigation conditions are returned to normal.

Little River's clarity as of Monday 05 March, has improved to normal Millwod stain in most locations. The river clarity is approx 6-8" visibility, and current reduced. USACE are continuing their routine maintanence of Little River. Upriver oxbows remain fair to good water clarity over the last week and ranges from 2-5 feet in places. As of Monday 05 March 07, the lake level is 259.45 feet, and steady.

Current in Little River on Monday was decreased from last week, and is 1,766 CFS as of 05 March. The tailwater elevation below the spillway was 228.30 on Monday. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway, is with 4 gates set to 1 foot each, and 1 gate set at 0.5 feet.

Water surface temperatures, this week slightly rose with warmer days. As of Monday, 05 March, main lake and Little River water surface temperatures are ranging 49º-56º, depending of course, on location and time of day. Up-river water and oxbow's surface temps remain slightly warmer than the main lake at approx 52-55ºF.

As Always

Mike

February 28, 2007 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service -

The Overall Picture:

An 11.7 lb bass was caught and released week before last up river, and a 10.5 lb bass caught this week on the main lake.

Navigation improved.

As of Monday, 26 February, main lake and Little River water surface temperature ranges 44º- 46º, depending of course, on location and time of day. Up-river water and oxbow's surface temps remain slightly warmer than the main lake, and approx 48ºF.

Lake level on Millwood, within the last few days, has risen to 10" above normal as of Monday, 26 February at 260.05 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday is heavy stain from recent high wind and lake advisories being issued, at approx 2-3" visibility and current increased at 5,218CFS. Navigation is much improved with the replaced river buoy markers, for boating and navigation in Little River. The USACE continues to run the river working to replace the buoys that the high water levels recently moved out of place, with their routine maintenance of replacing lost or misplaced River buoy markers.

Upriver oxbows remain fair to good water clarity over the last few weeks and ranges from 1-2 feet in places, further from river currents and warmer than that of the main lake. The tailwater elevation below the spillway was 229.69 feet on Monday. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 5,218CFS is with 13 gates open at 1 foot each.

The activity levels of Bass and Crappie are improving over the past week with increased daytime hours and sunlight penetration, increasing water temperatures. Feeding periods are increasing in duration, and best, during the warmest periods of the day. Several days over the past week, in which daytime highs warmed up into the 70-80º range have improved the activity levels of the bass. Rat-L-Traps, crankbaits, lizards, suspending Smithwick Rouges and jigs remain the best bet for a good bass bite over the past 2 weeks.

The Details:

The Bass bite continues to improve over the past 2 weeks with improved clarity and lake conditions. Over the past week, the warmer days have greatly improved River Bass' attitude. Rat-L-Traps and crankbaits continue taking some keeper size 16-18" bass. Best bite, or the more aggressive bite for the past week was on red or orange Rat-L-Traps or shad colored crankbaits like the Bomber Flat-A and suspending Smithwick Rouges in clown color. With the water level 10" above normal and the clarity improved, even with the high winds and stain, the bite continues to slowly improve.

The best Bass bite remains fair to good from approx noon to 3pm on jigs, Rat-L-Traps, magnum lizards and 10" Power worms. Best colors over the past week for jigs were pumpkinseed/chartreuse or black/blue combinations using pork trailers. Best colors for crankbaits we were throwing were shad or variations of shad and white colors. Rat-L-Traps in orange, red, citrus shad or red-chrome (on sunny days) seem to have the best responses.

Bass are fair to good and hitting on a War Eagle Spinner Bait with a change in skirt color with the improved water clarity. Try colors of spot remover, or chartreuse/white, around any remaining vegetation and cypress tree knees. Good quality bass remain congregating around cypress trees and cypress knees, most especially near deep drops, using jigs with pork trailers and 3" tubes in pumpkinseed/chart tail, black/blue or purple smoke colors. Texas rigged 8" lizards, creature baits, and Hogg Assassins, are taking some bass in the 3-6 lb class. Best colors for creature plastics and lizard over the past week are black, watermelon red, june bug-red, or blue fleck.

The bass' aggressive levels are slowly recovering over the past few weeks, from all the fluctuating water levels and muddy water clarity. The warmest period of the day, is generating the highest activity levels. Along the river next to stumps and cypress trees close to deeper water with shallow flats behind them is where we are getting the most consistent responses from decent fish. Remember to slow your retrieve. The water temps are still in the mid-40º range, and the bass are not quite pre-spawn condition yet. Another 2-3 weeks of mid 60º days, will put them in a much more agressive feeding pattern. Keep a close eye on your surface temp guage over the next coming few weeks. Watch for temps to surge into the low to mid 50º range.

White Bass disappeared this week.

Crappie had improved over the past week with the improved level and clarity lake conditions, until high wind and recent heavy stain them shut off over the past weekend, but we expect that to return to normal by mid or late week if the wind will lay down. The best Crappie bite was suspended in brush piles along Little River in 18-22 feet depths on jigs and mini-tubes in white, shad or chartreuse colors. Not many Crappie Fishermen out over the past couple weeks.

Channel Cats continue to bite well, along outer river bends of Little River on trot lines using chicken livers, homemade blood or stink bait combinations with cut shad, Charlie, or cottonseed mill cake.

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

Navigation Improved.

Little River's clarity as of Monday 26 February had recently improved to normal stain in most locations. High winds and lake wind advisories over the past few days, stained Millwood back to the 3-4" visibility range. Since the lake has had incoming rain and runnoff, it began rising again returning to 10" above normal this week, the river clarity had improved to approx 6-7" visibility, only to suffer with high winds, and heavy stain again. USACE are continuing their routine maintanence of Little River. Upriver oxbows remain fair to good water clarity over the last week and ranges from 1-2 feet in places. As of Monday 2/26/07, the lake level is 260.05 feet, and rising.

Current in Little River on Monday was increased from last week, and is 5,218 CFS as of 26 February. The tailwater elevation below the spillway was 229.69 on Monday. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway, is with 13 gates set to 1 foot each.

Water surface temperatures, this week slightly rose with warmer days. As of Monday, 26 February, main lake and Little River water surface temperatures are ranging 44º-46º, depending of course, on location and time of day. Up-river water and oxbow's surface temps remain slightly warmer than the main lake at approx 48-50ºF.


As Always,

Mike

February 28, 2007 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service -The water level at greers ferry is at 462.27 at present and falling the temp is ranging from 48-54 degrees in the aft6ernoons

Some walleye are starting to show their heads up stream now and will get hot in a few days

The bass are moving shallow and can be caught with rattle traps crank baits , jigs and jerk baits

February 22, 2007 - Beaver - Submitted by Jason Piper - JT Crappie Guide Service - Beaver Lake : As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 1,120.81 feet MSL.
J.T. Crappie Guide Services (479-640-3980) said the water is clear by the dam and at normal levels. Crappie are biting well on minnows fished around brush in 12 to 17 feet of water. Small crankbaits trolled around these same areas are picking up a few crappie as well. Bass are slow, but a few will bite jig-and-pig combos and crankbaits.

February 21, 2007 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service -

The Overall Picture:

Navigation improved.

As of Monday, 19 February, main lake and Little River water surface temperature ranges 40º- 43º, depending of course, on location and time of day. Up-river water and oxbow's surface temps remain slightly warmer than the main lake, and approx 45ºF.

Lake level on Millwood, has risen to just 5" above normal over the past week as of Monday, 19 February at 259.61 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday is heavy stain from recent high wind and lake advisories being issued, at approx 3-5" visibility and current increased at 4,742CFS. Navigation is much improved with the reduced lake level and current flow for boating and navigation in Little River. The USACE continues to run the river working to replace the buoys that the high water levels recently moved out of place, with their routine maintenance of replacing lost or misplaced River buoy markers.

Upriver oxbows remain fair to good water clarity over the last few weeks and ranges from 2-3 feet in places, further from river currents and warmer than that of the main lake. The tailwater elevation below the spillway was unavailable on Monday. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 4,742CFS is with 13 gates open at 1 foot each.

The activity levels of Bass and Crappie are typical winter patterns. Feeding periods are are slow, but best, during the warmest periods of the day. Several days over the past week which warmed up into the 60-70º range have improved the activity levels of the bass. Rat-L-Traps, crankbaits, lizards, and jigs are the best bet for a good bass bite over the past 2 weeks. An 11.7 lb bass was caught and released last week up river.

The Details:

The Bass bite has improved over the past 2 weeks with the lake returning to almost normal levels and water clarity. Over the past week, the warmer days have greatly improved River Bass' attitude. Rat-L-Traps and big crankbaits continue taking some keeper size 16-18" bass. Best bite, or the more aggressive bite for the past week was on red or orange Rat-L-Traps or shad colored cranks with a wide wobble like the Cordell Big-O. With the water level just slightly above normal and the clarity better than the recent muddy water, even with the high winds and stain, the bite continues to slowly improve.

The best Bass bite remains fair to good from approx noon to 3pm on jigs, rattling crankbaits and Rat-L-Traps. Best colors over the past week for jigs were amber/orange/pumpkinseed or black/blue combinations using pork trailers. Best colors for crankbaits we were throwing were Cordell Big-O's in shad or parrot colors. Rat-L-Traps in orange, red, citrus shad or red-chrome (on sunny days) seem to have the best responses.

Bass are fair to good and hitting on a War Eagle Spinner Bait with a change in skirt color with the improved water clarity. Try colors of spot remover, or chartreuse/white, around any remaining vegetation and cypress tree knees. Good quality bass remain congregating around cypress trees and cypress knees, most especially near deep drops, using jigs with pork trailers and 3" tubes in pumpkinseed/chart tail, black/blue or purple smoke colors. Texas rigged lizards, creature baits, and Hogg Assassins, are taking some bass in the 3-6 lb class. Best colors for creature plastics and lizard over the past week are black, watermelon red, green pumpkin, red shad, or black ruby.

The bass' aggressive levels are slowly recovering over the past few weeks, from all the fluctuating water levels and muddy water clarity. The warmest period of the day, is generating the highest activity levels. Along the river next to stumps and cypress trees close to deeper water with shallow flats behind them is where we are getting the most consistent responses from decent fish. Remember to slow your retrieve. The water temps are still in the low 40º range, and the bass are not quite pre-spawn condition yet. Another 2-3 weeks of high 50- low 60º days, will put them in a much more agressive feeding pattern. Keep a close eye on your surface temp guage over the next coming few weeks. Watch for temps to surge into the low to mid 50º range.

White Bass were are still roaming, but fairly consistent at creek mouths this week above highway 71 bridge and fair to good from approx 1-4pm on Little Cleos, Rooster Tails, Roadrunners, or Rocket Shad in white, red or chrome colors.

Crappie improved over the past week with the improved level and clarity lake conditions. High wind and recent heavy stain has them shut off for a few days, but we expect that to return to normal by mid or late week if the wind will lay down. The best Crappie bite was suspended in brush piles along Little River in 18-22 feet depths on jigs and mini-tubes in white, shad or chartreuse colors. Not many Crappie Fishermen out over the past couple weeks.

Channel Cats continue to bite well, along outer river bends of Little River on trot lines using blood or stink bait combinations with cut shad, Charlie, homemade blood bait, or cottonseed mill cake.

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

Navigation Improved.

Little River's clarity as of Monday 19 February had recently improved to normal stain in most locations. High winds and lake wind advisories over the past few days, stained Millwood back to the 3-4" visibility range. Since the lake returning to slightly above normal this week, the river clarity had improved to approx 6-7" visibility, only to suffer with high winds, and heavy stain again. USACE are continuing their routine maintanence of Little River. Upriver oxbows remain fair to good water clarity over the last week and ranges from 2-3 feet in places. As of Monday 2/19/07, the lake level is 259.61 feet, and steady.

Current in Little River on Monday was increased from last week, and is 4,742 CFS as of 19 February. The tailwater elevation below the spillway unavailable on Monday. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway, is with 13 gates set to 1 foot each.

Water surface temperatures approximately the same, this week. As of Monday, 19 February, main lake and Little River water surface temperatures are ranging 40º-43º, depending of course, on location and time of day. Up-river water and oxbow's surface temps remain slightly warmer than the main lake at approx 45ºF.

Mike

February 21, 2007 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service -The water temp at greers runs from 41-46 degrees and the level is at 464.66 it is 3.63 above normal pool

We had a 1 inch rain but it did not raise the lake as they are letting it go , it has been falling about 6 inches a day and they will continue to do so until it gets to normal pool, getting ready for the spring rains , we have a warming trend coming and warm rain also and that will help the fishing that will get the pre-spawn bite on, and as well as cold as the water has gotten when it starts warming back the shad will start to die and we will have a great jerk bait bite as well as a spoon bite for whites and hybrids.

The bass fishing has been real, real slow at best with 4 or 5 lbs. winning tournaments as of late, the best bite is in deep water around brush and or big rocks using a football head or c-rig anywhere from 40-70 feet of water with 2 or 3 bites a day being good.

The whites and hybrids are pretty slow but some action can be found around the bait fish in the clearer water with spoons and the buckshot big fish bait , look for the birds and then bait.

No report on bream but they can be caught in the guts of about 40 feet.

The crappie are bunched up suspended in 40-60 feet of water in pole timber and when ya find them you can catch some big ones but not a lot.

Walleye fishing, their have been 2 caught over 30 inches and some males have been showing up up river and the warm rain we will see a big movement of them up river and can be caught on grubs and jigs tipped with minnows as well as wally divers and big billed rebels.

Tommy Cauley

February 16, 2007 - Beaver - G'day y'all from the Beaver Dam Store crew! -

FISHING REPORT
Streamers, streamers and more streamers are the way to go. A sink tip leaders wouldn't hurt as well.
Big woolly buggers in olive and black, Zoo Cougars, Orange Blossom Specials, Sculpins and shad patterns thrown to the banks and stripped out are the way to go. Overcast days are preferred.

Drifting will be very tough, with the river 10' higher than normal low water conditions. If you can find some quieter eddies egg patterns and san juan worms would be best.

If we get a return to low water conditions this week look for midday midge hatches. Zebra Midges, Cadion Midges, Tungsten Rainbow Warriors, Tungsten WD40s will draw plenty of takes before, during and after the hatch itself.

We had been expecting some low water conditions this weekend. But if you happened to be in the area Monday and Tuesday you'll know why we are still generation. The rain sure came down. Best expectation is for the lake to be out of the flood stage by the middle of next week, so perhaps next weekend we will get a chance to fish low water again.

February 7, 2007 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service -

The Overall Picture:

Navigation improved

As of Monday, 05 February, main lake and Little River water surface temperature ranges 40º- 43º, depending of course, on location and time of day. Up-river water and oxbow's surface temps remain slightly warmer than the main lake, and approx 45ºF.

Lake level on Millwood, has remained falling over the past 2 weeks and has almost returned to normal. Currently, Millwood is approx 8 inches above normal pool as of Monday, 05 February at 259.89 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday heavy stained but improved, at approx 4-6" and current slightly reduced at 12,572CFS. Navigation is improved with the reduced lake level and current flow, however, caution is advised for boating and navigation in Little River at all times, until the USACE can complete the routine maintenance of replacing lost or misplaced River buoy markers.

The main lake clarity is approx 4-5" visibility depending on location. Upriver oxbows remain fair to good water clarity over the last few weeks and ranges from 2-3 feet in places, further from river currents. Current in Little River is reduced. The tailwater elevation below the spillway was unavailable on Monday. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 12,572CFS is with all 13 gates open 2.5 feet each.

The activity levels of Bass and Crappie are typical winter patterns. Feeding periods are are slow, but best, during the warmest periods of the day.

The Details:

A good bite for the bass for the past couple weeks, continues to be tough. The change in up and down fluctuating water levels, colder incoming rain and swollen creeks, and muddy conditions, and now falling water, for the most part has pushed the majority of the big fish back out to the River and on stumps and old tree trunks.

The Bass bite is fair from approx lunch to 3pm. The best bite over the past couple weeks has been on jigs, 10" worms, and SLOW, rattling, crankbaits. If you can find any clearer water locations, namely in some of the backwater oxbows, a chrome hammered Cordell spoon w/ white and red bucktail jigged over brush piles in 12-14 feet depths has taken some decent Bass, if you could get out of the current and find some decent, clear, water.

Depending on the area of the lake or river and the water clarity, we continue having our best success using bulky, black, or bruised craw, or pumpkin/ chartreuse colored jigs with rattles, Fat Free Shad crankbaits in crawfish/orange belly patterns, or heavy, 3/4 to 1-oz size, red Rat-L-Traps over the past couple weeks. Slow cranking and gaining additional depth around deeper stumps, is the key. On bright sunny days we are throwing a chrome-red Rat-L-Trap, and on cloudy days we are throwing the darker reds.

The Bass that are still feeding on shad, will hit a slow moving, large thumping, War Eagle Spinner Bait in coleslaw color or firetiger colors. Better quality bass are congregating around cypress trees and cypress knees, most especially near deep drops, using jigs-n-pigs. With the lake continuing to fall to normal pool, the deeper stumps and larger cypress trees are holding the better quality fish in the 9-14 feet depth range. Chartreuse-pumpkin lizards, Texas rigged, are taking a few decent 3 to 5lb bass. Current in Little River is reduced, and slightly decreased this week. Lake level is approaching normal level bank pool.

Majority of the bass' feeding periods have tapered off during all but the warmest periods of the day, and remain become shorter in duration, and slow over the past week or 10 days. A heavy, 3/4oz War Eagle Spinnerbait in firetiger, or cole slaw colors, with changing out the back blade and slowly thumping a big colorado blade around flats with stumps along creek channels will take a couple fish but bite is very slow and deliberate. We have changed from a dual willow to a single colorado blade for more vibration and thump to get their attention. Along the river next to stumps and deeper cypress trees, is also where we are beginning to get responses from decent fish on slow retrieve using a heavy Rat-L-Trap in red patterns.

Approach Tip: Don't continue throwing that same ole' spinnerbait you have caught fish with all summer and fall when cold weather, winter, and changing water conditions get here. When the water that you have been fishing for the last 3 months, suddenly turns to the color of a bottle of Yahoo Chocolate Milk, and drops into the mid-40º range, cut off the spinnerbait you have been throwing in grass with willow leaf blades all fall, and tie on a heavier 3/4 or 1 oz size white, orange and chartreuse, thumping #7 colorado bladed, spinnerbait. Throw it parallel to river washes in the bank over 15-20 feet of water, and work the ledges at various depths, until you connect with the Bass. Those big, pig bass are still there; they have just moved to their winter hideouts, sitting on stumps, deeper in the river, along ledges, and close to creek mouths dumping into the river. Fish that heavier spinnerbait deeper and slower than you have been fishing a spinnerbait for the last 3 months. You may just be surprised at what you do with that this time of year, and you may end up with a broke arm when that big mama sow, full of roe, hits you, too......

No report for the nomad White Bass.

Not much improvement in the Crappie bite, over the past week with the muddy lake conditions. The Crappie have for the most part, shut off, most of the day, with the recent muddy, and excessive river current conditions combined with the over 5-foot rise in lake level over the past few weeks. Not many Crappie Fishermen out in the last week.

Channel Cats continue to bite well, with the moving current along outer river bends of Little River. Trot lines were working using just about any blood type bait or stink bait that would disperse a downstream scent trail and were taking nice size channel cats over the past couple weeks. A few Catfishermen using a homemade blood bait, Charlie and bloodmeal or cottonseed mill cake, this past week,

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

Navigation Improved; Caution remains advised for navigation.

Little River's clarity as of Monday 05 February still heavy stain in most locations. With the lake approx 8" above normal, the river clarity is approx 4" & main lake clarity likewise, approx 5" visibility. Millwood began receding over the past week, and is currently approx 8" above normal. USACE are to begin re-working the out-of-placed Little River buoy markers this week. Upriver oxbows remain fair to good water clarity over the last week and ranges from 2-3 feet in places. As of Monday 2/05/07, the lake level is, 259.89 feet, and falling.

Current in Little River on Monday was decreased from last week, and is 12,572 CFS as of 05 February. The tailwater elevation below the spillway unavailable on Monday, but not to worry, there is plenty of water below the dam. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway, is with all 13 gates set to 2.5 feet each. USACE had recently reworked all Little River markers, and navigation was much improved, prior to the recent rise on the lake and the rolling current. We expect the river markers will be reworked again, beginning this week, as the lake begins to return to normal level. Many of Little River's buoys are moved out of place, and/or completely missing, with the recent increase in current and 5 foot rise of lake elevation.

Water surface temperatures approximately the same, this week. As of Monday, 5 February, main lake and Little River water surface temperatures are ranging 40º-43º, depending of course, on location and time of day. Up-river water and oxbow's surface temps remain warmer than the main lake at approx 45ºF.

Mike

February 2, 2007 - Beaver - G'day y'all from the Beaver Dam Store crew! - FISHING REPORT
Streamers, streamers and more streamers are the way to go. A sink tip leaders wouldn't hurt as well.
Big woolly buggers in olive and black, Zoo Cougars, Orange Blossom Specials, Sculpins and shad patterns thrown to the banks and stripped out are the way to go. Overcast days are preferred.

Drifting will be very tough, with the river 10' higher than normal low water conditions. If you can find some quieter eddies egg patterns and san juan worms would be best.

If we get a return to low water conditions this week look for midday midge hatches. Zebra Midges, Cadion Midges, Tungsten Rainbow Warriors, Tungsten WD40s will draw plenty of takes before, during and after the hatch itself.
Carry the midges tomorrow, the dark conditions could produce a bottler hatch, but also try pink attractor patterns, like eggs or Y2Ks.

IT HAD TO HAPPEN
WITH Beaver Lake up into the flood pool, we had been awaiting some serious generation, and it looks like we are getting it now. The forecast shows the Lake dropping by roughly 6" a day until the lake is lowered at least 4', around February 11. The dam gates have now been running since 6am Wednesday and we wouldn't expect them to shut down over the next week. Its high water or nothing here at Beaver _ unfortunately its like that through most of the White River system

Your best chances to fish the tailwater are if you have access to a boat. Toss buggers and streamers to the edges and strip them out fast. Keep your rod tip low and pull hard, the takes will be hard and fast. It would definately be worth having some white streamers in your box. There have been reports of dead shad on the surface of Beaver Lake, which means shad will be coming through the Dam. Shad patterns will take trout, but shad kills can also pull up walleye and smallmouth high into the tailwater.

Links for monitoring generation patterns

Beaver Tailwater generation patternsover the preceeding 4 days.
Lake Level Forecast lake level predictions.
Table Rock generation patterns
Bull Shoals <http://www.swl-wc.usace.army.mil/WCDS/plots/WEB/bul.htm> generation patterns
Norfolk Tailwater <http://www.swl-wc.usace.army.mil/WCDS/Reports/Daily/lakfcst.txt> generation patterns


AND CLICK HERE <http://www.ukdivers.net/images/cards/cigcar3.jpg> FOR WHAT THE WELL DRESSED HIGH WATER FLY FISHER IS WEARING THIS WEEK!

February 2, 2007 - Beaver - Submitted by Jason Piper - JT Crappie Guide Service - Beaver Lake : As of Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports the lake's elevation at 1126.09 feet MSL.
J.T. Crappie Guide Services (479-640-3980) said the water is still 5 to 6 feet high and stained. Crappie are biting well on minnows and Shinneee Hinneee Jigs fished around brush in 8 to 20 feet of water. Bass are fair on spinnerbaits and jig-and-pig combos fished around brush. Spoons are working well if you can find the schools of shad.

January 31, 2007 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service -

The water level at greers ferry is falling and is at 469.70 this morning , the temp is 43-46 degreees

The walleye fishing is not very good but will improve in the next 2 weeks after this weather moves through it will be time to get after them as the days get longer they are ready to move up the rivers it is that time of year, the cold muddy water is not good for catching them at all,

The bass fishing will improve also in about 2 weeks the shad are dying and we should have a great jerk bait bite going on soon , right now drag football heads and Carolina rigs in 40-70 feet of water to get bit and throw jig head worms on steep and bluff banks to catch the active fish up sunning

The crappie are ganged up suspended in water 25-40 feet deep over 100 feet of water and the ones you catch will be good fish just do not expect to catch a lot and the bite will be slow

Catfishing is really non-existant right now

Bream the same way

we find em you catch em

Tommy Cauley

January 27, 2007 - Beaver - G'day y'all from the Beaver Dam Store crew! - NO MATTER if you're fly casting, fishing or anything in life, good timing will make a big difference. Right now if your a weekend fly fisher it seems you are in for dirty weather. Tomorrow shouldn't be as cold as previous weekends but the forecast is for a little rain and maybe even some snow. One of these weeks we will be happy not to have to include a link to the NOAA weather site right here.

Now if you are lucky enough to get to fish midweek then you have been getting some pretty decent days and if your timing is good on the generation pattern you will have been catching a swag of fish. Steve has also reported some very good results on dries as the winter midday midge hatch finally seems to be settling into some consistency.

FISHING REPORT
IF YOU only like fishing on warm sunny days tomorrow is going to suck. If you like catching lots of fish in dirty weather you might want to consider hitting the tailwater. 80 degree days might be our favorite tailwater conditions for a lazy outing but we can't deny that dirty days are often best. Of late it seems we have been getting some nice conditions and nice catching midweek.

Steve's been salivating all winter awaiting a repeat of last year's superb dry fly midging action, but the consistency hadn't returned _ until the past week. This 10am-2pm hatch is the best we have and brings a lot of action to the surface. Handily this happens to be in low water conditions under the current generation pattern. This is one to hit now, as generations patterns can change from week to week.

Steve had been dying to try out the new Morgan's Para-Midge, thinking it was big improvement over its successful but sometimes hard to see predecessor the Morgan Midge. Well Wenesday afternoon he fished it till the hackle came free from successive fish, pulled off the hackle itself and kept catching fish. This fly rocks, its easy to see keeps floating and gets eaten. Don't use floatant on this pattern however it will matt the CDC wing and reduce its effectiveness, use Frogs Fanny, Dr Shake or similar powders.
Small midge nymph patterns like Zebra's Cadion Midges, Tungsten Rainbow Warriors, Tungsten WD40s are also drawing plenty of takes before, during and after the hatch itself.

Carry the midges tomorrow, the dark conditions could produce a bottler hatch, but also try pink attractor patterns, like eggs or Y2Ks. Woolly Buggers are always good to have in olive, black and brown, both bead and non bead versions. But its well worth carrying some white Crystal Buggers, a shad kill might not be too far off.

January 24, 2007 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service -

The water level at greers ferry is at 470.40, that's about 9 feet above normal pool and pretty steady with a slight rise and cool water temps

The north end of the lake is bad muddy but is clearing some and will continue until they try to get it lowered and it will still have a good stain.

The bass fishing is out deep right now in 40-70 feet of water , but if we can get some much needed sun the fish will flock the bank and can be caught numerous ways , but at present the bite is slow, we are in a winter pattern for sure, football heads will be the best bet you have dragging them real slow on secondary and main lake points and bluff ends as well on and around big boulders as they will hold heat better and vertical banks.

The walleye fishing is not good at present they hate this muddy water. But when it clears they will be on the prespawn feed and on the move up the rivers, the spawn is near for them.

The crappie have slowed to nothing also.

The white and hybrid bass have a dislike for muddy water also, and the lower end will be your best bet until the water clears some, find clean water and shad and you can catch them , they are still staged up and near the river but are not very active at all in the mud

we find em you catch em

Tommy Cauley

January 23, 2007 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service -

The Overall Picture:

Extreme Caution remains advised for navigation.

As of Monday, 22 January, main lake and Little River water surface temperature ranges 42º-45º, depending of course, on location and time of day. Up-river water and oxbow's surface temps remain warmer than the main lake, and approx 47ºF. Recent rains this week will most likely change up the level and clarity again later this week, as well as release rate at the dam. It's that time of year, folks for continually changing water levels and clarity.

Lake level on Millwood, began falling in the past few days. Currently Millwood is approx 32 inches (yes, 2.6 feet) above normal pool as of Monday, at 261.85 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday is approx 1-3" and current increased to 31,122CFS. Logs, debris and floating mats of vegetation, tree limbs, and just about anything else you can name, remain floating at a rapid clip down Little River. Navigation is dangerous at low light levels with all the debris, some at surface, some under surface, rolling down the current, and extreme caution is advised for boating and navigation in Little River at all times.

The main lake clarity is approx 1-3" visibility depending on location. Upriver oxbows remain fair to good water clarity over the last few weeks and ranges from 1-3 feet in places, further from river currents. Current in Little River is fast. The tailwater elevation below the spillway was unavailable on Monday. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway of 31,122CFS is with all 13 gates open 4.5 feet each.

The activity levels of Bass and Crappie are typical winter patterns. Feeding periods are are best during the warmest periods of the day.

The Details:

Best bite for bass with the change in lake elevation and muddy conditions, for the last couple weeks has been deflecting rattling crank baits off stumps and timber, or jigs on stumps and cypress trees. The Bass bite has diminished the last week, and fair from approx lunch to 3pm. The best bite over the past couple weeks has been, on jigs, 10" worms, and Crankbaits. Depending on the area of the lake or river and the water clarity, we continue having our best success using bulky, black, or bruised craw, or pumpkin/ chartreuse colored jigs with rattles, 10" worms in red shad, or crankbaits in crawfish/orange belly patterns. We have been able to locate a few keeper size bass between 3-5 lbs each, on heavy, 3/4 oz red Rat-L-Traps over the past couple weeks also. On bright days, when we can find the sun out, we are throwing a bright, chrome-red color and cloudy days we are throwing a dark red color. Slow cranking and gaining additional depth around deeper stumps, is the key.

Largemouth bass were roaming shallow, during the heat of the day with the recent 4-5 feet rise in lake pool, around cypress trees and old grass lines. Those populations of larger fish are migrating back to the creek channels and the river. Bass that are still feeding on shad, will hit a War Eagle Spinner Bait in coleslaw color or white, but the "better" bite continues to slowly improve, with better quality bass around cypress trees and cypress knees, using jigs and big bulky 10" worms. Chartreuse-Shad Mann's Baby Minus One crankbaits were taking a few decent bass over the past week couple weeks, but the bass are beginning to pull back out with the lake falling. Also, chartreuse pepper lizards, switched to a Texas Rig, have slowly taken over the Carolina Rig bite we were getting previously. Current in Little River is drastically increased, and you best have good trolling motor batteries if you want to stay fishing along Little River. Little River was well out of it's normal level banks most all the way from above highway 71 to Yarborough Landing, and is beginning to return back to its normal level bank pool.

Majority of the bass' feeding periods have tapered off during all but the warmest periods of the day, and remain become shorter in duration. A heavy, 3/4oz War Eagle Spinnerbait in firetiger, or cole slaw colors, remain taking a few keeper size bass around grass and vegetation, along the normal river bank bluffs, washouts, and sandbars, working it over the original river bank, and slowly thumping a big colorado blade back out into the current around points and creek channel mouths. We have changed from a dual willow to a single colorado blade for more vibration and thump to get their attention. Along the river next to stumps and deeper cypress trees, is also where we are beginning to get responses from decent fish on slow retrieve using a heavy Rat-L-Trap in red patterns.

We were in Mud Lake again over the past week, and we had good luck working over those ridges in the back of Mud Lake with a heavy, colorado blade-thumping War Eagle Spinner Bait. We caught a few dinks on the white, but when we went to a cole-slaw color, we caught keepers.

Approach Tip: Don't continue throwing that same ole' spinnerbait you have caught fish with all summer and fall when cold weather, winter, and changing water conditions get here. When the water that you have been fishing for the last 3 months, suddenly turns to the color of a bottle of Yahoo Chocolate Milk, and drops into the mid-40º range, cut off the spinnerbait you have been throwing in grass with willow leaf blades all fall, and tie on a heavier 3/4 or 1 oz size white, orange and chartreuse, thumping #7 colorado bladed, spinnerbait. Throw it parallel to river washes in the bank over 15-20 feet of water, and work the ledges at various depths, until you connect with the Bass. Those big, pig bass are still there; they have just moved to their winter hideouts, sitting on stumps, deeper in the river, along ledges, and close to creek mouths dumping into the river. Fish that heavier spinnerbait deeper and slower than you have been fishing a spinnerbait for the last 3 months. You may just be surprised at what you do with that this time of year, and you may end up with a broke arm when that big mama sow, full of roe, hits you, too......

White Bass that were surrounding the bridge pilings of Highway 71 over the past few weeks, remain disappeared this week. Folks were having good success using Little Cleos and Rooster Tails in red and white by jigging around the bridge pilings with some nice slab 3+ lb whites/hybrids.

No Crappie bite to speak of, the Crappie remained shut off, for the most part of the day, with the recent muddy, and excessive river current conditions combined with the over 3-foot rise in lake level. Not many Crappie Fishermen out in the last week.

Channel Cats remain very good with the continual current along outer river bends of Little River. Trot lines were working using just about any blood type bait or stink bait that would disperse a downstream scent trail and were taking nice size channel cats over the past couple weeks. We spoke to a few Catfishermen using chicken liver, cut shad and homemade blood bait, and they were having good catches with cats the 5-10 pound class.

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

Extreme Caution remains advised for navigation.

Little River's clarity as of Monday 22 January still heavy stain or muddy in most locations. With the lake approx 32" (yes, 2.7 feet) above normal, the river clarity is approx 1-3" & main lake clarity likewise, approx 1-3" visibility. Millwood began receding this week, but current is again drastically increased and Little River is rolling with much more current than last week. Watch carefully for floaters, debris, and such, as there is a lot of current, lots of logs and rolling floaters moving down Little River. Upriver oxbows remain fair to good water clarity over the last week and ranges from 1-3 feet in places. As of Monday 1/22/07, the lake level is, 263.03 feet, and falling.

Current in Little River on Monday increased, with release at the dam 31,122 CFS as of 22 January. The tailwater elevation below the spillway unavailable on Monday, but not to worry, there is plenty of water below the dam. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway, is with all gates increased to 4.5 feet each. All gates are open. USACE had recently reworked all Little River markers, and navigation was much improved, prior to the recent rise on the lake and the rolling current. We would guess the river markers will have to be reworked again, as soon as the lake can return to normal level, as many are moved out of place, and/or completely missing, with the increase in current and 5 foot rise of lake elevation.

Water surface temperatures approximately the same, this week. As of Monday, 22 January, main lake and Little River water surface temperatures are ranging 42º-45º, depending of course, on location and time of day. Up-river water and oxbow's surface temps remain warmer than the main lake at approx 47ºF.

Mike

January 20, 2007 - Beaver - G'day y'all from the Beaver Dam Store crew! - TWO weekends and two winter storms. Well we hate to say it but you should have been here yesterday. Nice and warm 40F after the chill earlier in the week. For the next week or so its going tobe a case of keep an eye on the weather and the generation patterns. We might be being optimistic but you should be able to get some middle of the day low water. If your travelling this way please keep an eye on the weather road condition and drive safe if your planning a fishing trip this weekend. In case you didn't book mark this site last week here is how we keep track of winter storm warnings through the NOAA weather site

FISHING REPORT
If you have nothing else a pale pink egg or Y2K is going to be a pretty good choice in the upper river. Bryce on Thursday and Steve's clients on Friday stuck a bunch of fish with these flies. The drift had to be good and you had to pay attention to the indicator but you could score a lot of good fish. They were reporting a lot of fish in and around the slot limit.

Steve also reported seeing a lot of midge's coming off around midday, with some teeny white midges and some larger gray models. Soft hackles or Para Adams, CDC Adult Midge Emergers should all pull fish in these conditions. Steve would be able to tell you as he was moving his clients to dries when they started generating.
Stay tuned to the report if this hatch gets to be as consistent as last winter would could be in for some great dry fly action.
Sub-surface midging will remain reliable, if your not getting his during topwater actions then try running the fly 6"-12" inderneath the smallest indicator you can get away with. Try our Anything But Pupa, our new size 18 Cadion Midges in green, red and blue dun. Try smaller sizes at this time of year, 18s and 20s can do extremely well, we love our small Tungsten WD40s small zebras and Poison Tungs.

Woolly Buggers are always good to have in olive, black and brown, both bead and non bead versions. But its well worth carrying some white Crystal Buggers. This cold snap could spark a shad kill, and some great fishing not only for trout.

KNOTTY ISSUES
THIS time of year, it can be a little patchy getting in all the flyfishing you need. High water, bad weather can cut into your valuable fishing time. There are a bunch of ways to try and ease the fly fishing jones, tying flies is one, reorganising and cleaning your gear is another, and pondering those issues we didn;t have time to tackle during the peak fishing periods, like knots. If there is one rule about knots is that a weak knot tied well is stronger than good knot tied badly.
And like everything else there is one way to make sure you knot tying is as good as it could be and that is pleenty of practice _ and we don't mean just on the stream as well. Nothing beats sitting at home in a well lit area _ without the distractions of feeding fish _ the instructions in front of you and tying a bunch. Once you have the basics down, you can even start watching the TV as your manipulations with the line start to become second nature.

We respect and like our Welsh colleague Davy Wooten who guides on Bull and Norfolk, a great deal. He really does have a global reputation. He can cast like no-ones business as well and his Wet Fly Ways DVD, filmed on Norfolk, has been very well received. In fact his skills and talents go way beyond the small White River community, his fly fishing professional experience is unsurpassed in this area. And the reason we mention this his knot is pretty dam good as well.

The Davy Knot, which you can check out courtesy of Field and Stream Magazine is remarkable easy to tie, is small so its good for midges and tests close to 100% if you tie it well. Give it a shot.


MONO V FLOURO
ONE question we get a lot from newcomers to the White River system and its challenging nymphing is what's the difference between normal nylon (monofilament) and flourocarbon. Well, a whole bunch and not just the price.

Mono is your everyday regular fishing nylon you have been familiar with since you were a kid. Different brands have different strengths per thickness, and differ in suppleness, abrasion resistance and so on. Flourocarbon came into the fly fishing world around a decade ago, billed as the tippet fish can't see because its refractive index is close to that of water. Along the way one other quality, a faster sink rate, than mono was discovered. This first generation "flouro" was generally weaker than mono for a given thickness, and it knotted pretty badly. This is the "cheap" flouro you see around the place. Its fine for saltwater or bass heavy tippet situations.

Science tackled the problems with the original flouro with the second generation "super" flourocarbon, which got a special coating to make it stronger than mono _ and improve its knotting capabilities. This is the stuff that is $13-$14 a spool.

So is it worth it? We think so, and Bryce and Steve go through 3-4 guide spools a year. Both the Rio Flouroflex Plus and Umpqua Super Flouro break higher than 6x mono tippet from the same companies _ which is why we don't add 6x tippet to a 6x mono leader out of the packet. The boys are convinced it improves their catch rates, whether its flourocarbons "invisibility" or its sink rate, they don't care other than it works. We have the Rio in 110y Guide spools for $31.95, a saving of $15 over the small spools.

However we will say we don't see the need for tapered flouro leaders. The guys use straight relatively short lengths of heavy flouro when streamer or bass fishing. Mono they reserve for dry fly fishing, panfish forays or tying flies _ though Steve ran out on the river a few weeks back and still did well. But how well could he have done with the good stuff on the leader.

January 16, 2007 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service -

The Overall Picture:

As of Monday, 15 January, main lake and Little River water surface temperature ranges 42-47º, depending of course, on location and time of day. Up-river water and oxbow's surface temps remain warmer than the main lake, and range from 45-49ºF. Recent rains this week will most likely change up the level and clarity again later this week, as well as release rate at the dam. It's that time of year, folks for continually changing water levels and clarity.

Extreme Caution is advised for navigation.

Lake level on Millwood, continued rising in the past few days. Currently Millwood is approx 40 inches (yes, over 3.8 feet) above normal pool as of Monday, at 263.03 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday is approx 1-3" and current increased to 19,737CFS. Logs, debris and floating mats of vegetation, tree limbs, and just about anything else you can name, remain floating at a rapid clip down Little River. Navigation is dangerous at low light levels with all the debris rolling down the current, and extreme caution is advised for boating and navigation in Little River.

The main lake clarity is approx 1-3" visibility depending on location. Upriver oxbows remain fair to good water clarity over the last few weeks and ranges from 1-3 feet in places, further from river currents. Current in Little River is rolling fast again this week. The tailwater elevation below the spillway was 240.62 on Monday. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway is with all 13 gates open 3 feet each.

The activity levels of Bass and Crappie are typical winter patterns. Feeding periods are are best during the warmest periods of the day.

The Details:

Best bite for bass with the change in lake elevation and muddy conditions, for the last couple weeks has been deflecting rattling crank baits off stumps and timber, or jigs on stumps and cypress trees. The Bass bite remains fair to good, from approx lunch to 3pm. The best bite over the past couple weeks has been, on jigs, 10" worms, and Crankbaits. Depending on the area of the lake or river and the water clarity, we continue having our best success using bulky, black, bruised craw, or pumpkin/chartreuse colored jigs with rattles, 10" worms in red shad or crankbaits in crawfish/orange belly patterns. Largemouth bass are roaming shallow, during the heat of the day with the 3 feet rise in lake pool, around cypress trees. Bass that are still feeding on shad, will hit a War Eagle Spinnerbait, but the bite continues to improve, with better quality bass around cypress trees and cypress knees, using jigs and big bulky 10" worms. The crankbait bite has improved using Little N's or Bandit 200's in firetiger or brown back/orange belly craw patterns, around stumps and cypress knees. Chartreuse Shad Mann's Baby Minus One crankbaits were taking a few decent bass over the past week. Also, chartreuse pepper lizards, rigged on a Carolina Rig using a 20" leader, were taking a few fish between Pugh Slough and Jack's Isle along Little River, by throwing up onto the normal river bank areas and ridges, and working it back to the first drop-off. That is, if you could maintain contact with the lure, in the current in Little River. Little River is well out of it's normal level banks most all the way from above highway 71 to Yarborough Landing.

Most of the bass' feeding periods have tapered off during all but the warmest periods of the day, and have become shorter in duration. A heavy, 3/4oz War Eagle Spinnerbaits (chartreuse and white, black, or cole slaw (white/green/orange) colors remain the best color patterns for the past couple weeks) are still taking a few keeper size bass around grass and vegetation, along the normal river bank bluffs, washouts, and sandbars, working it over the original river bank, and slowly thumping a big colorado blade back out into the current around points and creek channel mouths. We have changed from a dual willow to a single colorado blade for more vibration and thump to get their attention. Along the river next to stumps and deeper cypress trees, we are having our best luck using jigs in black/ blue or Bruised Craw or pumpkinseed / chartreuse colors with rattles and a black Uncle Josh 101 or Big Daddy pork chunk, with Bang Garlic spray attractant.

For last few weeks, we have been throwing some crankbaits, parallel to the river channel and in creek mouths dumping into the river channel and having random success. Using an Excalibur Fat Free Shad, a Bandit, or Norman Little N, crankbait in a crawfish pattern (brown back/orange belly) or firetiger (green & orange) has been working better over the past few weeks, with the bass relating to deeper areas along Little River by deflecting off stumps and cypress trees. Mann's Baby Minus One cranks continue to take a few shallow feeding Largemouths which were shallow and roaming over the past few days with the bright sun warming the shallows around cypress stumps and trees. We had good luck earlier in the week in the Mud Lake area doing this. Also, dont overlook those ridges in the back of Mud Lake too.......

Approach Tip: Don't continue throwing that same ole' spinnerbait you have caught fish with all summer and fall when cold weather, winter, and changing water conditions get here. When the water that you have been fishing for the last 3 months, suddenly turns to the color of a bottle of Yahoo Chocolate Milk, and drops into the mid-40º range, cut off the spinnerbait you have been throwing in grass with willow leaf blades all fall, and tie on a heavier 3/4 or 1 oz size white, orange and chartreuse, thumping #7 colorado bladed, spinnerbait. Throw it parallel to river washes in the bank over 15-20 feet of water, and work the ledges at various depths, until you connect with the Bass. Those big, pig bass are still there; they have just moved to their winter hideouts, sitting on stumps, deeper in the river, along ledges, and close to creek mouths dumping into the river. Fish that heavier spinnerbait deeper and slower than you have been fishing a spinnerbait for the last 3 months. You may just be surprised at what you do with that this time of year, and you may end up with a broke arm when that big mama sow, full of roe, hits you, too......


White Bass which were holding next to the bridge columns of Highway 71 last week, disappeared this week.

No Crappie bite to speak of, the Crappie remained shut off, for the most part of the day, with the recent muddy, and excessive river current conditions combined with the over 3-foot rise in lake level.

Channel Cats remain very good with the continual current along outer river bends of Little River. Trot lines were taking nice size channel cats in the last few days using chicken liver, cut shad and homemade blood bait. Lines set in the current, between 8-10 feet, have continually been taking some nice channel cats ranging in the 6-8 pound class.

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

Extreme Caution is advised for navigation.

Little River's clarity as of Monday 15 January still heavy stain or muddy in most locations. With the lake approx 40" (yes, over 3.8 feet) above normal, the river clarity is approx 1-3" & main lake clarity likewise, approx 1-3" visibility. Millwood rose again drastically, and over 27" in a 2-day period this past week, and current is again drastically increased to compensate, and Little River is rolling with as much current as last week. Watch carefully for floaters, debris, and such, as there is a lot of current, lots of logs and rolling floaters moving down Little River. Upriver oxbows remain fair to good water clarity over the last week and ranges from 1-3 feet in places. As of Monday 1/15/07, the lake level is approx 40 inches above normal pool, at 263.03 feet, and rising.

Current in Little River on Monday increased, with release at the dam 19,737 CFS as of 15 January. The tailwater elevation below the spillway was 240.62 on Monday. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway, is with all gates open 3 feet each. All gates are open. USACE had recently reworked all Little River markers, and navigation was much improved, prior to the recent rise on the lake and the rolling current. We would guess the river markers will have to be reworked again, as soon as the lake can return to normal level, as many are moved out of place, and completely missing, with the increase in current.

Water surface temperatures approximately the same, this week. As of Monday, 15 January, main lake and Little River water surface temperatures are ranging 42-46º, depending of course, on location and time of day. Up-river water and oxbow's surface temps remain warmer than the main lake surface temps by as much as 5-8ºF, and range from 44-48ºF.

Mike

January 12, 2007 - Beaver - G'day y'all from the Beaver Dam Store crew! - WELCOME back for the BDS Report in 2007. And what do we have to greet you with but a bad weather warning. Please keep an eye on the weather road condition and drive safe if your planning a fishing trip this weekend. We have been keeping an eye on the winter storm warnings through the NOAA weather site <http://www.srh.noaa.gov/forecast/MapClick.php?CityName=Eureka+Springs&amp;state=AR&amp;site=TSA&amp;FcstType=graphical>

Now if you're in Kansas City this weekend go along to the Sportsman's Show at Bartle Hall and catch up with Liza and Bryce who are representing both the store and the Spider Creek Resort this weekend.

The fishing of course has been very good late in the week between generation periods. This weekend's weather and how much water hits Beaver Lake will determine the generation schedule next week.

FISHING REPORT
DAY LONG power generation last weekend and early this week was a shock to us all, unused to such phenomenom. But itsa a sign of the times with the lake level being kept below the flood pool. With rain being anticipated over this weekend, we can probably expect more heavy generation next week, though if the rainfall turns out to be less than expected you might find some middle of the day respite. The last few days of the week saw low water windows between 10am and 4pm-ish and some very good fishing. The wind was a pain but if your could stomach that the fish were HUNGRY.

A winter flybox is a pretty easy selection. Start with a bunch of Y2Ks, weighted eggs and unweighted eggs in orange, yellow and pale pink. These colors are consistent producers, throughout the White River system and would be a good searching fly choice currently.
Scuds you can't leave at home so, and our favorite's are the McLellan's Hunchback Scud in tan, olive and rainbow tan. Try then on the tailwater in that order, 16s are often a better bet in winter. We also like the Trout Crack and Rainys Micro Scud as trailers, behind the Hunchback 14s, outside Catch and Release water.

Midges are a Beaver standard and we are still getting good results, both here and at Roaring River, off our Cadion Midge in blue dun, red and green. Change colors before switching patterns. We also love our newly named but long fished tungsten "Anything Butt" larvae at this time of year for here, Norfolk and Bull Shoals. Try smaller sizes at this time of year, 18s and 20s can do extremely well, we love our small Tungsten WD40s small zebras and Poison Tungs.

Woolly Buggers are always good to have in olive, black and brown, both bead and non bead versions. But its well worth carrying some white Crystal Buggers. This cold snap could spark a shad kill, and some great fishing not only for trout.

January 10, 2007 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service -

The water level at greers ferry is at 462.51 it has fell 3.51 feet , they are not generating much just releasing water , with the rains expected it should rise again.

The walleye will hit 1/8 ounce jigs tripped with minnows in 40-70 feet of water whre the shad are and in the mouths of creeks, with the bite being very, very light ,the warm rain will help.

Most the bass have left the bank with the water being realsed like it has been but should return with the warm rain , they are biting c-rigs and football heads in 44-70 feet of water and are sluggish, if they do not return to the shallos after the rain it is that time of year they will get out of the current and gang up in the slack water of the secondary points , try dropshots, jigging spoons , c-rigs, and football heads , as well as bluff ends .with a jighead wormgreen pumpkin or water melon candy.

The catfish now have been non existent

With the falling water the crappie are sulled up also.

There is some action up the rivers with the white bass and hybrids , with the most shad being up the devils fork arm, but do try and stay away from the crowds at southfork and middlefork, stay with the shad some times youwill have to stay with them all day to catch a few and some days you can catch quite a few of them , try spoons buckshot in-line spinners as well as swim baits.

Tommy Cauley

January 9, 2007 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service -

The Overall Picture:

As of Monday, 08 January, main lake and Little River water surface temperature ranges 44-50º, depending of course, on location and time of day. Up-river water and oxbow's surface temps remain warmer than the main lake surface temps by as much as 5-8ºF, and range from 48-51ºF. Recent rains this week will most likely change up the level and clarity again later this week, as well as release rate at the dam. It's that time of year, folks for continually changing water levels and clarity.

Extreme Caution is advised for navigation.

Lake level on Millwood, continue rising all week last week, leveled off the rise, and began falling, just in the last couple days. Currently Millwood is approx 19 inches above normal pool as of Monday, at 260.78 feet. Little River's clarity as of Monday is approx 2-5" and current dramatically increased to 23,241CFS. Logs, debris and floating mats of vegetation, tree limbs, and just about anything else you can name, is floating at a rapid clip down Little River. Navigation is dangerous at low light levels with all the debris rolling down the current, and extreme caution is advised for boating and navigation in Little River.

The main lake clarity is approx 3-5" visibility depending on location. Upriver oxbows remain fair to good water clarity over the last few weeks and ranges from 1-3 feet in places, further from river currents. Current in Little River is rolling fast again this week. The tailwater elevation below the spillway was unavailable on Monday. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway is with all 13 gates open 4 feet each.

The activity levels of Bass and Crappie are typical winter patterns. Feeding periods are are best during the warmest periods of the day.

The Details:

Best bite for bass with the change in lake elevation and muddy conditions, has been deflecting crank baits off stumps and timber, or jigs on stumps and cypress trees. The Bass bite remains fair to good, from approx lunch to 5pm. The best bite over the past couple weeks has been, on jigs, 10" worms, and Crankbaits. Depending on the area of the lake or river and the water clarity, we continue having our best success using bulky, black and blue or Texas Craw colored jigs with rattles, 10" worms in blue fleck or crankbaits in crawfish patterns . Largemouth bass are roaming shallow, during the heat of the day with the 2 feet rise in lake pool, around cypress trees. Bass that are still feeding on shad, will hit a War Eagle Spinnerbait, but the bite continues to improve, with better quality bass around cypress trees and cypress knees, using jigs and big bulky 10" worms. The crankbait bite has improved using Little N's or Bandit 200's in firetiger or brown back/orange belly craw patterns, around stumps and cypress knees. Mann's Baby Minus One crankbaits were taking a few decent bass over the past week.

Most of the bass' feeding periods have tapered off during all but the warmest periods of the day, and have become shorter in duration. War Eagle Spinnerbaits (chartreuse and white or cole slaw colors) are still taking a few keeper size bass around grass and vegetation, but the bite is entirely random. We have changed from a dual willow to a single colorado blade for more vibration and thump to get their attention. Along the river next to stumps and deeper cypress trees, we are having our best luck using jigs in black/ blue or Texas Craw colors with rattles and an Uncle Josh 101 or Big Daddy pork chunk, with Bang Garlic spray attractant.

For last few weeks, we have been throwing some crankbaits, parallel to the river channel and in creek mouths dumping into the river channel and having random success. Using an Excalibur Fat Free Shad or Bandit crankbait in a crawfish, or firetiger, pattern (brown back/orange belly) has been working better over the past few weeks, with the bass relating to deeper areas along Little River by deflecting off stumps and cypress trees. Mann's Baby Minus One cranks were taking some shallow feeding Largemouths which were shallow and roaming over the past few days with the bright sun warming the shallows.

Approach Tip: Don't continue throwing that same ole' spinnerbait you have caught fish with all summer and fall when cold weather, winter, and changing water conditions get here. When the water that you have been fishing for the last 3 months, suddenly turns to the color of a bottle of Yahoo Chocolate Milk, and drops into the mid-40º range, cut off the spinnerbait you have been throwing in grass with willow leaf blades all fall, and tie on a heavier 3/4 or 1 oz size white, orange and chartreuse, thumping #7 colorado bladed, spinnerbait. Throw it parallel to river washes in the bank over 15-20 feet of water, and work the ledges at various depths, until you connect with the Bass. Those big, pig bass are still there; they have just moved to their winter hideouts, sitting on stumps, deeper in the river, along ledges, and close to creek mouths dumping into the river. Fish that heavier spinnerbait deeper and slower than you have been fishing a spinnerbait for the last 3 months. You may just be surprised at what you do with that this time of year, and you may end up with a broke arm when that big mama sow, full of roe, hits you, too......


White Bass were found and caught around the Highway 71 bridge on hammered spoons and jigging rocket shads in 20 feet of water under the bridge this week, if you could stay anchored with the current.

Crappie remained shut almost completely off, with the recent muddy, and excessive river current conditions combined with the over 2-foot rise in lake level.

Channel Cats remain very good with the continual current along outer river bends of Little River. Trot lines were taking nice size channel cats in the last few days using chicken liver, cut shad and homemade blood bait. Lines set in the current, between 8-10 feet, have continually been taking some nice channel cats ranging in the 6-8 pound class.

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

Extreme Caution is advised for navigation.

Little River's clarity as of Monday 08 January began slightly clearing this week, still muddy in most locations. Last week, with the lake approx 25" above normal, the river clarity was approx 2-3" & main lake clarity likewise, approx 3-5" visibility. Millwood rose drastically, and over 15" in a single 24 hour period last week, and current is again drastically increased to compensate, and Little River is rolling with more current than last week. Watch carefully for floaters, debris, and such, as there is a lot of current, lots of logs and rolling floaters moving all along Little River. Upriver oxbows remain fair to good water clarity over the last week and ranges from 1-3 feet in places. As of Monday 1/8/07, the lake level is approx 19 inches above normal pool, at 260.78 feet, and falling. Current in Little River on Monday drastically increased, with release at the dam 23,241 CFS as of 08 January. The tailwater elevation below the spillway was unavailable on Monday. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway, is with all gates open 4 feet each. All gates are open. USACE had recently reworked all Little River markers, and navigation was much improved, prior to the recent 2.5 foot rise on the lake and the rolling current. We would guess the river markers will have to be reworked again, as soon as the lake can return to normal level, as many are moved out of place, and completely missing, with the increase in current.

Water surface temperatures approximately the same, this week. As of Monday, 8 January, main lake and Little River water surface temperatures are ranging 45-50º, depending of course, on location and time of day. Up-river water and oxbow's surface temps remain warmer than the main lake surface temps by as much as 5-8ºF, and range from 48-51ºF.

Mike

January 4, 2007 - Greers Ferry Lake - Submitted by Fish Finders Fish Service - The water level at greers ferry is at 464.26, that is 3.23 feet above normal pool and the temp is in lower 50 pretty much all over the lake

The black basses are scattered from 70 feet to 6 inches of water and can be caught on wiggle warts , walleye divers and jerk baits and football jigs as well as c-rigged right bite cinko's and the shallow fish can be caught on hair jigs and whacky rigged cinko's

The walleye have slowed down some with all the influx of water, they can be caught with bream, walleye divers , deep diving rebels as well as small jigs.

Catfish are biting some on jugs in about 20 feeet of water and are slow

Crappie are being reported in the bends of the creeks and rivers using jigs and minnows suspended in the pole timber, not catching a lot but the ones that are being caught are nice size

No-report on the bream

The white and hybrid bass continue being caught up the rivers where you find the shad and also watch out for the birds feeding and that will help you locate the hybrids for sure middle fork,devils fork and south fork, also it is that time of year to catch them in the shallows of higden bay swimming grubs around the bushes

January 3, 2007 - Beaver - Submitted by Jason Piper - JT Crappie Guide Service - J.T. Crappie Guide Services said the water is up and at normal clarity. Crappie are biting well on minnows fished in brush piles from 8 to 12 feet deep. Bass are fair on spinnerbaits and crankbaits. An occasional bass will come to the surface to feed in the warmest part of the day. Stripers are biting well on top-water lures and live bait.

January 1, 2007 - Millwood Lake - Submitted by Millwood Lake Guide Service -

The Overall Picture:

As of Monday, 01 January, main lake and Little River water surface temperature ranges 44-49º, depending of course, on location and time of day. Up-river water and oxbow's surface temps remain warmer than the main lake surface temps by as much as 5-8ºF, and range from 48-50ºF. Recent rains this week will most likely change up the level and clarity again later this week, as well as release rate at the dam. It's that time of year, folks for continually changing water levels and clarity.

Lake level on Millwood, rose drastically again this week is approx 24 inches above normal pool as of Monday, at 261.2 feet. Millwood rose over 15" in single 24 hour period yesterday. We certainly expect that to change again later in the week with the (much needed) rain in southwest Arkansas, northeast Texas, and southeast Oklahoma. Little River's clarity as of Monday is approx 2" and current increased to 9,624CFS. The main lake clarity is approx 3" visibility depending on location. Upriver oxbows remain fair to good water clarity over the last few weeks and ranges from 1-3 feet in places, further from river currents. Current in Little River is rolling. The tailwater elevation below the spillway was 238.12 feet on Monday. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway is with 12 gates open 1 foot each and 1 gate open, 1 foot. USACE recently reworked all Little River markers and navigation has been very much improved.

The activity levels of Bass and Crappie are typical winter patterns. Feeding periods are are best during the warmest periods of the day.

The Details:

Best bite for Crappie shut down this week with the recent 15" rise in lake elevation and muddy conditions. The Bass bite remains fair to good, from approx lunch to 5pm. The best bite over the past couple weeks has been, and remains, on jigs, 10" worms, Carolina Rigs and Crankbaits. Depending on the area of the lake or river and the water clarity, we are having our best success using bulky, black and blue or Texas Craw colored jigs with rattles, 10" worms in purple or Carolina rigging chartruese pepper lizards or pumpkin-chart tail lizards, since the water clarity turned to Yahoo chocolate milk this week. Largemouth bass are roaming shallow and good to very good, during warmest periods of the day with the 2 feet rise in lake pool, around cypress trees. Bass that are still feeding on shad, will hit a War Eagle Spinnerbait, but the bite continues to improve, with better quality bass around cypress trees and cypress knees, using jigs and big bulky 10" worms. The carolina rig bite has improved using lizards in pumpkinseed w/ chartreuse tail or chartreuse pepper.

Most of the bass' feeding periods have tapered off during all but the warmest periods of the day, and have become shorter in duration. War Eagle Spinnerbaits are still taking a few keeper size bass around grass and vegetation, but the bite is entirely random. With the drastic recent change in water clarity, we have gone to a fire tiger skirt on the spinnerbaits with more success. Also, we have changed from a dual willow to a single colorado blade for more vibration and thump to get their attention. Along the river next to stumps and deeper cypress trees, we are having our best luck using jigs in black/ blue or Texas Craw colors with rattles and an Uncle Josh 101 or Big Daddy pork chunk, with Bang Garlic spray attractant.

For last few weeks, we have been throwing some crankbaits, parallel to the river channel and in creek mouths dumping into the river channel and having random success. Using an Excalibur Fat Free Shad or Bandit crankbait in a crawfish pattern (brown back/orange belly) has been working better over the past few weeks, with the bass relating to deeper areas along Little River by deflecting off stumps and cypress trees. These colors and cranks are still working randomly this week, the orange and browns or the chartreuse backs and orange belly colors (firetiger).

Approach Tip: Don't continue throwing that same ole' spinnerbait you have caught fish with all summer and fall when cold weather, winter, and changing water conditions get here. When the water that you have been fishing for the last 3 months, suddenly turns to the color of a bottle of Yahoo Chocolate Milk, and drops into the mid-40º range, cut off the spinnerbait you have been throwing in grass with willow leaf blades all fall, and tie on a heavier 3/4 or 1 oz size white, orange and chartreuse, thumping #7 colorado bladed, spinnerbait. Throw it parallel to river washes in the bank over 15-20 feet of water, and work the ledges at various depths, until you connect with the Bass. Those big, pig bass are still there; they have just moved to their winter hideouts, sitting on stumps, deeper in the river, along ledges, and close to creek mouths dumping into the river. Fish that heavier spinnerbait deeper and slower than you have been fishing a spinnerbait for the last 3 months. You may just be surprised at what you do with that this time of year, and you may end up with a broke arm when that big mama sow, full of roe, hits you, too......


The best soft plastic bite began to shift last week. With the recent high water rise in lake elevation and muddy current, bass have shown a preference for large jigs with bulky trailers for a slow fall, or 10" bulky worms. We changed up a few tactics again, and have had success over the past 2 weeks with a 10" beefy, bulky, worm in purple or black, lizards in chartreuse pepper or pumpkinseed/chart tail, and jigs in black and blue with a huge Uncle Josh Big Daddy pork chunk.

No report for White Bass.

Crappie were doing better prior to the 25" rise, and have now shut almost completely off again, with the recent muddy conditions and over 2-foot rise.

Channel Cats remain good with the continual current along outer river bends of Little River. Trot lines were taking nice size channel cats in the last few days using chicken liver, cut shad and homemade blood bait. Lines set in the current, between 10-15 feet, have continually been taking some nice channel cats ranging from 8-10 pounds.

}><(((º> Millwood Lake & Little River Conditions Report <º)))><{
Extreme Caution is advised for navigation.

Little River's clarity as of Monday 01 January turned to chocolate milk this week. Last week, with the lake approx 2.5" above normal, the river clarity was approx 4-6" & main lake clarity likewise, approx 3-5" visibility. That was a week ago. Millwood rose over 15" in a single 24 hour period yesterday, current drastically increased to compensate, and Little River is rolling big time. Watch carefully for floaters, debris, and such, as there is a lot of current, lots of logs and rolling floaters moving all along Little River. Upriver oxbows remain fair to good water clarity over the last week and ranges from 1-3 feet in places. As of Monday 1/1/07, the lake level is approx 2 feet (yes, 24 inches!) above normal pool, at 261.2 feet, and rising. Current in Little River on Monday increased, with release at the dam 9, 624 CFS as of 01 January. The tailwater elevation below the spillway was 238.12 on Monday. Discharge/ Release Rate at the spillway, is with 12 gates open 1 foot each and 1 gate open at 2 feet. All gates are open. USACE recently reworked all Little River markers, and navigation much improved.

Water surface temperatures approximately the same, this week. As of Monday, 1 January, main lake and Little River water surface temperatures are ranging 45-50º, depending of course, on location and time of day. Up-river water and oxbow's surface temps remain warmer than the main lake surface temps by as much as 5-8ºF, and range from 48-52ºF.

Mike

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