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, TableRockLake has dropped two tenths of a foot to three and two tenths feet below power pool. BeaverLake 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. NorforkLake 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 NorforkRivers 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 McClellans. 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.
Practice water safety and always check conditions before you leave home.
John Berry is a fly fishing guide in Cotter, Arkansas. He has been fishing the local streams for over twenty five years.
